Hockey has always been a family affair: bright lights, shared jerseys and that rush when the puck hits the ice. Across the NHL, some arenas have mastered the art of making every visit feel like a celebration for fans of all ages.
From kid-friendly activities to wide-open concourses and warm hospitality, these venues transform a game night into a lasting memory. Noise meets comfort, and tradition blends with modern fan-focused design.
Whether it’s a child’s first faceoff or a cherished weekend ritual, the league’s most welcoming homes continue to raise the standard for what a fan experience should be—joyful, inclusive and unforgettable.
T-Mobile Arena | Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena (Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
In a city globally famous for its flair, glamour, and high-stakes casinos, the T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights, has achieved the remarkable feat of injecting a dose of family-friendly energy without sacrificing the signature Las Vegas spectacle.
Affectionately nicknamed “The Fortress” for its intense atmosphere—even recognized by the NHL Players’ Association as the toughest venue for visiting teams—this arena distinguishes itself through a truly immersive approach.
The experience is a total show, featuring elaborate pre-game productions that embrace the dramatic nature of Las Vegas, keeping both children and adults on the edge of their seats.
The venue’s relative newness ensures state-of-the-art amenities, including seamless, fully digital ticketing and transaction processing, a modern convenience that makes a family outing wonderfully hassle-free. A trip here is less a game, and more a high-octane family blockbuster.
Bridgestone Arena | Nashville Predators
Bridgestone Arena (Source: Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
If any venue has grasped that the fanbase of the future is cultivated from childhood, it is the Bridgestone Arena. The home of the Predators has created a fan-experience concept that is a hat trick of family marketing: the Gnashville Fun Zone.
Strategically located near Section 103, this entertainment oasis is the perfect entry point for families. Far from being a simple corner, the Fun Zone is a dedicated play haven where children can engage in activities that include:
- Playing street hockey on a miniature rink.
- Immersing themselves in video game and Virtual Reality (VR) hockey experiences.
- Visiting “Gnash’s House” (the mascot’s personal space), a cozy spot featuring a library, adding a thoughtful, calm, and educational touch to the pre-game frenzy.
The offering is completed by a dedicated concession stand selling a “Zamboni Kids Meal” packaged in a souvenir container, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to making every child’s visit memorable and worth repeating. Bridgestone Arena doesn’t just host games; it manufactures future “Fang-atics.”
Grand Casino Arena | Minnesota Wild
Xcel Energy Center (Source: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
The Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul is more than just an arena: it is a temple to the sport that defines the state. For a family, attending a Wild game is an experience that transcends the sporting event, plunging them into what is known as the authentic “Minnesota Hockey culture,” described as both “warm and welcoming”.
Recognized globally as one of the finest venues for sports, this arena proudly exhibits its local heritage. A “State of Hockey” tribute is palpable upon entry, with a unique visual feature capturing everyone’s attention: a ring of jerseys from every Minnesota high school hockey team, honoring both boys’ and girls’ programs.
This detail not only respects history but deeply connects with local families whose children might dream of seeing their own jersey hoisted one day. The combination of modern infrastructure, spacious concourses (up to 70 feet wide), and this rich visual history positions it as a premier family-friendly hub.
Nationwide Arena | Columbus Blue Jackets
Nationwide Arena (Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/NHLI)
The Nationwide Arena, home of the Blue Jackets, has made interaction and personalization the cornerstone of its family offering, particularly for groups. More than a place to watch hockey, it is a space to live hockey.
Columbus’ arena boasts an array of Fan Experience Packages that are a veritable wish list for any young fan or youth team. Imagine your children feeling like professionals for a day. Nationwide Arena makes this possible through sought-after experiences such as:
- Future Jackets: This is a lifetime opportunity for 6U to 12U players to dress in the adjacent locker room and play on the NHL ice during the intermissions.
- High Five Tunnel: An interactive package allowing fans to slap hands with the Blue Jackets players as they take the ice before the game.
- Gatorade BoomBoni: An on-ice ride experience in a retrofitted Zamboni during intermissions, a genuine thrill for any child.
Furthermore, prioritizing convenience, the venue is a completely cashless experience and offers “Sensory Packs” at guest services, ensuring the environment is comfortable for all attendees, including those with specific sensory needs.
Benchmark International Arena | Tampa Bay Lightning
Amalie Arena (Source: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
In sunny Florida, the family experience at Benchmark International Arena, home of the Lightning, often starts well before the turnstiles, spilling out into the vibrant Thunder Alley. Tampa Bay’s approach is to transform the hockey game into a community festival.
