Where: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA
Going to see a Red Sox game with children can be a whole lot of fun—or one big headache. One child decides it’s a great idea to play hide and seek in the middle of a concourse. Another spills her lemonade on the fan in front of her. And then there’s that kid who has to go to the bathroom at the top of every inning.
The trick to taking the family to see the Sox is realizing that the experience is going to be very different than it was when you were kid-free—and preparing for it. These tips and tricks will help make your time at Fenway safe, sane and memorable (in a good way). Not ready for the Green Monster? Head to any of these fam-friendly locales and catch the game on a screen.
Before you go
Get children ages 14 and under psyched for the big game by signing them up for Red Sox Kid Nation. As members of this free program, they’ll receive a kit in the mail that contains access to a “passport” in which kids attending games can earn stamps toward prizes. They also have a paid option that comes with some additional swag and the chance to watch batting practice. Join early enough in the season and they might earn a free game ticket, too!
Flickr/Andrew Malone
Consider taking the T to the game
Parking is pricey and often requires a big hike to the field. Park at any Green Line T station and ride in with the kiddos, for just over $5 per person, round trip; you’ll save money, traffic hassles and parking stress in the process. For some suburban kids, the train ride might be the highlight of the whole experience.
Arrive through Gate K
Fenway has opened up Gate K (you’ll find it near Gate B), where all children under 14 can enter the game. The concourse is full of kid-friendly dining options, including Meatball Obsession, which serves beef or turkey meatballs in a kid-friendly cup as well as $5 kids meals (think PB&J, goldfish and juice).
Flickr/Will Graham
Orient yourself to the customer service booths and family restrooms
Forgot diapers, wipes or sunscreen? The folks at these booths, which are located on the Big Concourse, Gate D (behind home plate) and Gate E (the third base line), will lend you these necessities and others, free of charge. Say you—er, your child—gets a gash or goose egg from trying to dive over the next row for a foul ball? Physicians from Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital run the First Aid center, in section 12 on the lower concourse. And if you have more than one child in tow, family restrooms make life so much easier. They are located at the customer service booth at Gate E, near the elevator on the Big Concourse, behind pavilion box 14, and above pavilion box 2.
When the little ones get restless
Check out Wally’s Clubhouse. Located in the Champion’s Club on the K Concourse, Wally’s Clubhouse is open to all kids at the game from the third to seventh innings. There’s a magician, face painting, a toddler playground and regular appearances from the big green guy himself. Set a time frame for your kids so they know how long they can hang in clubhouse before you want to return to your seats.
