There have been some pretty exciting Nats games lately, and we’ve been lucky to be there for some of them. Like that franchise record-setting 25-run doozy against the Mets last week… wowza! When the the kids and I were on our way to the game, I actually gave them a heads-up that we’d probably be leaving early, since 1) they had camp the next day, 2) it was supposed to rain, and 3) they were playing the Mets (sorry, Mets fans). But when we were up 7-0 after just the first inning, I had a feeling we’d be sticking around longer, and indeed we stayed through the rain and all nine innings for one awesome display of baseball.
Anyway, we have four tickets for the match-up against the Braves this Wednesday evening that we can’t use, and I would love to give them away to some KFDC reading Nats fans. So, I thought a quick giveaway would be fun. And, hopefully, whoever wins gets to enjoy some thrilling baseball action, too!
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Giveaway: For a chance to win four tickets (section 133) to see the Nationals vs. Braves this Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at 7:05pm, simply leave a comment telling me your favorite baseball moment this season. Get an extra chance to win by entering on the KidFriendly DC Facebook Page, too. This giveaway will run until Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at 8pm, then a winner will be picked and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!
Surely, you guys know by now that we are fans of the Nats — and Nationals Park. I discussed it in a very early KFDC post, include ballgames in Weekend Round-Ups whenever they play at home, have endorsed the Jr. Nationals Kids Club for years, and know it all well enough to have plenty of tips for spending less on a day at the ballpark.
For us, catching a game at Nationals Park is an excellent way to spend a family day out. Not only is it a blast to watch the action on the field and enjoy fun in the stands, there are all kinds of programs and ballpark amenities that cater to kids. And even though we’re halfway through the season, and I mention these from time to time, here’s a round-up of all the features especially for families to help plan a day at Nats Park.
Giveaways
Nationals Park was designed for fans of all ages, and there are a few upcoming giveaways that young baseball fans will particularly enjoy:
* Sunday, July 30 | Nationals vs. Rockies at 1:35pm – Coloring Book presented by the Potomac Nationals (first 10,000 fans 12 & under)
* Tuesday, August 29 | Nationals vs. Marlins at 7:05pm – Bryce Harper Starting Lineup Action Figure presented by SAIC (first 25,000 fans)
Kids Run the Bases
All kids ages 4 through 12 have the opportunity to run the bases after Sunday home games – throughout the season. Jr. Nationals MVP members have access to an exclusive line that will go onto the field first (more info below). Weather permitting, subject to change.
Little Owen runs the bases after a Sunday Nats game
Tickets: Harris Teeter Family Fun Pack
Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season, the pack includes a game ticket, hot dog, chips, Coca-Cola/Dasani beverage, and fans save up to 36% on a meal and game ticket!
Jr. Nats Kids Club
For all kids ages 12 and younger, the Jr. Nationals Kids Club, presented by Harris Teeter, is a great way to enjoy Nationals baseball. The Jr. Nats MVP Membership is just $20 for all fans ages 4-12! Benefits include:
* Membership Card and Lanyard, Coupon Book and Passport, MVP Book Bag, Exclusive Jr. Nats Baseball Cap, MVP Baseball Seam Bracelet
* Three Nationals Team Store Coupons
* One Welcome/Birthday Scoreboard Message
* One Promotional Item
* One FREE Meal at any NatsDog Stand
The Jr. Nats Rookie Membership is FREE for all fans ages 4-12! Benefits include a Membership Card and Lanyard, Special Meet and Greet Opportunities, and Exclusive Email Offers.
Family Fun Area
Children are invited to visit this kids-oriented play area inside Nationals Park, located inside the Right Field Gate, adjacent to the Team Store. Here guests will find a jungle gym and other activities suitable for kids.
Nationals Main Team Store
The Nationals recently modernized the Main Team Store in Center Field Plaza to create a better shopping experience for fans. The Nationals expanded the collection of available merchandise, including the Kids Section, which now includes products from Majestic Kids.
Concessions
At Rookie’s (Food for the Little Slugger), the younger generation of Nat’s fans can get Jr. Nats Dogs, Uncrustables™, and Kids Meals. Located in Section 142.
So, are you ready to take the kids out to the ballgame? If this doesn’t cover all the bases, the Washington Nationals website has more information.
Disclosure: I received free game tickets from the Washington Nationals, however, I only promote places, programs, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will be of interest to KFDC readers.
True story: Every single Nats game I’ve been to since last season, they’ve lost. And I caught quite a few of them last year — during that amazing season! — and have been to three so far this time ’round. Not a single win. I’m seriously starting to think it’s me.
So, it was actually kind of a relief to be at the ballpark yesterday, when there was no game going on, hence no chance of jinxing it. Good friends of ours won a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium for 25 people in a raffle, and we were among the lucky crew who were invited to join them (thanks, Elsa & Sam!).
Kids are psyched the big tour
View from the Red Porch
What a treat it was for all of us. We got to visit parts of the park that either aren’t open to the public or that I’ll probably never make it to (unless anyone out there with connections wants to hook me up with sweet seats 😉 ). Our tour guide also pointed out neat features of the park that I might not have noticed on my own and gave us some history of DC’s baseball teams and former stadiums.
View from the sweet suite seats
In the press box
Hanging out in the visiting team’s clubhouse
We got to see the Diamond Club, President’s Club, a luxury suite, and the press box, and take in the sweeping views from all of them. We saw the opposing team clubhouse and Shirley Povich media center. And throughout most of it, we saw many great photos — shots of old timers, presidents throwing first pitches, and more momentous images. Artifacts from years’ past, like President Kennedy’s seat from RFK Stadium and the chairs that were hit by some of the longest home runs, were on display in the club rooms.
Pointing out the presidents
JFK’s seat from RFK stadium
Players see this quote as they head through the tunnel to the dugout
And one of the most exciting parts, especially for the kids, was saved for last: We got to go down to the field. Not on the grass, but on the track just around it. We sat in the dugouts and hung out in the Nationals bullpen, where all of the kids got a turn throwing a pitch. Pretty awesome, and the perfect way to end our tour.
She’s got Natitude
Look at that arm!
Pretend play at its best
Headed for home
I was thinking how much my dad would like the venture and asked how I might arrange a visit next time he’s in town. It turns out these tours are actually available to the public on most non game days throughout the season and a bit beyond. Who knew?! Times vary by day, so check the calendar for the schedule on the day you hope to go. You can also go on game days, though the tour is limited; there’s no on-field stop and no pitching in the Bull Pen. Tickets for all tours are $15/adults, $12/children, military, and seniors.
Now, just cross fingers for the May 10th game! I’ve already got my tickets, determined to end the unlucky streak.
