Tailgating is typically a “food sport” for the big kids, but plenty of little kids enjoy hanging around before the game chatting it up with fellow fans.

Make your kid’s tailgating experience a fun one with these tips from Celebrations’ Jeanne Benedict.

Kids’ tailgating food and drink:

Burger and hot dogs are a must on a kids’ tailgating menu! Round it out with football-themed edibles to keep kids fueled up and in the game.

• Football Sandwiches — Use a football shaped cookie cutter to stamp out sandwiches like peanut butter and jelly for the little kids who won’t eat anything else for lunch!
• Football Helmet Cookies — I love this idea from Wilton. Use a football helmet cookie cutter to make sugar cookies. Ice them with your team’s colors and detail the helmet with white decorator icing.
• Football Cookies — Use a football shaped cookie cutter to stamp out sugar cookies. Ice the cookies with chocolate frosting and use white decorator icing to make the football laces.
• Football Cupcakes — Ice cupcakes green to resemble a football field and top with candy football decorations.
• Football Chocolate Lollipops — Make your own football-shaped chocolate lollipops and surprise the kids with a sweet ending to the tailgate.

Pint-size gear and a few sporty supplies will make the kids feel like they’re a part of the party. Go for sports-themed items like team logo kid chairs and football water bottles.

Kids’ tailgating gear:

Pint-size gear and a few sporty supplies will make the kids feel like they’re a part of the party. Go for sports-themed items like team logo kid chairs and football water bottles.

For seating, kid’s folding beach chairs are great. They’re easy to carry so the kids can unpack and set them up by themselves.
• Keep the kids’ thirst quenched with football water bottles.
• Make it a kid’s party in the parking lot by using football-themed paper plates and napkins and a vinyl football field table cover.
• And you can’t go wrong with pom-poms, but keep noisy party props like whistles and maracas at home.

Kid tailgating tips:

• Park near other families with kids and away from crowds who may be drinking alcohol in excess.
• Try to park near a bathroom or know where they are (especially if you have young kids).
• Pack clothes to be prepared for all weather conditions.
• Give the kids a rundown of safety tips: Don’t run in the areas where cars may be driving. Be careful of hot grills. Make sure Mom and Dad can see you at all times.
• Think “family event” and be responsible about your own alcohol consumption.

Check out Celebrations.com for more tailgating recipes!