The roar of the crowd, the squeak of sneakers and the dizzying speed of a fast break define the modern NBA experience. Yet, for many fans, the true value of a ticket extends far beyond the action on the hardwood.
As professional sports compete fiercely for the family entertainment dollar, a growing number of world-class arenas are quietly redefining what it means to host a game, transforming themselves into welcoming, community-focused hubs.
This shift prioritizes comfort and accessibility for all ages, weaving thoughtful amenities. The result is an environment where the thrill of high-stakes basketball coexists with the ease of a casual family outing.
Rocket Arena | Cleveland Cavaliers
A view of the Rocket Arena before the 2017 NBA Finals.
When it comes to rolling out the red carpet for families, Cleveland’s Rocket Arena stands out, and it’s not just because of the electric atmosphere surrounding the Cavaliers. Recognized as one of the most family-friendly arenas in the league, the FieldHouse has a reputation for being remarkably accommodating.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the commitment to a total entertainment experience that extends far beyond the hardwood. The venue is specifically engineered to host not only signature sporting events but also spectacular family shows, reinforcing its reputation as a community hub.
Offering Group Discounts and being generally Group Friendly, this arena makes it easier for larger parties to enjoy a night out. Plus, for those young, die-hard fans who want to see more, Behind-the-Scenes Tours are often available, allowing families to explore the locker room, player’s tunnel, and even the court, cementing a lifelong memory of the Cavaliers’ home.
Golden 1 Center | Sacramento Kings
Golden 1 Center (Source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center is more than just a cutting-edge arena; it’s a thoughtfully designed space that prioritizes the comfort of its smallest guests. This venue understands that a true “home-like” experience requires special amenities for parents and babies.
Notably, the center goes above and beyond with Mamava Breastfeeding Pods available, offering private, clean spaces for nursing mothers. Beyond that, the commitment to young families is evident in the plentiful Changing Tables located in all women’s restrooms and multiple dedicated family restrooms throughout the Plaza and Bridge Levels.
Families with toddlers will appreciate the arena’s practical Stroller Check-In service, found at the Guest Services stations, ensuring parents can navigate the crowds without a cumbersome stroller during the game. The policy typically allows children under two years old free admission provided they sit on an adult’s lap, making it a great entry point for a child’s first game.
Chase Center | Golden State Warriors
Chase Center (Source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Stepping into the Chase Center in San Francisco is a jump into the future of sports arenas, and it’s a future that welcomes families with open arms. The design ethos was to create a place for unforgettable memories and act as a beacon for the entire Bay Area community.
This commitment extends to the surrounding Thrive City, a dynamic community gathering space right outside the arena that hosts a year-round lineup of exciting, free events, from fitness classes to music. This creates a perfect pre-game environment for kids to burn off energy or for the whole family to explore.
While the on-court action is the main draw, the arena also offers specific Group Tickets for ten or more, and even special deals like the “California Classic Food and Beverage Bundle,” which often includes tickets, hot dogs, and drinks, making a family outing both exciting and manageable on the budget.
United Center | Chicago Bulls
United Center (Source: Getty Images)
The “House that Michael Built” in Chicago has evolved far beyond its championship legacy, transforming into a thoroughly modern venue that caters to families attending any of its over 200 annual events, from basketball to family shows.
The recent investment in new amenities, such as the Banner Level, introduces flexible, premium options for groups of all sizes, including Banner Lofts for smaller family gatherings and communal Banner Lounges.
For the food-focused family, the United Center has partnered with a hospitality service to curate a diverse and innovative dining experience, moving beyond basic concessions to include an expansive craft beverage program and unique concepts inspired by the city.
This focus on a high-quality dining and hospitality experience ensures that every member of the family finds something to enjoy, turning a Bulls game into a complete culinary and sporting night out.
