Take the kids out to the ballgame! New Jersey is home to several Minor League Baseball stadiums, where the seats are closer to the field and there are lots of activities for the kids, along with autographs and stadium treats. You may even get to see your favorite pros when they move down a division as they are rehabbing. Consider a season ticket plan, or even a group outing with your kid’s scout troop or for a birthday party. The teams also have special-themed and promotional nights planned, plus fireworks throughout the summer. Buy yourself some peanuts and Cracker Jacks and head out to see a ballgame!
Jersey Shore Blue Claws
FirstEnergy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood
The BlueClaws are a High-A Affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. That means there’s a chance you’ll get to see your favorite pros from the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Washington National, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros if they come down to rehab.
There’s more here than just baseball – take the kids to mini golf, the boardwalk area and inflatable rides. Adults can grab a drink at the beer garden or join the Thirsty Thursday Club at the new BlueClaws Sand Bar. You can sign up for the Kids Club for free, so your child 12 or younger can eat for free on Sundays. The MVP Package includes five ticket vouchers and the opportunity to watch the fireworks from the field.
The first home game is Monday, April 8, at 6:35 pm vs. the Aberdeen IronBirds. If you’re a fan, consider getting a 5-game, 10-game or full season ticket package instead of single tickets. There is a package for youth sports teams.
And for three games this season (June 20, July 19 and August 21), the BlueClaws will rebrand as the Jersey Shore Locals, and play against the Hudson Valley Renegades, also known as the Bennys.
New Jersey Jackals
Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson
The New Jersey Jackals are a member of the East Division of the Frontier League, an independent baseball league which is a Partner League of Major League Baseball. They were previously members of the Northeast League, Northern League, Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, and All-American Baseball Challenge. There’s a history lesson here, as Hinchliffe is one of the last remaining Negro Leagues stadiums in the country.
If your kid is serious about the sport, the Jackals offer Nike Baseball Camp for boys ages 7-15. Jackals staff member Jim Whalen will teach the fundamentals of hitting, fielding, base-running, team play and more.
The first home game is Friday, May 9, at 6:35 pm vs. the Quebec Capitales.
Trenton Thunder
Trenton Thunder Park, 1 Thunder Rd., Trenton
Formerly a Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, the Trenton Thunder is now a collegiate summer baseball team of the MLB Draft League. It’s a great opportunity to see players at the beginning of their careers, and maybe inspire your own athletes.
This season, the team will rebrand as The Trenton Goldens in tribute to their famous bat dogs: the original Chase, his son Derby, and now Derby’s son Rookie and Rookie’s cousin Dash. There is Golden Retriever merch you can wear during two special games: the Batdog Ceelbration on June 26, and Bark at the Park on August 18.
Treat your future athlete to something special by signing them up for Boomer’s Kids Club. For $20, kids 12 and under will receive one ticket to each of the Sunday games, a T-shirt, a bracelet, a 10% discount at the team store, the ability to purchase additional discounted tickets, and the ability to join Kids Run the Bases via the express line.
Ticket memberships are available for six games, 10 games, half-season and the full season.
The first home game is Wednesday, June 4, at 7 pm against the Williamsport Crosscutters from Pennsylvania.
Somerset Patriots
TD Bank Ballpark, 860 E. Main St., Bridgewater
If you can’t make it to the Bronx, this is the perfect spot to catch the Double-A New York Yankees play their best.
The first home game is Friday, April 8, at 6:35 pm against Reading. Single-ticket prices start at $14.50. You can also get season, group or premium hospitality packages.
On certain dates, the team will rebrand as the Jersey Diners; and then the Zorros de Somerset as part of Minor League Baseball’s “Copa de la Diversión” program. Dogs are welcome during Bark in the Park. on April 22, May 27 and September 3; and the Patriots will honor the New York Black Yankees on August 22.
Sussex County Miners
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta
The Sussex County Miners will kick off their season with their first home game on Thursday, May 8, at 7:05 pm, against Trois-Rivières Aigles. Special events this season include Paint the Park Pink on May 10, Mother’s Day brunch on May 11, and 60s Night on May 13.
Single-ticket games start at $17. There are group and season ticket packages available. You can choose a suite with a cigar deck, or opt for a Fireworks Plan.
If you prefer different choices than ballpark food, Double S Smokehouse offers full lunch and dinner menus, plus a full bar. The newest onsite restaurant is The Barnyard.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
We Were Among the First to Ride Six Flags’ THE FLASH Coaster—Here’s Our Review!
This NJ Farm is The Next Best Thing to Visiting Tulip Fields in Holland
Power in the Pines Airshow 2025: Thrilling Aerial Performances at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
