"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too." –Greg, age 8
It seems like just yesterday that my husband was taking our kids to see their first baseball game. I remember documenting their adventure at home and urging my husband to do the same when they got there! I wanted to see video and photos of their first Major League ball game experience.
Everyone remembers their first baseball game. A friend shared an excellent idea for a keepsake: Purchase a team ball and write the date, final score, and teams that played on it.
We are excited to return together this year for more memory-making and wanted to share some of our family's tips for taking your child to the ballpark for the first time!
1. Choose a daytime game.
Leave your house early, find parking without rushing, and enjoy a full day in and around the park instead of going to a night game when the kids are more likely to be tired, and you'll face interference with bedtime. Games can be long for young kids.
2. Have a safety talk before you leave.
Talk about where to meet if you get separated. Also, make sure your child is aware to keep their eyes open for fly balls and thrown bats. Have your child bring a glove to catch one of those fly balls. No matter where your seat is, a kid thinks they'll catch a ball. A good reminder for us adults is not to get lost in our cell phones.
3. If you can afford it, spend the money on good seats for their first game.
This will give your child a good view of the players and the action. Make a sign to cheer the team on and bring it with you. Set your DVR at home before you leave. You may make it on TV, but even if you don't, you can watch the game highlights again!
4. Get the whole ballpark experience.
You have to enjoy a hot dog or other fun ballpark staples! Another idea is to grab a souvenir snack — this usually involves ice cream in a small team helmet!
5. Wear sunscreen and a baseball cap.
It's also a good idea to bring wipes, as they will likely touch everything as they enter and exit the park.
