Taking your kids to a baseball game (1 Viewer)

[Vikes Fan]

Hi everybody--

I am just curious, what age have people started taking their kids to ballgames. Specifically professional games. I remember going for the first time as about a four-year-old. Now that I have a four-year-old, I am thinking it is about time, so I have started having baseball games on the TV more often now. He has no real comprehension of the game yet, so I am actually thinking that a live game may help that because he will get to see the big picture. I know we will probably never last the entire nine innings, but I think it might be time.

Could others weigh in on this? When have you taken your kids (if you have kids obviously)? Is four too young? I don't want to break the bank on tickets, but at the same time, I want him to be able to see what is happening too. Any advice on that?

Thanks!!!

 

[Nigel]

I take my 4 yr. old son to the Lowell Spinners (Sox A affiliate). He doesn't know the difference and it's about 10% the cost and hassle. There's also lots of sideshow entertainment for kids, as I assume is the case at most minor league parks. If he gets bored and wants to leave after 5 innings, it's no big deal. I'll probably wait until he's 6 to take him to Fenway.

 

[ooofffaaa]

I brought my 3 1/2 year old son to a Mets game about 2 weeks ago. It was his 4th or 5th game.

We got there early - 4:30 and caught the end of batting practice. We had good seats on the 1B line so we were able to move all the way down to the field to try to catch a few balls.

After stretching, Jose Reyes came over and started to sign some autographs. Jose came over to us and high fived my son. I was extremely excited but my son was more concerned about where Mr Met was. than meeting Reyes.

He doesn't know the rules or the players but it's the damned cutest thing to see him there with his little glove on waiting for a foul ball. Of course the odds on catching a foul ball are like 50,000 to 1 and everytime we leave a game empty handed I have no other choice but to buy him a ball on the way out.

Loves the hot dogs

Loves wearing his little glove

Loves looking for Mr Met

Loves when a player hits the ball - anywhere - could be fair or foul.

Before I ever took him to a game I thought it would be a huge hassle and I didn't think he's last past the 2nd inning. He surprised me the last time out by wanting to stay until the 8th inning. Fell asleep as soon as I put him in the car.

Don't worry if they're too young or not. Just do it. I'l never forget his first few games. I have a blast with him and the brainwash is in FULL effect.

 

[posty]

Poor kid...

 

[ooofffaaa]

Poor kid...

I didn't even mention the John Smotz piñata we beat to smithereens this weekend

 

[Darth Cheney]

Please do not take them until the are old enough to appreciate the game. The last thing I need when I'm keeping score is some kid(s) around me yapping "DAD CAN I GET A HOTDOG, DAD CAN I GET A SODA, DAD CAN WE GO, DAD I WANT TO GO TO THE FUN ZONE, DAD I DON'T LIEK THIS LET'S LEAVE, DAD CAN I....DAD.....DAD......DAD.....?

Teach them the game....then take them.

 

[Billy Bats]

I don't have any kids but I was at a game last week, when I had to stand to let a couple into my row, and they were carrying what I found out to be an 8 week old baby. Not sure I agree with that, but at least the baby was quiet...luckily there wasn't any breast feeding.

 

[guru_007]

I have three kids, and last year we went to an Astros game....my youngest child was about 1 (the other two were 9 & 5). My youngest was well behaved throughout the game....the only thing was these seats were really, really close to the field. Had nightmares of screaming liners coming into the stands all game long. But, it all worked out well. Baby didn't know what was going on, but the other two had a great time

 

[Angry Beavers]

My son and I have been going to games for a couple of years. At 51/2 he started to make it though the enire game. It helps that he plays and is really into it. We have only been to one game thus this year and he sat for the whole game other than a couple of trips to the men's room and to get snacks. I suppose it depends on the kid, at least in part! If he has an interest, go for it!

 

[Breed]

Please do not take them until the are old enough to appreciate the game. The last thing I need when I'm keeping score is some kid(s) around me yapping "DAD CAN I GET A HOTDOG, DAD CAN I GET A SODA, DAD CAN WE GO, DAD I WANT TO GO TO THE FUN ZONE, DAD I DON'T LIEK THIS LET'S LEAVE, DAD CAN I....DAD.....DAD......DAD.....?Teach them the game....then take them.

I've been taking my 12 and 4 year-old daughter since they were about two to two-and-a-half. Minor league games first, as it is much more family friendly. My 12-year-old daughter is now a baseball addict.With younger kids though, I think it's a good idea to try to find seats in front of someone who is keeping score though, as they are typically too-engrossed in the game to get fussy about minor disruptions like giant foam-fingers, diaper-changing, and shrill screaming.

 

[Vikes Fan]

Please do not take them until the are old enough to appreciate the game. The last thing I need when I'm keeping score is some kid(s) around me yapping "DAD CAN I GET A HOTDOG, DAD CAN I GET A SODA, DAD CAN WE GO, DAD I WANT TO GO TO THE FUN ZONE, DAD I DON'T LIEK THIS LET'S LEAVE, DAD CAN I....DAD.....DAD......DAD.....?Teach them the game....then take them.

I've been taking my 12 and 4 year-old daughter since they were about two to two-and-a-half. Minor league games first, as it is much more family friendly. My 12-year-old daughter is now a baseball addict.With younger kids though, I think it's a good idea to try to find seats in front of someone who is keeping score though, as they are typically too-engrossed in the game to get fussy about minor disruptions like giant foam-fingers, diaper-changing, and shrill screaming.