Packing & Airport Tips for Families

We’ve had this one circled on the calendar for months.

Our family has been all-in on lacrosse for years—weekend tournaments, muddy cleats in the trunk, late-night stick stringing at the kitchen table. Both of our kids have played, and while our daughter has since hung up her stick, our son is still charging the field and watching every game he can. So when the NCAA Lacrosse Championships were set for Boston this year, we knew it was finally time to go. Not just to watch, but to experience it.

We’ve been glued to the playoffs, tracking every bracket upset and highlight reel goal. Now we’re packing up for our first-ever trip to the championships—part fan pilgrimage, part family adventure. And if you’re doing the same, we’ve got some tried-and-true packing and airport tips to make your journey to Boston a win before the first face-off.

After my tips below, you can enter your email and we'll send you our Goalposts and Getaways travel checklist FREE! It covers car/ air travel and also a lacrosse specific section if you're heading to a tournament yourself.

PACKING PLAYBOOK: WHAT TO BRING

1. Pack by Activity, Not Person
Instead of packing separate suitcases per family member, try organizing by purpose:

• Game Day Bag: Jerseys, hats, face paint, sunscreen, stadium-approved clear bag, and let your son make a sign for his favorite player(s)

• Weather-Ready Gear: Boston in late May can throw you a curveball—think sun one minute and drizzle the next. Pack light layers, ponchos, and extra socks. Its already looking like we'll see some rain and while we take rain jackets, the pancho is so nice to be able to have something water proof and small to throw on and off in a hurry as the weather comes and goes.

• Explore Mode: You’ll want comfortable shoes for walking the Freedom Trail, Fenway, or grabbing cannoli in the North End.

• Every-trip Bonus Tip: Always pack at least one change of clothes in your personal bag per person in case your checked luggage gets lost and you have to wait 24 hours for the airline to sort it out!

2. Chargers and Power Banks
With game updates, GPS directions, and all the photos you'll take, your phone might not make it through multiple lacrosse games without a boost. Pack at least one power bank per adult.

3. Snacks & Refillable Water Bottles
Avoid overpriced airport food and hangry meltdowns. Bring a mix of protein snacks, granola bars, and refillable bottles to use at airport stations and during outings.

AIRPORT TIPS FOR GAME-DAY FAMILIES

1. Book Early Flights
The earlier the flight, the fewer the delays—and usually, the smoother the experience with kids. Arriving early in Boston also gives you a chance to explore the city before game day. Although this is my tip, its one we aren't following this time as we have prior school engagements and can't get out until late. Fingers crossed!

2. TSA Tips for Families
Get organized before the line:

• Put snacks and liquids in an easy-to-access pouch.

• Slip-on shoes are your friend. As much as I hate Crocs, I let my son wear his in the airport just to speed things up!

• Prep the kids for what TSA will look like—especially if this is their first flight.

3. Use the Airline App
Most airlines now let you manage your trip right from your phone. It’s the easiest way to track gates, flight updates, and even order snacks before you board. Because of my husband's job, we tend to fly United alot an I like having all the tickets on my phone as well as not having to hope for a text message etc. when our gate inevitably changes.

4. Look for Family Lanes at Security
If your airport has them, family lanes tend to be more relaxed and understanding of slower-moving little travelers. Our son is getting to the age where we no longer get waived through the non-scanning lines, but if you have younger travelers, give the TSA agent a look and hope they wave you through a simple metal detector to get you in and out in a hurry.

BONUS: LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP TIPS - From Reading Others Tips!

1. Review the Stadium Rules
Most NCAA venues have a clear bag policy and restrictions on outside food or drinks. Avoid delays by checking the guidelines in advance. Gillette Stadium has this policy where we'll be going so we've made sure to get 2 of them from Amazon.

2. Boston Traffic Game Plan
Expect traffic around the stadium. Use public transit (Boston’s “T” system is easy to navigate), rideshare drop-offs, or walk if your hotel is nearby. We are staying in Boston so we will have to drive to the stadium daily. However, it does seem that the public transit there is fairly navigable even for the newbie.

3. Make It a Memory
Pick up a championship tee or team flag and snap photos at the venue with your kids. These are the kind of souvenirs that stick with them—and maybe even inspire their next game. Our daughter always got a tournament shirt from each one she played in, and we had them made into a blanket after she was graduating. You can do something similar from the places you go, as there will no doubt be plenty of fan-fare for you to get your hands on.

FINAL WHISTLE

Whether you’re heading somewhere for the love of lacrosse, the thrill of championship play, or simply the family bonding that comes from shared sidelines, it’s should be a weekend to remember. A little planning now means more time cheering, exploring, and soaking it all in once you get there.

We’ll see you at the championships—face paint on (Syracuse/ Maryland gear packed), and ready for the opening whistle.

Goalposts and Getaways - Travel far. Cheer loud. Make memories.