Major League Baseball: A Home Run in Family Fun

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Published on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 12:55

Written by Deals TravelingMom

There are few things that say, “summer”like a day at the ballpark. After all, they don’t call them “the boys of summer” for nothing.  But taking the whole family out to the old ballgame, paying $5 for a hotdog, and trying to keep your kids in their seat so the guy behind you doesn’t miss a scribbling a stat his notebook can leave you feeling like you’ve struck out.

Ah, but there have been some major changes in Major League Baseball lately. More ballparks than ever are trying to lure families back with great deals, new features and family-friendly makeovers. From storied franchises, to fields that load the bases with features, the options for a family outing at your local MLB park are anything but Farm League these days.

Check Out The Kids Clubs

Has your little outfielder always dreamed of running the bases or smacking a double in “the show”? With a FREE membership in the Jr. Padres Club kids -12 and under- get the chance to run the bases at Petco Park or even take part in a batting clinic. Is your family a “Fish” fan living far from Marlins Park*? For only $9.95 (plus $2.95 shipping and handling) they can join Billy’s Bunch Kids Club and receive; a welcome letter from Billy The Martin, official Billy's Bunch membership card, Heath Bell Player Poster, Miami Marlins Eye Black, Billy's Bunch Messenger Bag, Billy's Bunch Family Sunday Passport and a free Duffy's kids meal coupon. You can’t get a t-shirt at the local big-box store for less.

Wondering if your local club, or even your far away favorite, has a kid’s club program? Visit MLB.com, search for your team and click on the “fans” tab.

So Much More than a Game

Maybe you aren’t the biggest fan of the game, but most of your family is. Don’t think you’ll get stuck counting the number of outs left until you can escape. Many parks have upped the entertainment value both outside and inside the stadium. The Ballpark at Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers, offers tons in-park amenities like the “Legends of the Game” museum, a whiffle ball park, bounce houses, batting contests and more, all for the price of admission.   

Go Team! Go Green! Go Gluten Free!

National’s Stadium, home to the Washington National’s not only has a great playground for the kids, and their own Build-a-Bear workshop, they also boast a great score card when it comes going green. The park was the nation’s first major professional stadium to become LEED “Silver” certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. They also boast a tasty record in the “special diets” department offering Gluten free, Vegetarian and healthy concessions options. (note: the Gelato from Dolci Gelati is amazing!)
Great Deals & The Great Bambino!

The Sultan of Swat himself, George Herman “Babe” Ruth may have made his name in New York but the legend was born in Baltimore. So it seems fitting that Oriole Park at Camden Yards be a heavy hitter. This park has it all! History, a family friendly vibe, lots of options for entertainment and as they are celebrating the 20th Anniversary their opening -an opening that changed the way parks are built today- there are some deals and experiences to be had.  

How does unlimited hot dogs, salads, nachos and sodas sounds? The Left Field All-Inclusive Picnic Perch is perfect for families looking to have that BIG ballpark experience without the big tab. For just $40 you get a club-level seat and all you can eat!

They also have one of the most feature-packed kid’s clubs in the game. Most teams have a cutoff age of 12 for their kid’s club programs. The O’s, Dugout Club is open to kids up to 14 years old. For just $20 kids can join the club all kinds of perks like a general admission ticket to special Dugout Club games, a Junior Orioles Dugout Club hat, Dugout Club lanyard, official membership card, a member-only giveaway item at every Dugout Club game, subscription to Orioles Kids magazine, and more all in an Orioles drawstring bag! Seriously you couldn’t even get the bag for $20. Plus, for Dugout Club games, family and friends can purchase additional Upper Deck General Admission tickets for only $6 or assigned Left Field Lower Box seating for $15. Celebrate your birthday with the O’s and a free ticket is your gift.

Camden Yards also has an outstanding, free and recently renovated Kids’ Corner inside the park that features a moon bounce, speed pitch, climb and play area, a batting cage, and much more. Outside the park you’ll find lots of free and inexpensive things to do as well. One favorite is a $6 ticket to visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum. Or for less than the cost of a movie ticket visit both the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Sports Legends museums, only $12.

Check with your local park, or a park in a city you’ll be visiting this summer, for more on deals and special offers. This summer, save the budget and still take them out to the ballgame... peanuts, Cracker Jacks and all!

* Billy’s Bunch membership is FREE for those living in  Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier and Monroe counties.