Professional hockey can feel intimidating or expensive if you have never been, but the Worcester Railers HC has perfected the family-friendly experience. They’ve built an environment where parents can relax and enjoy a game while the kids are mesmerized by the fast-paced action. They focus on affordable family-friendly fun, easy access, and a promo schedule packed with themes and giveaways each season that keeps families coming back for more. We regret waiting years to attend! For our family of six with kids aged 4 to 11, the game proved to be the ideal combination of fun, affordability, and excitement.
If you haven’t taken your family to a Worcester Railers hockey game yet, here’s everything you need to know about why this is one of the best places for a family date in Central Mass:
The Venue & Parking
The Worcester Railers play all their home games at the DCU Center, located at 50 Foster St in Worcester. This allows for great parking options for the event, whether you are looking for ease or the least expensive, there are plenty to choose from. Downtown Worcester has various parking options around the area that cost between $6 and $15+.
- Mercantile Center Garage: The Mercantile Center Garage is located one block from the Arena entrance and two blocks from the Convention Center entrance. This is our favorite place to park because it’s so easy.
- Major Taylor Boulevard Municipal Garage: The Major Taylor Boulevard Municipal Garage, located at 30 Major Taylor Boulevard, is one block from the Convention Center entrance and two blocks from the Arena entrance.
- Additional Parking: Dwight Foster Parking, Exchange Street Parking, or First American Realty Parking.
- Accessible Parking: Although the DCU Center does not operate any parking, the City of Worcester has made accessible parking available on the Foster Street side of the Arena, and in front of the Convention Center on Major Taylor Boulevard. There is also accessible parking in the garages and parking lots surrounding the facility.
Tickets
The Railers make this an affordable activity for the whole family to do. They offer a few different options when it comes to purchasing tickets. From single-game tickets for sale right now for this season to group tickets starting with just 10 people. Other tickets they offer are their 508 Club Membership, Flex 10-Pack, and a Mini Plan. This season, they are offering college students $15 tickets using their college email!
Family-Friendly Entertainment
A Worcester Railers game is an event that delivers fun before and throughout the game— right up to the final buzzer! When you’re picking tickets, be sure to check the promo schedule. It’s packed with themes for all 36 home games during the season. This 25-26 season, they have 6 brand-new theme nights, 14 games featuring exciting giveaway items, and 8 specialty jersey games with proceeds supporting local non-profits!
Make sure to arrive early to the games to walk the concourse. There is always food, drinks, Railers gear, and local businesses scattered throughout. Each themed game has fun things to do around the concourse as well.
Be prepared for loud music and noise when you get into the rink. Music breaks are always a good time throughout the game. You will find the Railers Mascot, Trax, bopping around the entire rink, dancing, giving out high-fives, and always ready for a photo op. MC Adam Webster also does such a great job with the fans throughout the game, coming into the stands with fun things, and they are often tossing t-shirts to the fans!
Worcester Railers Kids Club
Becoming a member of the Railers HC Kids Club, presented by Apex Entertainment, is the ultimate way for young fans to join the action! This exclusive club is open to children ages 12 and under and offers fantastic value for the season. Members receive a credential that unlocks special perks, including 10% off youth merchandise at games and a FREE meal from the Railers Kids Menu at Off the Rails Worcester after every team win. Additionally, members can enjoy the new $7 TRAX Pack Meal Deal at the Spotlight Concessions Stand and gain access to member-only events, exclusive giveaways, raffles, and a dedicated newsletter with special offers.
Grown-Up Food & Drinks
The DCU Center definitely has features that cater specifically to the grown-up fans, particularly regarding food, craft beer, and premium viewing areas. They have two full-service bars that overlook the ice. Grab some Dippin’ Dots for nostalgia, or support a small local business by grabbing some delicious treats at Bri’s Sweet Treats.
Inclusive Considerations
The most prominent inclusive feature is their Sensory-Friendly/Autism Acceptance Day/Night games, which make significant modifications to the game environment. They adjust the noise level of the music and the microphone, and there is no goal horn. They also leave the lights on throughout the game, so no sudden blackouts, flashing lights, or strobing lights are used. If you need specific accessibility accommodations, contact the Worcester Railers HC or the DCU Center Guest Services to verify service availability for your preferred game date.
Now, stop waiting for the perfect outing and check out the Worcester Railers schedule to plan your family’s next exciting night on the ice!
