I’ve watched the Cincinnati Reds play baseball since I was a little kid.
I have many great memories of attending games with friends and family through the years.
Now that I’m older, I enjoy making memories with my boys each season.
I’m sharing tips for bringing kids to a Cincinnati Reds baseball game, including how to make the most of your visit to Great American Ballpark.
This article contains affiliate links.
Great American Ballpark is very kid-friendly, which makes watching a ballgame game even more enjoyable for parents.
Let’s talk about the features at Great American Ballpark that are great for families of all ages.
1. Incredible Play Areas for Kids
Let’s be honest; most kids have a short attention span when it comes to watching a baseball game, which is why these fun activities and play features for young fans are a welcome sight.
Mini Baseball Field / Whiffle Ball Field at Great American Ballpark
The First Star Fan Zone/ mini baseball field is on the main level.
When my boys were young, they LOVED playing on the whiffle ball field EVERY time we went to a game.
Kids take turns batting and catching fly balls in the whiffle ball outfield.
It’s a great way for them to burn off some energy and imagine playing in the big leagues with their favorite Reds players.
Kids of all ages can play for a bit before the first pitch for the upcoming game, or you might use it as a break if they start to get restless during game time.
The Batting Cage at the Great American Ballpark
There is a batting cage where kids can practice batting without whiffle balls.
Young Reds fans will also enjoy the interactive games in the First Star Fan Zone.
Playground at Great American Ballpark
The playground is located on the main level in the First Star Fan Zone (formerly the Kroger Fan Zone).
The playground at Great American Ballpark is fenced in and has some tables around the perimeter to help adults keep a watch on their kids while they play.
Photo Ops with the Reds Mascots
If you don’t see a Reds Mascot up close in person, you can still find photo areas in the First Star Fan Zone.
Speaking of Mascots, the Cincinnati Reds have 4 mascots!
Things to Do in the TriHealth Family Zone
The TriHealth Family Zone is located in the right-field corner of the View Level.
The family zone features activities for kids, a nursing suite, an indoor reading and activity room, a family-focused concession stand, a lounge area, and swings with spectacular views of the Ohio River.
*Pampers Nursing Suite, Built by Fischer Homes, is on the Suite Level.
The sensory room at the Great American Ballpark is the first of its kind in the MLB.
The area serves as a therapeutic space for individuals with learning difficulties, developmental disabilities, or sensory impairments.
Adults will appreciate the comfortable lounge spaces with TVs next to the structure playing the baseball game.
The swinging benches are another area for fans to relax and enjoy views of the Ohio River and Smale Riverfront Park.
If you want an adult beverage, a beer and wine bar is within a few short steps of the swings.
There is a new TriHealth Fan Accommodation Station in the Fan Zone.
2. Affordable Ballpark Concession Prices
You’ll find that the prices for concessions at Great American Ballpark are still relatively reasonable.
Unfortunately, the dollar concession stand in the stadium is no longer there, but you can still find some deals on food during the baseball game.
Meal Deals at the Great American Ballpark
- Kroger Hot Dog Value Meal– For under $10, you can get a hot dog, soda, chips, and a snack!
- 3-2-1 Tuesdays – During Reds home games, fans can take advantage of low prices with $3 beers (12-oz. Bud and Bud Light cans), $2 hot dogs, and $1 ice cream cups!
- All You Can Eat Stand Passes – For $25 per person, you can get (5) hot dogs and unlimited soft drinks, popcorn, peanuts, and chips.
Gluten-free Options
You can find gluten-free drinks and menu items throughout the stadium.
Where Are The All You Can Eat Stand Locations?
The All You Can Eat Stand is located at:
- The First base concourse of the View Level behind Section 428
- Right field concourse of the Terrace Level behind Section 144
If you want a snack that doubles as a souvenir, look for ice cream or nachos served in a plastic Reds baseball hat.
3. You Can Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks
For large families, this is a HUGE cost saver. Another way to save money is to purchase your peanuts and candy at the grocery store before coming to the ballpark.
