Make Family Memories with the Lansing Lugnuts
It took us six months, but my sister and I finally gave our dad his Christmas gift: spending an afternoon together at a Lugnuts game. I admit that I wasn’t sure how much fun I would have because sports aren’t really my thing, but I had a blast! We had amazing seats right behind home plate so we didn’t miss a moment of the action. My sister and I also spent a fair amount of time anxiously cowering from fly balls, praying that they wouldn’t hit us. (They didn’t.)
While it was great to spend time without our kids, it was obvious that a Lugnuts game would be the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon (or evening) with them.
Not to mention, it’s a great excuse to enjoy peanuts and a hot dog. Don’t forget to check out their promotions page to see the deals and fun themes they have going on.
Every Sunday is Kids Day at Jackson® Field™. Kids are invited to run the bases after the game! Cash in on the sweet deal that Thirsty Thursday offers: 16 ounce domestic drafts for only $2 and just $5 for craft drafts.
What Makes the Lugnuts Awesome?
Not only do the Lugnuts plan a season filled with fun promotions like Kids Day, Super Hero day, and Jurassic Weekend, they also give back to the community through the work of the Lugnuts Charities. The Lugnuts are serious about bringing exceptional baseball and affordable family fun to the Lansing community.
Big Lug's PlaygroundDon’t miss out on all the fun at Big Lug’s Playground presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan open every game! #OpeningDay is 6 days away!!!!!!
Posted by Lansing Lugnuts on Sunday, April 2, 2017
Check out these 9 Pro-Tips for enjoying an awesome family day out at a Lugnuts game:
Pro Tips for Going to a LUGNUTS Game with Kids
Attending a Lugnuts game with kids is much more than just sitting and watching the team play (although that is fun, too); there are tons of fun things for kids to do at a Lugnuts game, so read on for some helpful tips to ensure your family has an amazing time at the ballgame.
1 – Find the Perfect Tickets for Your Family
The Lugnuts’ schedule is packed all summer long, so it’s easy to find a game that will work with your family’s schedule.
Afternoon games start at various times, usually either 12:05 PM or 1:05 PM. The 7:05 evening games can be a bit challenging if your kids have an early bedtime like mine. If that’s the case for you, too, I’d suggest getting the cheap lawn seats ($8 in advance and $10 on game day) and getting to the stadium when the gates open (1 hour and 5 minutes before each game). That way you can maximize your time there and not feel bad if you can’t make it through the final innings.
Kids are also able to move around in the grass. We all know that kids don’t stay still for long, especially the younger ones. Take advantage of bringing your littlest ones to the game; kids 2 and under are free!
If you buy tickets online, remember to bring your printed tickets with you or have them ready to show on your phone. You can get your online tickets printed at their Will Call booth, but it will lengthen your time in line.
2 – Take Advantage of Lugnuts Promotions
The Lugnuts know how to keep the fun going all season long. Their promotions page is brimming with events, themes, and deals.
In addition to Kids Days and Thirsty Thursdays, there’s also “Dog Days of Summer“ where every Wednesday in the summer, you can bring your favorite canine companion with you to the ballpark. Honor our frontline workers on Frontline Fridays.
You can also attend a Lugnuts game on a night they offer fireworks (which is super fun), giveaways, or special theme nights like Wizarding Weekend or Star Wars Night.
3 – Kids Can Run the Bases and More!
If you haven’t yet done this, every Lansing kid needs to run the bases at a Lugnuts game.
Every Sunday at Jackson® Field™ is Capital City Market Kids Day. Kids can play catch on the field before the game and run the bases after the game. At all games, kids can also get autographs from the players for 30 minutes beforehand.
4 – The Lugnuts Know How to Let Kids Have Fun
When it comes to giving kids a fun time at a baseball game, the Lugnuts have seriously thought of everything. There is a small play structure in the left-field area. It features a small slide and other fun toys in Lugnuts colors.
There are also inflatables. One is a bounce house and the other is a dual slide. They are perfect for kids of all ages. There is a small charge for them and kids must wear socks.
Parents can enjoy the game from the picnic tables in the play area while kids burn off some energy. Some families also eat their food at the tables rather than at their seats.
Grand Slam School Days Are Amazing Field Trips
The Lugnuts first came to Lansing in 1996. I remember the excitement of my entire middle school getting to go on a field trip to one of their games. The Lugnuts have kept these moments going for over 20 years.
The Lansing Lugnuts host schools at their ballpark year after year AND work with schools to provide lessons aligned with the State of Michigan College and Career Ready Standards.
Learn more here about this incredible program and how to register to participate.
5 – Where to Park
Since Jackson® Field™ is quite literally built in the middle of downtown, there is no designated parking lot. Never fear, though! There is ample parking available within a four- to five-block radius. You can find parking in lots and ramps as well as on the streets. The two small lots near the ballpark are only for pass-holders.
6 – What to Bring to Lugnuts Games with Kids
As parents, we know how important it is to pack up the right gear. Jackson® Field™ does not allow outside food or drinks unless it is for a baby or a medical condition. Plan to bring money for concessions or fuel up before the game.
What families can pack for a Lugnuts game:
- A blanket if you have lawn seating.
- Sunglasses and hats. Sunscreen is a must for sunny days!
- Empty water bottles (such as Nalgene or Camelbak). While no outside food or drinks are allowed, there are drinking fountains throughout the ballpark. On especially hot days, it’s nice to fill up a couple of bottles for the family to stay hydrated. Note: the Lugnuts do not allow containers inside the ballpark, either, but empty water bottles are an exception.
- A stroller or baby carrier if you have little ones. (Bonus: the stroller can help hold your other items.)
- Raincoats and/or umbrellas if the forecast is iffy.
- Dress in layers. The games might be hot at the start, but as the sun sets on an evening game, the stadium can get pretty chilly.
- Kids can bring their baseball gloves and autograph books. That way they’ll be ready to catch a fly ball and get players’ signatures.
7 – Jackson® Field™ Has a LOT of Food Options
My family enjoys going to events all around town, but it’s always a perk if there’s really good food involved. Jackson® Field™ has so many options for food. Even if you are trying to eat healthily or have a food allergy, this ballpark is set up to cater to everyone’s needs.
You can, of course, get your ballpark favorites like hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, pop, and beer. But don’t miss out on the specialties offered at the many food carts! You can get Philly cheese steak, mashed potatoes, Polish sausage, Dippin’ Dots, and so much more.
With so many options, everyone is sure to find something they love!
8 – You Don’t Need to Leave Your Stroller At Home
Jackson® Field™ is one of the most accessible stadiums in the United States! In fact, it was THE most accessible when it was originally built in 1996.
Baseball fans of all abilities are easily able to enjoy Lugnuts home games – and that also means you will have no problems maneuvering your stroller throughout the ballpark. So don’t hesitate to bring it along, especially if you’re sitting in the lawn as it’s a bit of a trek out to right field lawn seats.
9 – Keep Your Eyes on the Field Between Innings
While I do enjoy watching the actual baseball game, I admit that I probably enjoy the between-innings entertainment a little more. The Lansing Lugnuts have some fun activities while the teams prepare for the next inning.
During one of the games I attended, I saw kids in a potato sack race, adults on a bouncing horse race, kids building a hamburger, and more. Plus Big Lug himself came out during the 7th Inning Stretch!
What Did We Miss?
Are you a Lugnuts fan? We would love to hear your tips and tricks on taking kids to Lugnuts games.