Courtesy of Lakewood BlueClaws Facebook page
Can't afford Yankees, Phillies or Mets tickets? There’s a ton of minor league fun happening in NJ from late spring through early fall and it's definitely an affordable option with the kids. Check out these local teams and enjoy America’s past time with your little sluggers.
FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood
Tickets start at $10/kids, $13/adults; packages available
Season runs April-September
This class A team plays in the South Atlantic League and turns out players that end up on the major league Phillies team. See them before they get famous! Sign your little ones up for the team’s revamped BlueClaws Kids Club, which includes access to inflatables, player autograph sessions, Kids Eat Free Sundays and Kids Run the Bases weekends. Day of the Week Promotions offer something exciting each day of the week, whether its a pre-game concert or Friday fireworks. BlueClaws’ biggest shindig happens every week on Thirsty Thursday. Every home game features $1 beers and 75-cent wings.
Courtesy of New Jersey Jackals Facebook page
Yogi Berra Stadium, Little Falls
Tickets start at $12 for adults, children 3 ft. and under get in free; packages available
Season runs May-September
Part of the Canadian American Professional Baseball league, this independent league plays at the Yogi Berra Stadium on the Montclair State Campus. Young players get some serious inspiration thanks to the Baseball Buddies program. Fans will be introduced in the beginning of the game just like the pros, and stand alongside them during the national anthem. Come be a Jackal for a day, or go all-out and sign up for a Scout sleepovers to score an exclusive patch, a campout on the field after a game and breakfast the next morning. Bring the whole foodie squad for Beer and Burger Fests, then settle in for a fireworks show.
Courtesy of Somerset Patriots Facebook page
TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater
Tickets start at $9.50; packages and plans available
Season runs April-September
One of the founding teams of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, the Somerset Patriots hold the title of six-time Atlantic League Champions and proudly play at TD Bank Ballpark in Somerset. A variety of on field events are offered throughout the season. Whether it’s bringing your furry friend to the ballpark, singing the national anthem on the field with fellow scouts or taking an extended lunch break with your co-workers, the Patriots offer events for all. The Baseball Buddie program is a crowd fave, which invites local sports teams to join players on the field before the first pitch is thrown. The kids will adore hitting the grass during the 7th Inning Fun Bunch. The group will lead the crowd in a round of singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
Courtesy of Trenton Thunder Facebook page
Arm & Hammer Park, Trenton
Tickets start at $11/kids, $12/adult; packages available
Season runs April-September
Trenton Thunder proudly stands by their motto, “What Trenton makes, the baseball world takes,” since the team’s been a stepping stone for players who upgrade to the majors. Daily promotions are offered each game along with free giveaways. Boomer’s Kids Club offers different experiences for young fans every Sunday, along with an entrance giveaway. Every Tuesday, fans are treated to $1 dog night, which kids 12 and under can chow down in the stands. Bingo Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays keep the fun going all week long. End your day with a bang at one of the 23 firework shows scheduled each season.