I brought my Minu travel stroller to really put the grounds to the test, tracked down every changing table and nursing tent, and figured out which gate gets you closest to what. Here's everything I wish I'd known before walking in. so you can spend your energy on the fun stuff. 💛
First things first: THE HOURS CHANGE DAILY LOL
I thought I was going on time (2 hours before a game made sense to me+id heard word on the street that’s how it worked) WRONG HAHAHA I waited an hour to get in.
This is the official place to view hours.
🚗 Getting there + parking
- Park in Lot 8 — intersection of N Renfrew St and McGill (it's Lot 212 on the ZipBy app).
- I paid $45.45 and it was good for the entire day + until 6 AM the next morning.
- It's pricey, but I have a feeling that's exactly why it reliably has spots. Cheaper lots fill up fast; this one you can count on.
- My honest take: when you're weighing this against transit, factor in nap time and your own energy. Sometimes the expensive-but-easy option is the one that saves the day. Totally up to you! 🙂
🚪 Know your gates (this saves so much walking!)
Each gate drops you right next to something different, so pick based on your plan:
- Gate 2 → straight to The Family Hub + the FIFA Store
- Gate 4 → straight to The Backyard (this is where LEGO and the playground are! 🧱)
- Gate 10 → straight to the Amphitheater, the KIA photo booth, and the Coca-Cola fan zone (free flags + headbands! 🎌) - this is also pretty close to Lot 8 if you park there!
Accessibility note: I spotted accessible signage at Gates 2 and 10. I couldn't confirm whether the other gates have accessibility features, so if you have mobility needs, Gate 2 or 10 are your safest bets going in.
🌻 The Family Hub — the heart of it all
If you're coming with little ones or anyone who needs a calmer space, head here first. Inside the Family Hub you'll find:
- A sensory tent for quiet, low-stim breaks 🤫
- Two nursing tents 🤱there’s a changing table inside one btw
- Porta-potties + hand washing stations
- Turf and padded floors underfoot (important for the sensory tent so kids can crawl there but also nice for strollers and getting in/out of the hub)
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (HDS) 🌻
The Family Hub is where you collect your Hidden Disabilities Sunflower wristband or lanyard. If you or someone in your group has a non-visible disability, this is a quiet way to signal to staff and volunteers that you might need a little extra patience, time, or support. No explanation required.
🚻 #Certifiedchangingtable🚼 alert!
There's an accessible washroom building between the Family Hub and the FIFA Store — look for the blue box. Inside the accessible stall, there's a changing table. ✅ Certified and confirmed by me!
🌳 The Backyard + the Neighborhood
Big open fields for running, playing, and watching the games on the large screens. 📺 Perfect for letting the kids burn off energy while you catch the action.
⚠️ One heads-up: even though these are open picnic-style fields, you can't bring picnic blankets, seat cushions, or lawn chairs (more on that below). You can absolutely still spread out and enjoy — just plan around it.
This is also the area with LEGO, face painting, ski ball, a playground, and other fun family things!
🎭 The Amphitheater
- Has ticketed reserved seats *plus* first-come, first-served seating.
- There's a screen in the waiting line so you won't miss anything while you queue.
- Stroller parking is right beside the entrance — huge win. 🙌
- They'll hand you a wristband as you walk in.
🎧Make sure to bring baby ear protection if you hang out there a long time because this is the noisiest viewing area!!!
🦺 Volunteers worth knowing
- Good Night Out (pink uniforms 💗): they do non-enforcement wellness checks, bystander support, and de-escalation. If something feels off or someone in your group needs a safe person, these are the folks.
- 👕FIFA-colored uniforms: these are your map experts. Lots of other volunteers are there for specific roles and may not know the full layout — so for directions, find a FIFA uniform.
🎒 What you CAN'T bring
- ❌ Picnic blankets, seat cushions, or lawn chairs of any kind (I was specifically told baby blankets are ok, just make sure it’s WITH the baby as you enter so the situation isn’t confusing for the volunteers trying to inspect and keep things safe).
- ✅ **Exception:** cane-chairs and seat-walker mobility aids are allowed.
- ❌ Picnic blankets (yes, even in the open fields!)
- ❌ Metal water bottles (bring a non-metal one instead — see below)
- ❌ Your own portable phone chargers — not allowed. They have some inside if you need a top-up. 🔋
Accidentally brought something off the list? No panic; there are free lockers outside the entrances where you can stash it. 🔒
💧 Handy things around the venue
- Free filtered water stations are all around — just remember, no metal bottles. Bring a plastic or silicone one and refill for free all day.
- Free lockers outside the entrances (lifesaver for off-limits items).
- Lost and found booths at Gates 2 & 4.
👶 Should you bring a stroller? My verdict: YES.
I tested the grounds with my Minu travel stroller and honestly? I don't know if I'd recommend going without one. It's a lot of walking and a lot to carry.
- Everything was very doable stroller-wise.
- Some spots had temporary cable covers or plastic walkways laid over the turf and grass, but they were easy to roll over.
- A compact travel stroller handled it all just fine.
💛 The quick version
- Park: Lot 8 / Lot 212 on ZipBy (~$45, all day)
- Enter: Gate 2 or 10 for accessibility; Gate 4 for the playground
- First stop: The Family Hub for your Sunflower band, nursing tents + sensory tent
- Changing table: blue accessible washroom between Family Hub + FIFA Store
- Bring: a stroller + a non-metal water bottle
- Leave at home: blankets, chairs, metal bottles, your own phone charger
- Need directions? Find a FIFA-uniformed volunteer 🗺️
HAVE FUN!!!
A little bit of my philosophy that nobody asked for:
They say being a parent puts things into perspective in indescribable ways. There are so many reasons why I think that’s true, but also I think we can do better. The more we learn to articulate things, the better we get at doing them.
The deal is that we should care about family’s well beings because we were ALL children. And if we are blessed? We will all experience caring for a child in one way or another. Equally important, we should value inclusion and accessibility because it’s the best way to honor our vulnerable human condition. Disabilities are indiscriminate, and all people deserve to be treated with dignity.
I want caregivers to feel confident (not just because I honor the work) but also because it’s easy to forget that confidence IS polite! We face choices everyday on what to let slide. The trick is that we need to be much more discerning when we advocate for others. When we let something go that we needed? That leads to resentment, which makes emotions much harder to regulate. If you go into a situation PREPARED, then you will be able to relax and communicate with others effectively. And that??? That is love. I love you and I want to help you!!!
Please keep trying things, go have fun!!! Remember to ask for and accept help when it’s offered. Know your own family’s needs are not luxuries, and you all deserve to have a GREAT day ☀️