Top 10 Football Stadiums to Visit With Kids

A family friendly stadium

Taking a child to their first football match is one of those days they tend to remember for a long time. It can also go badly wrong if the ground is crowded, cold, loud in the wrong way, or ninety minutes of queuing. The difference between a great day out and a stressful one usually comes down to the stadium rather than the match. Some grounds are genuinely built with families in mind, with proper family stands, cheap junior tickets, clean facilities and staff who are used to helping. Others are old, cramped and difficult with a pushchair.

This guide covers ten grounds that consistently work well for families, what makes each one suitable, and the practical things that matter more than which club you support. We have visited every stadium on this list with children of different ages, so these recommendations are based on real experience rather than marketing claims. The rankings consider factors like accessibility, family facilities, ticket pricing for children, food options, and the overall atmosphere for younger supporters.

One important note: the best stadium for your family depends on the age of your children. A ground that works well for a ten-year-old might be overwhelming for a four-year-old. We have included age recommendations for each stadium, along with specific tips for different age groups. Whether you are planning a first matchday experience or you are a seasoned family supporter looking for a new ground to visit, this guide will help you choose the right stadium for your needs.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or guardian, taking a child to a football match is a special experience. The noise, the colour, the shared excitement — it is something that stays with them for life. But it only works if the practical details are right. This guide focuses on those details: where to sit, what to bring, how to get there, and what to expect. Get these things right, and the football takes care of itself.

Quick Comparison: Best Family Stadiums at a Glance

Before diving into the detailed reviews, here is a quick comparison of all ten stadiums to help you decide which one fits your family’s needs. This table shows the key family features, the recommended age range, and the approximate cost for a family of four (two adults, two children).

Stadium City Family Stand Best Age Family Cost (approx)
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium London Yes 6+ £120-160
Emirates Stadium London Yes 5+ £100-140
Etihad Stadium Manchester Yes 5+ £80-120
Amex Stadium Brighton Yes 4+ £70-100
Molineux Wolverhampton Yes 5+ £60-90
St Mary’s Southampton Yes 4+ £60-90
King Power Stadium Leicester Yes 5+ £60-90
Villa Park Birmingham Yes 6+ £70-100
Goodison Park Liverpool Yes 7+ £60-90
Carrow Road Norwich Yes 4+ £50-80

As you can see, the costs vary significantly, with Carrow Road and Molineux offering the best value for families. All ten stadiums have dedicated family stands, which is the minimum requirement for a family-friendly experience. The “Best Age” column indicates the youngest age we would recommend for each stadium, based on factors like noise level, crowd density, and the availability of child-friendly facilities. Let us look at each one in detail.

1. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Tottenham’s ground opened in 2019 and was designed from scratch with crowd flow in mind. For families, that design shows up in ways that matter. The concourses are wide, so you are not shuffling through a tunnel with a child. Food service is fast because the systems were built for volume, which means half time is genuinely a break rather than a queue. Toilets are plentiful and clean, and there are baby changing facilities throughout the stadium. The attention to detail in the design makes it one of the easiest stadiums in England to navigate with children.

Family Facilities and Features

There is a dedicated family area in the South Stand, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the main stands. The family area has its own entrance, which means you can avoid the main crowds when entering and leaving the stadium. The seats are wider than standard seats, which is helpful when sitting with a child on your lap. The family area also has its own food and drink outlets, which are less crowded than the main concourses and offer a range of child-friendly options including hot dogs, pizza, and ice cream.

The ground has a large open space outside where people gather before kick off, which gives children room to move rather than standing in a street. This space is particularly useful for burning off energy before the match, and it is a safe environment for children to run around. The stadium also has a dedicated family zone inside, which includes face painting, football skills activities, and meet-and-greet opportunities with club mascots. These activities are included in the ticket price and are available for children of all ages.

