Things You’ll Want To Know Before Visiting Levi’s Stadium

Wouldn’t it be great if someone could tell you what to expect at Levi’s Stadium? As a parent and someone who’s worked there, here are my tips. Tips and tricks about where to park, what you need to bring (and what not), and rules for alcoholic drinks.

Levi’s Stadium Parking Lots, VTA, and Public Transit

Trust me, the best parking is on street level, NEVER in a parking garage. Why? After the game, you will be stuck in the garage waiting for people in the lower levels to leave. Sometimes for an hour or more. If you have kids, then the noise of the car horns bouncing off the walls, will drive you crazy because it is very, very loud and in an enclosed space.
Green 1, if you plan to tailgate. Green 4, Green 5 if not.

You can take VTA or BART (with a transfer to VTA) to Levi’s Stadium. VTA is really good about adding extra trains for after a game or event.

Rideshare Drop Off and Pickups

There is a rideshare drop-off on Great America Parkway just in front of the park, between Old Glory and Tasman Drive. This location will be very busy and very crowded as it is near an entrance to the parking lot. A better bet is to pick somewhere a block away for drop-off. We suggest you do the same for pickup. The Santa Clara Convention Center and Santa Clara Hilton are across the street from Levi’s Stadium.

There is a rideshare pick-up lot at Red Lot 7. But again, it will get very busy and very crowded.

Bring Your Clear Bag or Backpack

Levi Stadium security will send you back to your car if you try to bring a regular purse or bag. There is no bag check at the stadium.

SHOP AMAZON.com for CLEAR STADIUM BAGS

Levi’s Stadium Bag Policy: Approved clear bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”. These include the following clear bags:

  • Clear Backpacks
  • Clear Fanny Packs
  • Clear Bags
  • Clear Purses
  • One-gallon clear plastic zip lock-type bags
  • Small Clutch Bag (the size of an adult hand) (4.5” x 6.5”)
  • Seat Cushion.

If you are planning to shop at one of the stadium stores, I suggest putting a reusable bag with a pouch in your clear bag.

Charging Your Phone

Bring a cable. There are charging stations throughout the stadium.

Bring Your ID To Buy Alcohol

Especially if you want to purchase alcohol. Vendors must check your ID every time.

What’s the Policy About Alcoholic Drinks

One drink per hand. So if you want to order beers for your friends, make sure you have enough people, and that they have their IDs.

Check ahead for the drink cut-off time for alcohol. Sometimes the cut-off is after half-time, sometimes after the third quarter of a football game. Make sure you have your drinks before cut off. Being in line doesn’t count.

Can I Use Cash at Levi’s Stadium?

No cash is accepted at concessions or kiosks, except for tips. If you bring cash, you can exchange the cash for a debit card at the Reverse ATM’s at section C117 on the main concourse, in the United Club, section 308 on the Zenni Zone upper concourse, and Toyota Gate F.

Bring A Water Bottle and Save Yourself Some Bucks

Levi’s Stadium has high-tech water bottle refill stations. Water at the stadium is $5+ per bottle. Levi’s Water Bottle Policy is:

  • Plastic water bottles (factory sealed, no-alcohol, less than 24 ounces).
  • Reusable transparent water bottles (no-alcohol, less than 24 ounces).

SHOP REUSEABLE WATER BOTTLES AT AMAZON.COM

Refill water stations are located OUTSIDE the restrooms near sections 101, 110, 120, 125, 127, and 322.

What Kind of Food Can I Find At Levi’s Stadium

Besides stadium favorites like hot dogs and drinks, Levi’s Stadium has several local restaurants with food stands. Check out the Concessions page on Levi’s Stadium website or app. You can find the name, location, and menu for most of the kiosks.

If you are missing your favorite peach cobbler and gumbo from Sandi’s Cobbler Cups, visit her catering site at SandisCobblerCups.com

Best Place to Take a Selfie or Group Shot

There is a mural at Section 120, that is a great backdrop for selfies and group pictures. The best time is to get before or after the game because during the game there is a line from the men’s restroom in front of the mural. The murals are at 105/106 and 119/120.

Visit the 49ers Museum at Levi’s Stadium

So much history! See Super Bowl trophies and rings. Bring the kids for kid fun and activities. Take a picture in front of the 49ers helmet.

The museum will open three hours before game time. Buy your tickets in advance.

