Is there anything better than a summer afternoon baseball game with your family? If there is, don’t tell me about it.
I’ve loved going to see the Mariners since I was a little girl going to the games at the Kingdome with my Dad. We continued watching them at Safeco Field (even the day after I got my tonsils out as an adult), and he’s taken me and his three grandkids to games at Safeco Field / T-Mobile Park.
My dad passed away this past January, but I know he wanted us to continue the family tradition of cheering on the Mariners.
I hope you can start a tradition of taking your kids to see the Mariners. Or, even if you’re just in town for the weekend, that you’ll have fun at the ballpark with your kids!
We find Mariners games are great with kids because there’s a lot going on (baseball and non-baseball), there are plenty of other kids in attendance, the prices are decent, and it’s just a positive sports environment.
Let’s take a look at what it’s like to go to a Seattle Mariners baseball game with kids. I’ve also included a few simple tips for making the day fun and stress-free for everyone.
A Typical Game Day for Our Family
Who Goes: I have 3 kids. We’ve gone to Mariners games with 1, 2, or 3 kids at a time. I’ve always gone to the Mariners games with my Dad, but for our first game this season, I’ll go with my Mom and my youngest son (5-years-old).
Transport: We take public transport because we don’t enjoy driving into Seattle or parking in Seattle. We park at the Angle Lake Station and take the Link Lightrail 1 Line to the Stadium stop (if we’re going straight to the game). The Stadium stop is a quick 7-10 minute walk from he T-Mobile Park (even with kids!). Often, we’ll get off at the International District/Chinatown stop if we come in early to explore.
Arrival Time: Rarely do we just come in for the game. We don’t live super close to Seattle, so it’s a commitment to go into the city. So, we often pair a Mariners game with time in the International District or something else in the city. That means we get to the area hours before the game starts. If we don’t eat in the International District or elsewhere in the city, we often get a quick meal outside the stadium (hot dog, chips, soda). We like to enter early (60-90 minutes before game start) because we enjoy watching warmups and walking around the stadium.
What I Bring: I carry a gallon-size ziploc bag or a clear belt bag into the stadium (credit card, license, chapstick, hand sanitizer, tissues or baby wipes, mini snacks). I also bring a sealed water bottle for each person. On the train on the way to the stadium, I keep everyone’s water bottles and pre-game snacks in my ‘baseball game day purse’ – a plastic grocery bag. Keepin’ it classy.
Seat Location: We’re all about value for Mariners games, so we sit in the 300 level along the 3rd or 1st baseline. Section 342 has been a favorite lately.
Know What Your Kids are Interested In
And then address each of their interests.
My boys are ages 11, 8, and 5 – and they each have different things they love about Mariners games.
My oldest loves the game – the stats, the strategy, knowing about each player. I make sure we arrive in
My youngest is interested in the food, games on the scoreboard (like the Hydro Challenge), and free trinkets or giveaways.
Each of my kids love:
- the possibility of catching a ball
- at-the-door giveaways (like bobbleheads)
- eating at the stadium (inside or outside)
Choose the Best Seats for YOUR Family
I always look for the best value when buying sports tickets for my family. I am willing to spend more money if it makes the experience better, but I find that we are super happy with 300 level seats along the 3rd or 1st baseline. They’re under $40 per ticket, and the views are great.
I avoid the first row of upper sections for safety reasons. Plus, the stands can feel steep, so kids may want to be further back from the edge.
Looking for or wanting to avoid the sun? Section 342 shaded at 6pm on August 6th, while he 1st baseline still had sun a 8pm. Pick your pleasure.
Helpful Tip: Would your kids love to catch a foul ball at Safeco Field? Check out this handy article!
Take Public Transport
Parking can be expensive, and traffic can be a pain. Avoid it and take public transport! We use the LINK Light Rail and you can also look into other public transport options like the Sounder, buses, and ferries. Sound Transit has a handy route planner.
Be sure to give your family plenty of time to find parking at the station, wait in line to buy tickets, find where you need to go to wait for the train/bus, etc. Public transport takes longer, but it definitely removes a lot of the stress and cost!
