Family Events
Create Memories That Last Forever
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Create Memories That Last Forever
Family events in 2026 and 2027 span an incredible range, from touring stage shows featuring beloved characters to high-energy motorsport spectacles and dazzling ice performances. Whether your children are toddlers mesmerized by Sesame Street or tweens craving the roar of Monster Jam trucks, there is a live event designed to thrill every age group. The key to a smooth family outing is preparation: understanding the venue, choosing the right seats, and knowing what to bring so everyone has a comfortable, memorable time.
The family entertainment calendar for 2026/2027 is packed with options. Disney on Ice tours through major arenas like Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, transforming hockey rinks into frozen fairy-tale wonderlands. PAW Patrol Live and Bluey Live bring animated favorites to theater stages at venues such as the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York and the Rosemont Theatre outside Chicago. For older kids who want something louder, Monster Jam fills stadiums like AT&T Stadium in Arlington and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with crushing trucks and flying dirt. The Harlem Globetrotters deliver basketball comedy at arenas including Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., and Barclays Center in Brooklyn. And traditional circus performances continue to tour under big tops and inside historic venues like the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Arriving early is the single best piece of advice for any family event. Plan to reach the venue at least 45 to 60 minutes before showtime, which gives you time to park, navigate the entrance, use restrooms, and settle into your seats without rushing. Most arena venues offer on-site parking lots that range from $20 to $40, but filling up quickly on event days is common. Consider pre-purchasing a parking pass through the venue’s website or a third-party parking app to guarantee a spot. If you are bringing a stroller, check the venue’s stroller policy in advance. Many arenas and theaters provide stroller parking areas near the entrance, but you typically cannot bring strollers to your seat. Collapsible umbrella strollers are easier to manage in crowded concourses.
For events in major cities, public transit can be a less stressful alternative to driving. Venues like Madison Square Garden sit directly above Penn Station, making train access seamless. The Chicago Theatre is walkable from several L stations. If you do drive, look for parking garages a few blocks from the venue rather than the closest lot, as prices drop significantly with just a short walk.
Seat selection makes or breaks a family outing. For shows geared toward young children, prioritize aisle seats so you can slip out for bathroom breaks without climbing over other audience members. If your child is under four, check whether the venue offers booster seats or allows you to bring your own. Many theater-style venues have booster cushions available at the guest services desk on a first-come, first-served basis. For arena events like Disney on Ice or the Harlem Globetrotters, lower-level sections near the center provide the best sightlines, but seats near the tunnel or aisle entrances give you a quick escape route if a little one gets overwhelmed by noise or lights.
Consider the nature of the event when picking your section. Aerial circus acts look best from mid-level seats where you can see the full arc of the performance. Ice shows benefit from center-ice positioning in the lower bowl. Stadium motorsport events like Monster Jam are best viewed from elevated mid-level seats where you can track trucks across the entire floor.
Pack light but smart. A small clear bag with essentials works best at most venues that enforce clear-bag policies. Bring ear protection for toddlers and young children, especially for louder events like Monster Jam or concerts. A sealed water bottle, a few snacks (check venue policy first), and a thin jacket or blanket for cold arenas will keep everyone comfortable. Leave large bags, outside food that violates venue rules, and anything that could block the view of other guests at home.
Family event tickets typically range from $25 for upper-level general admission to $150 or more for VIP packages that include character meet-and-greets or premium seating. Prices fluctuate based on the city, the day of the week, and how close you are to the event date. Weekday matinees are often the most affordable option, while weekend evening performances command a premium. Browsing on StubHub lets you compare seat locations and prices across multiple dates, helping you find the sweet spot between budget and experience. The buyer protection program ensures that every ticket purchased through StubHub is valid, so you never have to worry about showing up to a sold-out event with a worthless printout.
Most family shows like PAW Patrol Live, Bluey Live, and Sesame Street Live are designed for children ages 2 and up. Louder events such as Monster Jam are better suited for kids ages 4 and older, and ear protection is strongly recommended for all children. Many venues require that every attendee, including infants, have a ticket.
Aim to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before the show starts. This gives you time to park, check strollers, grab snacks, and find your seats. For events with pre-show activities like the Harlem Globetrotters warmup or Monster Jam pit parties, arriving 90 minutes early is advisable.
Most arenas and theaters allow strollers in the building but not in the seating area. Look for designated stroller parking near the entrance or guest services. Collapsible umbrella strollers are the easiest to manage in crowded spaces.
Refund policies vary by event and seller. Tickets purchased through StubHub are covered by the buyer protection program, which provides a refund or replacement if the event is canceled. Always review the specific refund terms before purchasing.
In most cases, yes. Children aged 2 and older typically require their own ticket. Some venues allow children under 2 to sit on a parent’s lap without a separate ticket, but policies differ by event. Check the venue or event listing for details before purchasing.