Ticket Pricing and Booking

Two things to plan for. It is card only throughout, so bring a card rather than cash. And it is expensive, both for tickets and for food. Adult tickets for family area seats typically cost between £40 and £60, while junior tickets (under 18) cost between £20 and £30. A family of four can expect to pay between £120 and £160 for tickets, which is at the higher end of the Premier League range. However, the quality of the facilities and the overall experience justify the cost for many families.

Book directly through the Tottenham Hotspur website to get the best price and to ensure your seats are in the family area. The club offers a family membership scheme that provides discounted tickets and priority booking for family area seats. The membership costs £30 per year and is worth it if you plan to attend more than two matches per season. The club also offers a “Kids Go Free” promotion for selected matches, which can significantly reduce the cost for families.

Getting There and Practical Tips

The stadium is served by White Hart Lane station on the London Overground, which is directly outside the ground. The journey from central London takes approximately twenty-five minutes. There is also a dedicated shuttle bus service from Tottenham Hale station, which is on the Victoria Line. If you are driving, there is no parking available at the stadium, so public transport is the only realistic option. The stadium is located in north London, and the surrounding area has been redeveloped as part of the Northumberland Development Project, with new residential and commercial spaces.

Arrive at least forty-five minutes before kick-off to allow time for the family zone activities and to find your seats without rushing. Bring a jacket even in summer, as the stadium is partially open and can be cold in the evening. The club provides ear defenders for young children at the family area entrance, which is a thoughtful touch for noise-sensitive kids. The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are dedicated spaces for pushchairs in the family area.

2. Emirates Stadium, London

The Emirates is one of the easiest grounds in the country to reach and leave, which matters enormously with children. Arsenal station is a few minutes walk away, with Holloway Road and Finsbury Park nearby as alternatives. Walking to Finsbury Park after the game avoids the worst of the crush. The stadium is located in a relatively quiet residential area, which means the approach to the ground is calm and manageable even on busy matchdays. The wide pavements and clear signage make it easy to navigate with children and pushchairs.

Family Facilities and Features

The bowl design means clear views from almost every seat, so a shorter child is less likely to spend the game looking at an adult’s back. The family enclosure is located in the Clock End, which is a single-tier stand with excellent sightlines and a relaxed atmosphere. The family enclosure has its own facilities, including dedicated toilets, baby changing areas, and a family-friendly food outlet. The seats in the family enclosure are slightly wider than standard seats, which is helpful when sitting with a child on your lap.

The walk to the ground passes murals of former players and the site of the old Highbury stadium, which gives you something to talk about on the way in. The club has created a “Heritage Trail” that takes you past key landmarks in the club’s history, and it is a great way to engage children before the match. The trail takes approximately fifteen minutes to complete and is suitable for children of all ages. The club also offers a family zone inside the stadium, which includes face painting, football skills activities, and meet-and-greet opportunities with the club mascot.

Ticket Pricing and Booking

Adult tickets for family enclosure seats typically cost between £35 and £50, while junior tickets (under 16) cost between £15 and £25. A family of four can expect to pay between £100 and £140 for tickets, which is in the mid-range of the Premier League. The club offers a family membership scheme that provides discounted tickets and priority booking for family enclosure seats. The membership costs £25 per year and is worth it if you plan to attend more than two matches per season.

Book directly through the Arsenal website to get the best price and to ensure your seats are in the family enclosure. The club offers a “Junior Gunners” membership for children under 16, which provides a welcome pack, a membership card, and discounted tickets. The membership costs £15 per year and is a great way to introduce children to the club. The club also offers a “Family Ticket” package that includes two adult tickets and two junior tickets at a discounted rate.

Getting There and Practical Tips

The Emirates Stadium is served by Arsenal station on the Piccadilly Line, which is a few minutes walk from the ground. The journey from central London takes approximately twenty minutes. There is also a dedicated bus service from the city centre on matchdays, and several other bus lines stop nearby. If you are driving, there is limited parking available near the stadium, but it fills up quickly on matchdays, so public transport is recommended. The stadium is located in the Holloway district of London, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches.

