Headed to Chicago with kids soon? Check out our tips to visit Wrigley Field with kids.
Visiting Chicago and watching a baseball game were on our Summer Bucket List! So we started our Chicago adventure off with a bang by heading to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game on a Saturday.
The boys did very well. This was Elliot’s first major league ball park visit, Quinn has been to Chase Field (aka BOB ;-)) to see the Diamondbacks once or twice.
10 Tips to visit Wrigley Field with Kids
Attending a major sporting event can be a big adventure with little kids, so I am sharing my tips on how to visit Wrigley Field with kids!
1. Bring Your Own Snacks
Bring your own snacks. Prices are high and lines are long. Splurging on a ballpark favorite (nachos, anyone?) is fun too but it’s best to come prepared and save a little money in process.
2. Bring Your Own Water
Bring your own water. It’s hot and again prices are high. You are allowed to bring in sealed plastic bottles or bring your own empty bottles to fill in the stadium. Street vendors also sell water near Wrigley Field, they’re a little cheaper than inside the stadium but make sure you have cash.
3. Sun Protection
Wear lots of sunscreen. Most of the seating has at least some (if not a lot) of sun exposure. I recommend sunglasses and a good sun hat too.
4. Don’t Bring a Stroller
Don’t bring a stroller. The stadium is historic and popular. Read: Lots of crowds and not stroller friendly at all.
5. Take the ‘L’
Take the ‘L’ to Wrigley Field. The CTA red line takes you directly to Wrigley Field, get off at Addison. It’s super easy to do, I promise.
Plus riding the elevated train in Chicago is just another fun experience for the kids. We actually picked our hotel for the night based on how easy it was to walk to the red line.
6. Go Cubs Go
Get in the spirit and wear Chicago Cubs gear or at least Cubbie blue!
7. Participate
Have fun, sing and dance to the game music and celebrate with the crowd. If you have fun, your kids will too!
8. Bring Distractions
Small distractions might help younger kids stay longer. I let Elliot use my phone a few times when he was restless. Taking pictures or playing a game might help extend your time at the game.
9. Be Realistic
Accept the fact you won’t make it through the whole game. It’s ok, I promise. We made it to the bottom of the 6th inning with my boys (ages 3 and 5) and I was happy with that.
10. Free Souvenir
Get a “First Visit” photo. When we entered Wrigley, an ambassador pointed us towards a booth where all the boys (it was Peter’s first time at Wrigley too) received a free photo of Wrigley Field celebrating their first visit!
Looking for an extra special Wrigley Field experience? Why not try a Wrigley Field Tour, I know my husband would love to do that someday! Maybe another bucket list item?
More Baseball Ideas with Kids
- Petco Baseball Park With Kids
- Scottsdale Spring Training With Kids
- AZ Diamondbacks With Kids
This post was originally published July 15, 2013.
Ashleigh Burroughs says
Absolutely take the L. When they are a little older, show them how to keep score in the program. Practice singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame so, if you make it to the 7th inning stretch, the kids know the words. Pick out one player – with a silly name, a funny haircut, a fabulous mustache – and make him “your favorite.” And, promise to do it again real soon!
a/b
Teresa @ Working Traveling Mom says
Great tips! We’re taking our two (ages 4 and 6) to their first game this weekend and I’m not expecting them to make it through half the game – and I’m OK with that. 🙂
Alicia Hursley says
Thanks so much for sharing this! My husband has been working so hard on a kitchen renovation, and I wanted to surprise him by bringing in a professional cabinet refinisher to wrap it up. Obviously I would need something to distract him, and what better than a trip to see his favorite team? We have a three-year-old and I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t nervous to take him, but your tips have helped ease that. Definitely looking forward to the game.