Taking your kids to see a show is a fun way to spend time together and make memories. One show that might appeal to children is Monster Jam, which takes place at venues across the United States. If you’re thinking about attending but unsure of what to expect, we’ve put together this handy parents’ guide to Monster Jam. You can use the information to decide whether you think it would be a good experience for you and your family.
What Is Monster Jam?
Monster Jam is a live sporting event that features seven monster trucks that can fly through the air, spin, and crush cars. The driver of each truck engages in these actions to excite the crowd and earn points in the competition. Judges watch the show and score each truck in several areas. The first is the most impressive jump over a line that includes three cars. The second is another jump, although this area combines racing with jumping as the first truck to cross the finish line after the jump earns the highest score.
The third judging category is known as freestyle and it gives each driver one minute to perform any stunts they want to attempt. Each truck is roughly 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The trucks can travel up to 100 miles per hour and fly up to 35 feet at a time. Some Monster Jam shows also include stunts and races performed by drivers of four-wheelers and dirt bikes.
Tip for parents: fan participation is common. At some events you can vote or enter scores from your smartphone during freestyle. If your kids love interacting, this can be a highlight of the night.
Where Does Monster Jam Take Place?
As mentioned, Monster Jam takes place in both indoor and outdoor venues located throughout the nation. TicketSmarter offers tickets to the events in various locations. You can also browse all dates and cities on the main Monster Jam tickets page. Some of the upcoming events will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada; Sacramento, California; Sunrise and Pensacola, Florida; and Los Angeles, California. As you go into the later dates, you can find tickets to shows taking place in other states and even in parts of Canada.
If your event takes place at an outdoor arena, you can expect it to go on, even if it’s raining. However, if safety concerns prevent the show from taking place, ticket holders will receive updates regarding cancellation and refunds or postponement after the organizers make a decision.
Will My Kids Like Monster Jam?
It’s helpful to consider what to expect at Monster Jam and plan accordingly, as some kids get scared or overwhelmed during the show. Watching Monster Jam is generally an enjoyable experience for most children. However, it’s a very loud show that involves revving engines and banging sounds throughout. If your kids are sensitive to noise, you may want to wait until they’re a little older to bring them. All kids should wear noise-muffling or noise-canceling headphones to drown out the noise and protect their ears. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends limiting loud noise exposure and using hearing protection like earmuffs or earplugs when avoidance isn’t possible, reinforcing the guidance to bring ear protection for all kids. Preventing Noise‑Induced Hearing Loss — CDC
Some people confuse Monster Jam with a demolition derby, which is an event that focuses on head-to-head vehicle contact. Demolition derbies often include cars colliding with one another and the sides of the arena. But Monster Jam focuses more on the tricks that the drivers of these massive trucks can manage. Trucks may roll over cars during the freestyle portion of the show, but in general, you’ll see more jumps and tricks than collisions.
Ventilation and Planning Ahead
When the event is held at an indoor venue, the organizers will take steps to improve ventilation and reduce fumes. This typically involves opening multiple exterior doors to allow for sufficient airflow. If you’re seated near an open door on a colder day, your kids might get chilly. Bring a jacket for each child in attendance, just in case. The smell of the gasoline fumes might also bother those with sensitive noses, so if it gets to be too much, try taking a walk to get some fresh air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises checking outdoor air intakes and avoiding placing intake openings near idling vehicles or pollutant sources, which supports taking brief concourse breaks to reduce exposure to exhaust or odors. Indoor Air Quality — EPA
Additional tips for families:
- Indoor arenas can feel cool due to ventilation, so dress in layers. Hoodies, light jackets, and a hat help kids stay comfortable.
- If you have a noise-sensitive child, choose seats higher in the bowl or in corners away from open doors and vented areas.
- Outdoor shows can be dusty or drizzly. Pack a poncho and a small cloth to wipe seats.
What to Bring
Since Monster Jam events draw large crowds of people at nearly all venues, the lines for concessions can get long. If the venue you’re planning to visit allows, consider bringing snacks and drinks for your kids. When dressing for the show, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes as you may have to walk a long distance to your seat. Most venues do not allow full costumes or face coverings. Choose apparel that’s comfortable and appropriate for a family atmosphere.
Parent checklist:
- Hearing protection for everyone, especially kids. Foam earplugs or over-ear earmuffs work well; the NIH’s NIDCD recommends over-ear earmuffs for younger children because they are easier to fit and safer than earplugs for toddlers, and suggests practicing wearing protection at home before the event. Protect Your Child’s Hearing — NIDCD
- Layers like a hoodie or jacket for indoor drafts or evening temperatures.
- A small, policy-compliant bag for diapers, wipes, and a water bottle if permitted. Review our what to bring checklist for packing basics that apply to arenas.
- Cash and card. Some parking lots or small vendors may prefer one or the other.
- A portable distraction for toddlers, such as a small coloring book for intermissions.
What Not to Bring
Monster Jam doesn’t allow spectators to bring high-end cameras into the events, so leave yours at home. You can bring a cell phone and snap pictures with that. If you have a basic point-and-shoot camera, you may be able to bring that with you. It’s worth bringing if your children are fans of the sport, as you may be able to meet the drivers after the event and they’ll likely want to you take a picture of them with their favorite driver.
