“You only get 18 summers with your children,” we hear this time and time again as a reminder to cherish the wonder that these memories bring. Memorial Day weekend always marks the beginning of our summer memories. Kids are giddy as the end of another school year ends and we begin our summer bucket lists with anticipation of all that the season will bring.
For us, that means popsicles, pool parties, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. A Pirates Game is always on our summer bucket list; we make a game or two each summer. Before kids, I always enjoyed heading to the games, you really can’t beat the view at PNC Park and a nostalgic ballpark hot dog. After kids, I was surprised to find how equipped the stadium is for hosting children.
Now until August, PNC Park hosts the Family Fun Days every Sunday. Federal Street is blocked off before the game for the ultimate city block party, the Family Fun Zone. Arrive early and you’re greeted with bubbles, bounces houses, music, balloon animals, facepainting and more. Federal Street is really a vibe and great family time so make sure to arrive early because it closes when the game starts!
Here is our ultimate Ballpark Bucket List for Family Fundays at PNC Park:
- Head on into the game for a special giveaway: kids get a free gift on entrance to the ballpark!
- Stop by guest services if it is your child’s first game: they get their own first game certificate!
- Head to the riverwalk for the ultimate ballpark play area on the first floor. Kids can climb the Pirates Ship and bounce on the bridge.
- Stop by the Team Store and have a Topp card designed for your child. Their very own baseball card!
- Try a few fan-favorites at the concession stands. My kids love the ice cream in the Pirates hat.
- Close out a memorable game and let the Kids Run the Bases presented by Chicken of the Sea
- Don’t forget to sign up for the Buccaroos Kids Club
As a yearly game goer with 4 kids ages 6 and under (plus twins!), here are my mom tips for a successful day at the stadium:
- On busy game days, many of the kids dress in yellow jerseys and running around the play area can get hard to keep an eye on them. Add something neon so they’re spotted more easily.
- The first floor is a perfect shaded rest area if needed for a break from the sun, nursing/bottles, diaper changes, or restroom breaks.
- If your children (like mine) can’t sit still for 9 innings, no worries! The riverwalk on the first floor is perfect for them to let their wiggles out. New note this year: perfect place for stroller kids to get out to stretch and to play. The soft flooring was perfect for climbers and new walkers. My twins are 15-months-old and this was completely toddler-friendly. They enjoyed climbing on the baseballs and running wild.
- With our hands full of twin babies, we choose to sit down and eat before getting into our seats to save on the amount we have to carry down to our seats. It’s nice to sit down somewhere and enjoy a ballpark meal first so we can pay attention to the game and maybe snag a cotton candy as they come around.
- Something new I did this year: I put the safety ID bracelets on my kiddos. Call me paranoid but they’re in the defiant age of running off so I’d rather have the extra precaution of writing my name and number on a bracelet. I use these exact same ones for Disney World, too.
- At the end of the day, take them around the corner to splash in the Pittsburgh Water Steps. The view is beautiful, they love chasing the ducks, and a little splash before we head back to the South Hills. It’s not every day we make it into the city anymore so we take it all in when we go.
From my family to yours, I hope your summer is full of ballpark adventures, bubbles, pool parties, and popsicles. After all, we only get 18 summers with our kids.
