Los Angeles is home to one of the greatest baseball stadiums in the country, Dodger Stadium. Opened in 1962, this stadium has hosted more than 147 million fans, so going to see a game is a must-do for every LA kid (as is chowing down on a Dodger Dog). Ready to convert your little one into a die-hard Dodger fan? With good planning, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience (we promise!). Read our insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to see the boys in blue play ball!
Get there cheaply
Dodger Stadium is conveniently located near the 2, 5, 101, and 110 freeways, and the Dodgers have worked with the city traffic department to make getting to the stadium as easy as possible. Parking is $17 for general parking you purchase it in advance, or $25 (for lots F, K, N, B and H the prices are $40-$45!). Pre-paid parking also lets you use the faster pre-paid entry lane into the stadium. If driving to the stadium doesn’t appeal to your family, public transportation is available through the Metro on the Dodger Stadium Express. If you have a ticket to that day’s game, your ride is free.
Catch a ball or an autograph
The ultimate souvenirs are baseballs and autographs, and the best time for your kids to get them is during batting practice. Dodger Stadium allows all fans to enter the stadium two hours prior to game time to watch early batting practice from Field Level, regardless of where their seats are for the game. Don’t forget to bring a glove!
Go on the field
If your family has ever dreamed of standing on that immaculately groomed grass, the Dodgers offer several opportunities to go on the field. After every Sunday game, kids fourteen and under can run the bases. Members of the Junior Dodgers club are randomly selected to join players on the field before the games, so sign your kids up—it’s free to join! After Friday home games, fans can go on the outfield grass to watch fireworks. Bring a blanket!
Keep cool and comfortable
There can sometimes be quite a distance between your car and your seats, which is hard on the littlest of walkers. Strollers are allowed in Dodger Stadium and can be checked behind home plate on every level, or by the Left and Right Field plazas on Field Level. Day games can get hot, but there are a few sections in the stadium that are always shaded. Rows U-X on the Field Level, L-T on the Loge Level, and rows N-U in sections 1-11 on the Reserve are under overhangs, so buy seats in one of those sections to beat the heat. Children three and under can enter the stadium free, but they must sit on the lap of a parent or guardian. Discount child seats are available on the day of the game in select areas of the ballpark. If you’re a bit worried about losing your children in a sea of 50,000 people, the Dodgers can give your kids a seat location wristband at one of the fan service stations located on each level of the stadium.
What to eat
Dodger Stadium is home to the famous Dodger Dog, but their menu also includes pizza, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mexican food, Italian food, and all sorts of ice cream and frozen yogurt. If your kid loves baseball but is a picky eater, you’re in luck! Dodger Stadium allows you to bring in outside food and drink as long as it isn’t in in bottles, cans, coolers or thermoses. Unbroken, factory-sealed plastic bottles of non-alcoholic beverages of one liter or less are permitted, but everything must fit inside a soft-sided bag that can fit under the seat (approximately 16 x 16 x 8 inches square).
Restrooms for everyone
Great news! Baby-changing tables can be found in all restrooms in the stadium, even the mens’ bathrooms! There are also family bathrooms located throughout the park. Here’s where: Loge Level: Sections 152 and 153; Club Level: Across from suite 210; Reserve Level: Sections 31 and 32; Top Deck: Section 1; Left Field Pavilion: Sections 315; Right Field Pavilion: Section 316.
Burn off some energy
If a box of cracker jacks has your kids overloaded with sugary energy, take them for a walk around the stadium. The team has historical memorabilia displayed on every level, and even the most casual baseball fans will remember the famous players and moments immortalized on the walls. The reserve level is home to larger-than-life bobbleheads and play structures that kids can climb on (parents can watch the game on nearby monitors).
