Photo: Nirodh Jithoo
Photo: Tony Iorio
Photo: Shannon Samler
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field
★4.8(1,785 reviews)$$Sports
🕑 3-4 hours including pre-game arrival, the 2-hour match, and post-game activities👶 Best for ages 5 and up. School-age children can follow the game action and enjoy the stadium atmosphere, while tweens and teens especially appreciate the fast-paced energy of MLS soccer. Younger kids (3-4) can attend but may need activities or snacks to stay engaged for the full 90 minutes.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, home to the Columbus Crew, delivers an electrifying soccer experience perfect for introducing kids to professional sports. With its intimate stadium setting, family-friendly atmosphere, and energetic crowd, even first-time young fans feel swept up in the excitement. Beyond match days, the venue hosts special family events and activities that make soccer accessible and fun for all ages.
Highlights
- ✓Watching professional MLS soccer action in an intimate, 20,000-seat stadium setting
- ✓The Crew Cat mascot appearances and photo opportunities throughout the stadium
- ✓Interactive fan zones with soccer activities and games on match days
- ✓Goal celebrations with smoke, lights, and enthusiastic crowd reactions
- ✓Pre-game and halftime entertainment including youth soccer showcases
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early to watch warm-ups from field level,kids love seeing players up close and might catch a ball or get an autograph
- 2.Sit in the Nordecke supporters section only if your kids can handle loud drums, constant standing, and enthusiastic chanting; otherwise choose family sections for a calmer experience
- 3.Download the Columbus Crew app before arriving for interactive games, exclusive content, and easier navigation around the stadium
- 4.Pack ear protection for sensitive younger children as the stadium gets loud, especially during goal celebrations
- 5.Check the schedule for Kids Day promotions featuring pre-game activities, player meet-and-greets, and special giveaways
Best Time to Visit
Weekend afternoon matches (typically Saturday or Sunday games) work best for families, offering earlier start times that don't push bedtimes. Spring and early fall provide the most comfortable weather for outdoor soccer, while summer evening matches offer beautiful sunsets but can run late for younger kids.
What to Know
Parking is available in nearby lots (arrive 60-90 minutes early for best options), and the stadium offers standard concessions with kid-friendly choices like hot dogs, pizza, and snacks. The venue is wheelchair accessible with family restrooms and accommodations available.
Seasonal Notes
The MLS season runs from late February through October, with playoffs extending into November. Summer matches can be hot, so bring sunscreen and hats. Special themed match days and holiday games (Fourth of July, Halloween) offer extra entertainment for families.
Nearby Eats
Milestone 229 (just blocks away) offers a casual menu with burgers and pizza that kids enjoy, or head to Hofbräuhaus Columbus for a unique German beer hall experience with pretzels, schnitzel, and plenty of kid-friendly options in a lively atmosphere.
More Activities Near Columbus
Adventure
Hayden Falls
Free
Hayden Falls offers families a quick nature escape right in Columbus, featuring a beautiful 35-foot waterfall that's just a short walk from the parking area. The easy, paved trail makes this waterfall accessible for strollers and little legs, while the observation deck provides safe viewing for kids to marvel at the cascading water without the challenges of a strenuous hike.
Restaurant
Ugly Tuna Saloona 2
★5.0$$❤️18
Ugly Tuna Saloona 2 offers a surprisingly family-friendly dining experience in Columbus's campus area with colorful, fun decor that keeps kids entertained. The casual atmosphere means parents can relax while children enjoy a dedicated kids menu and games, making it more than just a typical restaurant outing.
Theater
Shadowbox Live
★4.9$$❤️42
Shadowbox Live brings dinner theater to life for families with original musical comedies, rock shows, and sketch comedy performances that entertain all ages. This Columbus institution combines live entertainment with a full dining experience, creating an interactive theatrical atmosphere where kids can enjoy professional performances while munching on kid-friendly meals.
Nature
Sunrise Sanctuary
★4.9Free❤️76
Sunrise Sanctuary offers families a peaceful escape into nature with easy, stroller-friendly trails perfect for little explorers. Kids will love spotting wildlife like birds, butterflies, and small woodland creatures while learning about local ecosystems in this beautifully maintained sanctuary. The gentle terrain and tranquil setting make it an ideal spot for introducing children to the joys of nature walks without overwhelming them.