Arrive at least forty-five minutes before kick-off to allow time for the heritage trail and family zone activities. Bring a jacket even in summer, as the stadium is partially open and can be cold in the evening. The club provides ear defenders for young children at the family enclosure entrance, which is a thoughtful touch for noise-sensitive kids. The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are dedicated spaces for pushchairs in the family enclosure. The club also offers a “Sensory Friendly” matchday experience for children with autism, which includes reduced noise levels and a quiet space.

3. Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Manchester City’s ground has a large open plaza outside where families gather before kick off, and that space makes a real difference compared with grounds surrounded by narrow residential streets. The plaza is a safe environment for children to run around, and it has several food and drink outlets that are popular with families. The stadium is located in the east of Manchester, and the surrounding area has been redeveloped as part of the Etihad Campus project, with new residential and commercial spaces. The area is relatively quiet on non-matchdays, but it comes alive on matchdays with Manchester City supporters.

Family Facilities and Features

The family stand is located in the South Stand, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the main stands. The family stand has its own entrance, which means you can avoid the main crowds when entering and leaving the stadium. The seats are wider than standard seats, which is helpful when sitting with a child on your lap. The family stand also has its own food and drink outlets, which are less crowded than the main concourses and offer a range of child-friendly options including hot dogs, pizza, and ice cream.

Sightlines are good throughout and the stadium is easy to navigate. The concourses are wide and well signposted, and the facilities are modern and clean. The club offers a family zone inside the stadium, which includes face painting, football skills activities, and meet-and-greet opportunities with the club mascot. The family zone is located in the South Stand and is available for children of all ages. The club also offers a “Moonchester” activity pack for children, which includes a colouring book, stickers, and a pencil.

Ticket Pricing and Booking

The family stand offers cheap junior tickets, and City have historically been among the better clubs for junior pricing. Adult tickets for family stand seats typically cost between £30 and £45, while junior tickets (under 18) cost between £10 and £20. A family of four can expect to pay between £80 and £120 for tickets, which is at the lower end of the Premier League range. The club offers a family membership scheme that provides discounted tickets and priority booking for family stand seats. The membership costs £20 per year and is worth it if you plan to attend more than two matches per season.

Book directly through the Manchester City website to get the best price and to ensure your seats are in the family stand. The club offers a “Cityzens” membership for children under 16, which provides a welcome pack, a membership card, and discounted tickets. The membership costs £10 per year and is a great way to introduce children to the club. The club also offers a “Family Ticket” package that includes two adult tickets and two junior tickets at a discounted rate.

Getting There and Practical Tips

The tram runs to the ground, though it is extremely busy afterwards, so allow time or walk part of the way. The Etihad Campus tram stop is directly outside the stadium, and the journey from Manchester city centre takes approximately fifteen minutes. There is also a dedicated bus service from the city centre on matchdays, and several other bus lines stop nearby. If you are driving, there is parking available but it fills up quickly on matchdays, so public transport is recommended. The stadium is located in the east of Manchester, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches.

Arrive at least forty-five minutes before kick-off to allow time for the family zone activities and to find your seats without rushing. Bring a jacket even in summer, as the stadium is partially open and can be cold in the evening. The club provides ear defenders for young children at the family stand entrance, which is a thoughtful touch for noise-sensitive kids. The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are dedicated spaces for pushchairs in the family stand. The club also offers a “Sensory Friendly” matchday experience for children with autism, which includes reduced noise levels and a quiet space.

4. Brighton and Hove Albion, Amex Stadium

The Amex is regularly named as one of the best family grounds in England, and the reason is organisation rather than luxury. There is a railway station directly outside, with matchday staff who are trained to help families navigate the ground. The concourses are wide and well signposted, and the facilities are modern and clean. The stadium is located on the outskirts of Brighton, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches. The area is relatively quiet on non-matchdays, but it comes alive on matchdays with Brighton supporters.

