Take me out to the ball game: Spring Training with kids tips and tricks
Spring Training is one of Arizona’s most popular springtime activities. March’s beautiful weather brings teams and fans to enjoy baseball under the Arizona sun. One of the best aspects about Spring Training is that games are a family-friendly pastime for people of all ages. As you plan your days at the field, don’t forget a few key tips to make your day more safe and enjoyable.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Even in the spring when the weather’s not 110°F, hydration should be parent’s No. 1 priority. A long day outside requires a sufficient amount of water for both parents and their children. Some stadiums may not allow liquids from outside to be brought in. Under the circumstances parents can’t bring in water, budget ahead of time to ensure that you and your little ones will stay hydrated throughout the day.
Teach children about stranger danger
Spring Training games are lots of fun, but also attract a crowd comprised of varying individuals. People flock from all around the nation to indulge in Arizona’s spring weather and be a part of the infamous spring training experience. As with any crowded venue, it’s important to teach your children about stranger danger and know important safety tips yourself as a parent or caregiver.
When talking with your children about stranger danger, it’s important to avoid frightening sounding statements while also teaching children to not follow strangers or take anything from them. Parents of children of any age must maintain constant supervision throughout the day. Never leave your children alone during the day’s events.
Always use sun protection
The Arizona sun is not a force to be reckoned with. Regardless of season, UV rays require a load of sunblock and meticulous coverage to ensure children’s health and safety under the Arizona rays. Avoid basking in the sun at the game during the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunscreen should always be applied at home approximately 30 minutes before sun exposure. Babies under 6 month of age should not be exposed to direct sunlight. To be safe, it’s recommended that young children wear at least a 50 SPF sunscreen.
Plan for the unknown
Baseball games can be long and take a toll on the attention span of young children. Before making the venture out to your favorite spring training stadium, be prepared to pack a bag of entertaining items like books, puzzles and other trinkets that will keep your child happy during a particularly long inning. Make sure that you bring a blanket or towel for you and your little ones to comfortably sit on. Be aware that stadiums have varying stroller policies, always do a quick Google search to read your stadium’s rules and policies ahead of time to avoid any unwanted surprises. Remember to bring your go-with-the-flow attitude and team spirit!
For more tips and free child development support, call the Birth to Five Helpline at 877-705-KIDS (5437)
or download the Birth to Five Helpline app!
All content in this article, including any advice or commentary from Southwest Human Development staff and/or others, should be considered an opinion and is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for medical or other professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the direct advice of your own trusted professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the child/ren in your care. Southwest Human Development does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures or other information that may be mentioned in this article. You may contact Southwest Human Development’s Birth to Five Helpline at 1-877-705-KIDS (5437) to speak with one of our early childhood professionals for personalized assistance. Birth to Five Helpline specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.