The Orlando Solar Bears are a minor league ECHL hockey team and are affiliated with the nearby NHL team, the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Solar Bears call the Kia Center home (formerly the Amway Center), a state-of-the-art venue that offers a great view from every seat. The Kia Center is located on Church Street, just west of I-4 and within walking distance from Downtown Orlando.

Solar Bears games are perfect for a family outing. 

Attending an Orlando Solar Bears Game with Kids

You don’t have to know much about hockey to have a blast at a Solar Bears game—I knew nothing about the sport when we first started attending. Hockey is a great sport to keep kids' attention because of the constant action. In case little ones find it challenging to follow the puck on the ice, the large Jumbotron screens, visible from every seat and section, offer a helpful alternative. Beyond the game, there's always entertaining activities during timeouts and between periods to keep fans energized, ranging from dance performances to giveaways and on-ice entertainment. And everyone loves Shades, the polar bear mascot sporting stylish sunglasses (hence the name).

Arriving early is key to soaking in the pre-game excitement. Take the opportunity to explore the Kia Center, grab some snacks and promotional items, and catch a glimpse of the players warming up on the ice. Tip: If you go up to the glass during warm-ups, you might just end up with a puck from one of the players!

It's worth noting that fights between players are common during hockey games. While these skirmishes are usually broken up quickly, keep this in mind when considering bringing your kids to a game.

Orlando Solar Bears Season Tickets

Whether you're a hockey enthusiast or a casual fan, the Solar Bears offer various ticket options to suit your preferences. Tickets are usually available at the gate, but we highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance to secure your preferred seats. Single-game tickets are great for occasional outings and are budget-friendly, with tickets starting at just $18. Our family enjoys sitting in the loge section, where kids can move around a little more freely, with comfy seats, a table, and servers. Full and half season ticket plans provide a more immersive experience for families who can't get enough of the action.

Parking at Orlando Solar Bears Games

Parking in downtown Orlando can be a challenge, but the Kia Center provides parking options to make it easy on guests. The GEICO garage is adjacent to the venue and has a walking bridge directly to the venue, so you don’t have to worry about crossing any streets with the kiddos. You can pre-purchase parking in the GEICO garage directly through the Kia Center. The City of Orlando also offers other nearby parking options, with prices usually varying from $10-20.

Orlando Solar Bears Merchandise & Dining Options

The team's merchandise store within the venue offers a variety of jerseys, shirts, hats, and other memorabilia for fans of all ages. Let the kids pick out their favorite Solar Bears gear to show their team spirit. Merchandise is also sold on the Solar Bears website.

There are several food and drink stands available throughout the Kia Center, although like most sporting events, many of them come with a higher price tag. Our strategy is to eat dinner BEFORE heading to the game, ensuring the kids aren't hungry, and then opt for convenient snacks during the event.

Attend the seasonal Teddy Bear Toss game, where guests throw stuffed animals onto the ice after the Bears score their final goal!

Orlando Solar Bears Promotional Games

Special, promotional events add an extra layer of excitement to your family's game day experience. Kids can wear Halloween costumes for the Boo with the Bears game each October (with trick-or-treating on the concourse prior to the game). The annual Teddy Bear Toss is a holiday tradition for our family. At this game, it rains teddy bears… literally! Fans bring stuffed animals to throw on the ice after the Bears score their first goal. Tip for this game: Sit in a lower section near the ice for an opportunity to throw stuffed animals that come from the higher seats and don’t quite make it to the ice.

Solar Bears Birthday Parties & Kids Club

For a truly memorable celebration, consider hosting your child's birthday party at an Orlando Solar Bears game. We hosted our son’s 9th birthday at a Solar Bears game and all the kids and adults had a blast! The team offers special birthday packages that include tickets, food options, and even a personalized birthday message on the Jumbotron during the game. It's a fantastic way to celebrate a special day with friends and family.

Sign your kids up for the Solar Bears Kids Club -- kids ages 12 and under get exclusive swag, discounts on a birthday party suite, a birthday card from Shades, and exclusive events for Kids Club members.

Photos by the author