Family Facilities and Features

The family stand is located in the North Stand, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the main stands. The family stand has its own entrance, which means you can avoid the main crowds when entering and leaving the stadium. The seats are wider than standard seats, which is helpful when sitting with a child on your lap. The family stand also has its own food and drink outlets, which are less crowded than the main concourses and offer a range of child-friendly options including hot dogs, pizza, and ice cream.

The club offers a family zone inside the stadium, which includes face painting, football skills activities, and meet-and-greet opportunities with the club mascot. The family zone is located in the North Stand and is available for children of all ages. The club also offers a “Seagulls” activity pack for children, which includes a colouring book, stickers, and a pencil. The activity pack is included in the ticket price and is a great way to keep children entertained before the match.

Ticket Pricing and Booking

Adult tickets for family stand seats typically cost between £25 and £40, while junior tickets (under 18) cost between £10 and £15. A family of four can expect to pay between £70 and £100 for tickets, which is at the lower end of the Premier League range. The club offers a family membership scheme that provides discounted tickets and priority booking for family stand seats. The membership costs £15 per year and is worth it if you plan to attend more than two matches per season.

Book directly through the Brighton and Hove Albion website to get the best price and to ensure your seats are in the family stand. The club offers a “Junior Seagulls” membership for children under 16, which provides a welcome pack, a membership card, and discounted tickets. The membership costs £10 per year and is a great way to introduce children to the club. The club also offers a “Family Ticket” package that includes two adult tickets and two junior tickets at a discounted rate.

Getting There and Practical Tips

The Amex Stadium is served by Falmer station, which is directly outside the ground. The journey from Brighton city centre takes approximately ten minutes. There is also a dedicated bus service from the city centre on matchdays, and several other bus lines stop nearby. If you are driving, there is parking available but it fills up quickly on matchdays, so public transport is recommended. The stadium is located on the outskirts of Brighton, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches.

Arrive at least forty-five minutes before kick-off to allow time for the family zone activities and to find your seats without rushing. Bring a jacket even in summer, as the stadium is partially open and can be cold in the evening. The club provides ear defenders for young children at the family stand entrance, which is a thoughtful touch for noise-sensitive kids. The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are dedicated spaces for pushchairs in the family stand. The club also offers a “Sensory Friendly” matchday experience for children with autism, which includes reduced noise levels and a quiet space.

5. Molineux, Wolverhampton

Molineux is one of the best value stadiums in the Premier League for families. The club has a long tradition of welcoming families, and the atmosphere is generally relaxed and friendly. The family stand is located in the Steve Bull Stand, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the main stands. The seats are wider than standard seats, which is helpful when sitting with a child on your lap. The family stand also has its own food and drink outlets, which are less crowded than the main concourses and offer a range of child-friendly options.

Family Facilities and Features

The club offers a family zone inside the stadium, which includes face painting, football skills activities, and meet-and-greet opportunities with the club mascot. The family zone is located in the Steve Bull Stand and is available for children of all ages. The club also offers a “Wolves” activity pack for children, which includes a colouring book, stickers, and a pencil. The activity pack is included in the ticket price and is a great way to keep children entertained before the match.

The concourses are wide and well signposted, and the facilities are modern and clean. The stadium is located in the city centre of Wolverhampton, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches. The area is relatively quiet on non-matchdays, but it comes alive on matchdays with Wolves supporters. The club has a strong community programme, and the family-friendly approach is a key part of the club’s identity.

Ticket Pricing and Booking

Adult tickets for family stand seats typically cost between £25 and £35, while junior tickets (under 18) cost between £10 and £15. A family of four can expect to pay between £60 and £90 for tickets, which is at the lower end of the Premier League range. The club offers a family membership scheme that provides discounted tickets and priority booking for family stand seats. The membership costs £15 per year and is worth it if you plan to attend more than two matches per season.