The Physics Show at Foothill College

The Physics Show is a series of fun, exciting demonstrations of the laws of nature. Expect that the lights will sometimes go out, loud noises are produced, and really “fun” scientific demonstrations.

The best age for the show is 5-12 years with the target age being elementary school.

I have taken kids in middle school and they have enjoyed it also. The Physics Show is a CelebrateFamily.us family favorite.

The Physics Shows last approximately 75 minutes. The shows are put on by the Foothill College Physics Department.

Physics Show Tickets

Tickets are $6 per seat. If the child needs a seat, then they need a ticket.

January Dates and Times:

Saturday, Jan 6, 2024 – 10:00 am / 1:00 pm / 3:30 pm
Sunday, Jan 7, 2024 – 10:00 am / 1:00 pm / 3:30 pm
Saturday, Jan 20, 2024 – 10:00 am / 1:00 pm / 3:30 pm
Sunday Jan 21, 2024 – 10:00 am / 1:00 pm / 3:30 pm

Physics Show Performance Dates

The Physics Show is performed two weekends in January and two weekends in September. The shows are the same, but the topics are changed.

Foothill College Location

Shows are held at Foothill College, Smithwick Theater, 12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

Physics Show Parking

Parking is free in the designated lot, currently Lot 1, or $6 depending on the date and time.

Sources: The Physics Show, CelebrateFamily.us

Family Guide to Union Square Ice Rink 2023

A holiday tradition, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square will be open from November 1, 2023 – January 15, 2024. One of the highlights of skating at Union Square is the Christmas Tree and also Macy’s holiday decorations.

Quick Links

Ice Skating at Union Square website [LINK]
Tickets [LINK]
Special Events [LINK]
Locker Rental, Skate Helper etc. [LINK]
Hours and Session Times [LINK]

General Admission

Admission at the Union Square Ice Rink includes 60 minute sessions of ice time and rental skates. Sessions start every 90 minutes. Admission prices vary for special events. [LINK]
Admission: Adults $20 | Kids 8 and under $15
Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Other Items for Rent or Purchase

Dress warmly and bring socks. If you forget them, you can purchase them at the rink. There are no restrooms at the rink either.
Locker Rental: $5
Skate Helper: $6
Gloves: $5
Socks: $5

Discounts at Union Square Ice Rink

We’ve scoured our sources and so far, there are no discounts for Union Square Ice Rink.

Special Events at Union Square Ice Rink

Simba Saturdays

“Simba Saturdays” roar to life with guests will gliding across a golden-hued wonderland transporting every skater to the heart of the Pride Lands. A roaring good time awaits with special giveaways for the first 100 guests at each session.

Whether skaters are mastering their roar or their rink moves, families of all ages will find magic on the ice.

Disney's The Lion King at BroadwaySF

Disney’s The Lion King at Orpheum Theater | Tickets at VividSeats.com and GoldStar.com.
Simba Saturdays: November 4, 11, 18, 25. December 2,9,16, 23, 30.
Session Times: 5:30 and 7 p.m.
Admission: Adults $20 | Kids 8 and under $15

Silent Skate Party

It’s a silent disco on ice that transports skaters to an on-ice dance party like no other!
Silent Skate Party: December 14, 2023
Session Times: 7 p.m. and 8:30 pm
Admission: $30 per person

Polar Bear Skate

As a nod to the popular Canadian tradition, this version of “taking the plunge” invites skaters to wear their wildest and most inventive beach attire, in hopes of walking away with cool prizes, awarded on theme, originality, and overall appearance.
Silent Skate Party: January 1, 2024
Session Times: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Admission: $25 per person

Flashback Fridays

Let’s throw it back to the musical hits of everyone’s favorite decade—the ‘80s—at “Flashback Fridays. These special sessions feature 80s+@103.7 personalities on-hand spinning hits by Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Madonna, Lionel Richie, and more! Skaters are encouraged to don their favorite legwarmers and unitard, and come party at this totally tubular event!
Flashback Friday Dates: November 10, December 8 & January 12
Session Times: 7 pm and 8:30 pm sessions
Admission: Adults $20 | Kids 8 and under $15

A portion of ticket proceeds generously benefits the community through the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

Please double-check the event information on the event website as sometimes events are canceled or details changed after they are added to CelebrateFamily.us.   Let us know about any changes at events@celebrate-family.com

Image credit/image courtesy of Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

Great America WinterFest 2023

WinterFest brings holiday cheer to California’s Great America as the park is magically transformed into a winter wonderland and holiday festival. This amazing event features millions of lights, creating a Christmas event for the entire family.

