Our six-year-old son LOVES baseball. When he's not in the yard hitting baseballs, he's bouncing soft ones off the walls inside or he's watching a game on TV. So, when we started planning our first mini vacation of the summer to Washington, D.C., we looked for a weekend when the Baltimore Orioles would be home at Camden Yards.
Just a short drive from our area, Oriole Park at Camden Yards has a wonderful family-friendly atmosphere and is an easy walk from Inner Harbor and all of the attractions, shops and restaurants.
Based on our family's experience, here are my top 10 tips for taking in a Baltimore Orioles game with your family.
1. Arrive EARLY.
Head right to Eutaw Street (in the outfield between the stadium and the Warehouse). This area is open two hours before game time and is the home to the Orioles' Team Store, Boog's BBQ and other entertainment like caricature artists. Stay alert for any home run balls from batting practice!
2. Enjoy the HISTORY.
On your way into Eutaw Street, check out the monuments to Orioles players whose numbers have been retired. Jim Palmer and Cal Ripken are just two of the aluminum numbers you'll find here as well as a statue of Babe Ruth. Want to see more than just their number? Head to Orioles Legends Park that features six life-like sculptures of the greatest Orioles of all time.
Here's a fun note - even if you're visiting Inner Harbor when the Orioles do not have a home game, Eutaw Street and Legends Park are open daily for you to enjoy!
3. Hunt for the BRASS BASEBALLS.
Do you have a Mini Macaroni who loves home runs? Walk through Eutaw Street and look for the brass baseball plaques marking home runs that have been hit out of the stadium. There's even one on the Warehouse that Ken Griffey, Jr. hit during the 1993 All-Star Home Run contest.
If you're a first-time visitor to Oriole Park at Camden Yards (like our Mini Macaronis), stop by a Fan Assistance Center and ask for a free certificate that commemorates your first game. Several of the ushers and fan ambassadors were frequently mentioning this before the game, too!
5. Play at the KIDS CORNER.
A bounce house, small playground, speed pitch and large Oriole mascot bobblehead statues are the highlights of this fun area for kids located down the rightfield line. If you have Mini Macaronis who need a break from the game, or if you want to wear them down before the game starts, this is the place. Each of the different areas here was staffed by Orioles employees and well-monitored.
6. Look for the KIDS MENU.
Every stadium has the popular "must try" items and Oriole Park is no exception. What you may not know is that the O What-A-Dog stand near the Kids Corner in rightfield offers Kids Hot Dogs, Drinks and Nachos - smaller portions and smaller prices!
7. Search GAME TYPE and TICKET PRICES.
Unless you have a particular opponent you'd like to see or no flexibility with dates, do some research into the Orioles' schedule before choosing a game. Each home game is classified from Value up to Elite with ticket prices that vary. Value games have tickets starting at just $8, while Classic is the next level up with tickets starting at only $10. See more on their website at baltimore.orioles.mlb.com.
8. Check the PROMOTIONS schedule.
Fireworks? Giveaways? Look at the schedule and see what most interests you!
9. Explore your TRANSPORTATION options.
There are designated lots around Camden Yards and public parking garages that are all an easy walk (even for our 4- and 6-year-olds). If you'd rather not drive in, you can take public transportation. Bus, light rail and Metro subway all provide service to Camden Yards. Parking maps and public transportation schedules are available on the Orioles' website.
10. Have FUN.
Take lots of pictures, cheer hard, sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at the top of your lungs and just make memories!
Do you have another question about Oriole Park at Camden Yards that I didn't answer? Head to the A-to-Z Guide on their website for details about family restrooms, wristbands for kids in case of separation, handicap accessibility and more.
Go O's!
Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to facilitate this review. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
