Tips for Taking Kids to an Atlanta Braves Baseball Game

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baseball stadium aerial view
Tours of sports team’s stadiums are always a hit with fans. Photo Credit: Pixabay from Pexels

If you’re in Atlanta during baseball season, you’ll want to check the team schedule to see if the 2021 World Series champion Braves are in town. Then read our tips for everything you need to know before heading to the kid-friendly home of the Atlanta Braves, Truist Park. We’ve got parking info, details about ways to save and more.

Going to a major league baseball game is a summer rite of passage for Braves fans. I fondly remember going to games with my dad at least once a year when I was growing up. My husband and I are just as thrilled to share this tradition with my sons at Atlanta Braves baseball games. But don’t strike out your first time in Truist Park, formerly SunTrust Park. Read on for tips to help you make your kids’ baseball experience a home run!

Do the Atlanta Braves Have a New Stadium?

The Braves have had ballpark transitions during the past few years, leading some to think that they’ve opened a new ballpark. First, the team moved out of downtown Atlanta from Turner Field into a new home, SunTrust Park, in Cobb County in 2017.

Then the stadium corporate namesake merged with BB&T to form a new company. The ballpark retained its SunTrust name through 2019. It opened as Truist Park for the 2020 Covid-impacted season. Last season, the team dramatically christened its newish stadium by hosting a watch party for their 2021 World Series win over the Houston Astros.

SheBuysTravel Tip: While you’re in town, check out these fun things to do in Atlanta with kids and these date night things to do in Atlanta for adults.

Buy Atlanta Braves Baseball Tickets at the Gate

When buying tickets online, fees can quickly add up. MLB is no different. Take advantage of the two hours free parking on non-event days and head down to the Atlanta Battery to buy tickets in person. In addition to hosting Truist Park, the Atlanta Battery is home to shopping, dining and fun events on the Fan Plaza.

Another advantage of going to the gate for tickets is that you can be flexible on when you go. Everyone wants to see the Los Angeles Dodgers but the Boston Red Sox aren’t exactly slouches. Find out in person!

Getting to the Game

If you have your car in Atlanta, you’ll be tempted to drive it to the stadium address at 755 Battery Ave. If you do, and you’re interested in leaving your car in one of the team-controlled parking lots, you’ll need to purchase a parking pass in advance.

Another option for drivers is to head to The Battery. The entertainment complex offers game day parking that’s priced depending on how long you stay.

Atlanta’s MARTA rapid transit system has options too, if you prefer to use public transportation. CobbLinc hubs are located in the Cumberland area, at the Marietta Park and Ride lot and from MARTA’s Arts Center.

Perhaps the priciest but most convenient option is to Uber to and from the game. There are two rideshare locations that function like taxi stands.

Read More: Wrigleyville: 8 Fun Things to Do in this Chicago Neighborhood with Kids

Save on the Souvenirs – Go to a Family Sunday Game

The Braves have turned Sunday into an even more affordable family-friendly experience with free giveaways and free games. During every Family Sunday game, families can play for free in Hope & Will’s Sandlot. If your family needs a place to stretch before the seventh inning, you can experience a rock-climbing tower, zip line and carnival-style games. Playing in the Sandlot is normally $1 for game tokens and $5 for the rock-climbing tower and zip line. There’s no limit on the number of games kids can play, so this can be a pretty nice savings.

Sunday games also have free built in souvenirs at the ballpark with gate giveaways to the first 3,000 kids. These giveaways are in addition to the other season promotions. Also on Sundays, kids 14 and under can run the bases like a big leaguer after the game.

Got a furry member of the family? On certain Sundays, you can purchase a Bark at the Park ticket package and bring your dog to enjoy the game on the Xfinity Rooftop. You’ll bring home an Atlanta Braves-branded leash too! For more information, check out braves.com.

Rent a Glove and Catch a Fly Ball

Families can borrow a glove for free at the Mizuno Glove Experience at the Atlanta Braves baseball game. Photo: Atlanta Braves
Families can borrow a glove for free at the Mizuno Glove Experience at the Atlanta Braves baseball game. Photo credit: Atlanta Braves

In movies, there’s always the scene where home runs pop into the stands and someone reaches out a glove to get it. But what if you don’t have a glove? Don’t worry, Atlanta Braves baseball has you covered with a free glove rental. There are two Mizuno Glove Experiences in Truist Park.

Located at the Left Field Gate and Chop House Gate, you can check out a glove for a $1 deposit on a credit card. The gloves range from youth gloves to the same style Hall of Famer Chipper Jones used in his final years.

Read More: Spring Training with Kids: A Guide for Families

Pack a Bag Lunch or Not…All About the Food

Outside food and drinks (non-alcoholic) are permitted to be brought into an Atlanta Braves baseball game. Families are welcome to bring their own lunch into the park as long as it fits inside a clear, gallon plastic bag. Only sealed plastic bottles are permitted. It doesn’t get as hot as some stadiums, but you still need to stay hydrated. In the past, you could refill those bottles at one of the 42 water fountains inside the Truist Park; however, they are currently disabled due to Covid.

While it’s easier and cheaper to bring in your own food, you could look at it like I do. With all the money you’ve saved, splurging on some of the unique meals inside Truist Park enhances your game day experience. First, there’s what Atlanta Braves are calling “The Best Darn Steak Sandwich in Baseball.” With herbed beef on a soft roll, this is a pretty good sandwich. Secondly, there’s a chicken and waffle boat that’s served with seasoned curly fries. You can even find Kansas City style BBQ. The Braves have also rolled out regional menus that pay tribute to the surrounding states in the southeast United States.

