If you’re a family looking for an adrenaline-packed, unforgettable experience, Monster Jam might already be on your radar. The roar of massive engines, jaw-dropping stunts, and iconic monster trucks make it a perfect outing for kids and adults alike. But before you hit “buy” on those tickets, you must know a few things to make the most of your experience. As someone passionate about family-friendly adventures and thoughtful planning, I’ve rounded up 20 tips to help you navigate Monster Jam like a pro.
Leave the unexpected to the monster trucks—plan ahead.
1. What is Monster Jam?
Monster Jam is a motorsport event featuring monster trucks competing in racing, freestyle, and skills competitions. It’s more than just loud trucks—it’s a high-energy show designed to thrill audiences of all ages.
2. Ticket Options
Monster Jam ticket types vary depending on the venue. Tickets come in various tiers, from general admission to reserved seating and VIP packages. Some venues also offer family bundles to save you money. Buy tickets here at Ticketmaster.
General Admission: Provides open seating in designated areas.
Reserved Seating: Guarantees a specific seat with options for better views.
VIP Packages: Offer premium seating, exclusive perks, and often include access to the Pit Party or meet-and-greet opportunities.
Family Bundles: Designed for families, these packages may include discounted tickets and merchandise vouchers.
Pit Pass: The Pit Party is a must for die-hard fans and families. This pre-event experience allows attendees to:
- Get up close to the massive monster trucks.
- Meet the drivers and take photos with them.
- Collect autographs and interact with the stars of the show.
Access requires a separate ticket or pass, which is sometimes bundled with VIP packages.
My husband and our 24 month old at the Preshow Pit Party in January 2025.
3. How Long is the Event?
Monster Jam events typically last 2 to 2.5 hours, including a 15-20-minute intermission. The length may vary slightly depending on the venue and schedule, making the show manageable with young children.
The Preshow Pit Party lasted about 1.5 hours. When my toddler realized he was up close with his favorite trucks, I felt like mom of the year. Since we were among the first to enter, it felt like a VIP exclusive.
4. Venue Size and Layout
Monster Jam takes place in arenas and outdoor stadiums.
- Arenas: Offer a more intimate experience with closer views of the action.
- Stadiums: Feature larger-scale events, more trucks, and bigger stunts.
Seating location significantly impacts your experience. Stadiums generally provide expansive views, while arenas allow for up-close, detailed looks at the action.
5. Prepare for the Noise
Monster Jam is loud. Very loud. Bring ear protection, especially for kids. Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs are lifesavers in this environment. Some venues may sell ear protection on-site, but it’s better to bring your own. Neither of the children in our group (ages 2-5) seemed to mind the loudness. However, we made sure to protect their tiny ears with headphones.
6. Is it Kid-Friendly?
Yes! Monster Jam is marketed as a family-friendly event, and children often love the excitement of the trucks. However, parents should keep in mind:
The intense action and loud sounds may not suit children sensitive to sensory stimulation.
The noise levels can be overwhelming for very young children.
7. Weather Considerations:
Unless extreme weather makes it unsafe, Monster Jam generally proceeds rain or shine for outdoor events. Be prepared with:
Sunscreen and hats are recommended for sunny days. Consider rain ponchos or waterproof clothing for days with a forecast of rain and an additional layer of clothes for cold days.
Check the weather forecast ahead of time and dress accordingly.
If you are like me and arrive an hour early, keep in mind some venues, like CFG Bank Arena, will not allow you to enter until the time of the event. My husband and I stood outside in the cold with our toddler and hundreds of others who read on their website to arrive early. I wish I knew to bring gloves and an additional layer of clothing to be comfortable. Once inside, we endured another issue with this venue, and it was nearly as cold as outside. I’m assuming it’s for ventilation purposes. See my other blog, Monster Jam With a Toddler, for complete details.
8. Best Seats in the House
Choosing the right seat can enhance your Monster Jam experience:
Upper levels: Offer a panoramic view but may feel distant from the action.
Middle-tier seating: Provides the best overall view of the arena or stadium.
Floor seating: Gets you closer to the trucks but may limit the visibility of the entire field.
I accidentally bought front-row tickets because I wasn’t familiar with the layout 🤦🏽♀️. I didn’t realize the map on the booking app didn’t have specific seats available because of the flying mud. I thought I bought tickets for the middle of the crowd just in case the noise and vibrations were too much for the children. Boy, were we happy I made that mistake? We had a blast, and it enhanced our experience. More details of the experience are in my other blog post, Monster Jam with a toddler.
9. Food Options
Concessions are available at every venue, but prices can add up quickly. Check if your venue allows outside snacks or water bottles. The food options at CFG Bank Arena were not good. We didn’t enjoy the food or the process of buying the food at KOKO’s. Not only was the food unsatisfying, but you had to scan a credit or debit card to enter the gates to allow a $25 hold, which would be released at some point if you didn’t spend the full amount. Yikes! I witnessed two teens have their cards charged $25 just for a soda. That wasn’t all; see my other post-Monster Jam With A Toddler, for more details about that experience. I’m not sure I could cook great food for an entire arena. Let’s hope my food was the only meal overcooked.
