Last week the Kidlist Team had the pleasure of going to a Kane County Cougars game with our families! We want to give the Cougars a huge thank you for being amazing hosts. It was the most fun we’ve had at a baseball game in a long time. There are so many kid-friendly things to do there in additional to watching the baseball game! It is an inexpensive night considering all of the entertainment and non-stop action.
If you would like to buy tickets to a game, don’t miss the Kidlist discount! Simply click the “Buy Tickets” button below and enter the code KIDLIST to receive buy one get one free tickets. This includes reserved seats, bleachers, and lawn seats!
Kid-Friendly Baseball Game
To say that a Cougars game is kid-friendly is an understatement. I love how they incorporate kids into everything throughout the game! Select kids start the game by going on the field to say “Play ball!”, there are fun games and entertainment between each inning, and a good amount of the theme nights appeal to kiddos along with being fun for adults too. Be sure to check out the Tips section below because there are special opportunities, like running the bases after each game!
The game we went to had the theme Animations Celebrations. At one point the screen over the field said “Simba Cam” and showed the famous scene when Rafiki holds Simba up in the air, then cut to various fans holding their babies up. It was hilarious! Upbeat music with fun guessing games also kept the game going. There were tons of characters walking around for photo ops too, including Rapunzel, a Minion, Marshall from Paw Patrol, and of course the Cougars mascots Ozzie and Annie.
When we arrived and were heading to our seats we came across a balloon twister in the concessions area making free balloon creations for kids! There was also face painting in the KidZone and a puppeteer across from the Rainbow play set. Everywhere we turned, there was something fun going on for the kids!
Speaking of the KidZone, it has various inflatables, including bounce houses, basketball game, and an obstacle course. There are also fun games like batting practice, soccer kick, and pitching speed. Your kids can burn off some energy on the playground, complete with slides, rocking climbing, and tunnels. You can buy a wristband for unlimited play for $10 (and only $5 on Sunday Fundays!) or individual tickets for $1 each.
Food and What to Bring
When we go to baseball games my husband always brings baseball mitts for him and the kids to catch potential foul balls, along with a baseball and frisbee to play catch in the grass behind the field, which is a great idea. Honestly, we didn’t end up using any of that for the Cougars game through because there are so many activities for kids there!
Here’s a heads up from Katie: They do fireworks throughout the game, not just the end, so if you have sensory-sensitive kids, bring headphones or check out the promo schedule for sensory-friendly days.
If you have lawn seats, you can bring a stroller to help carry your kids and gear. Blankets and folding chairs make a comfortable setup for your family on the lawn.
Kristen mentioned that she appreciated that the cost of concessions were not as outrageous as the MLB games. Nicole pointed out that the menu offers more variety too! There are plenty of choices including hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, soft pretzels, popcorn, candy, and desserts. We ate dinner at the stadium and I thoroughly enjoyed my Dove bar as well!
On days with expected temperatures to reach 90 degrees or above, water bottles will be permitted as long as they can be carried in a bag (not cooler). There is also a misting station near the front gate that’s great for cooling off.
Outside food is not permitted with the exception for people with special dietary and/or medical needs such as small children, elderly or pregnant women
Tips for Going to a Cougars Game
Seating Options
Lawn seats are less expensive and you can bring a stroller, chairs, and blankets to create a cozy spot for your family. You are also closer to the KidZone, however there isn’t much shade in that area. The reserved seats include bleachers and stadium seats. Some seating is shaded depending on what time of day the game is, you will have a better view of the game, and be closer to concessions.
When to Arrive
Go when the gates open for a better chance of your kids participating in the games between innings and perhaps even announcing “play ball” to kick off the game! There are Kane County Cougars employees with Cougars t-shirts and clipboards walking around before the game starts scoping out the crowd and choosing kids to go out on the field during the game.
Specials, Themes, Giveaways
Check out our article about weekly specials and theme nights to see the full schedule of promos and special entertainment throughout the summer! For example, kids eat free every Sunday. It’s also a lot of fun when you can pair your outing with a theme your kids would enjoy, like video games, princesses, dinosaurs, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and much more.
Fireworks
If you like a good fireworks show, go to a Friday game! The Cougars put on an impressive fireworks display and it’s a great ending to your summer night together.
KidZone
Your kids will not want to miss the KidZone! I headed over there a couple times throughout the game to see when the best time to hang out over there would be and the crowd was fairly moderate the entire game. Just keep in mind that the area closes at the end of the 8th inning.
Get on the Field and Run the Bases
Everyone can run the bases after any game! We all got out there and it was so fun to be on the field under the lights. Just head to the centerfield door around past the KidZone after the game. It’s a great special opportunity!
Player Autographs
Bring a pen and meet the players for an autograph before the game. Sunday Funday games feature special pre-game autograph sessions which allow fans to come onto the field and meet the players for pictures and autographs. These typically occur about 40 minutes prior to game time. By league rule, players are not allowed to sign autographs during the game. We got a kick out of getting Ozzie’s signature in the Team Store after the game.
Discount for Cougars Tickets
Kidlist readers get buy one get one free tickets (either lawn or reserved seats!) by using the code KIDLIST. That means that families of four can go to a game for only $25!
Parking and Stadium Location
General parking is $10 cash per vehicle. Preferred parking is available for $15 per vehicle (until sold out) and must be purchased in advance. Click here to buy a spot in the preferred parking lot.
Kane County Cougars
Northwestern Medicine Field
34W002 Cherry Lane
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-8811
Just south of the intersection of Roosevelt Rd. (Rt. 38) and Kirk Rd. on the East side of Geneva.
The Kane County Cougars are a Class A Minor League Baseball team, affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks, that plays in the Midwest League.
Great article, Annie! I love to go to Cougars games, and the buy one, get one free offer really helps. Thanks!