Play Ball!
If you’re thinking about taking your kids to a baseball game, I only have one thing to say…
… great idea!
Baseball is the perfect family sporting event to attend with the kiddos, for so many reasons. Regardless of what you think of the actual sport itself, EVERYONE can have a good time at a warm and sunny MLB game.
All it takes is a little prep and a few pro tips.
So here’s my full guide to taking kids, toddlers, and babies to a baseball game.
Taking the kids to a baseball game is a lot of fun, and it’s far more affordable than most other sporting games. You’ll just want to pick the right game and seats, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared to bail out of the stadium early.
Let’s take a look at the rest of my top tips!
What’s the best age to take kids to a baseball game?
The great thing about a baseball game is that there’s really no bad age to bring your child along!
Babies can do great at baseball games. The stadium usually isn’t overly loud, there’s plenty of room to walk them around when they get fussy, and if they’re small enough to stay strapped to your chest, you can have a grand old time!
Older kids love baseball games, too. They love the sights and smells (if not the game itself), getting treats, and exploring the stadium. It’s a great opportunity to teach them about the game, too.
The only problem age for baseball games might be toddlers (2-3 year olds), especially rambunctious ones. Ideally, they’d be able to sit still in the seats for at least some portion of the game.
I know my 2-year-old absolutely wouldn’t tolerate it, since she can’t stop moving for more than a few minutes at a time without some form of bribery!
If you bring a toddler to a baseball game, be prepared to have either you or your partner spend most of the game running around the stadium with them. Either that or make sure you bring a ton of toys, books, and screens to entertain them.
Some parents and teens also want to know how old you have to be to go to a baseball game alone (without a parent or guardian).
Most stadiums don’t have an exact age specified, but it’s really common for high-schoolers to go to games together by themselves. Generally, you should expect that if you’re old enough to be wandering around independently, you won’t have a problem getting into a baseball stadium.
However, if you’re under 12 or so, your being alone might raise some eyebrows at the ticket counter.
How much does it cost to take kids to a baseball game?
Tickets to a baseball game can be quite affordable, if you do it right.
One of the many reasons taking the kids to a baseball game is a much better idea than a football game.
(Others being that football is a more intense sport that needs to be watched more closely, and football crowds tend to be a lot drunker and more vulgar.)
SeatGeek writes that the average ticket to an MLB game is $53.
But you can do far, far better than that with some good planning!
(Children under 2 usually get into MLB games for free, provided they can sit in your lap. Some stadiums even allow 3-year-olds in for free.)
Look out for special promotions, games against less popular teams, and cheap seats to get a better deal for the family.
For example, going to a night game during the week (or better yet, a day game during the week) is usually cheaper than going on the weekend.
$53 per ticket on average still sounds like a lot, but compare that to attending an NFL game which will probably costs hundreds of dollars per ticket at a minimum.
Don’t forget to budget for snacks, drinks, and souvenirs!
What to bring to a baseball game with the kids
The younger your kids are, the more stuff you’ll need to bring along to the stadium with you.
But don’t worry. Baseball games are extremely baby-friendly!
So here are a few things you might need aside from the usual diaper bag, wipes, etc.:
Stroller – Most stadiums are very accommodating of strollers, offering either parking or underseat storage. Walking from the packing deck and to your seats can be pretty far, you’re going to want the stroller!
Snacks – Many stadiums allow you to bring certain kinds of food in, believe it or not. Even some of the stricter stadiums usually won’t mind if you bring in some basic bars, puffs, and pouches for younger kids — along with a sippy cup. No need to shell out a fortune on concessions. Bring more than you think you need!
Sunscreen – Day games can get extremely hot and sunny. Check to see if the seats you’ve chosen will be in the shade, but either way, you’ll want a healthy supply of SPF for yourself and the kiddos.
Entertainment – Toddlers and younger kids might not be captivated by the game, so you’ll want a backup plan so they don’t get up and wander off. Bring all your best books, toys, games, and even screens (if you get desperate).
Water bottles – I mentioned sippy cups above, but want to reiterate here. You’ll want to have a small water cup for all of the kids so you don’t have to keep running to the concession stand for overpriced water and sodas. Usually stadiums will allow small water bottles under 600mL or so.
For older kids, don’t forget the baseball glove for foul balls and home runs!
Pro Tips
Before I signed off, here are a few random tips that might help you plan your trip and have the best time possible.
Go early or late in the season to avoid brutal heat
Take it from someone who lives in Atlanta, there’s a fine line between warm and sunny afternoon a ball game and scorching inferno.
If possible, plan your trip earlier in the season or later toward the fall.
Going to a day game in the middle of summer (especially in the South) is a recipe for cranky kids and dehydration.
Get an aisle seat
Try to nab an aisle seat when you buy your tickets, especially if you’re bringing a stroller.
Unless your kids are much older, you won’t be in your seats the whole game. It’ll be a lot easier if you’re on the aisle.
Bail early
There’s no shame if you want to beat the crowd and traffic.
(If you can, take public transportation to the game and avoid the parking nightmare.)
Also, if your kids start getting fussy and aren’t having an amazing time? That’s OK! You can try again later in the season or when they’re older. It’s awesome that you gave it a shot.
Now get out of there before they explode.
Find all the fun kid stuff
Baseball parks are great because they almost always have fun things for kids to do.
There can be batting cages, midway games, and more. The Atlanta Braves stadium even lets kids run the bases on the field after every game! (Though the line is horrendous).
Look up your stadium ahead of time to see what kind of fun extras they offer.
Wrapping Up
Those are my best tips, I hope they help get you prepared!
Seriously, you’re going to have a blast. I can’t recommend taking the family to a baseball game enough. Just plan ahead, bring lots of snacks, and you can’t go wrong!
Before you go, you’ll love these guides:
Hope this helps!