Where: 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA
Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia is a gorgeous ballpark that, in its relatively short history, has seen incredible highs (including a World Series title) and its good share of lows. Regardless of your family’s level of fandom, a trip to a Phillies game is an experience you shouldn’t miss. I love taking my kids to games and along the way, we’ve mastered how to do it best. Here are some tips for your visit to ensure your day at Citizens Bank Park is a home run.
1. Get ready for game day
Depending on your child’s age, this could be as simple as buying a cute baseball onesie, or as involved as explaining the rules of the game to them. There’s a game on almost every day during the season, so turn it on every now and then to get them used to the rhythm of the game and names of the players. (Baseball is pretty much a way of life in our household—and has never factored into our toddler’s “screen time.”) If your kiddo is too young or easily distracted to watch a game on TV, the book Hello, Phillie Phanatic, aside from being adorable, is actually a pretty informative introduction on what to expect at a baseball game.
2. Come prepared
Citizens Bank Park generally doesn’t allow unsealed containers, but they make an exception for full sippy cups and baby bottles. Little sealed snack bags and unopened water bottles are also fine. Small, soft-sided coolers are permitted as well. Just make sure it all fits in a reasonably sized bag. (The park requires that it be smaller than 16″ x 16″ x 8″.) If you’re sitting in foul territory, bring a glove to get your kids excited about possibly catching a ball. It’s also a good idea to explain to them that they have to be alert when the ball is in play. Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen!
3. Think about leaving the stroller at home
Strollers are permitted with several caveats: you can keep it with you if you can fold and fit it under your seat (and if you find such a magical stroller that isn’t made for baby dolls, please let me know because I know of no such thing). Alternatively, you can check it at Guest Services, but I would recommend leaving the stroller at home. Neither my baby nor I were into babywearing, but a Phillies game (and the subway ride to get there) was one of the few places I employed that option. Wearing, carrying or holding a toddler’s hand can be hassles, but I personally find it less of a hassle than worrying about stashing a stroller across the stadium.
4. Pick the best game time for your little one
Sunday home games are generally at family-friendly afternoon times, so that’s a great option. Tickets are free for children ages two and under as long as the kid is on your lap, so you might as well take advantage while your kids are still young! (Though for kids on the older end of that age range, weigh not buying a ticket against not having an extra seat for a squirmy toddler—and decide accordingly).
5. Take public transportation
You basically have two options—driving or subway (SEPTA’s Broad Street Line). If you drive, there are plenty of lots around the stadium, but you run the risk of being caught in post game traffic with a cranky child in the backseat. SEPTA drops you off at AT&T Station, just a block from Citizens Bank Park, and is pretty seamless, especially if you are already on the BSL and don’t need to transfer lines. If you leave from City Hall or Walnut-Locust station you may even be lucky enough to get on an Express right to AT&T Station depending on the game time!
6. Commemorate your child’s first game
Stop at Guest Services (Section 122) for a free First Game Certificate to commemorate the special day. Think about signing up new fans for the Phillies Kids Club and the Phillies Newborn Club, which both have its own set of perks.
7. Have a potty break plan of attack
There are changing tables in all bathrooms (men and women) throughout the ballpark, but if you need a little more privacy, family restrooms can be found on every level of the ballpark (visit the Phillies website for the full list of locations), and if you need them, First Aid stations are located at Sections 105 and 318.
8. Take your younger kids to the Phanatic Phun Zone
Gates open two hours before game time if you want to catch Batting Practice or walk around Citizens Bank Park for some of the kid-friendly attractions! The Phanatic Phun Zone (located near the First Base Gate) is a playground complete with slides, tunnels, games and a special toddler-only section. This space is also perfect if your kid’s attention span is no match for nine innings of baseball.
9. Take older kids to Ashburn Alley
This area is best for older kids. The Ashburn Alley in Centerfield features the Phillies’ Wall of Fame, All-Star Walk and Memory Lane celebrating the team’s history and players.
10. Turn all your kids into die-hard fans
There is no shortage of shops to buy merchandise, but the best for kids is the Majestic Clubhouse Store on the 3rd Base side, which features the Phanatic Attic up a set of stairs.
11. Know where and when to get your ballpark food
Ballpark food is pretty kid-friendly to begin with, but there are special kids’ food stands at Sections 112 and 318 that have smaller portions and other goodies. Don’t take too much time, though! The Phanatic comes out to perform before the game, after the 5th inning and during the 7th Inning Stretch. Learn that schedule, internalize it and do not get up for snacks if one of those times is coming. He may also come into the audience before his scheduled performances, but that is not as guaranteed or easily visible.
