Taking Families to GABP
When it comes to having a family, thoughtful planning is oftentimes a main component of a successful adventure! Taking the family to a Cincinnati Reds game at Great American Ball Park is truly a “great” experience and a little planning goes a long way in making the adventure memorable and extra fun. Make your plans now and get ready to root, root, root for the home team!
Before the Game
Consider a Reds Heads Membership
If your kiddo is big into baseball, consider a Reds Heads membership. There are packages for ages 0-3 ($25) and 3-12 ($35) that include an abundance of exclusive goodies, coupons for around town and access to special events, too. Membership jerseys will have your pint-sized player looking sharp at games– in fact, the packages even include tickets to games! From a been-there-done-that Reds Heads mom… these bundles are SO worth it if your kids love the Reds. Seriously… a Reds jersey alone can cost $25-35, so everything else included in the membership is just extra! And there is a lot included. Check it out for yourself!
Snag a Deal
Family activities can break the bank but being thoughtful and taking time to look at promotions on the calendar can translate to savings at GABP. Families can save by purchasing up to three half-price tickets with the purchase of a full-price ticket in select areas of the ballpark in advance of game day. There are nine upcoming Family Day Discount games coming up in 2025.
April 26, 6:40 p.m. vs. Cardinals
May 13, 6:40 p.m. vs. White Sox
June 17, 7:10 p.m. vs. Twins
June 29, 1:40 p.m. vs. Padres
July 7, 7:10 p.m. vs. Marlins
July 31, 7:10 p.m. vs. Braves
August 12, 6:40 p.m. vs. Phillies
September 2, 6:40 p.m. vs. Blue Jays
September 7, 1:40 p.m. vs. Mets
If your crew is the type to spend all their cash at concessions, choosing a 3-2-1 Tuesday game may be beneficial. While supplies last, grown-ups can snag $3 beers, grab $2 hot dogs and line up for $1 ice cream cups, too.
Celebrate with GABP
If your little one is attending their first game ever at GABP, be sure to commemorate the occasion with a certificate! Families celebrating birthdays and couples spending their anniversaries at the ball field can get certificates, too! And Great American Ball Park has made the certificate redemption process easier than ever. Instead of waiting in line and filling out forms at the game, you can pre-order your certificate online, here! There are three pick-up locations, including: Terrace Fan Accommodations (behind section 119), View Level Accommodations (behind section 420), and the Fan Zone Accommodations.
Game Day
Click here to check out a handy map, courtesy of the Reds, that makes parking on game day simple. Another option is to park at Newport on the Levee and walk the Taylor Southgate Bridge! This is a great way to take in a breathtaking view of the city, and maybe save a few bucks, too.
A few notes on what you can bring into the stadium. Small soft sided coolers are allowed, as are unopened plastic bottles of water and other non-alcoholic drinks and unopened food bags, too. Spray sunscreen is permitted (and recommended by this momma!). Strollers are permitted but must be folded up when not in use. Diaper bags for infants and backpacks with medical equipment are permitted but subject to search upon entry. Another Reds Heads perk? Reds Heads backpacks are permitted at the park, too. Final note! GABP is cashless! Credit cards only.
Fans are welcome to get to GABP early (gates open 60 min prior to start time Mon-Thu, and 90 min early on June 18, 23-25 and games on Fri-Sat-Sun). If your family snags seats along the first or third base line, be sure to bring a baseball glove and try to catch a foul ball!
Now! For the fun stuff when it comes to taking families to GABP…
Of course try to see as much of the game from your seat… as much as your child will tolerate! But once the wiggles set in, Great American Ball Park has heaps of fun for kids to enjoy. Even if a game wasn’t going on at the park, the TriHealth Family Zone would be worth a visit to the stadium all on its own. The ballpark houses a large playground with slides, a bridge and a clubhouse. Littles can take a swing at the toddler-sized batting cages. There is a nursing nook for mommas and a reading room for those who love a good book! The sensory room is a calming, quiet space for kiddos who need a break– and bonus, parents can keep up on plays by watching the televised game screens. Catching the breeze and enjoying a view of the Ohio River while sitting the swings in this area is literally perfection during hot summer games. How to get to the TriHealth Family Zone: make your way to the right field corner of the View Level.
Be sure to stop by the First Star Fan Zone, located on the Terrace Level, along the west side of GABP. Families can check out yet another playground, presented by Recreations Outlet. This large playground has tunnels, a bridge and slides, too. Nearby is the Fan Zone Field, presented by Cincinnati Children’s; it is the perfect stop for kids who want to take a swing at a ball and round the bases! Walk just about the distance from home to first base and you will find the Reds Mobile Clubhouse where Reds Heads members can trade their collectible pins (you can also purchase a membership here!). There are also carnival games like Gapper’s Hit the Mitt, Mr. Red’s Bottle Break-Up and more (for an additional purchase). During Sunday Family Fun Days, be sure to stop by the First Star Fan Zone to meet up with mascots and see what other fun they have planned for the day (ex. face painters/circus performers, etc.!).
Between an actual Reds game going on, walking around to get great food, checking out the First Star Fan Zone and the TriHealth Family Zone, there is seriously SO much to do during game day at Great American Ball Park with the family.
But wait, there’s more!
Families can keep the baseball fun going! Did you know that children ages 12 and younger receive FREE admission to the Reds Hall of Fame Museum? Plan a trip to explore this grand slam of a museum that showcases tons of Reds memorabilia that highlights Cincinnati’s place in baseball history. Click here to learn more about the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, presented by Dinsmore.
Cincinnati Family Magazine hopes your Cincinnati family has a grand slam’s worth of fun during your visit to Great American Ball Park for a Cincinnati Reds game!
Find Cincinnati Reds Home games on Cincinnati Family Magazine’s online calendar by CLICKING HERE.
If you have a GABP tip to share with other families, e-mail amandac@frg.inc
