A Washington Capitals game is one of the most exciting outings in Washington, DC. For kids, it can be a sensory whirlwind with all the action going on. Here is your complete playbook for attending a Capitals game and making it an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Which Days to Bring Your Kid
The best Capitals games to bring kids to are the ones that start with early puck drops or fall on promotional nights. The Capitals have a promotional calendar on their website that shares all the nights with special events.
Weeknight games are also recommended because they’re usually less crowded, making them a calmer choice for families. However, keep in mind the later finish time as it can potentially be an issue if there’s school or work the next day.
Kid Specific Events
- The Caps Kids Club is for children 12 years old and under. The annual membership includes an exclusive kit, monthly newsletters, discounted tickets and special event invites.
- Many theme nights include giveaways that kids would enjoy. Popular ones amongst families are Youth Hockey Night and Women in Hockey Night. A full schedule of theme nights can also be found on the promotional calendar.
- Slapshot, the Washington Capitals’ mascot, entertains the kids throughout the game and is available for pictures.
Ticket Information
The best way to purchase Washington Capitals tickets is through their website, but StubHub and Ticketmaster carry tickets as well.
For kids, games with a 6 p.m. or earlier start time are ideal because of the less rowdy crowd. Some family-friendly seating areas in the Capital One Arena include the lower bowl ends and the 200-level center sections. Lower bowl end seats put you right behind the goals, giving you a front-row view of every scoring play. The 200-level center sections provide a balanced look at the entire rink while still coming in at lower-bowl prices.
It’s important to avoid the seats behind the player benches or penalty boxes if anyone in the family is noise sensitive. The volume of players and fans in these areas tend to intensify quickly.
Transportation & Parking
The easiest option to reach the Capital One Arena is by the Metro. The Gallery Place Chinatown station exits right into the area.
Parking can be a little trickier than the Metro. To secure cheaper rates, pre-booking parking apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz offer options to purchase before game day. Visit the Capital One Arena Directions & Parking page for even more specific information.
Family Amenities
- Family Restrooms: Located near Sections 102, 115 and 228
- Nursing Rooms: Ask guests services if a nursing room is needed.
- Changing Tables: Available in most men’s and women’s restrooms
Food Options
Classic kid-favorites at the Capital One Arena are hotdogs, popcorn, soft pretzels and fries. On the 100 and 200 levels, there are also pizza stands. Lines for these foods are usually the shortest 15-20 minutes before the game starts or during the last five minutes of the first period.
Other incredible food options that can be a fun splurge includes Ben’s Chili Bowl, Dolcezza Gelato and District Doughnut.
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Allison Chan is a Washington Parent intern and a rising senior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland. She is passionate about writing and community engagement.
Allison Chan is a Washington Parent intern and a rising senior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland. She is passionate about writing and community engagement.
