Kid-Friendly Ways to Experience the World Cup in Seattle Without Going to a Match

Get ready for a soccer-filled summer, Seattle! From June 15 to July 6, Seattle will take a spot on the world stage as one of 16 host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Seattle will host six matches: June 15,19, 24, 26, and July 1 and 6. But you don’t have to have a stadium ticket, or even be a soccer fanatic, to make the most of FIFA fever and appreciate Seattle’s global moment. 

Across the city and state, organizations have joined together to host an incredible array of free, family-friendly celebrations. From celebratory hubs around the city to local neighborhood watch-parties to dedicated Fan Zones across the state, there will be no shortage of opportunities to immerse your family in the fun. 

Planning your World Cup experience

Seattle has been preparing with great enthusiasm and coordination to make it easy for fans to enjoy the tournament in and out of the stadium, explore the city, and have resources to stay connected to all that goes on. No matter where you cheer on your favorite team, here are a few things to help with your planning:

Check the calendar

I’ve compiled many of my favorite ways for families to be a part of the World Cup in this article, but new events are being added daily. Stay in the loop with updated calendars for World Cup fun across the region at Seattle’s official FIFA World Cup 2026. Fans and families can also check ParentMap’s curated list of events that welcome kids. 

Download the Sea&Win App

SEA&WIN is the official mobile game of the Seattle World Cup. Explore featured locations, complete tours, take quizzes and complete challenges to unlock prizes and discover the best of Seattle’s culture, art and business.

Walk the Unity Loop 

The Unity Loop was designed for World Cup 2026, but is intended to remain as a legacy trail to show off Seattle’s best. This 4.25-mile curated walking trail stretches from Lumen Field to Seattle Center (and back) and offers a “choose your own adventure” style route that will feature over 100 murals and take you through iconic neighborhoods and past some of the best food and shopping Seattle has to offer. Use the SEA&WIN app to collect points along the Unity Loop and earn prizes. 

Public transport, public transport, public transport! 

No matter where you plan to go to enjoy FIFA 2026, how you get there will make a difference in your experience. Our region is anticipating an additional 750,000 global visitors! Save yourself the headache of stalled traffic and no parking, and take advantage of the many public transportation options Seattle has to offer. Seattle has an excellent public transportation system of trains, buses, ferries and even a monorail. If those options don’t suit your needs, taxis or private company services like Uber or Lyft will be preferable to navigating the traffic and parking, especially downtown. Kids ride free and you can pre-order Youth ORCA cards online. 

Where to watch FIFA Club World Cup 2026 games with kids

Downtown Seattle 

There are four official Fan Celebration hubs in downtown Seattle where fans can experience FIFA World Cup 2026 without ever entering the stadium. Starting June 11, free events will be offered at Seattle Center, Pacific Place, Waterfront Park and SODO. All locations are walkable or located along transit lines and will be open for all six matches and more. 

• Seattle Center. Looking to escape the summer sun? Seattle Center, a 74-acre civic, arts, and cultural gathering place, will provide a family-friendly, vibrant Let’s Play SEA ’26 – World Soccer Fan Celebration. The Armory will anchor the experience with a large indoor screen, seating, food and all-weather comfort, while additional activities spread across the campus. Spaces like the Mural Amphitheatre and International Fountain will feature live entertainment, DJs and global artists. Pack a picnic and lawn chairs to enjoy the games and views of the Space Needle. Throughout the tournament, visitors can expect cultural programming, public art, food vendors, kid-friendly play areas, and immersive fan experiences woven into the Center’s existing attractions and events.
• Pacific Place. The Seattle Soccer House at Pacific Place will feature a four-story, high-resolution, interior LED screen constructed within the multi-story shopping mall. The space will offer activities, info booths and interactive activations.
• Waterfront Park. Waterfront Park is Seattle’s answer to an outdoor living room. Designed as a communal gathering space, this 20-acre park offers some of the best views of Puget Sound in the city. During this year’s World Cup, Waterfront Park will be a hub for daily public programming, including soccer-themed experiences, music, local art, food and multiple viewing opportunities. Keep an eye on Friends of the Waterfront Park for the most current events calendar. 
• SODO. Victory Hall is a premier sports and entertainment destination and they know how to throw a sports party The Seattle Mariners are hosting Seattle Matchday Live at Victory Hall where fans can hear the roar of the stadium while watching World Cup matches on a 23-foot screen at the indoor/outdoor beer garden. Play lawn games, sample the food trucks or catch a match on one of the 20 screens at the attached Hatback Bar & Grill. 
• Pioneer Square. While not an official Fan Celebration stop, Pioneer Square is transforming itself into a European-style plaza by creating a pedestrian-only soccer haven on all six match days. Expect giant screens, a beer garden, live music, kid’s activities and a special QR code system that allows you to order food from many of the Pioneer Square local businesses.

Official Fan Zones

Seattle isn't the only place hosting fun. Washington state has nine different Fan Zones, three of which are easily accessible from Seattle via public transportation. These miniature festivals are free, open to the public and all-ages with the intent of offering fans an immersive experience to enjoy matches. Each offers local flavor and plenty to see and do. 

