Prior to having kids, we loved going to American Family Field (then Miller Park). You could plan a big tailgate or take a shuttle from a nearby bar to enjoy some pregame festivities. Once you got into the stadium you could get a cold beer and settle into your seat for a nice time enjoying the Brewers. With kids…that experience changes a bit. It can still be fun, but you’ve got to plan your day a bit differently than before. Here is what we found works best for a Brewer game with kids.
Tickets
It can be expensive to take a whole family to a Brewer game. If planned accordingly, you can find some great deals that won’t break the bank. BP and Pick n’ Save sometimes run promotions where you can earn free tickets as you spend at their locations (BP link). These are nice especially if you are spending money at these locations anyways. The next best option we have found is the Brewers Kids Crew. We purchase this for our little guy each winter to bundle with the Christmas presents since it comes with some cool gear. Each membership includes 6 vouchers that you can redeem for tickets to games in the terrace reserve section. If you want to upgrade, no problem, there is just a fee based on the seats you want to sit in. The vouchers can be entered into your Brewer ticket account and then redeemed for the available games.
In 2023, the Brewers released the Sunday Funday bundle. For $59, you get 4 tickets, a parking pass, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas. This is a steal for everything you get. If you plan it just right, there are Sunday giveaway games where you can score some nice memorabilia for everyone to take home.
For seat selection, I’d say this is age dependent. With little kids, you’re not going to spend the whole game taking in the action, but at the same time, you want the kids to be able to see the action on the field (and Bernie Brewer). We opted for Terrace Box and behind home plate so the video board was in perfect view and our son could take in the whole game. These worked out well as he got to take it all in for the 2 innings that he wanted to sit in the seats. For older kids, we really like the loge outfield or the field outfield box. These are the best deals on each of those levels and still great seats.
***Don’t forget to buy your seats on the first baseline for day games! If you sit down on the third base line it’s going to be in direct sunlight.
Tailgating and Pregame
This isn’t as easy with younger kids, so don’t expect the same experience you had kid-free. Throw a few games in the car, the glove, cornhole, etc. Don’t plan to be out there for hours, get your food cooked and then head into the game. With the older kids they’ll stay entertained with the games longer, but a similar story, this will only last so long.
With the Kids Crew, you do get an early entry for batting practice. This can be exciting for the kids to catch home run balls and see their favorite players from closer up. The players will usually interact a bit, and during Sunday home games they have brought back time for autographs. Have your kids get in early to take advantage of this for some signatures and to meet the players.
When you’re starting your walk into the stadium don’t forget the new bag policy! We saw tons of people walking their large purses back to the car. Read up on the rules for single-compartment clear bags as this is your best option for taking snacks and water into the game with you.
Game time
With the pitch clock, the games go by a bit faster in 2023. This is important because there’s lots of action in between innings that will keep the kids entertained. We’re always hoping for Brewer’s home runs so Bernie will go down the slide, but when the game isn’t keeping your kids entertained, it’s time to walk around. There’s plenty to see and different views from all around the park. There are also 2 play areas for the kids. The first-floor play area is better for older kids, but it does have some nice photo opportunities for everyone. On a recent Sunday game they had clowns doing balloon animals as well, so be on the lookout as this did not last the whole game. Behind section 406 on the 4th floor, there is also a play area for the kids. This area is better for the younger kids and allows them to burn off some energy.
Food
There are plenty of good food options in the stadium which we’ll cover, but there’s always the forgotten rule of being able to bring in your own food. With smaller kids, you are still allowed to bring in a diaper bag. Pack this thing full of sealed water bottles, and snacks to save some money inside the stadium. You can bring in items as large as a sandwich, so plan accordingly. If tailgating isn’t your thing or you don’t have time, there are still cost-friendly options inside the stadium. This year the Brewers started the 414 menu, which includes hot dogs and nachos at select locations in the park. These items are 4 dollars each, and much more reasonable than some of the other concession stands around the park. As you wander around you can also find some treats for the kids like dip n dots ice cream, or special pretzels with various toppings.
Special Events
When buying your tickets, be on the lookout for special promotions that may entertain your kids. We are heading to the game this year for Sesame Street, where our little guy will get a Cookie Monster bobblehead. These theme days are great as they have special guests and different things around the park to add to the day (they even had the easter bunny this year for photo opps). Sundays are also big days for kids as they get to run the bases after the game, which is always a cool experience. Just be aware that the line can get long and stretches all the way down the first baseline. We saw them setting up the gates starting in the 6th inning.
Don’t forget
- Leverage the promotions and ticket packages to save some money
- Look for summer day games and take off work to have less crowded activities
- Pack some snacks and water to carry in to save some money
- If it’s your kid’s first game, stop by guest relations for a certificate and a pack of baseball cards
- Look for both playgrounds, just know the first level is always more crowded
- Buy parking in advance, it’s cheaper!
- Enjoy the Brewer game with kids!
