It’s no secret my husband (and now children, and at times myself) are huge baseball fans.
We try to go to ball games at least once a year either in Toronto or Detroit (when we are in Windsor visiting family).
We just returned from a Toronto game where we stayed at the Marriott Renaissance hotel right on site. We’ve stayed there before because it’s attached to the stadium so we can walk the kids easily. However, this time, a kind employee, Andrea, upgraded us to the Stadium View room (the picture above? From our room). It was amazing. We are already planning our next game!
We don’t always even have to travel to see a ballgame. There is a local baseball team here in Ottawa that we go to. Even as I type this post my two year old daughter is dressed in her baseball pjs and is playing t-ball.
Going to a baseball game (or sporting event) may take some planning and some patience but it’s a great way to spend time together as a family. Here are my tips and thoughts about picking a ball game as a family outing this summer:
1-Take the time to sit and enjoy. Sitting together and talking about sport encourages kids to want to play the sport. Plus, that one-on-one conversation is precious.
2-Buy smart. Depending on their ages (mine are still rather young) they may not stay for the full game. Be prepared for that. Dont splurge on the most expensive tickets because you may not be in your seats much.
3-Go to batting practice. My son once got a ball at batting pracice. Not because we caught it but because the player rolled it to us. It was pretty exciting for him and he still talks about it two years later. The other benefit of batting practice is that it’s not crowded and you get to see the players for longer.
4-The game is just a part of the experience. The stadium has a lot to offer. Ball parks have kid sections set up – some with Ferris Wheels and bouncy areas and places to walk around.
5-Enjoy the food. Popcorn is my kids’ treat of choice at the ball park but you name it, a concession stand has it.
6-Encourage their interest. Are they asking questions? Interested in learning more? Look it up online after or before the game.
Have you taken your kids to a baseball game or sporting events? What do you like about it?
From our recent trip:
Great tips Rebecca. We plan to take E this summer and can’t wait! Both Hubby and I have fond memories of going to see the Blue Jays when were younger.
V loves going to Sens games. We haven’t tried the ball park yet, I’m afraid it’s slow pace might now capture her interest for long (I *love* the game BTW)…maybe this year.
Great post Rebecca and some of your tips would certainly apply to all the Dad’s that go to ball games as the kid in all of them seems to come out at these events:)
We also take the kids each year to a ball game, this year I am thinking of going in Cooperstown, with my Dad..:) Great post, love the new site !
we went to a jays game while we were in toronto for easter. it just happened to be a “junior jays” game. there were lots of things to do (face painting, tattoos, ballon twisting, etc) and after the game the kids got to run the bases. it was great and i was really impressed that the jellybean lasted the whole 9 innings.