Here's Everything You Need to Watch Your Kids Play Sports

Be the ultimate cheerleader, no matter what sport you're spectating.

August 26, 2021

By: Samantha Lande

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Photo By: Roy Morsch

Gear for Watching Your Favorite Athlete

Fall is coming, which means back to school, but also back to the fields. Whether it’s soccer, baseball, football, or lacrosse, being a spectator can require almost as much gear as playing the actual sport. Here are ten things you need to make your spectating experience as comfortable as possible.

A Great Chair

There may be moments when you are on your feet cheering, but there are likely more moments where you are sitting down and watching the game. For that, you’ll want to make sure you have a comfortable chair to relax in. We love the ones from GCI! You can get rockers or our favorite, a chair with an attached sun shade — perfect for keeping the elements away.

BUY IT: Dick’s Sporting Goods, $59.99

Something Warm

Early morning or evening games can get pretty chilly, so you’ll want to have something to bundle up in. These wearable blankets do just the trick with their warm fleece interior and large hood for blocking the wind. Plus, you can cheer for your kid and rep your favorite professional sports teams at the same time.

BUY IT: Foco, $40.00

A Great Stain Remover

Sure, you may not need this while you’re watching a game. However, if you’ve ever been a youth sports parent, you know you’ll need something to get grass stains out of football jerseys, dirt out of white baseball pants, and just the general stink out of any sports clothes. We love this Hex version that targets both stains and stink particularly for athletic wear. It’ll make life on and off the field much easier.

BUY IT: Amazon, $19.99

A Cooler

The older your kids are, the longer their sports games are — and you’ll often find yourself at day-long tournaments. Having a cooler packed with drinks and snacks is key to surviving the day. A good cooler can keep things cool all day long.

BUY IT: Amazon, $38.94

Rain Gear

Rain or shine, you’ll be out watching (even if you are getting wet from a slow drizzle). A good rain coat is key to making it through any goals or grand slams while remaining dry.

BUY IT: Dick’s Sporting Goods, $59.99 - $69.99

Something to Keep Your Drink Hot/Cold

Whether it’s your morning coffee for an early game or a beverage for the night game, you’ll want something to keep your drink at the desired temperature. This rambler from Yeti works great for any hot or cold beverage you desire!

BUY IT: Amazon, $29.98

Bug Spray

For all of the weather ailments you might encounter, a buggy day on the field might be worse. You’ll want to be armed with something that will keep those pesky guys away. Keep a bottle in your bag or trunk so you’ll always be prepared.

BUY IT: Amazon, $5.69

Sunglasses

When it’s not raining, it’s usually pretty sunny. Having a good pair of sunglasses is key. We love Goodrs because they are polarized, lightweight, and won’t break the bank if you lose them and need to buy another pair. You can get them in all sorts of fun colors and styles!

BUY IT: REI, $35.00

Fanny Pack

You’ll likely have bags to carry your kid’s sports gear, but the important things — keys, wallet, and phone — should be easy to transport. That’s why we are so happy that fanny packs (or hip bags) are back in style! This one from Patagonia is lightweight, colorful, and functional.

BUY IT: REI, $29.00

Shelter

For those of you who attend more sports games than the occasional Sunday morning match (I’m talking to you, travel parents!), you might want to invest in a sun shelter. It could even be a team purchase. These sidelines from Neso can keep your whole family covered, and maybe even your whole team. It’s also lightweight (less than five pounds) and easy to collapse too.

BUY IT: Amazon, $109.00

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