Thunder Alley, an outdoor plaza nestled between surrounding buildings, is the host of an epic pre-game party. This space becomes the social epicenter, featuring live music, food trucks, and bars, creating a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
For families seeking a less crowded feel, the venue even projects the game onto a large screen on the parking garage, allowing fans to congregate outside, which often makes accessing refreshments easier and more comfortable.
A recent strategic partnership announcement to further elevate the overall fan experience underlines the Lightning’s continuous commitment to innovation, ensuring the atmosphere inside and outside the arena remains top-tier.
Bell Centre | Montreal Canadiens
Bell Centre (Source: Dave Sandford/Getty Images)
For many families in Quebec, attending a game at the Bell Centre is not merely a weekend plan; it is a ritual, a tangible encounter with living hockey history. Home to the NHL’s most storied franchise, this venue offers a deep dive into Canadian hockey culture that few other arenas can match.
The atmosphere is an electric blend of passion and bilingual (French and English) tradition, providing a truly “incredible perspective” of Montreal. While the arena’s focus is undeniably on its historic gravity and intensity, the sheer act of watching a game in this storied coliseum is a lesson in sports heritage for the entire family.
Its design, featuring steeped seats and two levels of luxury boxes, is classic, but the true value lies in the overwhelming presence of its championship banners and the “noticeable amount of families and kids” attending games, highlighting that in Montreal, being a fan is a deeply traditional, multi-generational affair.
Madison Square Garden | N.Y. Rangers
Madison Square Garden (Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Madison Square Garden in Manhattan is distinguished by its incomparable legendary status. Attending a Rangers game is a pilgrimage for fans worldwide, the dream of seeing hockey in the “World’s Most Famous Arena.”
While a study by Action Network highlights MSG as one of the most expensive NHL arenas for a family of four, the experience it offers is universally categorized as “iconic” and “unforgettable”. The high price is offset by the venue’s grandeur, the vibrant energy of the crowd, and its unbeatable location in the heart of Manhattan.
For families looking for a deeper connection with the venue, the Madison Square Garden Tour Experience is a highly recommended “Family-friendly” activity, granting behind-the-scenes access to historical exhibits and team areas, making the visit complete and memorable, regardless of the final score. MSG is also notably Sensory Inclusive Certified, enhancing accessibility for all families.
Rogers Place | Edmonton Oilers
Rogers Place (Source: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Rogers Place, home of the Oilers, is the centerpiece of an ambitious urban development project known as the ICE District. This modern facility was conceived not just as a stadium, but as the foundation of an entertainment district designed to provide a smooth and integrated family experience.
While much focus is placed on its capacity to host large events, including popular “Road Game Watch Parties”, the arena’s design prioritizes convenience and the overall game-day journey. Rogers Place and the ICE District utilize advanced security technology for quicker, safer entry.
For families with older children and teens, the surrounding concourse offers pre-game gathering spots and the use of the “Food Finder” tool, which helps easily locate the wide variety of quality concessions, often featuring fresh, local ingredients. The modern focus and seamless integration with the surrounding district ensure that a family visit is an efficient and comprehensive day out.
Little Caesars Arena | Detroit Red Wings
Little Caesars Arena (Source: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Little Caesars Arena, the modern home of the storied Detroit Red Wings, has established itself as more than just a place to watch hockey; it is a meticulously designed urban hub prioritizing inclusivity and ease for all visitors. This venue distinguishes itself by addressing a critical, often overlooked, aspect of a great family experience: accessibility for those with sensory needs.
With input from sensory experts, the arena features a dedicated Sensory Room, thoughtfully equipped with elements like adjustable lighting, calming visuals, and tools such as bubble walls and tactile objects. This space ensures that families with members who might become overwhelmed by the intense noise and lights of a game can still attend and enjoy the experience in a personalized, calming environment.
Coupled with its prime Midtown location, surrounded by city attractions, and its commitment to the “Detroit way” of hockey—a passionate blend of finesse and grit—the LCA offers an enriching day out that connects families to both the city’s blue-collar history and its modern commitment to a welcoming fan environment.
American Airlines Center | Dallas Stars
American Airlines Center (Source: Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The American Airlines Center, nestled in the vibrant Victory Park neighborhood of Dallas, serves as the modern, sleek home for the Stars, embodying the growth of hockey in the Sun Belt. While Dallas is a sports-obsessed city, the AAC successfully integrates the high-energy of an NHL game with the sophisticated entertainment district that surrounds it.
For families, the attraction lies in the seamless transition from the arena action to the broader downtown cultural scene. The venue’s event calendar often aligns with other major city attractions—ranging from children’s theatre and family-focused museum exhibits to large-scale shows—making a Stars game part of a larger, customizable weekend adventure.
