Children under 24 months are free as long as they are to sit on the parents lap. If the parent wants them to have their own seat, they would need to purchase a ticket.

Unlike other sporting events, temperatures at hockey games are kept at a chilly 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes including hats and mittens to keep your little ones warm.

It’s a good idea to bring ear protection, because babies’ ears are much more sensitive than adults’, and the games can get loud (especially when we score!). Noise-canceling headphones are a great way to prevent loud noises from harming your baby’s ears or causing sensory overload, and earplugs can work well for older kids.

Sensory kits are available for fans of all ages with sensory needs are available at no charge at the Information Desks located on the SAP Center concourse near the North and South Entrances and also at Tech CU Arena Information booths. Kits include noise-reducing headphones, anti-glare glasses, a fidget toy, tissues, a mini coloring book and more. Guests may re-enter with Sensory Kits to SAP Center and Tech CU Arena events by entering each venue through the lane marked “Extra Assistance” for inspection. Register for a Sensory Kit before arriving to an event.

For Sharks hockey games and family-friendly events e.g., Disney On Ice, Stars On Ice, etc, guests may bring in reasonable amounts of outside food and non-alcoholic beverages for their personal consumption. For all other events, including but not limited to concerts, WWE, NCAA events, and Mixed Martial Arts events, guests are not permitted to bring in any outside food or beverage including bottled water.

Guests are welcome to bring empty, reusable water bottles that can be filled at the water bottle filling station located at Section 117 on the main concourse.

Child strollers and baby carriers are not permitted in the seating bowl of SAP Center; however, they can be checked in for the duration of the event at no charge and then picked up at any time upon departure from the arena.

Please note: Guests with a ticket for a SAP Center Suite are permitted to bring their stroller into their suite.

To avoid getting stuck in your seats for too long it’s a good idea to take breaks so kids can stretch their legs, burn off energy and use the bathroom throughout the game. A helpful tip is timing your breaks so they don’t coincide with the period breaks where most fans may be up and about the concourse.

While heading home, it’s always fun to recount your favorite moments of the game and ask your kids what they enjoyed the most. If you don’t relish the idea of navigating your way through the heavy crowds as they stream out of the arena as soon as the game ends, hang back for a little while and ask your kids to reenact their favorite moments of the game and which players they liked the best. It could also be a good time for one final snack to fortify them for the journey home.