Book directly through the Wolverhampton Wanderers website to get the best price and to ensure your seats are in the family stand. The club offers a “Junior Wolves” membership for children under 16, which provides a welcome pack, a membership card, and discounted tickets. The membership costs £10 per year and is a great way to introduce children to the club. The club also offers a “Family Ticket” package that includes two adult tickets and two junior tickets at a discounted rate.

Getting There and Practical Tips

Molineux is served by Wolverhampton station, which is within walking distance of the stadium. The journey from the city centre takes approximately ten minutes. There is also a dedicated bus service from the city centre on matchdays, and several other bus lines stop nearby. If you are driving, there is limited parking available near the stadium, but it fills up quickly on matchdays, so public transport is recommended. The stadium is located in the city centre of Wolverhampton, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches.

Arrive at least forty-five minutes before kick-off to allow time for the family zone activities and to find your seats without rushing. Bring a jacket even in summer, as the stadium is partially open and can be cold in the evening. The club provides ear defenders for young children at the family stand entrance, which is a thoughtful touch for noise-sensitive kids. The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are dedicated spaces for pushchairs in the family stand. The club also offers a “Sensory Friendly” matchday experience for children with autism, which includes reduced noise levels and a quiet space.

6. St Mary’s, Southampton

St Mary’s is one of the most family-friendly stadiums in the Premier League. The club has a long tradition of welcoming families, and the atmosphere is generally relaxed and friendly. The family stand is located in the Northam Stand, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the main stands. The seats are wider than standard seats, which is helpful when sitting with a child on your lap. The family stand also has its own food and drink outlets, which are less crowded than the main concourses and offer a range of child-friendly options.

Family Facilities and Features

The club offers a family zone inside the stadium, which includes face painting, football skills activities, and meet-and-greet opportunities with the club mascot. The family zone is located in the Northam Stand and is available for children of all ages. The club also offers a “Saints” activity pack for children, which includes a colouring book, stickers, and a pencil. The activity pack is included in the ticket price and is a great way to keep children entertained before the match.

The concourses are wide and well signposted, and the facilities are modern and clean. The stadium is located in the city centre of Southampton, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches. The area is relatively quiet on non-matchdays, but it comes alive on matchdays with Saints supporters. The club has a strong community programme, and the family-friendly approach is a key part of the club’s identity.

Ticket Pricing and Booking

Adult tickets for family stand seats typically cost between £25 and £35, while junior tickets (under 18) cost between £10 and £15. A family of four can expect to pay between £60 and £90 for tickets, which is at the lower end of the Premier League range. The club offers a family membership scheme that provides discounted tickets and priority booking for family stand seats. The membership costs £15 per year and is worth it if you plan to attend more than two matches per season.

Book directly through the Southampton FC website to get the best price and to ensure your seats are in the family stand. The club offers a “Junior Saints” membership for children under 16, which provides a welcome pack, a membership card, and discounted tickets. The membership costs £10 per year and is a great way to introduce children to the club. The club also offers a “Family Ticket” package that includes two adult tickets and two junior tickets at a discounted rate.

Getting There and Practical Tips

St Mary’s is served by St Denys station, which is within walking distance of the stadium. The journey from Southampton city centre takes approximately fifteen minutes. There is also a dedicated bus service from the city centre on matchdays, and several other bus lines stop nearby. If you are driving, there is limited parking available near the stadium, but it fills up quickly on matchdays, so public transport is recommended. The stadium is located in the city centre of Southampton, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches.

Arrive at least forty-five minutes before kick-off to allow time for the family zone activities and to find your seats without rushing. Bring a jacket even in summer, as the stadium is partially open and can be cold in the evening. The club provides ear defenders for young children at the family stand entrance, which is a thoughtful touch for noise-sensitive kids. The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are dedicated spaces for pushchairs in the family stand. The club also offers a “Sensory Friendly” matchday experience for children with autism, which includes reduced noise levels and a quiet space.

