Miami Travel Forum

would anyone be able to tell me if its ok to take an infant (will be almost 2 when we go) to a baseball game in Miami?

I know it seems a stupid question but when I am looking on the websites to book tickets, if does not have the option or information regarding children or infants.

Its a dream to see a game but we want to do it as a family and not me on my own. Also wanted to know if you could take an infant, do you need to pay for them or would it be like anywhere else when the child is under 3?

Infact would you even consider it suitable to take such a small child to a game?

I don't know whether there are discounted tickets for children, but I doubt it. To be honest, I would not bother taking small children to a baseball game--you'll be paying full freight for their seats, but they will not enjoy it, at least not for more than 45 minutes. And if they're not enjoying themselves, you won't be either. Baseball games are LONG, and in my experience, small children get bored, cranky, and tired after about 4 innings. You'll probably have to leave midway through the game anyway.

A better option, used by many families with small kids, is minor league baseball. The tickets are much cheaper, there are a lot more kid-friendly activities during the game, and the crowds are used to families. They're also used to people wandering in at around inning #3 or leaving at inning #7.

only you know the behavior of the baby, but baseball is America's family pasttime and kids are very welcome.
you might one to call ahead the team base stadium and ask them about accommodations for the baby, like lower prices,better seating, they can do this, its call public relations department.

If you go, get seats that are located under the shade as it can be brutal, even for adults.

Have a good time but I think the first poster had it right, a AA or AAA game is a blast.

Julie has a good point about major league versus minor league...small children can't last the 2-3 hours that the game lasts, and as they get bored, you'll be wandering around with them, not watching the game. Besides, the better class minor league teams do indeed have more intimate stadiums that are much better suited to families, some with grassy areas where the kids can run around to their hearts' content - for the reduced price alone, minor league baseball attracts families.

Miami itself has a major league team but no minor league team, but there is a Class A Florida League (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_minor_league_baseball_leagues_and_teams for "Florida League"); I refer you to this list in case you will be near any of these other Florida cities on your trip.

Please note that my experience is with the AAA leagues (our team is the Frisco Rough Riders), This is a team with a nice, lower cost, more intimate, and family friendly setting. At our games, young (late teen/early 20s) employees come out on the field between each inning and run silly races or supervise silly contests (getting kids to dance in the stands for the giant monitor is common) or even shoot T-shirts tightly folded into a projectile into the air over the stands. It's all goofy...and very suited for younger kids..

However, I could imagine that for the lesser leagues that you might have only some benches and a concession stand, which might not be at all what your expectation would be.

Are you going anywhere else in the US besides Miami?

Bill

The weather in Miami during most of the baseball season is not very comfortable for anyone. I definitely would try to pick a night game if you wish to go. You might visit the Florida Marlins web site to see if they have a family area in their stadium. You also might check to see what kind of promotions they have during the season. During a Family Night there should be ticket and food discounts, and your child might have a few more playmates to interact with. As the other posters have mentioned, most smaller children don't deal to well with the slow pace of a baseball game. Most are ready to leave by the second or third inning. Two suggestions: (1) Don't sit in the lower levels, along the base lines. Even adults can't always get out the way of a line drive foul, or a flying piece of bat. (2) You might go early, with a ball, a cap, a program, or a small bat and have it signed. During the early part of pre-game warm-ups, many of the players take time for this. That would allow your child to have a memento of the game. Gary

ahh now i read it was Miami, used to go the Marlins game all the time big fan, keep abreat from afar now
this is their official site
http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/help/index.jsp?c_id=fla&topic=tickets
you can inquiry about your situation from them, but I took mine from 6 mos old and it was a blast,come prepare with plenty of changes,::)

I went to a Marlins game last year. Unfortunately a dismal game, the pitcher was yanked so hard in the second he ended up in AA.
There is an air conditioned level that is a bit more expensive (Club Seats), it is also the level with all the trophies for the Marlins, Dolphins and College sports, pretty cool. This will allow you to go to all levels of the park to wander but not to sit and watch.
On the main level there are some carnival type games that may keep the kids occupied for a while but, it won't last much either. Don't know about tickets for kids.

thanks for the info. Would you have any idea where in the minor league in Miami (If there is one) play? We are in South beach for 10 days. Usually when we visit the states we drive everywhere but thought we would stay more or less in the same area this time so would'nt want to travel too far to watch a game.

You might wish to do a web search for the Florida State League, which consists of Class A teams. Since I live in Missouri, I know the Cardinals have a team down there. Gary

Sorry, You've already been given that information. I think the Cardinals team is in West Palm Beach. Gary

Infants 24 months and youenger do not need a ticket.
If you go: 1. there are family Sunday Games, with special pricng and activities for families.
2. there is a Fun Zone specially for children with pre game activities, so arrive early, about 90 minutes before gametime.
3. Please keep your toddler safe. Pick areas where a ball would be less likely to make contact with your child, and always be aware when batters are up.
Finally, have you consider College ball? The university of Miami has a great team, a small stadium where all seats are good, and lots of children go to the games there. This could be a good alternative.

Cheers.

Thanks for the tips everyone!!!!