Plenty of Family Fun at Great American Ballpark

While my husband and I enjoyed many Red’s games BK (before kids), our family hasn’t been to too many baseball games at Great American Ballpark. I can’t believe it’s been seven years since Great American Ballpark officially opened in 2003. Now that we are officially clear of the toddler years, it seemed like the right time to venture back; so last Wednesday night we took advantage of the glorious weather, found our red shirts and made the less than 10 minute drive downtown to cheer on baseball’s first major league baseball team.

For some reason I imagined it would cost way too much for a family of four to take in a baseball game. I remember the days when I could go to a game with $10 and have money left at the end of the evening. As it turns out, the family still can enjoy plenty of bargain entertainment and refreshments at Great American Ballpark. Tickets start at just $5. We had excellent seats (generously shared with us) for $32.

Additionally, you can buy a hot dog, 12 oz soda, peanuts, candy, popcorn or ice cream appropriately portioned for $1 each. And if you are looking for something on the healthier side, Findlay Market has joined the list of vendors just inside the main entrance; you can choose from a select range of fresh whole fruit, Boathouse juices, pre-cut fruit and apple crisps.

They even had Fit Fruit and Vegetable Wash so you could wash your fruit before eating. The fruit stand saved us from the cotton candy and snow cone pleas. Don’t forget to bring or pick up bottled water outside the gate for only $1 and remember it has to remain sealed to be brought into the ballpark.

Before and after the game or when the children need a diversion, there is Fan Zone which is full of additional complimentary entertainment including concerts (at select games), interactive games like “Run it Out” which was great to expend excess energy from the kids and on Wednesday there was a Playstation truck with 10 stations for playing baseball or singing karaoke. It was fun watching our five year old rock out to “Our Song” by Taylor Swift.

The last time we went to a ball game, the girls each got their own pink build-a-bear complete with a baseball button nose and “take me out to the ballgame” song. The store is also loaded with official MLB Cincinnati Red’s accessories for your bear. For the ultimate souvenir your child can build a Gapper for $20. Don’t forget your camera so you can get a picture with Gapper, Mr Red, Mr Redlegs or Rosie Red who were all abundantly available the night we went –not that my kids would let me get a picture. There are still eight games left in the 2009 season, so go out and enjoy a game with the family. This Sunday, is Blogger day at the Reds and while the event is sold out you may just run into some of your favorite Bloggers.
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5 Responses to “Plenty of Family Fun at Great American Ballpark”

  1. Shannanb
    September 21, 2009 at 12:13 pm #

    I had no clue that Findlay Market had a stand at Great American Ball Park. What a great idea!

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  1. What’s Up This Weekend – Aug. 27-29 | Family Friendly Cincinnati - August 26, 2010

    [...] Batter Up! This weekend the Cincinnati Reds take on the Chicago Cubs.  Ticket prices vary but start as low as $5; Game times are Friday- 7:10pm; Saturday – 7:10pm; and Sunday 1:10pm. For inside tips & savings, check out Phyllis’ post on Great American Ballpark for families. [...]

  2. What’s Up This Weekend {July 26, 27} | Family Friendly Cincinnati - June 24, 2010

    [...] Great American Ball Park — Get out the peanuts and cracker jacks, the Cincinnati Reds are in town this weekend! Head down to Great American Ball Park Saturday to see the Reds take on Cleveland at 7:10pm.  Free Reds pennant to the first 20,000 fans in the gates.  Pick up $5 tickets in the upper levels and pack a cooler for a low cost/high fun evening at the ballpark! For more savings and ideas, check out this post we wrote last year on Family Fun {and $1 hot dogs } at the Reds ballpark. [...]

  3. Tweets that mention Plenty of Family Fun at Great American Ballpark | Family Friendly Cincinnati -- Topsy.com - June 7, 2010

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jamie Brandt and UC Foundation, FamilyFriendlyCincy. FamilyFriendlyCincy said: Headed to @CincinnatiReds tonight? Here's some family friendly info on the park! Includes where to find the $1 dogs! http://ow.ly/1ViPQ [...]

  4. Tweets that mention Plenty of Family Fun at Great American Ballpark | Family Friendly Cincinnati -- Topsy.com - September 20, 2009

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Reds Baseball and Reds. Reds said: RT @mommybits New on Family Friendly Cincinnati – Great American Ballpark. What parents need to know http://ow.ly/qbEJ #Reds [...]

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