Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, I don't care if I never get back
Let me root, root, root for the home team
If they don't win, it's a shame
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out
At the old ball game
Going to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates play is on our family’s summer bucket list every year. It’s not summer until we’ve hit at least one game and I get my ballpark hot dog. So when we were invited to Family Fun Days, we knew this was going to be something the kids would love. Now through August 25th, on select Sundays, you can come an hour early with the whole family for a kid-friendly event.
This writer was hosted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but all opinions and experiences expressed here are her own.
Stepping out onto Federal Street, we were greeted with a block-party-style pre-game to start the hype. Pittsburgh DJ Truck brought the beats, and kids enjoyed face painting, balloon animals, free sunglasses, games, ice cream & more. It really started the day off with the good vibes.
Chasing toddlers is my actual game. With twin newborns, a 5-year-old, and a 4-year-old, getting all the kids to sit through 9 innings isn’t exactly happening right now. With 4 kiddos in toe, I know how hectic it can be taking kids, well, anywhere! I was surprised to learn how fun the park is for kids. The stadium is well-equipped for kid-friendly entertainment, rest stations, shaded 😎 areas, and, as a twin-mom, very double-stroller friendly.
On entering the stadium for Family Fun Days, every child under 14 was gifted a free Pirates jersey. If you have a first-time gamer, stop by the guest service desk for an official first game certificate! It was adorable seeing my newborn twin girls get their first game certificates in their matching baseball onesies.
After making it through 2 innings (I know, impressive), the kids were ready to get their wiggles out, and I was off to find shade to feed the twins their bottles. The park has a huge play area on Level 1 with a playground, bouncy bridge, and giant climber that the kids always look forward to each year.
Mom Tip: On family days, all the kids are dressed in their matching jerseys, give your child a NEON wardrobe accessory or something to make them stand out in the crowd of children dressed alike.
Not too far from the playground is a covered lower deck area open for viewing and a perfect rest stop for babies, also next to restrooms. We got to experience the Pittsburgh Pirates turning up the noise to see Paul Skenes pitch from the shaded deck area where I fed each twin and gave them a little break from the sun.
After I had kids, I really got to see the other side of PNC Park –the family-friendly side. In my family, we can't go to a ball game without a hot dog, and we were sure to stop at the Clubhouse Store, so the kids could make their own baseball cards. A Sunday well-spent and summer memories for all. ⚾️ Let's go Bucs!
For more information on Pittsburgh Pirates Family Fun Days, visit www.pirates.com/mackid
