Baseball Games with Kids

Know Before You Go

With major league baseball coming to the end of the regular season and the playoffs just around the corner, more people squeeze baseball games into their busy fall schedules. And that means more opportunities for kids to get to see the big leagues at play. Whether you attend your local minor league team in a smaller stadium all the way up to one of 30 major league teams, here’s a few things to pack that can make your trip to the ballpark more fun for everyone.

Binoculars: You can put those kid binoculars to good use at the game. Even with great seats, it can be fun to look in the stands, watch players make great plays in the field, and more. The small size makes them easy to fit into stadium bag requirements. And the included bag and case with these sturdy binoculars means you don’t have to worry about damaging them. Now if only you could convince the person in front of you to sit down so your kids could see.

Hat: No matter the weather, a hat goes a long way. From the standard baseball hat with your team’s logo to a sun hat, any type helps keep sun and rain out of kids’ eyes and lets them enjoy the game. It can also help on windy days to keep longer hair out of their face.

Food: No trip to the ballpark would be complete without snacks. Make sure you know the options before you arrive, so you don’t spend the entire game looking for something your kid will eat. Many parks will let you bring your own food, which saves you time and money at the game. 

Water Bottle: Some stadiums let you bring in a clear empty water bottle. You can then fill it at any drinking fountain inside the stadium. That means when your kid gets thirsty, you don’t have to stand in line waiting to get a sugary soda or expensive bottle of water. Check the regulations at your field before you go and save yourself a few dollars to boot.

Blanket: During the shoulder season, and especially for evening games, the temperature can drop. Sitting around does nothing to keep kids warm, so don’t forget to pack a blanket just in case. If you don’t need it for extra heat and insulation, it also makes a great seat cushion. Not only can it make a hard seat more comfortable, but it also gives younger kids a boost to see all the action.

Ear Protection: Ballparks have plenty of volume, from screaming fans to loud music and sometimes even fireworks. If the loud noises might bother your child, make sure to pack a pair of ear plugs. These work best for older kids, as they don’t always fit the younger crowd. But you can often get a pair from guest services in a pinch. Don’t have any earplugs handy or have a younger child? Try taking a pair of noise dampening headphones instead.