Release the Kraken! You don’t need to know a lot about hockey to love the Seattle Kraken and experience the thrills and fun of hockey in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for an exciting family outing, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the Kraken spirit. From free to spendy, here are some family-friendly activities that are sure to captivate all ages and interest levels.
Related Fun Sports Activities for Kids
- Make game day even more memorable—after cheering on the Seattle Mariners, kids can run the bases at T-Mobile Park
Ready for an unforgettable football experience—kids can watch the Seattle Seahawks up close at their summer practice camp
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When to Experience the Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken season typically runs from October through April, with potential playoff games extending into May and June. Whether you’re looking to catch a home game, attend a special event, or visit the Kraken Community Iceplex, planning ahead ensures you make the most of the hockey season. The schedule varies each year, so be sure to check the official Kraken website for updated game dates and events.
View a Kraken Practice
Watch the Kraken Practice Up Close
One of the best ways to see the Seattle Kraken in action—without the cost of a game ticket—is to attend a team practice. The Kraken hold practices at the Kraken Community Iceplex, their training facility in Northgate. These practices are free and open to the public at the Starbucks Rink which seats 600 people at a first come, first served basis. Be sure to check the Kraken’s official website for date and times for their practice schedule. Doors open 15 minutes before practice starts, and sessions typically last 30-60 minutes.
Make the Most Out of This Experience
A little planning can enhance your experience! Grab a seat on either end of the rink, where kids can stand against the plexiglass for an up-close look at the players and the speed of play. Some lucky kids get an official practice puck tossed over the wall from a player or coach. Want to increase your chances? Bring a sign to hold up against the glass—personalize it with a message or directly ask for a puck!
Meet the Players After Practice
After practice, look for a line forming outside near the Buoy mobile—this is where fans can wait to meet players. Many players stop to sign autographs and take photos. The line cycles through each time a player stops, and often, fans will let kids go to the front for their turn first.
If you want an autograph but don’t have something specific, grab a poster from the lobby or pick up an item from the Team Shop. Need a pen? Borrow a sharpie from someone in line!
Let your little hockey fans bring the game home with the Franklin Sports Seattle Kraken NHL Mini Hockey Stick Set! This officially licensed set includes two durable, lightweight mini sticks—one in team colors and the other in white, perfect for friendly knee hockey battles or collecting autographs from your favorite players.
Insider Tip: Who We've Seen So Far
We’ve done this three times as of 2025, and here are some of the players and staff who have stopped for autographs and photos: Jordan Eberle, Yanni Gourde, Josh Mahura, Philip Grubauer, Shane Wright, Tye Kartye, Ryker Evans, Mitchel Stephens, John Hayden, Joey Daccord, and Coach Dan.
If you want to maximize your autograph haul, you may be in line for up to two hours, so bring snacks and water! There are usually super fans around who can guide you through the experience—they’re all very friendly!
Skate and Hang Around the Kraken Community Iceplex
After watching a practice, why not hit the ice yourself? The Kraken Community Iceplex offers public skating sessions, where families can lace up and glide on the same rink the Kraken train on. The facility also features a fun, interactive space for young fans, a pro shop for Kraken gear, and a cozy café where you can warm up with some hot cocoa.
Explore the Iceplex
There’s always something happening at the Kraken Community Iceplex. The facility is home to three ice rinks, the 32 Bar & Grill, a Starbucks, and a Team Store, making it a fun and dynamic destination for families.
Join a Public Skate Session
Get on the ice during one of the Public Skate times, which last 1 hour and 45 minutes. Weekends are much busier than weekdays, so plan accordingly. All ages and skill levels are welcome, but be sure to register in advance to secure your spot.
A note about registration: The form states “4 and up”, but we checked with staff and learned that toddlers don’t need to be registered separately—just rent two skates instead.
Cost & Rentals
- $17 per skater for admission
- $6.50 for skate rentals
- Optional: Rent a skate aid! (We highly recommend the Seal for kids—it glides better and doubles as a seat when they need a break.)
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early, especially on weekends, to avoid long rental lines.
- Helmets are recommended for safety. For more fun, get a youth sized hockey helmet!