• Bremerton at Quincy Square. The Bremerton Fan Zone will be held in the newly renovated Quincy Square, just steps from the Bremerton ferry dock. During eight watch-party events, fans will enjoy food vendors, beer gardens, soccer-themed activities and a giant 20-foot LED screen. Getting there: Bremerton is an hour away from Seattle by WSDOT Ferry (drive- or walk-on) or 30 minutes via the Bremerton Fast Ferry (walk-on only). 
• Everett at Port of Everett’s Box Car Park. Watch the game on the big screen and enjoy a kids zone, gaming trailer, food trucks and more at Everett’s Fan Zone. Waterfront watch parties are scheduled for June 11, 12, 18 and 19. Getting there: Travel to Everett from downtown Seattle via Sound Transit. Free shuttles from Everett Station leave every 5-15 minutes. Detailed information can be found via the Fan Zone page. 
• Puyallup at the Puyallup Tribe Campus. The Puyallup Fan Zone holds historic weight. As the first Indigenous nation to be formally represented at a FIFA World Cup, fans have an opportunity to not only enjoy incredible soccer but also to engage with the culture, history and hospitality of the Puyallup People. This Fan Zone will open up for all six of the Seattle-based matches along with a full slate of cultural offerings, including a World Cup Powwow (June 19–21) and Tribal Stickgame Tournament (June 26–28). Plan to enjoy tribal artists, vendors, food trucks and a dedicated kids area. Don’t miss the community parade and giant fireworks display planned for June 12. Getting there: Get to Tacoma on Sound Transit’s Express Bus or Light Rail to Tacoma Station. If you plan to drive, parking at the Tacoma Dome or Tacoma Station will be free during Fan Zone events and Pierce Transit’s complimentary Fan Zone Express buses will run every 15-minutes on match days.  

Unofficial Fan Zones 

Bellevue and Renton have both caught FIFA fever and will be hosting their own family-friendly events throughout the tournament. Both are reachable via new transit lines making them easily accessible to and from downtown Seattle.

• Legacy Square: The Arts & Culture Hub, Renton. The City of Renton has an array of programming planned to celebrate the World Cup 2026. Legacy Square is a brand-new park where all ages can gather to enjoy a giant LED screen and stage, interactive display, themed activities, food trucks and an all-ages beverage garden. Legacy Square has a futsal court (i.e., mini-soccer pitch) and a climbing structure so there will be plenty of space and options to keep active children happy. Pack a blanket and chairs and plan to stay for the day! 
• Bellevue, Washington. Bellevue is hosting numerous watch parties and hosting pop-up events throughout the tournament. Multiple “Pop-ups On the Plaza” will offer fans free treats, soccer-themed activities and live performances. Catch a Science of Soccer program at KidsQuest Children’s Museum (pre-booking recommended) or enjoy a game-day pop-up party at Bellevue Station. 
• Federal Way Performing Arts Center. Federal Way is hosting Kickin’ it FW, a free, three-day festival from June 19–21. Expect indoor and outdoor watch parties, live music, games, tournaments, clinics, carnival rides, food vendors, and more!

Restaurant and sports bars that welcome families

If you want to enjoy a match from the comfort of your own table, check out one of these family-friendly sports bars and eateries. 

• Paseo (Fremont): Four blocks south of the stadium, Paseo is hosting a month of watch parties. Enjoy the patio, dining room and all-ages tiki lounge while you enjoy vibrant Latin and Caribbean flavors. Watch the game on the big screen or multiple TVs and participate in the many interactive games planned for the World Cup. Entry is free or reserve your spot and get extra perks with pre-purchased : tickets.  
• Rhein Haus Seattle (Capitol Hill): This Bavarian-themed restaurant will be streaming matches on its 25 big-screen TVs throughout the tournament at its funky Capitol Hill location, complete with an indoor/outdoor beer garden and a bocce ball court. Families are welcome and a kids menu is available, along with brats and pretzels galore and an impressive brew selection for the grown-ups. Kids eat free on Tuesdays!
• Flatstick Pub (multiple locations): Flatstick Pub has four Seattle-area locations and offers indoor mini-golf along with pub games, pizza, fun mocktail, and an expansive local craft beer menu for adults. All four locations are 21+ after 9 p.m., so pay attention to game times.  
• Kangaroo & Kiwi (Ballard): Kangaroo & Kiwi is a family-friendly Australian-influenced bar featuring indoor and outdoor seating and screens. You’ll find a kids-menu and every game of the match screened live.
• Fuel Sports Grill (Ballard): This family-friendly Ballard sports bar offers a large dining area with 25 screens and a large projector on the outdoor patio. Fuel offers a kids’ menu and families are welcome until 11 p.m.  There are even 25 free parking spots — something you don’t see often in the city!
• Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub (Downtown): Kells is proud to offer tans an opportunity to watch every match of the 2026 World Cup on one of its 20 screens and three projectors — even the early matches! This Pike Place institution located in the historic Butterworth Building is open to all ages during the daytime hours and serves up a hearty menu of classic pub fare with an Irish twist.

Yəhaw̓, means “Let’s go!” in Lushootseed, the language of the Puyallup people. Seattle has the unique honor to host six matches of the 2026 World Cup and that these will take place on ancestral land that has been cared for by our indigenous ancestors since time immemorial. 

Whether you plan to camp out at a Fan Zone all day, walk the Unity Loop to find all the soccer-themed art, or enjoy an early morning match over breakfast at one of Seattle’s family-friendly sports bars — yəhaw̓, Seattle!