NFL Draft Pittsburgh 2026 with Kids Guide

Planning to attend the NFL Draft Pittsburgh 2026 with kids? This massive event is expected to draw families from all over looking for fun, free, kid-friendly things to do during NFL Draft weekend.

The good news: the NFL Draft 2026 is surprisingly family-friendly as long as you know where to go, when to go, and what to expect.

This guide covers the best kid-friendly zones at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, plus dates, times, locations, costs, and rules to help you plan the perfect day.

NFL Draft 2026 General Info

• Dates:
  • Thursday, April 23, 2026
  • Friday, April 24, 2026
  • Saturday, April 25, 2026
• General Admission:
  ✔ FREE and open to the public
  ✔ Fans must register for free entry tickets via the NFL OnePass app
• Kids / Age Info:
  ✔ All ages welcome
  ✔ Children do NOT need separate tickets but must be registered with an adult
• Security:
  ✔ Bag checks required
  ✔ Clear bag policy typically enforced
  ✔ Strollers allowed but may be restricted in dense areas
• All Fan Services locations at NFL Draft Experience are accessible and equipped with baby changing tables and private space for nursing mothers.

Family Friendly Zones

Point State Park 

Address: 601 Commonwealth Pl, Bldg A, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 

Cost: FREE (registration required via NFL OnePass)

Hours:

• Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM – 6:00 PM

Activities:

• Autograph Stage
• Football drills and obstacle courses
• Lombardi Trophy photo opp
• Interactive games and skill challenges
• Mascots, photo ops, giveaways

Rules & access:

✔ Open to the public with free registration
✔ Family-friendly, all ages welcome
✔ No reserved times, first come, first served
✔ Lines can get long for activities

This is a core family zone of the entire event. It’s designed specifically for fans to participate, not just watch, making it the best place for kids to stay engaged. Just be prepared for crowds and lines, especially later in the day.

North Shore / Acrisure Stadium

Address: 100 Art Rooney Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Cost: FREE (included with entry)

 Hours:

• Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Activities:

• Play 60 Zone: Field Goal Challenge, Gear up and Go, Vertical Jump
• Smaller play areas
• Open space for movement
• Kid-focused activities

Rules & access:

✔ Open to all ages (best for younger kids)
✔ No separate ticket needed beyond entry registration
✔ Less structured, you can come and go freely

This is the best area for younger kids who might struggle with the intensity of the main experience. It’s easier, calmer, and gives kids room to move without waiting in long lines.

Market Square 

Address: 210 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Cost: FREE (food/activities extra)

Hours:

• Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

What to expect:

• Live music
• Pop-up vendors
• Family-friendly activities
• Interactive brand activations

Rules & access:

✔ Open to public
✔ No registration required
✔ Less crowded than main draft zones

This is a great alternative space if you want NFL energy without the intensity of the main event areas. It’s especially good for families who want something more relaxed but still festive.

Special Events

Nova Place Kickoff Party

Location: Nova Place, 100 S Commons, Pittsburgh PA 15212

Cost: FREE
Hours: Thursday, April 23: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

What to Expect: 

• Live music and entertainment
• Family-friendly activities
• Food trucks and vendors

Drone Light Show (Special Event Highlight)

Visible from:

• Point State Park
• North Shore Riverfront Park
• Bridges + riverfront viewing areas

Cost: FREE

Time

• Friday: Late evening (following the end of that day’s draft picks)

What to expect:

• Coordinated drone light show over the river
• Music + NFL-themed visuals

Rules & access:

✔ Open public viewing
✔ No ticket required
✔ Best views require arriving early

This is one of the most family-friendly nighttime moments of the entire event—short, visually exciting, and worth staying for if your kids can handle the evening timing.

Final Thoughts

The NFL Draft Pittsburgh 2026 is one of the biggest events the city has seen. It can absolutely be a fun, memorable experience for families. The key is simple…

• Go early
• Prioritize kid-friendly zones
• Plan breaks before the kids need them

Don’t forget to save this guide or share with a friend who’s thinking about going. Be sure to visit their official website, and download the NFL OnePass app for a complete schedule and up to date information. 

Looking for more things to do? Check out our guide to free family-friendly events in Pittsburgh this month.