There’s not much better than a baseball game in the summer. New York has plenty of stadiums within traveling distance, where your kids can bring a glove, grab a hot dog and watch America’s pastime. Teams regularly host promotional days where fans get more than just nine innings of a ballgame.
Both the Mets and the Yankees have special giveaways all summer for the first 18,000 fans 14 and under. On August 16, it’s Yankees Coloring Book Night. The next night, young fans can receive a Yankees growth chart to see how tall they are compared to their favorite players. Finally, if the only thing your kids love more than big homers are big rigs, August 27 is Yankees Collectible Truck Day. Check their schedule HERE for half-priced games throughout the summer, and a special $5 game on September 5.
Meanwhile, at Citi Field, on July 31, the Mets will honor legendary catcher Mike Piazza during a series against the Rockies. The first 15,000 fans of all ages at the Sunday afternoon game will receive Mike Piazza bobbleheads. The team will have their own Toy Truck night on August 14. On September 21, Bark at the Park returns, when pet-owning fans can purchase special tickets to bring their dogs to the game and participate in a pre-game dog parade.
In addition to NYC’s two major league teams, there are many minor league teams for New York baseball fans to cheer on. The Brooklyn Cyclones, the Single-A affiliate of the Mets, have promotions almost every night. After many games throughout the summer, they let kids run the bases. Trust in the Force on July 23, which is a special Star Wars Night. On July 31, celebrate the Chosen One’s birthday with Harry Potter Night, which will feature pre-game quidditch on the field. August 10 is 90s night!
The Staten Island Yankees, the Single-A affiliate of the Yankees, has a promotional schedule as well. They are also having a Star Wars night on July 7. August 7 is Zootopia Day, when the Staten Island Zoo will bring some petting zoo favorites for kids. Make sure to dress up, as there will be a best animal costume contest. The SI Yanks have kids eat free days, when everyone 12 and under gets a voucher for a free hot dog, snack, and drink.
There are other teams just a short trip from the city, including in Trenton, NJ; Norwich, CT; and Troy, NY. Check their schedules for all their promos, and bring the family out to the park to watch some baseball!
