The Phillies are on fire this year, and nothing screams summer fun more than heading to the ballpark to watch your favorite team win. We've got tons of tips and tricks for navigating and enjoying Citizens Bank Park with little ones. So grab the sunscreen, throw on some Phillies gear, and let's head out to the ballgame!
Looking for more summer fun in Philly? Check out our Summer Acitivty Guide or our Guide to Area Beaches, Pools, and Lakes.
Citizens Bank Park Bag Policy
First thing's first, what can you bring with you into the ballpark? You are allowed to bring one bag per person. This includes fanny packs, clear bags 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller,diaper bags, and medically necessary items. Strollers are permitted, but must be folded up and kept under your seat during the game, so don't bring your big heavy duty stroller. The 400-level of seating does require walking up stairs. For day games, don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats!
Pro Tip: Sealed clear plastic water bottles are allowed in the park (one per person), so stop off at Wawa before you go so you don't have to spend an arm and a leg on drinks.
Dress in your Phillies gear to cheer on theteam!
When to Get To the Game
For weeknight (Monday-Thursday) 6:40 games, gates open at 5:35. For all other games, gates open 90 minutes prior to game time. If you get there right when the gates open, you can watch the players finish their batting practice. The first gates to open are Left Field and Third Base.
Pro Tip: Check the promotions schedule for giveaways and themed nights.
Swinglike the pros on the replica field in The Yard,
Kids Activities at the Phillies Game
Located in Right Field just next to Ashburn Alley, The Yard is another great reason to arrive early. The Yard is the ballpark's kids area, and it's pretty epic. The area includse the Phanatic Rock Climbing Wall, Hatfield Phanatic Hot Dog Launcher, Bullpen Speed Pitch, and a small replica wiffle ball field. All of these activities are free to partake in, but some (like rock climbing)require you to scan a QR code and fill out a waiver. The Yard opens when the ballpark opens and closes in the 7th inning, so don't wait to get over there! There's also a backyard bar for parents to enjoy and an ice cream bar for the kiddos to cool off when they're done playing.
Pro Tip:Just nearby you can also find a stand to sign your kids up for the Kids Club. The Kids Club costs $35 and comes with lots of great merch that the kids will love, a complimentary game ticket, and first in line access to kids run the bases nights (which can also be found on the promotions calendar).
The Phanatic Rock Climbing Wallchallenges kids to climb to new heights.
What to Eat and Where to Shop at Citizens Bank Park
There are plenty of kid-friendly bites at CBP including hot dogs, pretzels, fries, and more. The main attraction will likely be ice cream helmets, which can be found behind sections 110, 137, 205, 322, and 330.
If you're planning on visiting the New Era Phillies Team Store, all of the kid size items are located on the second level of the store. The New Era store is located near the Third Base Gate and you'll need to enter from the Main Concoursebehind Section 134 and walk to the back of the store and up the stairs inside the store to find the kids section.
Pro Tip: If you're kids aren't that into ice cream, there's also a Federal Donuts behind Section 140.
Other Things to Know
- Fans 14 and under who are attending their first Phillies game can head to Guest Services, behind section 122 or 318) to receive a free Phirst Phillies Game Certificate.
- Bring a glove to catch fouls and homerun balls.
- A private area for nursing mothers is available on the Main Concourse behind Section 125.
- Children age two and under do not need a ticket, but must sit on a lap.
- You can view the bi-level bullpen from Ashburn Alley if you want to watch pitchers warm up.
- Parking costs $25 and is cashless.
- Refill your water bottle at one of the 20 water fountains throughout the ballpark.
- Family restrooms are located behind Sections 106, 112, 137, 205, 208, 219, 224, 234, 319, 322, and 329.
Photos by the author
