Free Guide for Taking Kids to Washington Nationals Park
Step up to the plate and treat your little sluggers to an unforgettable day at Nationals Park! In this blog post, we'll be your guide to navigating the excitement of taking your kids to see a Washington Nationals game. From pre-game prep to in-stadium fun, we've got all the bases covered to ensure your family outing is a home run. Let's dive into the ultimate playbook for a day of Major League baseball bonding at one of the best places with your young fans! Go Nationals!
Free Guide for Taking Kids to Washington Nationals Park
Taking your children to see a Washington Nationals game in DC can be a fun and memorable experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your outing and limit stress for planning a trip to Nats park. 
Check the Schedule:
Before planning your visit, check the Washington Nationals' official website for the team's game schedule. This will help you pick a game that fits your family's schedule.
Buy Tickets in Advance:
Purchase your tickets online or at the stadium in advance to secure good seats and avoid long lines on game day. Consider choosing seats that are family-friendly, such as those in sections with a clear view of the scoreboard, aisle seats for bathroom breaks, or near the Kids Zone play area for easier access.
Arrive Early:
Plan to arrive at the stadium well before the game starts. This will give your family plenty of time to find parking, explore the stadium, and allow your kids to soak in the atmosphere. This will give your family time to go to the bathroom, snap some pictures with the mascots, get some food, and hit up the shop for some gear!
Dress for the Weather:
Check the weather forecast and dress your family accordingly. It can get really hot during day games, so wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. For evening games, bring layers to stay warm for yourself and the kids.
Attending a Washington Nationals game with your children can be a fantastic experience. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that everyone has a great time at the ballpark.
Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., offers several kid-friendly activities to keep young fans entertained before, during, and after baseball games. Here are some of the kid activities and family-friendly features you can find at the stadium:
PenFed Kids Fun Zone: Designed for kids 10 and under, The Nationals Park Kids Zone is located on the main concourse behind Section 140. Here, children can enjoy a variety of activities, including a jungle gym, a climbing wall, a batting cage, and a racing area. It's a great place for kids to burn off some energy before or during the game. This family fun area will be a hit for the youngest nationals fans when they need a break from their seats to stretch their legs.
Autograph sessions: Sundays are Signature Sundays at Nationals Park! Two Nationals players will sign autographs for fans at every Sunday home team game all season long. Autographs will take place at the top of the Nationals dugout starting one hour and ten minutes prior to first pitch, weather permitting and subject to player schedules. Fans must obtain a free voucher in order to participate in the autograph sessions - vouchers will be distributed on a first come, first served basis at Section 103, starting when the gates open two hours before first pitch.
Junior Nats Kids Club: The Kids Club is a fan club designed for young Nationals fans. Membership includes special perks. The Jr. Nationals Kids Club offers a one-of-a-kind program with two membership options. jr. nationals' kids club members get buy one get one free tickets / prices, a free children's ticket to a national's park tour, and various other discounts.
Racing Presidents: The Racing Presidents are a beloved Nationals tradition. Before each game, giant mascots of former U.S. presidents (such as Teddy Roosevelt and George Washington) race around the outfield. Kids love watching these entertaining races. The Racing Presidents and the GEICO Gecko will greet fans and pose for photos outside of section 131 during the 5th inning of every home game.
Kids Eat Free Meal Program: On select home games during the season, the Nationals offer a Kids Eat Free promotion. Children 12 and under can receive a free kids meals, including a hot dog, a bottled water, and choice of chips. Adults will need to place the order on the mobile app, and then can pick up from 4 designated concessions locations. You can read more about the free meals here.
Family Sundays: Nationals Park hosts Family Sundays, featuring various family-friendly activities such as face painting, caricature artists, and balloon artists. There are also opportunities for kids to run the bases after the game.
Run the Bases: The run the bases gets extremely packed and the staff cut the line off quickly. If your kids really want to do run the bases, be sure to head down to the gates before the game ends. This activity is designed for kids aged 4-12.
Sensory Room: For children with sensory sensitivities, Nationals Park offers a sensory room that provides a quiet and comfortable space to take a break from the excitement of the game. It is located on the main concourse behind Section 143.
First Game Certificates: IIs this your first game at Nationals Park? Did you catch a foul ball? Or a home run!? Commemorate the experience with a first game or home run/foul ball certificate! Certificates are available for free for fans of all ages. Stop by one of our three Guest Services locations (located behind Sections 103, 131 and 320) to pick up your certificate.
Remember to check the Nationals' official website or contact the stadium directly for up-to-date information on kid activities and any special promotions or events happening during your visit. Nationals Park strives to create a family-friendly environment, making it an excellent destination for baseball-loving families in the D.C. area and those passing through.
Where Should Your Family Sit at the Nationals Stadium?
The "best" seats at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., can vary depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some seating options to consider based on different factors:
Behind Home Plate (Sections 113-118): These seats offer a fantastic view of the entire field and are often considered some of the best seats in the house. They provide an excellent perspective to see the pitcher's mound, batter's box, and the action on the field.
Field Level (Sections 100-139): If you prefer to be close to the action, seats in the lower levels along the baselines can be a great choice. These seats give you a close view of the players and the excitement of being near the field.
Scoreboard Pavilion (Sections 201-243): These seats are located in the upper deck but offer an excellent view of the entire field and the massive HD scoreboard. They can be a more budget-friendly option while still providing a good view.
Outfield Seats (Sections 101-143, 201-243): If you're looking for a unique experience, consider sitting in the outfield seats, especially in the Red Loft or Budweiser Brew House. These areas often have a festive atmosphere, and you can catch home run balls.
Family-Friendly Sections: Nationals Park has family-friendly seating sections where you can enjoy the game with other families. These sections often have kid-friendly activities and amenities.
When choosing the "best" seats for you, consider factors like your budget, the view you prefer (e.g., close to the field, behind home plate, or a panoramic view), and whether you want access to premium amenities. Choose based on your priorities and preferences for your Nationals tickets and overall experience.
Parking at Washington Nationals:
Finding parking for a Washington Nationals game can be a bit of a challenge, especially during peak times. Here are a few options you can consider:
Nearby Parking Garages/Lots: There are several parking garages and lots in the surrounding area of Nationals Park. Some are within walking distance, while others may require a short ride on the Metro or a shuttle bus.
Public Transportation: Consider taking the Metro to the game if your family is local. The Navy Yard-Ballpark station (Green Line) is the closest metro stop to Nationals Park, making it a convenient option. Additionally, some Metro stations offer park-and-ride facilities if you prefer to drive part of the way and then take public transit.
Ridesharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are popular options for getting to and from Nationals Park. They can drop your family off right at the entrance, saving you the hassle of finding parking.
Parking Apps: There are several smartphone apps that can help you find parking spots in the area, such as SpotHero or ParkWhiz. These apps allow you to reserve parking in advance and compare prices at different locations.
Regardless of which option you choose, it's a good idea to plan ahead and arrive early to ensure you have enough time to find parking and make it to the game on time.
As you wrap up your first Nationals game experience with your kids, take a moment to cherish the memories made and the smiles shared. Whether it was cheering on the team, indulging in ballpark snacks, or high-fiving after a big play, these moments are the building blocks of a lifelong love for baseball.
As you head home, remember that the magic of the game doesn't end at the ballpark. Keep the spirit alive by playing catch in the backyard, watching highlights together, or planning your next trip to Nationals Park. With each game, you're not just witnessing history – you're creating it, one inning at a time with the best game day experience. Play ball!
