Family Sundays At Citi Field

Last month we took Isaac to his first ever baseball game! Okay, so he slept through most of it, but I like to think he’s on his way towards becoming a lifelong fan of the sport. I’m ashamed to say it took me three years of living in NYC to make it out to a baseball game. While I still haven’t been to Yankee stadium, I’m glad we finally saw the Mets play at Citi Field.

This may be a good time to insert a little disclaimer: We are not NY sports fans. As transplants to the city, we have maintained allegiance to our respective home teams (me to the San Francisco Giants and my husband to the Washington Nationals). It just so happens the Mets were playing the Nationals on Sunday, so not only did we get to enjoy a game at Citi Field, but we also got to root for Jacob’s team! (In case you were wondering, the Nats won.)

It’s no secret that a baseball game is a wonderful activity for kids, and the Mets really do it right. At Citi Field every Sunday home game is “Family Sunday,” complete with fun pregame activities, promo items, and the Mr. Met Dash. Whether you’re just visiting or live nearby, if you’re on the lookout for a fun weekend activity to do with kids then attending a Mets game at Citi Field is just the thing!

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Table of Contents

Pre-Game

Prior to the game, visit the promenade outside the ballpark and participate in some kid friendly activities. The area is set up with a DJ, games, face painting, and an inflatable bounce house. The festivities begin two hours prior to the first pitch, so make sure to show up early!

Once Inside

Aside from enjoying the game, there’s plenty to do with kids once inside. First stop should be a Fan Assistance Booth, where you can pick up a certificate commemorating your child’s first baseball game. There are four Fan Assistance stations:

Field Level, behind Section 142 and next to Shea Bridge.
Excelsior Level: At Section 306 at the base of the Coca-Cola corner ramp.
Promenade Level: At section 412.
Main Level: To the left of the Rotunda entrance.

The Fan Assistance Booth is also where you can check your stroller if you brought one. If you decide not to check your stroller, you will have to fold it and place it under your seat in the stadium.

The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum

The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum is open on game days for as long as the ballpark is open to visitors. See team memorabilia, video highlights of the Mets’ greatest moments, and even the trophies from the 1969 and 1986 World Series. On non-game days, the Hall of Fame & Museum can be accessed on a Citi Field tour (W/F; Admission: Adults $20; Children 12 & under $15).

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Met

On Family Sundays kids can meet and get their photos taken with Mr. and Mrs. Met, the official mascots of the team. The photos make for fun souvenirs and memories. The meet and greet takes place at the Fan Fest area in center field between Sections 139 and 140. Times vary depending on the game’s start time, but more information can be found on the Mets website. The Fan Fest area has other fun activities for kids, like batting cages and wiffle ball!

Eat Some Delicious Food

Citi Field is known for having the best ballpark food out there, including Shake Shack, Fuku, Big Mozz, and Emmy Squared. Of course there are also plenty of places to pick up classics like hot dogs and nachos. Kosher food is available in Sections 115 and 130. Eater NY has a great article that breaks down everything you need to know about concessions at Citi Field. Check it out.

After the Game

Just because the game is over doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Kids 12 and under can participate in the Mr. Met Dash where they get to run the bases on the field. If your child is too young to run on their own, parents are welcome to assist!

Post game photo as they prep the field for the Mr. Met Dash!

Getting There

Citi Field is accessible via the 7 train. If you’re coming from Manhattan you can catch the 7 at Hudson Yards, Time Square, 5th Ave/Bryant Park, or Grand Central Station. In Queens, the major transfer stations include Queensboro Plaza and Roosevelt Avenue (in Jackson Heights). After the game, some trains run express to Roosevelt Avenue, which will reduce the duration of your return trip significantly.

Good to Know

Part of preparing to visit a ballpark includes researching what you can and cannot bring into the stadium. Here I’ve added some logistic information that I hope saves you some time and research:

Each person can bring in ONE unopened, soft plastic water bottle (less than 20 oz.). Each child may bring in one unopened juice box. Neither can be frozen.
Changing tables are available in every restroom in the stadium, men’s and women’s.
There is a nursing station/mother’s room on the indoor concourse of the Porsche Suite Level, across from suite 213. If you do not have access to that level, you can obtain a level pass from the Fan Assistance Booth.
Backpacks are not allowed inside the stadium.

If you have more questions, this link will take you to the comprehensive Citi Field Information Guide.

We really enjoyed our day at the ballpark, and look forward to returning again next season. With the end of summer looming, there are only a handful more opportunities to enjoy Family Sundays at Citi Field.