You can bring in soft drinks and bottled water, as long as the safety seal has not been broken. Only soft-sided coolers are permitted and can’t exceed the 16″ x 16″ x 8″ Major League Baseball size requirement.
*Backpacks are not permitted except for infant care and medical purposes.
All of the above must not exceed the size of 16”x16” x 8”.
4. Reds Heads Kids Club Discounts
We have purchased the Kids Club membership many times over the years. What you get in discounts, merchandise, and free game tickets is worth more than the price that you pay.
- Reds Rookies – Ages 0-3- Membership includes a jersey, sun hat, 2 free tickets, and priceless members-only family experiences.
- Reads Heads for Ages 3-12 – Membership includes a jersey, backpack, 2 free tickets to a Reds game, an exclusive Jonathan India bobblehead once you activate, priceless members-only experiences at Great American Ball Park, and more!
- Club Red for Ages 13-17
They have now extended the ages of the Kids Club to offer incentives for older teenagers too. Sign up at the Reds Heads Mobile Clubhouse in the First Star Fan Zone or online.
The Reds Heads Mobile Clubhouse is in the First Star Fan Zone.
5. Affordable Ticket Prices and Special Discounts
A Cincinnati Reds baseball game at Great American Ballpark can be more affordable than you may realize.
*Children 3 years old and younger do not require a ticket and may sit on the lap of a ticket holder.
There are several discounts that you can take advantage of for an upcoming game:
- Family Sundays – Families can purchase 3 half-price tickets with the purchase of a full-price ticket in select areas of the ballpark.
- Business Day Specials – 12:35 PM home weekday games View Level seat loaded with $10 in concession credits for just $20! ( Stretch your concession even farther with a Kroger Value Meal for $10.
- Senior Days – Fans 50 and older may purchase select non-premium tickets at half-price in advance of game day only.
Free Admission to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum is adjacent to the Great American Ballpark.
Take advantage of these discounts for kids and active military/veterans.
- Kids 12 and Under Can Visit the Reds Hall of Fame for FREE!
- Active Military/ Veterans with valid ID can visit the Reds Hall of Fame for free.
I also recommend the ballpark tour on non-game days, where you can access locations in the ballpark that aren’t open to the public.
If you like history, the “1919: The Year That Changed Baseball Tour” is a great walking tour.
6. Fireworks Friday After Reds Home Baseball Games
Enjoy a game and fireworks show each Friday home game during the summer. In Cincinnati, we LOVE fireworks!
Regardless of the outcome of a game, the fireworks never disappoint.
7. Special Fan Certificates
Reds fans attending a game at Great American Ball Park can request a personalized certificate for free on Game Days for the following:
- Anniversaries
- Birthdays
- First Reds Game
- Great Catch
Fans can request certificates at a TriHealth Fan Accommodation location or order a certificate through the Ballpark app under “Services and Information- Fan Certificates.”
This is a great way to remember your child’s first time at a Reds game.
Bonus: You Get a Chance to Become Jumbotron Famous
If you have some great dance moves, your jumbotron dreams could come true when the cameras pan for baseball fans in the stadium.
It’s fun to share a Cincinnati Reds baseball game with family and friends, even if they cheer for the wrong team.
Where is the Great American Ballpark Located?
Great American Ball Park is at 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH.
Where is the Best Parking Near Great American Ball Park?
The following garages are some of the closest options for game day. Learn more about additional savings on parking and tips that include using the streetcar and parking options in Kentucky.
Central Riverfront Garage
- 202 East Mehring Way – recommended entrance
- 149 Broadway Street
- 182 Race Street
- 124 East Mehring Way
East Garage
- 502 East Mehring Way – recommended entrance
- 475 East Pete Rose Way
Central Riverfront Garage West
- 102 West Pete Rose Way – recommended entrance
- 182 Race Street
Find More Information For An Upcoming Cincinnati Reds Game
You can find prices and schedules for upcoming games on the Cincinnati Reds website.
Closest Hotel to Great American Ballpark
AC Hotel by Marriott at The Banks – 135 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH
