Family Day Out: Watching the Exeter Chiefs with Kids – Our Honest Review

This Bank Holiday weekend, we decided to do something a bit different and take the family to watch the Exeter Chiefs play at Sandy Park Stadium. Now, I’ll admit—it was a bit of a risky choice. My 8-year-old daughter, who is gymnastics mad, isn’t a rugby fan and rarely sits still for more than five minutes. My 10-year-old son is completely sports-mad, but rugby isn’t really his thing either. So, let’s just say enthusiasm levels were... mixed.

But when the lovely team at Optix Solutions invited us along to the match, I jumped at the chance. You might be wondering why, considering the kids’ views—but I truly believe in trying new experiences as a family. You never know what’s going to be a surprise hit!

🚗 Getting to Sandy Park

There is very limited parking at the stadium, and it must be booked in advance, so I’d definitely recommend looking into alternative options. Luckily, there are lots of designated parking areas nearby, with shuttle buses running to and from the ground, making it super easy to get there. You can find more about offsite parking here.

🎶 First Impressions & Atmosphere

The moment you arrive, the atmosphere is incredible! Music is playing everywhere—there was live music outside the stadium and upbeat tunes pitchside. Walking through the tunnel to the pitch, I saw my daughter’s face light up. The music and energy totally changed her mood.

We also had a lot of fun spotting all the themed fan groups—there were Romans, Easter bunnies, and all sorts of quirky outfits. It’s all part of the fun!

🎧 What About Noise Levels?

Both of my children can be a bit sensitive to loud sounds, and they were a little nervous. But to our surprise, the sound was well distributed throughout the stadium and didn’t bother them at all. We did spot a few children wearing ear defenders—so if your little one is especially sensitive, it’s a great idea to pack a pair just in case.

🍔 Food & Drink

I was genuinely impressed with the quality of the food. We've been to plenty of events where food is overpriced and underwhelming, but this was different. Yes, the prices were a bit high—but so was the quality. Options included burgers, pasties, chips, hog roast and more.

We had the hog roast and cheesy chips—so good, in fact, that we went back for seconds at half-time. There were also sweet bags, which were a huge hit with the kids!

🍻 Was It Too Boozy?

Let’s be real—those groups of Romans and Easter bunnies were rarely without their giant pitchers of beer. But honestly? I didn’t witness any inappropriate behaviour. It felt like a genuinely family-friendly event, with lots of children around. I imagine the vibe may shift later on if you hang around the bars post-match, but during the game, it felt safe and friendly.

🏉 So… Was It a Good Family Day Out?

Yes! I packed a bag full of books and games, fully expecting the kids to dive in about 6 minutes into the match. But that bag? Untouched until the 50th minute! Rugby is faster-paced than I expected and genuinely fun to watch—even for a non-fan like me.

The kids asked loads of questions about the rules, got really into it, and loved chanting, clapping, and cheering with the crowd.

One thing I love about rugby is the sportsmanship. Fans from both teams sit together, and the atmosphere is friendly and respectful—a great example for children to see. It’s a sport full of emotion and life lessons, which I think is amazing for kids to experience.

🎉 Half-Time Entertainment

Half-time was just as fun as the game! There were people inside giant inflatable balls attempting to play rugby—my two thought it was hilarious.

💰 Let’s Talk Pricing

Here’s the only downside: rugby isn’t a cheap day out. That said—what day out with great entertainment is anymore? You can check the most up-to-date ticket prices on the Exeter Chiefs website, and I’d say it’s worth the money for a special family experience.

✅ Final Thoughts

If you're looking for something different to do one weekend, I think sporting events like this are a great shout. Our afternoon with the Exeter Chiefs turned out to be a brilliant family day out—and we’ll definitely be doing it again.