Make Family Memories with the Lansing Lugnuts

It took us six months, but my sister and I finally gave our dad his Christmas gift: spending an afternoon together at a Lugnuts game.

I admit that I wasn’t sure how much fun I would have because sports aren’t really my thing, but I had a blast! We had amazing seats right behind home plate, so we didn’t miss a moment of the action.

My sister and I also spent a fair amount of time anxiously cowering from fly balls, praying that they wouldn’t hit us. (They didn’t.)

While it was great to spend time without our kids, it was obvious that a Lugnuts game would be the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon (or evening) with them. Not to mention, it’s a great excuse to enjoy peanuts and a hot dog.

Read on for how to maximize your experience at a Lansing Lugnut game with kids:

What Makes the Lugnuts Awesome?

Not only do the Lansing Lugnuts plan a season filled with fun promotions like Kids Day, Superhero Day, and Jurassic Weekend, but they also give back to the community through the work of the Lugnuts Charities.

The Lugnuts are serious about bringing exceptional baseball and affordable family fun to the Lansing community.

Pro Tips for Going to a Lansing Lugnuts Game with Kids

Attending a Lugnuts game with kids is much more than just watching the team play; there are tons of fun things to do that make this an awesome family experience:

1 – Find the Perfect Tickets for Your Family

The Lansing Lugnuts’ schedule is packed all summer long, so finding a game that will work with your family’s schedule is easy.

Afternoon games start at various times, usually either 12:05 PM or 1:05 PM. The 7:05 PM games can be a bit challenging if your kids have an early bedtime. If you need to leave early for a night game, snag the cheap lawn seats and get to the stadium when the gates open (1 hour and 5 minutes before each game). This allows you to maximize your time there and not feel bad if you can’t make it through the final innings.

Kids can also move around in the grass. We all know that kids, especially the younger ones, don’t stay still for long. Bring your littlest ones to the game; kids 2 and under are free!

If you buy tickets online, remember to bring your printed tickets with you or have them ready to show on your phone. You can get your online tickets printed at their Will Call booth, but it will lengthen your time in line.

2 – Take Advantage of Lugnuts Promotions

The Lansing Lugnuts know how to keep the fun going all season long. Their promotions page is brimming with events, themes, and deals.

In addition to Kids Days and Thirsty Thursdays, there’s also “Dog Days of Summer,“ where you can bring your favorite canine companion to the ballpark every Wednesday in the summer.

You can also attend a Lansing Lugnuts game on a night they offer fireworks, giveaways, or special theme nights like Wizarding Weekend, Bluey, or Star Wars Night.

3 – Kids Can Run the Bases and More!

If you haven’t yet done this, every Lansing kid needs to run the bases at a Lugnuts game.

Every Sunday at Jackson® Field™ is Capital City Market Kids Day with entertainment throughout the game, Kids Run the Bases following the game, and then the Extra Inning: free ice cream and music across the street at Capital City Market!

4 – The Lugnuts Know How to Let Kids Have Fun

When it comes to making baseball fun for kids, the Lugnuts have thought of everything. In the left-field area, there is a small play structure. It features a small slide and other fun toys in Lugnuts colors.

There are also inflatables. One is a bounce house, and the other is a dual slide. They are perfect for kids of all ages. There is a small charge for them, and kids must wear socks.

Parents can enjoy the game from the picnic tables in the play area while kids burn off some energy. Some families also eat their food at the tables rather than at their seats.

5 – Where to Park

Since Jackson® Field™ is built in the middle of downtown, no designated parking lot exists for Lugnut games.

However, visitors will find ample parking within a four—to five-block radius. Parking is available in lots, ramps, and on the streets.

Note: The two small lots near the ballpark are only for pass holders. Handicap parking is available in Lot 53 in front of the stadium on a first-come, first-served basis.

6 – What to Bring to Lugnuts Games with Kids

As parents, we know how important it is to pack up the right gear. Jackson® Field™ does not allow outside food or drinks unless it is for a baby or a medical condition. Plan to bring money for concessions or fuel up before the game.

What families can pack for a Lugnuts game:

• A blanket if you have lawn seating.
• Sunglasses and hats. Sunscreen is a must for sunny days!
• Empty water bottles (such as Nalgene or CamelBak).  While no outside food or drinks are allowed, there are drinking fountains throughout the ballpark. Note: The Lugnuts do not allow containers inside the ballpark, either, but empty water bottles are an exception.
• A stroller or baby carrier if you have little ones. (Bonus: The stroller can help hold your other items.)
• Raincoats and/or umbrellas if the forecast is iffy.
• Dress in layers. The games might be hot at the start, but the stadium can get pretty chilly as the sun sets on an evening game.
• Kids can bring their baseball gloves and autograph books. That way, they’ll be ready to catch a fly ball and get players’ signatures.

7 – Jackson® Field™ Has a LOT of Food Options

My family enjoys going to events all around town, but it’s always a perk if there’s really good food involved. Jackson® Field™ has so many food options. Even if you are trying to eat healthily or have a food allergy, this ballpark is set up to cater to everyone’s needs.

You can, of course, get your ballpark favorites like hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, pop, and beer. But don’t miss out on the specialties offered at the many food carts! You can get Philly cheese steak, mashed potatoes, Polish sausage, and Dippin’ Dots.

With so many options, everyone is sure to find something they love!

8 – You Don’t Need to Leave Your Stroller At Home

Jackson® Field™ is one of the most accessible stadiums in the United States! In fact, it was THE most accessible when it was initially built in 1996.

Baseball fans of all abilities are easily able to enjoy Lugnuts home games – and that also means you will have no problems maneuvering your stroller throughout the ballpark. So don’t hesitate to bring it along, especially if you’re sitting on the lawn, as it’s a bit of a trek out to right field lawn seats.

9 – Keep Your Eyes on the Field Between Innings

While I do enjoy watching the actual baseball game, I admit that I probably enjoy the between-innings entertainment a little more. The Lansing Lugnuts have some fun activities while the teams prepare for the next inning.

During one of the games I attended, I saw kids in a potato sack race, adults on a bouncing horse race, kids building a hamburger, and more. Plus Big Lug himself came out during the 7th Inning Stretch!

10 – Jackson® Field™ concessions stands are cashless

Plan ahead: Jackson® Field™ became entirely cashless in 2021.

Credit and debit cards will be accepted at all concession stands and the Nuts & Bolts retail store. If you only have cash for in-stadium transactions, it can be exchanged for Lugnut Loot or a prepaid food card at Guest Services.

11 – Stadium Security Guidelines + Bag Policy

In order to ensure the safety and comfort of our fans while maintaining a safe environment, the following security procedures are in place:

• All persons and personal items are subject to inspection before entering Jackson® Field™.
• No outside food, beverages or containers are allowed inside the ballpark.
• No weapons are allowed inside the ballpark.
• No smoking/vaping is allowed inside the ballpark.
• No derogatory language is allowed inside the ballpark.
• No poor behavior is allowed inside the ballpark.
• Animals are not allowed in the ballpark, with the exception of special events and service animals.
• Jackson® Field™ is a non-smoking facility. Fans wishing to smoke may exit the park through designated gates after having their hand stamped for re-admittance.

Jackson® Field™, like many other event venues, has a strict bag policy. Only the following bags, packages, or containers are permitted:

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC not exceeding 12″x6″x12″
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or simliar)
• Small clutch bag, camera, or binoculars cases not exceeding 4.5″x6.5″ with or without handle or strap

Exceptions are made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.

Lansing Lugnuts Special Events & Deals

Every Sunday is Kids Day at Jackson® Field™. Kids are invited to run the bases after the game! On Wednesdays, the Lugnuts are about the whole family, including the family dog!

Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend games. Cash in on the sweet deal that Thirsty Thursday offers: 16oz domestic drafts for only $3 and just $5 for craft drafts.

Remember to check out their promotions page to find deals and special events.

Are you a Lugnuts Fan?

We would love to hear your tips and tricks on taking kids to Lansing Lugnuts games.

More Lansing Family Fun