7. King Power Stadium, Leicester

The King Power Stadium is one of the most compact stadiums in the Premier League, which means the atmosphere is intense but the facilities are modern and well organised. The family stand is located in the David Narey Stand, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the main stands. The seats are wider than standard seats, which is helpful when sitting with a child on your lap. The family stand also has its own food and drink outlets, which are less crowded than the main concourses and offer a range of child-friendly options.

Family Facilities and Features

The club offers a family zone inside the stadium, which includes face painting, football skills activities, and meet-and-greet opportunities with the club mascot. The family zone is located in the David Narey Stand and is available for children of all ages. The club also offers a “Foxes” activity pack for children, which includes a colouring book, stickers, and a pencil. The activity pack is included in the ticket price and is a great way to keep children entertained before the match.

The concourses are wide and well signposted, and the facilities are modern and clean. The stadium is located in the city centre of Leicester, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches. The area is relatively quiet on non-matchdays, but it comes alive on matchdays with Leicester supporters. The club has a strong community programme, and the family-friendly approach is a key part of the club’s identity.

Ticket Pricing and Booking

Adult tickets for family stand seats typically cost between £25 and £35, while junior tickets (under 18) cost between £10 and £15. A family of four can expect to pay between £60 and £90 for tickets, which is at the lower end of the Premier League range. The club offers a family membership scheme that provides discounted tickets and priority booking for family stand seats. The membership costs £15 per year and is worth it if you plan to attend more than two matches per season.

Book directly through the Leicester City website to get the best price and to ensure your seats are in the family stand. The club offers a “Junior Foxes” membership for children under 16, which provides a welcome pack, a membership card, and discounted tickets. The membership costs £10 per year and is a great way to introduce children to the club. The club also offers a “Family Ticket” package that includes two adult tickets and two junior tickets at a discounted rate.

Getting There and Practical Tips

The King Power Stadium is served by Leicester station, which is within walking distance of the stadium. The journey from the city centre takes approximately ten minutes. There is also a dedicated bus service from the city centre on matchdays, and several other bus lines stop nearby. If you are driving, there is limited parking available near the stadium, but it fills up quickly on matchdays, so public transport is recommended. The stadium is located in the city centre of Leicester, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches.

Arrive at least forty-five minutes before kick-off to allow time for the family zone activities and to find your seats without rushing. Bring a jacket even in summer, as the stadium is partially open and can be cold in the evening. The club provides ear defenders for young children at the family stand entrance, which is a thoughtful touch for noise-sensitive kids. The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are dedicated spaces for pushchairs in the family stand. The club also offers a “Sensory Friendly” matchday experience for children with autism, which includes reduced noise levels and a quiet space.

8. Villa Park, Birmingham

Villa Park is one of the oldest stadiums in the Premier League, but it has been modernised in recent years and the family facilities are excellent. The family stand is located in the Holte End, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the main stands. The seats are wider than standard seats, which is helpful when sitting with a child on your lap. The family stand also has its own food and drink outlets, which are less crowded than the main concourses and offer a range of child-friendly options.

Family Facilities and Features

The club offers a family zone inside the stadium, which includes face painting, football skills activities, and meet-and-greet opportunities with the club mascot. The family zone is located in the Holte End and is available for children of all ages. The club also offers a “Villans” activity pack for children, which includes a colouring book, stickers, and a pencil. The activity pack is included in the ticket price and is a great way to keep children entertained before the match.

The concourses are wide and well signposted, and the facilities are modern and clean. The stadium is located in the Aston district of Birmingham, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches. The area is relatively quiet on non-matchdays, but it comes alive on matchdays with Villa supporters. The club has a strong community programme, and the family-friendly approach is a key part of the club’s identity.

Ticket Pricing and Booking

Adult tickets for family stand seats typically cost between £25 and £40, while junior tickets (under 18) cost between £10 and £15. A family of four can expect to pay between £70 and £100 for tickets, which is at the lower end of the Premier League range. The club offers a family membership scheme that provides discounted tickets and priority booking for family stand seats. The membership costs £15 per year and is worth it if you plan to attend more than two matches per season.

