Growing up, I remember the excitement I felt going to baseball games with my Dad. From minor
league games to the big league games, it really didn’t matter where we were, I just loved the
time with my Dad, enjoying the sport we loved the most, baseball! And now, I get to share this
special bond with my son too.
Last week, my family and I visited Hadlock Field to watch the Portland Sea Dogs take on the
Hartford Yard Goats, and what a blast it was! I had almost forgotten how kid-friendly these
minor league venues are for children! Not to mention, it’s far less expensive than a trip to the big
league game, and it’s more catered to family-friendly amusement. My son loved all of the
entertainment between innings especially watching Slugger, the Sea Dogs’ mascot, battle with a
tyrannosaurus rex. The joy in his eyes and the belly laugh he produced were contagious!
So, next on our wish list is a family visit to Chicago to explore some of their best minor league
stadiums. As I plan our visit, I consider what’s most important to me when looking at kid-friendly
stadiums. This includes the ability to bring in a diaper bag, use of a stroller, clean and spacious
bathrooms with changing tables, accessible parking, a friendly environment and staff, and plenty
of kid-friendly activities!
With these parameters in mind, here are the stadiums we are planning to check out during our
visit:
● Northwestern Medicine Field located in Geneva, Illinois, is the home ballpark of the Kane
County Cougars and is just under an hour’s drive from the heart of Chicago. Fans rave
about it being one of the best places to visit with kids and family because of its friendly
staff, reasonable prices, and professional accommodations. Reviewers boast of the
KidZone, a safe, kid-friendly area for fans too young to sit still through an entire
ballgame. The KidZone features a “Snack Shack” with a variety of food and beverages
for young and adult fans to enjoy, as well as a slide, basketball hoop, soccer net, bounce
house, t-ball, obstacle course, and more! Because of its popularity, however, parking
can be a bit difficult at this ballpark, so I’ll be sure to leave us some extra time to beat the
crowds.
● Ozinga Field is in the southern suburbs of Chicago in Crestwood, Illinois. Home to the
Windy City Thunderbolts, the league has produced players who have gone on to play
with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and
Cincinnati Reds. This ballpark is a great place to visit with kids and reviewed as one of
the most affordable minor league stadiums in the Chicago area. (As a budget-conscious
Mom, this is always an important attribute for me!) The Dino Jump Kids Zone is a
favorite for children offering plenty of safe space to run, jump, and play! There are also
countless in-game promotions that are sure to keep the entire family entertained! From

the pick-your-own pony to high-low/double down, there’s amusement for everyone. I
personally can’t wait for the ‘White Castle Catch What You Crave’ event, where one
lucky fan uses a fishing net and attempts to catch some White Castle slider hamburgers
that are shot from the ballpark roof!
● Located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, the Schaumburg Boomers play at Wintrust
Field, also known as “mini Wrigley Field.” The ballpark has the same dimensions as
Wrigley Field but far fewer seats, so there’s no overcrowding in the bleachers, and it’s
perfect for a family-friendly outing. Visitors boast of the cleanliness of this ballpark, as
well as the friendly environment and people. There are a variety of free activities for the
kids including a bouncy house, slide, and open space for them to run around! Fans rave
about the affordable concessions and the accessibility of bathrooms. Parking at this
venue is also free and close to the ballpark.
● Duly Health and Care Field is located in the southern suburbs of Chicago and is home to
the Joliet Slammers. Fans love visiting this ballpark with family because they know they
can count on cleanliness, friendly staff, and free parking. In addition to regular seating,
there is a lawn with plenty of space to lay down a picnic blanket and let the little ones run
around. There is also a playground on site to keep the kids occupied, and mascots
Spikes and JL Bird are known for providing lots of fun and silly entertainment too!
Also, kids can run the bases at all these ballparks following each game, so I’ll be sure to take
advantage of that as my son just started walking and will be running in time for this visit!
To get more information on these family-friendly ballparks, please visit this website’s free
KidFriendlyVenue app!

K.D.