Enjoy the tree lighting every evening and a special visit from Snoopy!

Great America WinterFest tickets

Great America Winterfest tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. For best prices, purchase online before you go to the park. Tickets online start at $32.99 and get cheaper if you are buying 4 or more tickets. Another option is the Winterfest Bring a Friend for $24.99 for Gold Pass members.

What is Great America WinterFest

With more than 30 rides and holiday attractions, such as sending letters to the North Pole, checking out Santa’s workshop and baking cookies in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, and all the scrumptious holiday fare at numerous dining locations—WinterFest has something for guests of all ages and appetites.

Wintefest also has ice skating, holiday shows and a holiday market for gifts and souvenirs.

Great America WinterFest Dates

Winterfest is open 4 pm – 10 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Check the calendar at Great America because the Winterfest will be closed for 49er home games. Winterfest will also be open every day from December 15 – December 31, 2023 (except for December 24 & 25).

This amazing event features millions of lights, creating a Christmas event for the entire family. Select Nights through Dec 31, 2023.

Great America WinterFest Ticket Discounts

Discount tickets can be purchased online at Great America, also GoldStar and Groupon sometimes have discounted tickets. Winterfest 2023 is also free with the purchase of 2024 Gold Pass.

Great America Chaperon Policy

Guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old in order to be admitted to, or remain in, the park after 4:00 p.m. local time to close.  Source: CA Great America

Image credit/image courtesy of CA Great America. Updated Dec 6, 2023

Where to Find Sensory Friendly Santas 2023

Sensory Friendly Santa dates for the Bay area. 15+ dates for special needs and autism spectrum families to share time and get photos with Santa this holiday.

I still love visiting Santa with my kids.  And luckily for me, they indulge me.  So it is with great pleasure that I created this list of dates for Sensory Friendly Santa visits for those families with children that are ‘special’ in their own way.

Sensory-friendly Santa visits are scheduled for December 2 to December 22, 2023, depending on the location.  The visit is free (or free with admission), but parents MUST register in advance (for most dates) to save a spot. 

There are of course keepsakes and photo packages for sale at the event. Please RSVP to reserve your spot today! I’ve included links with the dates and times.

What is the Difference Between a Sensory Friendly Santa Photo Visit?

Dates with sensory-friendly Santas generally have less noise and fewer distractions. But more importantly, fewer people scheduled, and a shorter wait in line.

When Are Sensory Friendly Santa Dates

Most locations are having Caring Santa visits on December 3, 2023.

Sensory Friendly Santa Dates 2023

Location Name | LinkDate
Cypress School Primary Campus | PetalumaDecember 2, 2023
Broadway Plaza | Walnut creekDecember 3, 2023
Eastridge Center | San JoseDecember 3, 10 & 17, 2023
Great Mall | MilpitasDecember 3, 2023
Stanford Shopping Center | Palo AltoDecember 3, 2023
Stoneridge Shopping Center | PleasantonDecember 3, 2023
Stonestown Galleria | San FranciscoDecember 3, 2023
Sunvalley Mall | ConcordDecember 3, 2023
Village at Corte Madera | Corte MaderaDecember 3, 2023
Westfield Oakridge | San JoseDecember 3, 2023
Westfield Valley Fair | Santa ClaraDecember 3, 2023
Fioli** | WoodsideDecember 10, 16, 17, & 22
Christmas in the Park | San JoseDecember 10, 2023
**Free with admissionUpdated Dec 1, 2023

Sensory Friendly Santa Visits or Soothing Santa Visits are the partnership of Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks.  Expect that the visits will take place in a more subdued and calm manner.

Best Bets for 2023 is Eastridge Center in San Jose. Eastridge will host Sensory Santa visits on December 3, 10 & 17, 2023 from 9 am – 11 am.

Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside is also hosting on multiple dates, December 10, 16, 17, & 22. Santa visits are free with admission (Adult $41 | Child 5-17 $31 | Child (under age 5) Free). If you are going to Fioli, you might get free or discount passes at Discover and Go (under Museum Passes on your local library’s website.

CelebrateFamily.us Best Bet

Find other holiday events for kids, tweens, teens, and families at CelebrateFamily.us