It’s officially baseball season in Chicago. And even better, the Cubs are looking p-r-e-t-t-y good so far. So snatch up some tickets and head to the most beautiful park in all of Major League Baseball. And yes, this article is totally biased, for I am born and bred on the North Side. I’m sure that the “other” ballpark is kid friendly as well, but there is no place else for “Take me Out to the Ball Game” like Wrigley Field! Here are some tried and true tips for taking kids to Wrigley Field.
How to Prepare for Your Wrigley Field Visit
- As for tickets, if you child is under two and willing to be your lap buddy, there is no need for them to have a ticket. If older, be sure to purchase a ticket for them.
- Slather on the sunscreen, pack hats, and layers for all of you. Chicago weather changes in an instant, and the friendly confines can also be named “the sunny confines.” Also, if there is a hot day, be sure to have some type of fabric for your little one to sit on (the sun beats down on the seats and they get HOT).
- Pack snacks. As long as you use a plastic baggie, security will not stop you regarding bringing in snacks to the ball park for your little one. But don’t forget to indulge in some of the delicious treats from the ballpark!
- Bring a sippy cup and SEALED drinks. If drinks are unsealed, they will not be allowed in the park.
- Decide on your baby’s transport; stroller or baby carrier. Personally, I would stick to just a baby carrier simply because it might be helpful if baby snoozes during the game.
Visiting Wrigley Field with Kids
- Stroller Check/Parking There is a designated stroller parking area on the first floor near left field (across from the fire station). Last season it was moved across the street to Mc Donald’s, and right now it is unclear which spot they will be using for this season.
- Designate a Driver (even if you are taking the L—which is the best way to visit Wrigley) and go to the Fan Services Booth (behind home plate on first level) to make the designated driver pledge and get a coupon for a free fountain drink.
- Family Restrooms are located in the Upper Level Bleachers, First Aid (main concourse behind home plate), and in the Upper Deck on the 1st base side.
- Swing by the Fan Services Book to pick up a free “My 1st Cubs Game” free certificate for your little fan.
- Nursing? Take advantage of the First Aid Station, where they have a few toys, a television, fridge and microwave for family use. The First Aid Station is located on the 1st base side of the field on the main councourse.
Kids’ Sundays
Many Sundays throughout the season are designated Kids’ Sundays, with promotions specifically geared towards the littlest Cubs fans. In addition to the great giveaways, after every Sunday afternoon game the first 1,000 kids (with wristband given at entry) are invited to run the bases at Wrigley.
Fan Pack
Each year you can sign up to receive a free Chicago Cubs Fan Pack, which may include a pocket schedule, team literature, cards, stickers, and other information.
Clark’s Crew
If you have a Cubs crazy kiddo, joining Clark’s Crew is a great idea. With the $25 membership your child will receive a ton of goodies, including a backpack, jersey, free ticket to a Wrigley Field tour, activity book, lanyard, and other discounts and freebies.
Newborn Fan Club
Looking for a unique gift for a Cubs loving family? For $45 you can encourage the mantra of “Go Cubs Go” with a gift package that includes a onesie, hat, customized birth certificate, and personalized photo birth announcement.
I’m sure you won’t be able to stay for the stretch, so be sure to belt it out loud enough so Ronnie can hear you, no matter what inning it is. Go CUBS go! Hope these tips for taking your kids to Wrigley Field help you enjoy the game as much as possible!
Can’t make it to the ball park? No problem! Here are some fun ways to have a baseball party at home.
I have been thinking about taking my little one to his first Red Sox game this year. He’s going to be 8, so I think it;s time.
Thanks for this great information! Bringing the baby to the game can be fun, but if you’re not prepared, it quickly becomes horrendous.
You are much braver than I taking a little one to a game! We first went when my son was 15. We live about an hour from Cleveland, so we went to see the Indians play the Yankees. My son is a huge Derek Jeter fan. It’s a bummer that he’s retired. Hopefully we’ll get to a game this season.
Nothing like starting them out loving baseball early. That is great there is no charge for a lap buddy.
I have to say that is so adorable! My cousin who just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl are SF Giants fans. I am sure they will like putting together stuff for baby to commemorate the first time their little one goes to a ball game! 🙂
We actually took our son to Wrigley Field when he was little too. It was an overwhelming, yet awesome experience for him. We never did make it to a kids event though.
It must have been so much fun, it’s great to get them into a sport at a young age! It teaches them so much and they have the time of their lives!
I grew up going to see the Atlanta Braves – way back when they had a mascot. I’m a sports fanatic and would love to take my grands to a baseball game. Your tips are excellent.
Thanks for sharing this with us. You have pointed out things that may get left out for the first ball game experience to be all the best it can be.