Other common restrictions:
- Camcorders and professional audio or video gear are usually prohibited unless authorized by the promoter.
- Outside food and drinks are typically not allowed, except for medical or infant needs. Check your venue rules in advance.
- Some venues do not offer storage for prohibited items.
Check the Venue Bag Policy
Depending on the ages of your children, you may need to bring a bag into the arena to hold diapers, wipes, bottles, and other essentials. Before you arrive, make sure to check the bag policy of the venue where you’ll be attending the show. Some venues have strict rules around the sizes of bags that attendees can bring in, while others make exceptions for medical and diaper bags. By checking in advance, you can avoid having to miss part of the show while returning your oversized bag to the car.
Quick guidelines parents often see:
- Clear bag or small clutch rules are common. A typical size limit is around 14″ x 14″ x 6″, though policies vary by venue.
- Diaper bag exceptions are often allowed but may be inspected.
- Strollers may be restricted in seating areas. Ask about storage locations before you arrive.
For more prep tips including ear protection and pit party info, see our family-focused Monster Jam preparation guide.
Ticket Policy
Monster Jam requires all attendees ages 2 and older to have a ticket to the event. If you’re bringing any kids under the age of 2, they can attend for free as long as they sit on the lap of a parent or guardian. If you want your younger child to have their own seat, you’ll need to purchase them a ticket.
Choosing Seats and Planning Your Day
A little planning helps the whole family enjoy the show:
- Upper-level corners can be quieter and less intense for first-timers.
- Aisle seats make bathroom breaks easier with toddlers.
- Consider adding a pre-show pit party or arena walk if available. Kids can see trucks up close and meet drivers, which makes the show easier to follow later.
- Reserve parking in advance when possible and arrive early to navigate security and find your seats without rushing.
What To Expect During Freestyle and Scoring
Freestyle is a crowd favorite. Drivers usually have 60 to 90 seconds to perform stunts like wheelies, donuts, and big jumps over obstacles such as cars or buses. Judges typically score runs on a 1-to-10 scale, and those results contribute to each driver’s overall standing. Many events now include fan voting via smartphone, which lets you and your kids take part in the scoring.
Now that you know more about what to expect at Monster Jam, you can decide whether it’s something you want to do with your kids. Fans of the sport often attend multiple shows when Monster Jam comes to town. Use TicketSmarter to browse Monster Jam tickets and dates, or check a sample event like Monster Jam in Fresno at Save Mart Center. If you are exploring other kid-friendly outings, you can also find family-friendly concerts on TicketSmarter.
FAQs: Monster Jam for Parents
Is Monster Jam family-friendly and suitable for young children who are sensitive to noise?
Monster Jam is marketed as family-friendly and many parents say kids love the trucks and action. It is loud, especially indoors. Bring ear protection for everyone and consider seats higher up if your child is noise sensitive. TicketSmarter recommends checking the event listing for indoor or outdoor venues and planning layers for comfort.
How can I prepare kids for loud noises and fumes at an indoor monster truck event?
Use over-ear earmuffs or foam earplugs and practice wearing them at home. Dress in layers because ventilation can make arenas feel cool. If exhaust smell bothers your child, take brief breaks on the concourse. You can find more preparation tips in TicketSmarter’s Monster Jam guide for families.
What should parents bring and what is prohibited with toddlers at a monster truck show?
Bring hearing protection, a small compliant bag, wipes, a change of clothes, and a snack if allowed. Many venues prohibit outside food and professional cameras. Check the venue page before you go, and use TicketSmarter’s what to bring to an arena checklist for packing help.
How do venue bag policies and diaper bag exceptions work?
Clear-bag rules and size limits are common. Diaper bags and medical bags are often allowed but subject to inspection. Policies vary by venue, so review your event information on TicketSmarter and the venue site before you leave.
Are children under two required to have tickets or can they sit on a lap?
Children under age 2 can usually attend for free on a parent’s lap. If you prefer an assigned seat for your toddler, you will need to purchase a ticket. TicketSmarter lists age and ticket rules on individual event pages.
What seats and clothing are best for a comfortable family experience?
Choose upper-level or corner seats for less noise, and aisles for easy exits. Wear comfortable shoes and layer a hoodie or jacket. For outdoor shows, bring a poncho in case of rain. TicketSmarter also suggests arriving early to get settled before engines start.
How does judging work in Monster Jam and what should we expect during freestyle stunts?
Events often include racing, skills challenges, donuts, and freestyle. Drivers get about 60 to 90 seconds in freestyle to perform big jumps and tricks, with judges scoring on a 1-to-10 scale. Some shows also allow fan voting via smartphone.
How can we meet drivers and keep kids engaged during the show?
Look for pit party or pre-show add-ons on TicketSmarter event pages. These sessions let you get close to the trucks, take photos, and meet drivers, which keeps kids excited and engaged during the main event.
How do monster truck events compare to demolition derbies for families?
Monster truck shows emphasize jumps, tricks, and judged competitions. Demolition derbies focus more on vehicle-to-vehicle contact. If your child prefers stunts and big air rather than heavy impacts, Monster Jam may be a better fit. TicketSmarter offers tickets to both styles of events so you can choose what suits your family.
Updated date: December 12, 2025
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