Bring a Layer
It can get chilly in the evening at the games, so bring a light layer for everyone in your family (like a windbreaker or light fleece).
Do Something Nearby Pre-Game
Make the most of your time in Seattle and check out something nearby before the game.
Here are a few ideas:
- Explore the International District – manga and anime, Uwajimaya Asian supermarket, Seattle Pinball Museum, Coast Guard Museum (by appointment, with US citizens with ID).
- Pike Place Market
- Seattle Aquarium
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Seattle Underground Tour
Go Early If There’s a Giveaway
If your kids are into bobbleheads, bucket hats, or throwback jerseys, branded stuffed animals… go early and try to snag one!
Check out the Mariners’ promo calendar and get there early! I’d say 60-90 minutes early, which can be tough with kids, especially if it’s hot out.
Also, I wouldn’t hype the freebies up too much, just in case you don’t get one. But, if you don’t get one, you can use the time inside to watch batting practice, meet the Mariner Moose, or try one of the baseball skills challenges (in the Kids Corner behind Section 330/331). And, the sometimes give away gifts if you sign up for the free Kids Club (last time we were there it was a bucket hat).
Good To Know: Some of the ‘giveaways’ can be purchased with special tickets. You’ll see the option to purchase them on the promo calendar I linked above. This could be a good option if you’re going for a special occasion like a birthday and want to make sure you get the promo item/gear.
The biggest hits with my boys have been bobbleheads, but they get pretty excited any time they have a chance to get a Mariners gift.
Helpful Tip: There is plenty of kid-sized merchandise (jerseys, t-shirts, etc) in the shop at T-Mobile Park. Look for the sale rack! We’ve also purchased Mariners shirts (quick-dry material) that have lasted through all 3 boys at places like Wal-Mart.
Get Your First Game Certificate
If one of your kids is coming to his/her first Seattle Mariners game, you can stop in at Guest Services and get a certificate. My 5 year old was thrilled to be ‘recognized for his attendance.’ It’s simple, but can be a big perk for a little kid!
Learn More: Check out more things for families at the stadium.
Eat at the Stadium
Like to try to give advice but typically prefer eating before sporting events and getting a treat at the game. However, Mariners games have great food deals – inside and outside of the stadium.
As I mentioned before, if we’re getting hot dogs, we usually get them outside the stadium (meal deal), but you can also get $4.50 hot dogs inside, which isn’t bad for a pro sports event.
Good To Know: If you don’t want stadium food, grab something from the super-close-by International District. There are so many amazing places to eat! We love the food hall in Uwajimaya.
Soak Up All of the Entertainment
I know it makes sense to plan toilet breaks for stops in play, but kids will love all of the stadium entertainment. Don’t miss:
- the Noise Meter
- Fireworks
- the hat game
- 7th inning stretch
- Salmon run
- Hydro challenge (family favorite)
Someimes kids will enjoy this part of the game (along with eating!) just as much or more than the actual game. Speaking from experience!
Leave Early If You Need To
My older boys like to stay until the end, but we have a long trip home after the games, and public transport can be crowded post-game. So, I do try to sneak us out early.
My oldest is a big baseball fan now and really likes to watch the entire game, so we do stay for full games more often. But, if we’re solo with my little one, we take off early.
Good To Know: Check to see if there’s anything post-game your kids may like. For example, there may be post-game fireworks or kids can run the bases on the field. If so, you may want to stay until the end!
Bringing Your Baby? You can definitely have fun at the game with a baby! I’ve been to Mariners games with a baby and found it was easiest to bring him in a baby carrier instead of a stroller. But, you can bring a stroller and check it in with guests services while you’re watching the game. I had Baby Banz ear protection with me but we didn’t end up using it because it wasn’t very loud where we were high up in the stadium. I breastfed my baby in the stands, and there is also a nursing lounge in the stadium if you’re looking for a private, quiet space.
I hope you have fun at the Mariners game with your kids!
In Seattle with your kids? Be sure to read
Seattle Storm Game with Kids
Seattle Sounders Game with Kids
Seattle Mariners Game with Kids
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