So whether it’s Uncle Cecil who loves a wrestle, little Dennis who goes mad for tennis, Sister Shannon who’s addicted to badminton, or Nanna Pat who goes giddy for acrobats; we’ve compiled 8 of the best family-friendly sporting events out there, so everyone of all ages can enjoy an unforgettable and accessible event! The only tricky bit will be fitting everyone in the car...
1. NBA Summer League (8-17 August), Basketball
Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, USA
Bugs Bunny might not make an appearance, but there’s still plenty of family basketball fun to be had at the NBA Summer League. You’ll not only get the chance to watch all 30 NBA teams in action in one place, but there’s also much more access to the players than at a typical regular season game – fans can grab autographs and photos with NBA stars past, present, and future! General admission tickets for a single day (7 or 8 games) are a slam dunk at $56 per person, while a full 10-day pass (all 75 games) starts at $420 per person.
2. WWE: SummerSlam (21 August 2021), Professional Wrestling
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
SummerSlam is the high-flying, pile-driving, top-rope-diving professional wrestling event of the year! Presented by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the show will feature an all-star roster of wrestling legends and superstars from the Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. Grown-ups and youngsters alike flock to the event every year, dressed as their favourite heroes and villains and brandishing their homemade belts and banners. From the dazzling pyrotechnics to the electric atmosphere, to the hilarious gags and gimmicks, SummerSlam is a firm favourite amongst families.
With knock-out prices starting at $25 for standard tickets and free admission for children under 2, fans of all ages will be grappling to gain entry to the event dubbed "The Biggest Party of the Summer". Attendees can also purchase luxury accommodation and hospitality packages, where they will get the chance to meet the stars and have their merchandise signed!
3. Bank Holiday Family Fun Day (30 August 2021), Horse Racing
Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom, Surrey, UK
This fantastic single-day event is also referred to as Family Fun and The Epsom Trainer’s Open Day, as the raceday begins with the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of the local racing yards. With an afternoon full of thrilling racing combined with free entertainment for kids and adults alike - including inflatables, assault courses, kids’ races, and some great food and drink - this event is perfect for the whole family. And what’s more, entry is free for under-18s!
4. Gold Over America Tour (21 September-7 November 2021), Gymnastics
Venues across the USA including Tucson Arena, Tucson, Arizona · Staples Center, Los Angeles, California · TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts · Many more!
An event otherwise known as the G.O.A.T., this is a tour of high-octane performances celebrating powerful female gymnasts. Across 35 different dates and venues, the Gold Over America Tour brings the incredible Simone Biles and an all-star team of gymnasts to cities across the USA to perform their own inspiring championship journey with athletic brilliance. There are tickets for all budgets, as Biles and her fellow gymnasts showcase their skills to entertain family audiences and inspire the next generation of sporting heroes; at the Staples Center for example, tickets start at $30.50, so don’t miss out!
5. Superleague Triathlon Series: Malibu Triathlon (25 September 2021), Triathlon
Zuma Beach, Malibu, California
An event that will set young and older hearts racing, Malibu Triathlon is one of the most highly anticipated events on the triathlon calendar. Taking place on the glorious golden sands of Zuma Beach, it's one of the 4 exciting events of the Superleague Triathlon Championship Series.
Portions of the race will range from seawater swimming, to biking along the Pacific Coast Highway, to the final dash to the finish line, making every adrenaline-filled moment of the Malibu Triathlon a treat for spectators. With thrilling action to captivate the adults and the children's Fun Zone with face painters, crafts, and games to entertain the tots, this event is set to make a big splash for all ages! It's free to come and watch, although any donations made will be given to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles and its paediatric cancer research program.
6. Victor Denmark Open (19-24 October 2021), Badminton
Odense Sports Park, Odense, Denmark
The Denmark Open is one of badminton’s most inclusive events. This annual tournament not only plays host to some of the world’s best players, but the entire spectator experience is centred around accessibility, hospitality, and child-friendly entertainment, making it a must-attend event for even the most casual badminton fans!
Child tickets start from as little as 145 DK (£17.66), with access to the dedicated “Kids’ Zone” included as standard! There’s something for the grown-ups too, as the Denmark Open provides an excellent VIP experience, with prices ranging from 675-750 DK (£80-90) a day.
7. Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals (25 November – 11 December 2021), Tennis
Madrid Arena (Casa de Campo), Madrid, Spain · Olympiahalle, Innsbruck, Austria · Pala Alpitour, Turin, Italy
The colour, noise, and friendly enthusiasm which come with the Davis Cup mean that this international tennis event is sure to entertain fans of all ages! You won’t be short of options for a post-match activity either: this year’s finals takes place across 3 fantastic European cities - Madrid, Turin, and Innsbruck. As well as the Davis Cup’s famous atmosphere, families can also benefit from competitively-priced tickets, with 2 different categories of child ticket on offer for some ties; in Madrid, for example, young children’s tickets start from €10, and adults’ from €25, so there’s no excuse not to bring a flag and cheer on your country together!
8. UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 (6 – 31 July 2022), Football
Wembley Stadium, London, UK · Brentford Community Stadium, Brentford, UK · Leigh Sports Village, Wigan, UK · Bramall Lane, Sheffield, UK · New York Stadium, Rotherham, UK · Old Trafford, Manchester, UK · Manchester City Academy Stadium, Manchester, UK · St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, UK · Amex Stadium, Brighton, UK · Stadium MK, Milton Keynes, UK
England supporters will be trying to roar the Lionesses home next summer at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 as they bid to win their first European championship on home soil; but standing in their way are some of the continent’s top international teams. Whoever you’re supporting, adult tickets start from just £10, while tickets for children aged 16 and under start from as little as £5, so a family of 4 could attend a game for a bargain price of £30!