And the freebies aren’t too bad, either.
My girls had a lot of fun when my husband and I took them to their first game. They really enjoyed it a lot. I’m not to much of a sports fan myself, but it’s fun to go to the games.
I am a huge sports fan, but for those who aren’t, there is always great people watching at games!
Ya know, I have never actually been to Wrigley Field. I cannot wait for my first time and I will definitely be taking my daughter!
Great info! My oldest is into baseball games but none of my other kiddos have gone. Wasn’t really sure what age to let them tag along with daddy would be so this is great!
The parks in Chicago do a lot of fun stuff for kids for their first ball games. I really like that they do that. We have free pics from our kids first ball games and certificates they print for you.
Those fan packs for babies and kiddos are awesome. I didn’t realize they did stuff like that.
I went to Wrigley Field when I was in high school. I don’t remember much about the game, but I do remember the atmosphere was awesome! If nothing else then the kids should at least remember the atmosphere!
Sometimes the game is just so boring (the Cubs haven’t been great for a while, unfortunately) that the best part is just enjoying the ball park and the festivities. Hope you sang the 7th inning stretch loud and proud!
Awww,how adorable is that. A childs first game is always precious. I am sure he had an incredible time. Thank you for sharing.
Your tips are spot on. The sunscreen is so important and the experience can be great with the right planning. We’ve tried to go early before to see the players, but the Cubs can be inconsistent with the information they provide their fans about access for the kids for autographs. We’ve been to many games at Wrigley and I wouldn’t add a thing to your recommendations. Play ball!
Thanks for all of the great tips on taking a child to their first Major League ballgame. Having the chance to see a game at Wrigley would be magical.
It is a fantastic way to see America’s game.
My nephew is getting to the age when it is time for him to go to his first ballgame and he lives around the Cubs. I think I will pass this on to my brother to make sure he is prepared!
Love to hear about kids loving the Cubbie blue! Make sure you get him all of the freebies you can! And make a cute sign so he can get on tv. 🙂
Aww, that is so cute! We are baseball fans around here too. Go Braves! But even though the hubs is a big Braves fan, visiting Wrigley Field is on his bucket list. I would love to see it too! 🙂
We are so incredibly spoiled having Wrigley at our finger tips. It may be ancient, but it is a wonderful place to see a ball game.
Baseball isn’t a thing here in Ireland but its so lovely to get kids involved in loving sport from a young age. That babygro is super cute 🙂
It definitely is an American past time. 🙂
Those are great tips for the first game. My son wants desperately to attend a game once. I think it will be a great experience for him
Who doesn’t love a day at the ball park? I would recommend going in the Spring or Fall….summer is just too hot for me to sit and bake during nine long innings…
Awww how cute :):) we took my daughter to both basketball and baseball games when she was super little! She was such a well behaved baby that it was easy… Plus under 2 being free made it even better! Wish kid tickets were free because it sucks buying her A ticket now lol… Miss when she was free lol
It’s funny you say that. Since I am so petite, my dad used to carry me in to sporting events all of the time (before they were such sticklers about the rule) and always bribed me with cotton candy to not say how old I was.
Well that’s fun. I wonder if there’s something they can sign up for here. I bet there is, I’m going to go look now while I’m thinking about it.
I’m sure tons of major sports teams have fan friendly activities like this, especially for the kiddos.
Baseball games are so much fun! We live near the Rangers Ballpark and try to make a couple of games each year. It’s always such a great experience to watch baseball live.
Very cool that baby’s first game is at a field as iconic as Wrigley. I think Fenway might be the only other stadium still standing with the history of Wrigley.
I would love to go to Fenway to compare the great old ballparks. We are so spoiled with Wrigley!
The newborn fan club is so sweet! I wonder if my local team, the Tampa Rays, has that! I would have to check it out.
It is a great gift for die hard fans, too. Makes baby gift buying a breeze!
This is adorable, we are White Sox fans but I always have a good time at Wrigley Field.
Thank you for all this info!! I’m hoping to get a wristband for my kids’ first game running the bases. Do you have any idea how early we should arrive to be lucky to get a wristband? TIA!
I would be there right when the gates open. I am always shocked about how quickly promo items are all given away.
I just did the Wrigley Field tour last month while I was in Chicago. Unfortunately, the Cubs were on the road. But the tour was absolutely phenomenal! The Cubs are looking strong in the 2016 MLB Playoffs, so I’ll for sure be routing for them to beat Cleveland. Go, Cubbies!
Keep giving us your support…I can’t believe they made it to the World Series! Woo hoo!
Thank you for this post! We are at Wrigley right now for baby’s first ballgame!
I’m so glad it was helpful. Bring home a W!!!!