American Airlines Center | Dallas Mavericks
American Airlines Center (Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
In the heart of Dallas, the American Airlines Center is focused on delivering a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable entertainment experience for everyone. The arena’s policy on child admission is clear and welcoming: children under twenty-four months generally do not need a ticket for sporting events and most concerts, provided they are seated on an adult’s lap.
This simple policy provides a stress-free entry point for parents of young infants and toddlers. Furthermore, the AAC is committed to maintaining a focus on the game itself, employing a Stop-in-Play Policy that asks guests to remain out of their seats until the ball is no longer in play, minimizing distractions and ensuring the enjoyment of the game for all seated fans.
Ball Arena | Denver Nuggets
Ball Arena (Source: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Ball Arena, home to the Denver Nuggets, is a dynamic venue that offers far more than just a place to watch a game—it’s an all-access experience. The arena actively promotes its All Access VIP Tour, which invites groups to see where the Nuggets and other teams call home, offering a fascinating 90-minute peek behind the curtains.
Families who take the tour can explore backstage areas and learn how the facility seamlessly converts from a basketball court to an ice rink. With a wide variety of unique event spaces and restaurants designed to host groups of all sizes, the arena is built for versatility. From birthday celebrations in one of the luxury suites to just a night out, Ball Arena provides options for a private or a shared experience.
Kaseya Center | Miami Heat
Kaseya Center (Source: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Nestled in the vibrant city of Miami, the Kaseya Center—the home of the Miami HEAT—is serious about making the entry process simple and clear for families. The general admission policy for young children is practical and welcoming: for most events, including HEAT games, children under two years of age are admitted free of charge, assuming they sit on a parent or guardian’s lap.
To ensure a quick, smooth entry, the arena even suggests bringing proof of the child’s age, such as a birth certificate or passport. While they maintain a “No Outside Food and Beverage” policy, they make a sensible exception for baby formula and food, ensuring that parents of infants are never left in a difficult spot during a long game.
TD Garden | Boston Celtics
TD Garden (Source: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
TD Garden, the passionate home of the Boston Celtics, offers a distinctly historical experience that can be shared across generations. While the atmosphere is known for being raucous and intense, the venue also provides a special way for families to connect with the team’s storied past: the TD Garden Guided Tour.
This family-friendly, indoor tour, led by a Sports Museum guide, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the arena, culminating in a spectacular bird’s-eye view from Level 9, where all the Celtics’ championship banners hang. This unique feature turns a game day visit into a cultural field trip, helping young fans appreciate the deep-rooted history of one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.
Crypto.com Arena | Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena (Source: Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
As a premier destination for sports and entertainment in downtown Los Angeles, the Crypto.com Arena manages the monumental task of hosting the Lakers while catering to a vast audience. The arena has straightforward admissions rules, requiring a ticket for any child three years of age and older, with younger children requiring no ticket if they sit on an adult’s lap.
Parents will note the arena encourages leaving strollers in vehicles due to space constraints but allows for certain medical and parental bags to pass through an X-ray security screening, acknowledging the necessary gear that comes with small children. For families looking for a more private, high-end experience, the luxury Suites can accommodate large groups and offer premium catering options.
Madison Square Garden | New York Knicks
Madison Square Garden (Source: Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images)
Dubbed the “Mecca of Basketball”, Madison Square Garden offers an unparalleled blend of legendary history and electrifying New York energy. While the venue itself is the oldest in the NBA, its draw for families lies in its status as an unforgettable destination. For families wanting a deeper look into the storied history of the Knicks, the MSG Tour Experience is a must.
This guided tour offers exclusive backstage access, including a peek into the legendary locker rooms and a walk across the Hyundai Bridge for a unique, close-up view of the iconic concave ceiling. This experience, which offers discounted tickets for Children 12 and Under and Seniors, transforms a visit from a simple game into a pilgrimage through sports and entertainment history, making it a powerful bonding experience for the whole family.
