If you’ve ever wondered whether taking four kids to a major college football rivalry game is brave parenting or questionable decision-making… I can confirm: it’s both.
This year, we packed up the crew and headed to Austin to watch the Texas Longhorns take on the Arkansas Razorbacks — a matchup steeped in decades of history and border-state pride. The rivalry dates back to 1894 and has produced legendary moments and fiercely loyal fan bases.
But our trip wasn’t about history lessons.
It was about foam fingers, stadium snacks, sibling negotiations, and the kind of memories that stick.
Somewhere between Houston and kickoff — after a necessary nugget stop and approximately 47 “Are we there yet?” inquiries — I realized this wasn’t just a game day.
It was a core-memory day.
The Drive: Houston → Austin with a Strategic Nugget Stop
Because it was an afternoon game, we hit the road mid-morning — prime time for both excitement and hunger meltdowns.
Enter the most important play call of the day: a stop at Chick-fil-A.
Nothing stabilizes four children faster than waffle fries and nuggets.
Pro tip: Order on the app while still on the highway. Walk in like a hero. Avoid the line. Receive instant parental respect.
Somewhere west of Houston, the car conversations began:
“Can we get candy?”
“Will there be fireworks?”
“Do we get to meet Bevo?”
“Are we allowed to yell?”
Yes. Yes. Yes. And emphatically yes.
Arrival in Austin: Burnt Orange Everywhere
Pulling into Austin felt like entering a burnt-orange universe orbiting around University of Texas at Austin.
Flags waved from trucks. Fans greeted strangers like neighbors. Every third person flashed the iconic hand sign — which prompted an urgent tutorial request from the backseat.
Hook ’em lesson learned:
- Make a fist
- Extend your index finger and pinky
- Tuck the middle and ring fingers under your thumb
- Double-check you’re not flashing the ASL “I love you” sign 😅
- Hold it high and say it with confidence: Hook ’em 🤘
The big kids had the technique down from years of practice, though they still needed reminders about when to throw it up during the game. The youngest, however, is still very much in the training phase — proudly attempting something closer to the number four — but showing strong potential for future Longhorn greatness.
Tailgating with Kids: Surprisingly Magical
Tailgating with children might sound chaotic, but for Texas fans, it’s practically a cultural education.
The kids loved:
- Climbing, bouncing, and launching themselves down the bouncy houses and inflatable slides like caffeinated gymnasts
- Sampling queso like seasoned food critics
- People-watching and spotting the most over-the-top burnt orange outfits
- Watching the band warm up and hearing “Texas Fight” echo through nearby tailgates
One child declared it “like a giant party where everyone is wearing the same color.”
Accurate.
Inside the Stadium: When the Crowd Comes Alive
When the Longhorns took the field, the stadium erupted — and four kids instantly froze in awe.
They learned the chants.
They waved their Hook ’em signs.
They yelled “TEXAS!” with confidence that suggested lifelong fandom.
By the second quarter, they also learned stadium food pricing economics.
“Wait… this lemonade is HOW MUCH?”
Welcome to college football, kids.
Practical Tips for Taking Kids to a Texas Game
If you’re thinking about making the trip, here’s what helped us survive and thrive:
Before You Go
- Dress in burnt orange (peer pressure is real)
- Teach the Hook ’em sign in advance
- Pack portable phone chargers
- Download tickets & parking passes ahead of time
Drive Strategy
- Stop early for food (hanger prevention = peacekeeping)
- Bring extra drinks & wipes
- Accept that someone will spill something
Game Day Survival
- Let each child pick ONE treat and ONE drink to avoid constant negotiations
- Take a halftime walk to reset restless legs
- Bring ear protection for younger kids
- Establish a meeting point in case someone gets separated
Manage Expectations
- They won’t sit the whole game
- They will ask for snacks again
- They will remember the experience forever