The arena provides a clean, contemporary, and easily navigable environment where families can enjoy top-tier amenities. While general information focuses on ticketing and events, its central location and the sheer volume of surrounding activities ensure that the AAC experience is integrated into a complete family day out in a dynamic urban landscape.
SAP Center | San Jose Sharks
SAP Center (Source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The SAP Center, affectionately known as “The Shark Tank,” is recognized for its passionate West Coast atmosphere, but its true strength for families lies in its diverse, hands-on Fan Experience Packages that turn passive spectatorship into active participation.
San Jose offers a menu of engaging, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that are particularly appealing to young fans and youth groups:
- Bench Experience & Penalty Box Access: Allowing fans to watch pre-game warm-ups from the unique vantage point of the team bench or the penalty box.
- On-Ice Photo Opportunities: Groups can step onto the NHL ice for a treasured photo with the Sharks logo.
- Post-Game Slap Shot: An incredible chance for fans to step onto center ice and fire a shot at the net.
- Zamboni Ride: The ultimate intermission thrill, cruising the ice surface—a favorite for children.
These tailored experiences, coupled with large community events like the annual “Sharks Fan Fest” where families can meet players and take photos with the iconic Shark Head, ensure that the SAP Center isn’t just a building; it’s a launchpad for cherished, personal hockey memories.
Crypto.com Arena | Los Angeles Kings
Crypto.com Arena (Source: Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
The Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center), home to the Los Angeles Kings, sits at the heart of the bustling LA Live entertainment complex. This prime location is the foundation of its family-friendly appeal, offering an experience that is deeply woven into the fabric of downtown Los Angeles’ entertainment scene.
Attending a Kings game here means access to a destination that caters to every family member, regardless of their interest in hockey. The arena itself is architecturally magnificent, providing 18,145 seats for hockey, with excellent sightlines and three levels of luxury suites.
Its proximity to dozens of restaurants, theaters, and attractions within the LA Live development makes it simple for families to craft a full evening of entertainment without having to commute across the sprawling city.
While known for hosting massive events like the Grammy Awards, the arena consistently includes “Family” focused events on its calendar, confirming its role as a flexible venue designed to deliver world-class sports and concerts alongside entertainment suitable for all ages.
Capital One Arena | Washington Capitals
Capital One Arena (Source: Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Capital One Arena, located squarely in Washington D.C.’s Penn Quarter neighborhood, transforms the hockey game into an energetic urban outing. The arena’s location is its greatest amenity for visiting families, placing them within walking distance of museums, historic sites, and the city’s buzzing cultural life.
A Capitals game is an opportunity for families to combine high-level hockey with the nation’s capital experience. The arena is consistently booked with events appealing to diverse demographics, including concerts, family shows, and other major league sports, ensuring it remains a central destination.
While the focus is often on the Capitals’ intense fan base, the convenience of the venue, with its multiple public transportation links and the concentration of pre- and post-game dining options in the surrounding district, makes managing a family trip to the game straightforward and efficient. For families, the true value lies in how easily the game can be integrated into a broader day exploring the District of Columbia.
United Center | Chicago Blackhawks
United Center (Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
The United Center, an imposing structure that proudly hosts the Chicago Blackhawks, embodies a legacy of intense passion and is deeply committed to ensuring a smooth experience for its multi-generational fanbase. In Chicago, hockey is a tradition passed down, and the arena’s operational setup reflects a focus on accessibility and clarity.
For families, the critical feature is the straightforward logistical approach to attending an event. The United Center explicitly states its child ticket policy—children under 36″ do not require a ticket but must sit on an adult’s lap—a simple guideline that removes pre-game confusion for parents of toddlers.
Furthermore, the extensive guidance on mobile ticketing and account management provided by the venue reflects a commitment to minimizing friction points for modern families who manage their tickets digitally.
While the on-ice atmosphere is famously loud and passionate, the venue’s efficient, professional management of ticketing and entry provides the functional foundation for a stress-free and enjoyable family outing in a city defined by its sports heroes.
Enterprise Center | St. Louis Blues
Enterprise Center (Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
The Enterprise Center, the home of the St. Louis Blues, sits at the intersection of sports, music, and urban revitalization in downtown St. Louis. For families, a Blues game is an anchor event that ties into the city’s rich cultural offerings, most notably its deep connection to the blues music scene.
The experience here encourages families to treat the game as part of a larger cultural exploration. The arena is located near attractions like the National Blues Museum, making it easy to create a unique pre-game itinerary that is both fun and educational.
While the focus of the fan experience centers on the electric atmosphere of the Blues, the venue is a staple of downtown life. Its convenient access to other major city hubs, like Busch Stadium, highlights its centrality within the St. Louis sports and entertainment ecosystem, offering the comfort and accessibility expected of a modern urban venue for families looking for both big-game excitement and community immersion.
