Is an NBA Game Worth It for Kids? A Family Guide for School-Aged Children

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Is an NBA Game Worth It for Kids?

Yes — taking kids to an NBA game is absolutely worth it, especially for school-aged children. It’s not just about basketball — it’s the atmosphere, the food, the entertainment, and the overall experience that makes it such a memorable part of a Florida trip.

We went to see the Orlando Magic as part of our wider Florida itinerary with our 8, 9 and 10 year olds, and it ended up being one of those unexpected highlights that the kids talked about just as much as the theme parks.

We fitted this into a busy itinerary alongside theme parks and water parks, which you can see in more detail in our guide to 2-Week Florida Family Itinerary: Everglades, Florida Keys and Theme Parks — it’s a great example of where something like an NBA game fits perfectly as a change of pace.

Our Experience Visiting an NBA Game with Kids

We fitted the game into a busy Florida itinerary that included theme parks, water parks, and days out — and that’s exactly why it worked so well. It felt completely different to everything else we’d been doing.

From the moment we arrived at 7pm, it had that big-event feel. The arena was busy, lively, and full of energy, and the kids were immediately drawn into it. Even before the game started, there was so much going on — music, entertainment, and just a real buzz around the place.

Once the game got going, they were completely hooked.

They loved:

• Watching the slam dunks and fast-paced play

• Getting involved in the atmosphere — shouting, cheering, and reacting to the game

• Feeling part of something bigger than just “watching a sport”

It’s one of those experiences where you don’t need to fully understand the rules to enjoy it — which is ideal for kids.

Parking, Transport & Getting There

We chose to drive to the arena, which was straightforward but not without its downsides.

We paid around $11 to park fairly close to the stadium, which was good value, but the traffic getting in and out was quite heavy — especially after the game finished at around 9pm. With tired kids, that’s definitely something to factor in.

On reflection, there was actually a better option. You can:

• Park for free further out

• Take the free “Game Day” train into the arena

Looking back, this would probably have been the easier and less stressful option, particularly with children. It’s one of those things we’d definitely do differently next time.

Food, Merchandise & Costs

Like most US sporting events, the food and merchandise are all part of the experience — and the kids absolutely loved it.

We kept things simple and leaned into it a bit:

• Hot dogs and snacks

• A souvenir refillable drink cup

• Soaking up the “game day” atmosphere

One of the best decisions we made was buying our son a blue Orlando Magic basketball for around $30. It felt like much better value than the official shirts, which were closer to $100, and it became something he could actually use and enjoy after the trip — rather than just a souvenir. It’s a good reminder that you don’t have to spend heavily to make it feel special for kids.

What Kids Actually Enjoy About an NBA Game

From our experience, it wasn’t just the game itself that made it so enjoyable.

For school-aged kids, the whole experience is what stands out:

• The loud, exciting atmosphere

• The music and entertainment during breaks

• The chance to eat “treat” food

• The excitement of seeing something new and different

Our kids loved shouting at the players, reacting to big moments, and just being part of the crowd. It felt very interactive compared to other sporting events. Even kids who aren’t huge basketball fans can still have a brilliant time.

Is It Better Than Theme Parks?

It’s not really a direct comparison — and that’s why it works so well.

After days of:

• Walking around theme parks

• Standing in queues

• Following busy itineraries

This felt like a completely different kind of evening.

It was more relaxed in some ways, but still exciting and engaging. A great way to break up your trip and add variety. After several full-on park days like Is Universal Studios Orlando Good for School-Aged Kids? and Islands of Adventure Good for School-Aged Kids?, this felt like a completely different kind of experience — and honestly, that’s why it worked so well.

Tips for Visiting an NBA Game with Kids

A few things we learned from our visit that are worth knowing:

• Consider public transport or game day trains to avoid traffic

• Arrive a bit early to enjoy the atmosphere

• Don’t feel pressured to buy expensive merchandise

• Budget for food — it’s part of the experience

• Expect a late finish, especially with younger kids

We were staying around 15–20 minutes from the arena (without traffic), which made it easy to get there. If you’re deciding where to base yourself, see Where to Stay in Orlando with Kids (Universal vs Disney Areas) for a breakdown of the best locations.

Final Verdict – Is an NBA Game Worth It for Kids?

For us, the answer is a clear yes. Taking our 8, 9 and 10 year old's to see the Orlando Magic added something completely different to our Florida trip.

It wasn’t just about basketball — it was about:

• The atmosphere

• The shared experience

• The excitement of doing something new

It’s one of those things that might not be at the top of your list when planning a Florida holiday — but it’s absolutely worth considering. And based on our experience, it’s something kids will remember just as much as the theme parks.

Other sports you can consider as part of your Orlando trip: Orlando City Lions: MLS Soccer Tickets

Planning a Family Trip to the USA

If you’re planning a family trip to the United States, we’ve created a collection of practical guides based on our own experiences travelling there with a child. In our USA Travel Hub, you’ll find advice on everything from ESTA requirements and travel insurance to driving, healthcare and managing jet lag with kids, alongside destination guides for places we’ve explored including New York, Colorado, South Dakota and Florida. It’s a useful starting point for parents researching how to plan a smooth and enjoyable family trip to the USA.