“Take me out to the ball game. Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks; I don’t care if I never get back!”
One of my family’s favorite activities is going to a Charleston RiverDogs baseball game. It is an absolute blast for both kids and parents, plus kids under two are free!
But how do you plan the perfect visit? When’s the best time to go, and what should you bring along/leave behind? Let me share what has worked best for our family.
Planning a Visit to the Charleston RiverDogs
When to Attend
When selecting a day to root, root, root for the home team, we check the schedule for the RiverDogs’ family games, which are typically held at 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. This earlier start time allows us to see more of the game before bedtime and also means there will be plenty of activities for kids. From a bounce house to opportunities like running the bases after the game, family days are great because they are geared directly toward kids. If your kids are a little older, Friday nights are also great because each game ends with fireworks!
We always purchase tickets in advance. This makes entry easier and allows us to choose aisle seats, so we can quickly hop out to the restrooms and concession stands. We like choosing seats near Shoeless Joe’s Hill, a small hill where kids can run up and down to get their wiggles out!
What to Bring
When getting ready for a Charleston RiverDogs game, there are a few things you should be sure to pack:
1. Don’t forget to bring along bug repellent, sunscreen, and hats. The sun sets late during the summer months, so you’ll still get a lot of sun in the evening. Plus, you’ll be watching the game right by the marsh, so bug spray can help keep the bites down.
2. Diaper bags and small backpacks (under 12×12 inches) are allowed. We always bring a few kid-friendly activities, like coloring books, to keep our kids engaged if they need a break from the action.
3. There’s no denying Charleston summers are HOT. If you have a battery-operated fan that you can wear around your neck, I highly recommend bringing it along.
Note: Leave the stroller behind. This is a great time to bust out the baby carrier!
What to Eat
Games are held at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, which has plenty of food choices. Lines can get long if you wait, so we tend to get in line right away and take our food to our seats at the beginning. There are typical ballpark foods like hot dogs, nachos with cheese, pizza, burgers, ice cream, etc. But you know you’re in Charleston because even the ballpark has a seafood stand! Be sure to check the sign above each concession stand, as they all sell different things.
Meet Charlie and Chelsea
One of the most exciting parts of attending a RiverDogs baseball game is meeting the sweetest mascots, Charlie T. RiverDog and his friend Chelsea. These adorable dogs, dressed in team jerseys, are a huge hit with everyone. Throughout the game, Charlie and Chelsea keep the energy high. They love to work the crowd, giving high-fives to the kids and encouraging adults to join in the fun. Don’t forget to snap a photo with them before you leave, or maybe even buy a stuffy from the gift shop!