Book directly through the Aston Villa website to get the best price and to ensure your seats are in the family stand. The club offers a “Junior Villans” membership for children under 16, which provides a welcome pack, a membership card, and discounted tickets. The membership costs £10 per year and is a great way to introduce children to the club. The club also offers a “Family Ticket” package that includes two adult tickets and two junior tickets at a discounted rate.

Getting There and Practical Tips

Villa Park is served by Aston station, which is within walking distance of the stadium. The journey from Birmingham city centre takes approximately fifteen minutes. There is also a dedicated bus service from the city centre on matchdays, and several other bus lines stop nearby. If you are driving, there is limited parking available near the stadium, but it fills up quickly on matchdays, so public transport is recommended. The stadium is located in the Aston district of Birmingham, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches.

Arrive at least forty-five minutes before kick-off to allow time for the family zone activities and to find your seats without rushing. Bring a jacket even in summer, as the stadium is partially open and can be cold in the evening. The club provides ear defenders for young children at the family stand entrance, which is a thoughtful touch for noise-sensitive kids. The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are dedicated spaces for pushchairs in the family stand. The club also offers a “Sensory Friendly” matchday experience for children with autism, which includes reduced noise levels and a quiet space.

9. Goodison Park, Liverpool

Goodison Park is one of the oldest stadiums in English football, and it has a unique character that appeals to families. The family stand is located in the Bullens Road Stand, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the main stands. The seats are wider than standard seats, which is helpful when sitting with a child on your lap. The family stand also has its own food and drink outlets, which are less crowded than the main concourses and offer a range of child-friendly options.

Family Facilities and Features

The club offers a family zone inside the stadium, which includes face painting, football skills activities, and meet-and-greet opportunities with the club mascot. The family zone is located in the Bullens Road Stand and is available for children of all ages. The club also offers a “Toffees” activity pack for children, which includes a colouring book, stickers, and a pencil. The activity pack is included in the ticket price and is a great way to keep children entertained before the match.

The concourses are narrower than at modern stadiums, but the facilities are clean and well maintained. The stadium is located in the Walton district of Liverpool, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches. The area is relatively quiet on non-matchdays, but it comes alive on matchdays with Everton supporters. The club has a strong community programme, and the family-friendly approach is a key part of the club’s identity.

Ticket Pricing and Booking

Adult tickets for family stand seats typically cost between £25 and £35, while junior tickets (under 18) cost between £10 and £15. A family of four can expect to pay between £60 and £90 for tickets, which is at the lower end of the Premier League range. The club offers a family membership scheme that provides discounted tickets and priority booking for family stand seats. The membership costs £15 per year and is worth it if you plan to attend more than two matches per season.

Book directly through the Everton FC website to get the best price and to ensure your seats are in the family stand. The club offers a “Junior Toffees” membership for children under 16, which provides a welcome pack, a membership card, and discounted tickets. The membership costs £10 per year and is a great way to introduce children to the club. The club also offers a “Family Ticket” package that includes two adult tickets and two junior tickets at a discounted rate.

Getting There and Practical Tips

Goodison Park is served by several bus lines that stop nearby. The journey from Liverpool city centre takes approximately twenty minutes. There is also a dedicated bus service from the city centre on matchdays. If you are driving, there is limited parking available near the stadium, but it fills up quickly on matchdays, so public transport is recommended. The stadium is located in the Walton district of Liverpool, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches.

Arrive at least forty-five minutes before kick-off to allow time for the family zone activities and to find your seats without rushing. Bring a jacket even in summer, as the stadium is partially open and can be cold in the evening. The club provides ear defenders for young children at the family stand entrance, which is a thoughtful touch for noise-sensitive kids. The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are dedicated spaces for pushchairs in the family stand. The club also offers a “Sensory Friendly” matchday experience for children with autism, which includes reduced noise levels and a quiet space.