- Gloves help keep hands warm, especially when picking yourself up off the ice.
Tot Play Hour
If your child is under six and not in daycare or school, check out the Tot Play Hour on Monday and Friday mornings. The rink is transformed with balls, snow piles, and other toys for a fun, interactive ice experience.
- Skates are optional
- Helmets are recommended
- Parent supervision is required
- Cost: $14 per adult, kids under 6 skate free
Skate & Watch Party
For select games, you can register for a Skate & Watch Party—a unique event where fans gather to cheer on the Kraken from the ice. The game is live-broadcasted on a 32-foot screen at the Starbucks Rink, and you can choose to watch from the ice or the bleachers. Keep an eye out for upcoming events!
Dine at 32 Bar & Grill
Before or after skating, grab a bite at 32 Bar & Grill, which offers kid-friendly menu items and delicious options for adults. (We love the Brussels sprouts—and we never say that about Brussels sprouts! 😂) There are also tables overlooking two of the rinks, making for fun mealtime entertainment.
Attend the Kraken Super Skills Showcase
For an event that blends entertainment and hockey prowess, the Kraken Super Skills Showcase is a must-see. This annual event brings the team together for a series of exciting skill competitions, like fastest skater and hardest shot. It’s a lighthearted, family-friendly event that gives fans a chance to see the players’ personalities shine while witnessing their incredible athletic abilities. This event is a great introduction to hockey for younger kids who may not yet be ready to sit through a full game.
Get there early to grab a seat – it’s first come, first serve. We recommend going for one the middle sections (1, 2, 26 on the west side or 14, 15, 16 on the east side).
Cheer on the Kraken during a Game at Climate Pledge Arena
There’s nothing quite like the electric atmosphere of a Kraken game at Climate Pledge Arena. Even if you’re new to hockey, the energy in the arena will sweep you up in the excitement. From the booming goal horn to the crowd chanting ‘Release the Kraken,’ the experience is thrilling from start to finish.
Game Day Experience
The Seattle Kraken play numerous home games at Climate Pledge Arena each year. Early 1 PM games are less common and often more expensive, but they can be a great option for families with younger kids. No matter the time, the game experience is captivating, and the three periods go by fast with non-stop action and excitement.
One of the best things about Climate Pledge Arena is that there’s really no such thing as a bad seat—even in the last row, you’ll still have a solid view of the rink and the fast-paced gameplay.
Arrive Early for Pre-Game Fun
Make the most of your Kraken experience by getting there early to enjoy the pre-game celebrations. Depending on the game, pre-game activities might be hosted at Seattle Center Armory, the arena plaza, or around the arena itself.
Pre-game festivities can include
- Interactive games
- Giveaways
- Sign-making stations
- Face painting
- Caricatures
- Photo ops with Buoy and other Kraken-themed displays
Watch Warmups Up Close
About 15-20 minutes before puck drop, head to sections 20 and 21 to get up against the glass for warmups. This is an exciting opportunity to see the players up close before the game begins. If you want a prime spot, arrive early and be prepared to wait.
Even if you’re watching from your seat, be camera-ready—you might just get on the Jumbotron!
Bag Policy & Helpful Tips
- Bring a clear bag—the arena does not have on-site lockers.
- Medical and diaper bags are permitted, but they are subject to search.
- Save money on drinks by bringing an empty plastic reusable bottle—you can fill it inside rather than paying for premium-priced bottled water.
Food & Concessions
Climate Pledge Arena offers plenty of kid-friendly food options, including value-priced items. To avoid long lines, check the arena’s food map in advance and decide what you want before the game starts. This will help you skip the long intermission lines and keep the focus on the action.
Final Thoughts
Follow the Seattle Kraken on social media for even more fun opportunities, like the Crystal Mountain takeover, exclusive behind-the-scenes locker room content, and player insights to get to know the team better.
Whether you’re watching a practice, skating at the Iceplex, attending the Skills Showcase, or cheering on the team at a game, there are so many ways to experience the Seattle Kraken as a family. These activities are perfect for creating lasting memories while embracing the excitement of hockey in Seattle.
Go Kraken!
