Family-Friendly Guide To Fenway Park
Summer is in full swing, which means parents around New England are looking to find activities for the whole family. Those summer plans may very well include a trip to historic Fenway Park. This year the Red Sox front office is aiming to make the game day experience particularly family friendly, so there are plenty of activities at Fenway for every member of your family. Here's a look at how to make sure your family gets the most out of its trip to Fenway Park.
Tickets
Good seats are still available for many Red Sox home games. Ticket prices start as low as $23 for standing room entry, ranging to more premium prices over $100. To buy available tickets, visit the Red Sox website.
Bringing older kids to the game? High school and college students 15 years old and above with a valid student ID can purchase tickets for all regular season home games for just $9. The tickets guarantee entry into standing room only sections, but the team will upgrade to seats when possible. Student tickets are available 48 hours prior to each home game at www.redsox.com/students.
The Red Sox host a variety of promotional games throughout the summer, ranging from bobblehead giveaways to kids running the bases. For a complete list of promotional games visit www.redsox.com/promotions.
Getting to the Game
Parking lots and parking garages are located near the ballpark. In addition, public transportation is a great option for getting to the game. The MBTA offers two stops within short walking distance to Fenway Park. The Kenmore and Fenway stations are both located along the Green Line. Visit the MBTA website for more details.
Kid Nation is the official Red Sox fan club for children 14 years old and under. Earlier this year, the Red Sox offered free sign-ups for Kid Nation and gave away 25,000 tickets. Cardholders who weren't lucky enough to score the free tickets still receive other exclusive benefits from signing up.
Gate K and Kid Nation Concourse
A new addition to Fenway Park this year is Gate K and the Kid Nation concourse, both aimed to keep young Red Sox fans happy while they're at the game.
Gate K is located adjacent to Gate B near the corner of Van Ness and Ipswich Streets, and it leads into the new Kid Nation Concourse.
In the newly added concourse is a 7-foot giant bobblehead of Wally the Green Monster, an interactive video wall where fans can take photos and electronically sign their name to the wall, a Kid Nation welcome station and life-size images and footprints of current Red Sox players.
There is also a balloon artist, stilt walker and face painter in the Kid Nation Concourse, which features kid-themed concessions that include a $5 kids meal. The platter includes a mini hot dog, cotton candy and a small juice.
Watch Batting Practice
Starting 90 minutes before every Fenway Park home game (weather permitting) fans can watch their favorite players take shots at the Green Monster. Gates open early for batting practice, and if you're lucky and in the right spot you may even end up with a home run ball from David Ortiz or Dustin Pedroia.
Autograph Alley
Autographs always make a kid's day and at Fenway Park, Autograph Alley is the place to go for a signature. Located in the Yawkey Way Team Store, Autograph Alley hosts a former Red Sox player, coach or personality before each home game. And the best part is the autographs are free of charge.
Wally's Clubhouse
The area known as the Champions Club inside Fenway Park is transformed into the kid-friendly Wally's Clubhouse from the third to seventh inning.
Inside Fenway Park there are several amenities that make the ballpark friendly for family members of all ages. Strollers and diaper bags are welcome inside Fenway Park as long as they can fold up easily and can fit underneath fans' seats. There are also family restroom locations throughout the ballpark to make things easier for parents. The Red Sox host family-centric events during the year, including Picnic in the Park and Movie Nights.