Fiserv Forum | Milwaukee Bucks
Fiserv Forum (Source: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee’s spectacular “crown jewel of entertainment”, represents a new generation of stadium design where fan experience is paramount. Beyond its striking facade and sleek modern amenities, the venue prides itself on being inherently family-centric, hosting a diverse array of events that delight all ages, from high-octane Bucks games to enchanting family shows like Disney on Ice and Cirque du Soleil.
For families, the design ensures a comfortable experience with concourses that are spacious and filled with natural light, alongside an intimate bowl arrangement that promises an unobstructed view from virtually every seat, allowing young fans to truly connect with the action.
Furthermore, the commitment to the wider guest experience is evident in its accessibility features, including dedicated accommodations and inclusive design. If you want to make the trip a complete adventure, the arena’s proximity to downtown Milwaukee attractions makes it easy for families to explore the city’s rich culture before or after a game.
Delta Arena | Utah Jazz
Delta Arena (Source: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Delta Arena, the home of the Utah Jazz, consistently provides a fun and welcoming environment for families, solidifying its reputation as a clean and well-maintained facility—key factors when bringing children to a major event.
The arena’s commitment to family comfort is clearly visible in its practical amenities. Visitors will find multiple Family Restrooms located across the Main, Terrace, and Club Levels, in addition to Baby Changing Stations in nearly all men’s and women’s restrooms.
The ticketing policy is straightforward, allowing children under 24 months to enter free of charge, provided they share a seat with a ticketed adult. Importantly, for parents navigating a game day, the arena permits larger Diaper bags and medical bags, which are essential for families with small children, although they will require a mandatory X-ray screening upon entry. For convenience, the arena strongly suggests utilizing public transit like Trax to minimize parking-related stress for families.
Xfinity Mobile Arena | Philadelphia 76ers
Wells Fargo Center (Source: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Xfinity Mobile Arena is an inclusive venue that demonstrates its family-friendliness through thoughtfully designed ticket packages and on-site accommodations.
While best known as the home of the 76ers and Flyers, the arena offers specialized ticket bundles, such as the famous Family Four Pack, which often includes four tickets, merchandise, a parking pass, and a substantial food and beverage credit, significantly simplifying the logistics and cost of a family outing.
On the ground, the venue’s guest services shine with Family Restrooms and changing rooms strategically placed across all main levels. Understanding the needs of parents, the Center makes exceptions for essential Parental bags and allows Baby food.
Barclays Center | Brooklyn Nets
Barclays Center (Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Situated in the heart of Brooklyn, the Barclays Center is a modern arena that prides itself on creating a safe and enjoyable environment for its guests, especially those with children. The arena clearly defines its entry policy: children under the age of two years old can attend most events free of charge, on the condition that they sit on an accompanying adult’s lap.
For the comfort of parents with infants, Baby changing tables are conveniently located in nearly every restroom throughout the arena. Furthermore, the center has implemented a “Whistle Policy,” requiring guests to hold off on entering their seats until the ball is out of play.
This smart measure minimizes disruptions and ensures that young fans and their families can enjoy an unobstructed view of the fast-paced basketball action without constant movement in the aisles. The arena is also a frequent host to popular family-friendly shows like the Harlem Globetrotters and Disney On Ice, confirming its dedication to diverse family entertainment.
Moda Center | Portland Trail Blazers
Moda Center (Source: NBA)
The Moda Center in Portland shines as a leader in creating an inclusive and family-friendly environment, particularly for guests with sensory needs. This venue and the surrounding Rose Quarter campus are designated Sensory Inclusive Venues. Teams at the Moda Center have completed specialized training, and they offer Sensory Bags.
In a truly innovative move, the Trail Blazers are one of the first professional teams to launch OneCourt haptic technology devices, which allow guests who are blind, low-vision, or have sensory needs to literally feel the game through vibrations corresponding to the on-court action.
For families looking for a complete outing, the arena’s location within the Rose Quarter district offers over 70 concessions, with a variety of dining options, and its location is close to green spaces like Tom McCall Waterfront Park, perfect for a family walk before or after the game.
