Going to Kane County Cougars games are one of our summer highlights! The Kidlist team went to a game together this past Friday and the Cougars are amazing hosts. The game was so fun to watch (I lost track of how many home runs there were!) and there are SO MANY kid-friendly things to do there! My kids wanted to stay for the entire game and the younger ones watched a lot of the game, then headed to the KidZone for the bounce house, inflatable slide, t-ball game, speed pitch competition, inflatable obstacle course, swing set, and more.
Kane County Cougars hosted the Kidlist team, but all opinions are my own and you won’t want to miss the discount they are offering everyone.
The theme nights add to the fun as do the fireworks, so you might want to check out the specials and theme nights before you go! It’s an inexpensive outing, especially considering all of the entertainment and non-stop action. On top of that, the Cougars are also offering all of you a discount!
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.
Please note that as of now, the BOGO code does not work for the five Free Feast Sundays (June 12, July 17, July 31, August 7, and August 21).
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 kids 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!
We went to Paw Patrol Night, so Chase and Marshall were walking around to take pictures with them and the ball players even had special jerseys that you could bid on. They also carry the theme through to some of the games and announcements on the screen behind the field. You can also catch the Cougars mascots Ozzie and Annie for photo ops.
There’s a misting station towards the entrance, which is a big hit with the kids and the KidZone is an attraction too. Everywhere we turned, there was something fun going on for the kids!
Speaking of the KidZone, it has various inflatables, including an inflatable obstacle course, slide, and bounce house. 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 we usually bring a baseball mitt 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!
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.
The food menu at Northwestern Medicine Field offers a lot of variety. There are plenty of choices including hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, soft pretzels, popcorn, candy, and desserts. Don’t miss the food trucks and pork chop sandwich at the grill outside. We ate dinner at the stadium and I thoroughly enjoyed my wine slushie! My kids loved that they have Dove bars too.
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 (an hour ahead of game time) 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 specials and theme nights to see the full schedule of promos and special entertainment throughout the summer! For example, the KidZone wristbands are half-off every Sunday. It’s also a lot of fun when you can pair your outing with a theme your kids would enjoy, like The Office, American Girl, tie dye, Star Wars, and 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. If your kids are sensitive to loud noises like fireworks, please note that the stadium also sets off fireworks when the Cougars get a home run.
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 the games! The game we went to this year ran really late, so they didn’t end up having kids run the bases, but we’ve done it in the past and it’s super fun to be on the field under the lights! Keep your ears open for the announcement towards the end of the game. They will tell you what door they will be opening. In the past, it was the centerfield door around past the KidZone. It’s a special opportunity!
Player Autographs
Head to the field before Sunday games to get player autographs. You can also catch the players in the Team Store after every game!
Discount Cougars Tickets
Kidlist readers get buy one get one free tickets (either lawn or reserved seats!) by using the code KIDLIST.
Please note that as of now, the BOGO code does not work for the five Free Feast Sundays (June 12, July 17, July 31, August 7, and August 21).
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.
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 Professional Baseball Team, playing in the American Association, and MLB Partner League.
1 Comment. Leave new
Great article, Annie! I love to go to Cougars games, and the buy one, get one free offer really helps. Thanks!