10. Shop the Merch
Monster Jam events feature a wide range of merchandise, including:
Souvenirs: Posters, flags, and more.
If you plan to shop, budget accordingly, as merchandise can sell out quickly.
Clothing: T-shirts, hoodies, and hats.
Toys: Miniature trucks and collectibles.
We did purchase the headphones since the ones we bought with us were old and not as noise-canceling as the ones pictured. Keep in mind that you could find some noise-canceling headphones online for cheaper. I just wanted to get the branded ones for his first experience.
11. Know the Truck Lineup
Check Monster Jam’s official website for the lineup of trucks and drivers at your event. Favorites like Grave Digger and Max-D might be in attendance! Although it would for sure be a great show no matter what. The experience would mean much more if the actual trucks your family or child is into attending. After all, that’s why you’re considering Monster Jam in the first place.
12. Post Show: Driver Meet-and-Greets
In addition to the Pit Party, certain ticket types may include:
Exclusive opportunities to interact with drivers.
These experiences are a great way to make lasting memories.
We did not purchase tickets for this one. It was a post-event opportunity that my group was just a bit too young to enjoy.
13. Understand the Schedule
Monster Jam events follow a structured format with multiple rounds, including:
Freestyle Performances: Trucks execute stunts and jumps, thrilling the audience.
Head-to-Head Racing: Trucks compete in timed races.
Two-Wheel Skills Challenge: Drivers perform technical tricks like wheelies.
Familiarizing yourself with the flow can help you know what to expect. We planned to leave right after the freestyle event in hopes of beating the wave of people out of the arena at the end. Guess what, the freestyle was the last event 😂 which, of course, didn’t work out as I planned.
14. Scoring Explained
Scoring is based on performance in freestyle and skills challenges, judged on:
- Creativity.
- Difficulty of tricks.
- Audience engagement (some events allow fans to score through an app).
15. Plan Parking in Advance
Parking at Monster Jam events can be:
- Expensive, depending on the venue.
- Limited in availability for larger events.
Arriving early ensures better parking options and reduces walking time to the venue. - Checking your venue website for nearby parking is very important. Sometimes a list of parking garages are available for you to research cost, distance etc.
16. Safety First
Monster Jam enforces strict safety protocols to protect attendees, including:
Clear rules about staying within designated seating areas.
Follow all safety instructions and announcements during the event.
Physical barriers between the trucks and the audience.
17. Camera & Bag Rules
Many venues allow personal cameras but may restrict professional equipment and large bags. Check the venue’s policy before arriving.
Clear bags are the only approved bags allowed, other than a tiny bag not much bigger than a cell phone. That includes diaper bags, purses, and more. Please check your venue’s bag policy to ensure the exact dimensions are allowed. I typically bring a clear bag I bought from Walmart labeled stadium-approved. Consider a large bag to hold all the necessary items for yourself and the children. Keep in mind the size requirements at your venue. My exact bag is inexpensive and works very well for my family. Click here for this bag from Walmart.
18. Special Needs Accessibility Options
If someone in your group has special needs, most venues offer accessible seating and parking. Contact the venue ahead of time to arrange accommodations.
Venues hosting Monster Jam events provide accommodations for individuals with special needs, such as:
- Accessible seating and restrooms.
- Priority parking spaces.
Contact the venue ahead of time to make necessary arrangements.
19. Refund Policies
It’s important to review the venue or ticket provider’s refund and exchange policies.
Look into event insurance if you’re concerned about unforeseen cancellations or changes.
20. Be Ready for Surprise
At Monster Jam, expect the unexpected! Every event is unique, from thrilling bonus stunts and mid-show surprises to giveaways or interactive crowd moments. Stay engaged, cheer loud, and you might even influence the crowd-judged scoring for your favorite truck. This unpredictability adds extra excitement to the experience, making it a memorable outing for the entire family. Always keep your eyes on the track—anything can happen!
Final Tips for Monster Jam Success
Monster Jam is more than just a show—it’s an experience packed with excitement and energy. With a bit of preparation, you can make the most of your outing and ensure it’s a day your family won’t forget.
Whether you’re there to watch Grave Digger defy gravity or soak up the atmosphere, Monster Jam is a memory in the making. And if you’re looking for more family-friendly events or travel tips, stick around—there’s always something exciting to explore here.
Let’s create, learn, and grow together—one epic adventure at a time!
Do you have questions or tips about attending Monster Jam? Drop them in the comments below!
This guide perfectly combines thoughtful planning and family fun to help you enjoy Monster Jam stress-free. Share it with a friend or save it to Pinterest for later!
looking for a clever storage for toy monster trucks? Check out this Monster Jam Arena Playmat and Storage Combo. Buy on Amazon here!
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