Taking Young Kids to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Game: Family Tips for Raymond James Stadium
Taking young kids to an NFL game at Raymond James Stadium can feel intimidating, but with a little planning, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game can become a core memory for your family. We recently brought our kids and had such a fun experience that I wanted to share exactly what worked for us—especially if you’re bringing toddlers, preschoolers, or young elementary aged kids.
This is everything I wish I had known ahead of time, from parking and tailgating to snacks, gear, and kid-friendly expectations inside Raymond James Stadium.
Parking & Tailgating With Kids at Raymond James Stadium (Lot 14 – GEICO Lot)
We parked in Lot 14, the GEICO Lot, which enters by Panera Bread, and I highly recommend it if you’re bringing young kids. You have to buy passes for parking, we bought ours at Vivid Seats. In this lot you have a cool view of the large Buccs flag in the background for photos.
Pro tip: Get in line early. We got in line at 12:30 for a 1:00pm open, and we were the 4th car in line. Doing so allowed us to grab a spot that had some grass and was close to the portable restrooms. When you’re with little kids, being near a potty is a huge win—trust me on this one.
Lots open 3.5 hours before kickoff, and I strongly suggest getting there as soon as they open. The kids absolutely loved tailgating, and having that extra time made the entire day feel relaxed instead of rushed.
What to Bring Tailgating With Kids at a Buccaneers Game
Tailgating doesn’t have to be elaborate to be fun for kids. Here’s what worked perfectly for us:
- A football
- Sidewalk chalk
- Cornhole or lawn darts
- Chairs (with a little table attachment!)
- A small table
- a small remote control trick car
The kids were entertained the entire time, and we didn’t feel like we had to constantly redirect them. With lots of people around, someone was always ready to play.
Kid-Friendly Activities at a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game
Jr. Buccaneers Kids Area Review (Is It Worth It?)
The Jr. Buccaneers Kids Area is located near the stadium (signage will point you there), and while I know many families ask about it, I personally didn’t feel like it was worth the time for us.
From what I noticed, the area included:
- One cornhole game
- A space for kids to toss or play football
- A few screens
That was about it. With how crowded game days can get, we decided our time was better spent elsewhere. You have to pre-sign a waiver to get in.
Beach Area Tailgate: Best Kid-Friendly Spot at a Buccaneers Game
We had much more fun hanging out in the Beach Area tailgate. The atmosphere was lively but still family-friendly, and this ended up being one of the highlights of the day.
My daughter even got to meet and take pictures with the Buccaneers cheerleaders, which was such a special moment and completely made her day.
Weather Tips for Buccaneers Games With Kids
Even though rain wasn’t in the forecast until later, it ended up raining while we were there. Learn from our experience and bring ponchos, especially for kids. They’re lightweight, easy to stash, and can make the difference between an uncomfortable experience and a fun one.
Raymond James Stadium Bag Policy for Families
Raymond James Stadium has a strict bag policy:
- ❌ No bags allowed
- ✅ A small 4×6 clutch is permitted
Plan accordingly, especially if you’re used to carrying kid essentials. We made sure to keep everything minimal and pocket-friendly. Unfortunately, you may have to live without wipes and water bottles.
Food, Snacks, and Hydration Tips for Kids at NFL Games
Before entering the stadium:
- Make sure your kids have already eaten
- Make sure they’ve had plenty of water
Snack and concession lines can get very long. If you plan on buying snacks inside, try to do so before halftime to avoid the worst of the lines.
Having full, hydrated kids made a huge difference in how long they were able to enjoy the game.
We bought deli meat and pre-made our own sandwiches with chips, crackers, cookies, fruit, and popcorn chicken. We had one hard cooler for food and one soft cooler for beverages. Make sure everything can be easily thrown out (bring a garbage bag!) and you shouldn’t have much left over once everyone has eaten. You dont want to have to store food, it will all go bad by the time the game is over. The sun in Florida is brutal and hot, and there is nowhere to get new ice. I would avoid grilling at your tailgate with kids, just because it adds another layer of responsibility to the adults and more items to carry in the car.
Affordable Buccaneers Gear for Kids (Under $30)
We bought all of our Buccaneers gear ahead of time from Amazon and Target, and everything was under $30. This saved money and meant we didn’t feel pressured to buy expensive gear inside the stadium.
Another fun bonus: the Buccaneers give out plenty of trinkets and freebies to attendees. Depending on the game, our kids received:
- Headbands
- Bracelets
- Hats
- A bobblehead
These little extras were so exciting for them and made the day feel even more special.
Final Thoughts: Is a Buccaneers Game Worth It With Young Kids?
Taking young kids to a Buccaneers game is absolutely doable—and genuinely fun—when you go in with the right expectations and a solid plan. Tailgating early, prioritizing bathroom access, skipping underwhelming kid zones, and preparing for weather and food needs made all the difference for us.
If you’re on the fence about bringing your little ones to an NFL game, I hope this helps you feel confident giving it a try. It turned out to be a memory we’ll talk about for a long time.
Go Bucs! 🏈
Frequently Asked Questions: Taking Kids to a Buccaneers Game
Is Raymond James Stadium kid-friendly?
Yes, Raymond James Stadium is generally kid-friendly, especially if you plan ahead. Tailgating areas, giveaways, and open concourses make it manageable for families with young children.
What is the best parking for families at a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game?
Lot 14, also known as the GEICO Lot near Panera Bread, is a great option for families. Arriving early can help you secure a spot with grass and close access to portable restrooms.
Is the Jr. Buccaneers Kids Area worth visiting?
In our experience, the Jr. Buccaneers Kids Area was limited and not a must-see. Families may enjoy the beach area tailgate and surrounding fan zones more.
What time should families arrive for a Buccaneers game?
Parking lots open 3.5 hours before kickoff. Arriving as soon as lots open allows time to tailgate, let kids play, and avoid feeling rushed.
What can kids bring into Raymond James Stadium?
Raymond James Stadium allows only a small 4×6 clutch. No backpacks or large bags are permitted, so plan accordingly for kids’ essentials.
How long are concession lines during Buccaneers games?
Concession lines can be long, especially at halftime. Families may want to purchase snacks before halftime to minimize wait times.
What should kids wear to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game?
Comfortable clothing and affordable Buccaneers gear from Amazon or Target works well. Bringing ponchos is also recommended in case of unexpected rain.
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