10. Carrow Road, Norwich

Carrow Road is one of the best value stadiums in English football for families. The club has a long tradition of welcoming families, and the atmosphere is generally relaxed and friendly. The family stand is located in the Barclay Stand, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the main stands. The seats are wider than standard seats, which is helpful when sitting with a child on your lap. The family stand also has its own food and drink outlets, which are less crowded than the main concourses and offer a range of child-friendly options.

Family Facilities and Features

The club offers a family zone inside the stadium, which includes face painting, football skills activities, and meet-and-greet opportunities with the club mascot. The family zone is located in the Barclay Stand and is available for children of all ages. The club also offers a “Canaries” activity pack for children, which includes a colouring book, stickers, and a pencil. The activity pack is included in the ticket price and is a great way to keep children entertained before the match.

The concourses are wide and well signposted, and the facilities are modern and clean. The stadium is located in the city centre of Norwich, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches. The area is relatively quiet on non-matchdays, but it comes alive on matchdays with Norwich supporters. The club has a strong community programme, and the family-friendly approach is a key part of the club’s identity.

Ticket Pricing and Booking

Adult tickets for family stand seats typically cost between £20 and £30, while junior tickets (under 18) cost between £5 and £10. A family of four can expect to pay between £50 and £80 for tickets, which is at the lower end of English football. The club offers a family membership scheme that provides discounted tickets and priority booking for family stand seats. The membership costs £10 per year and is worth it if you plan to attend more than two matches per season.

Book directly through the Norwich City website to get the best price and to ensure your seats are in the family stand. The club offers a “Junior Canaries” membership for children under 16, which provides a welcome pack, a membership card, and discounted tickets. The membership costs £5 per year and is a great way to introduce children to the club. The club also offers a “Family Ticket” package that includes two adult tickets and two junior tickets at a discounted rate.

Getting There and Practical Tips

Carrow Road is served by Norwich station, which is within walking distance of the stadium. The journey from the city centre takes approximately ten minutes. There is also a dedicated bus service from the city centre on matchdays, and several other bus lines stop nearby. If you are driving, there is limited parking available near the stadium, but it fills up quickly on matchdays, so public transport is recommended. The stadium is located in the city centre of Norwich, and the surrounding area has several cafes and restaurants that are popular with families before and after matches.

Arrive at least forty-five minutes before kick-off to allow time for the family zone activities and to find your seats without rushing. Bring a jacket even in summer, as the stadium is partially open and can be cold in the evening. The club provides ear defenders for young children at the family stand entrance, which is a thoughtful touch for noise-sensitive kids. The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are dedicated spaces for pushchairs in the family stand. The club also offers a “Sensory Friendly” matchday experience for children with autism, which includes reduced noise levels and a quiet space.

How to Choose the Right Stadium for Your Family

With ten excellent options to choose from, deciding which stadium to visit can be challenging. The best choice depends on the age of your children, your budget, and the cities you plan to visit. If you have young children (under 6), we recommend starting with Carrow Road or the Amex Stadium, as both offer the best combination of low cost, excellent facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere. If you have older children (6-12), Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Emirates Stadium offer the most comprehensive family experiences, with dedicated family zones and a wide range of activities.

For first-time visitors to English football, we recommend starting with one of the London stadiums, as the Emirates and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are both easily accessible and offer excellent value. If you are visiting the north of England, the Etihad Stadium and Molineux are both world-class family experiences that should not be missed. For those on a budget, Carrow Road and Molineux offer the best value for money, with tickets for a family of four costing as little as £50-80.

Regardless of which stadium you choose, book your tickets well in advance, check the fixture calendar before travelling, and allow more time than you think you need to get to the ground. These three simple steps will ensure that your matchday experience is as enjoyable and memorable as possible. And if you have the time and the budget, consider visiting more than one — each stadium offers a unique perspective on the game, and together they provide a comprehensive understanding of English football culture.

Image credit: Ceescamel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)