Beyond the concession stands, Truist Park shares an H&F Burger restaurant with the Battery Atlanta. If you’ve never had an H&F burger, you’re missing out. While you can enter from SunTrust Park, it’s open beyond just baseball season for lunch and dinner. During the games, they’ll make sure you get out quick enough to see the next inning.

Read More: Family Fun: 5 Tips to Save Money at Baseball Games

Gluten-Free, Peanut-Free & Plant Based Eating Options at Truist Park

For families who need a gluten-free snack, there is a special Gluten Free Concessions Stand near Section 149. You can choose from fries, nachos crackers, popcorn, peanuts and even a gluten-free hot dog. If you’re looking for healthy snacks for dieting, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, salads and even sushi at the Centerfield Market near Section 149.

If peanut allergies are a concern, then check out the Sandlot Snacks on the first level next to Will and Hope’s Sandlot. The menu is primarily kid-friendly food, like pretzels, hot dog and chicken fingers, but it’s a 100% peanut free stand to eliminate any cross-contamination worries.

Read More: How to Score FREE Tickets for the Baltimore Orioles

Take a Walk Through Atlanta Braves Baseball History

The Braves organization has created an impressive museum of their history in Monument Garden. Located just behind home plate on the first level, it’s a shaded and cool area to learn more about the history of the Atlanta Braves franchise. It’s one of the fun things to do before the first pitch of the game.

The museum traces Braves’ history from the Cincinnati Red Stockings to the Boston Braves to the Milwaukee Braves and finally to here in Georgia. It also has plenty of player history including a tribute to Hank Aaron and his 755 home runs. The museum is an amazingly calm and reflective place in the middle of a busy stadium.

Study a Little Baseball in Advance

755 will always be a part of the Atlanta Braves history. This sculpture, marking the 755 record home runs Hank Aaron made as a Brave, is located in Monument Garden, the Braves museum inside SunTrust Park. Photo Credit: Kendra Pierson, Long Weekend SheBuysTravel
755 will always be a part of the Atlanta Braves history. This sculpture, marking the 755 record home runs Hank Aaron made as a Brave, is located in Monument Garden, the Braves museum inside Truist Park. Photo credit: Kendra Pierson

This might sound weird, but do a little homework before you even go to get tickets. See who the Braves are playing and plan accordingly. Do you want to represent your home team? You might be able to see the Braves vs. New York Yankees or Detroit Tigers here in Georgia. Alternatively, check out games versus the Braves’ National League opponents including the Miami Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals.

Do you want to see everyone fresh after the All-Star game break? In that case, you’ll want to go to the ballpark in later July after the Los Angles Dodgers host the All-Star game. Are you looking to see Ronald Acuna Jr., Marcell Ozuna or Travis d’Arnaud? Then be sure to check the injured list before your game to make sure they’re going to be playing.  If you want a fun game, check out when the Braves play the New York Mets. It’s a NL East rivalry 30 years in the making.

Read More: Mets vs. Cubs, New York vs. Chicago, Which City Wins?

Make sure to learn a few of the players names and what positions they play. Max Fried is the team’s pitching ace. Ronald Acuna Jr. and World Series MVP Jorge Soler are slugging outfielders. You’ll want to see them in a game! Sadly, Nick Markakis, a right fielder from Georgia, retired last year.

Final Things to Know Before You Go

  • Children 3 and older need a ticket for an Atlanta Braves game. Toddlers under 3 must sit on an adult’s lap.
  • Check out The Clubhouse Store with over 5,000 square feet of Atlanta Braves gear, including World Series merch. Access it from the fan plaza outside the stadium or through the entrance near the Right Field gate.
  • Truist Park has family restrooms at several locations around the park and changing tables in all restrooms.
  • Buy parking in advance for Braves-controlled Lots. Game day parking is also available at The Battery and rates range from $20 – $50, depending on how long you stay. If you’re not driving, rideshare is the way to go. The designated Uber/Lyft location acts like a taxi-stand after the games with little to no waiting.
  • Still debating your hotel options for your Atlanta vacation? Consider the Sheraton Suites or Renaissance Waverly. Both are located in the Cobb Galleria Centre and you can access Truist Park via a pedestrian skybridge.
  • Wondering where to sit for the game? Truist Park has great sight lines, so you really can’t go wrong. If shade’s important to you, check the team website for covered options. Got money to burn? Consider Delta Sky360 club seats.
  • Check for 2022 Atlanta Braves promotions and giveaways. The Big 3 Cy Young winners will have bobble head days: Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine. Past promotions have included Ozzie Albies shirts and “Swanberson” bobbleheads – a combination of Braves’ shortstop Dansby Swanson and Braves’ utility player Charlie Culberson. Friday nights, the Braves shoot off fireworks after the game. Even if you choose to leave early, you can see the fireworks for a good distance in the car.
Kendra Pierson has been the family-designated travel researcher since she was 16 and now shares that title with her husband and two boys. As a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), she used to spend 50% of her time planning meetings for clients around the US and was lucky enough to bring her boys along for most of that ride. She is a pro at maximizing travel to include business and personal, most often including a long weekend. When she’s not traveling, she’s homeschooling her sons as they explore the Atlanta area and can be found blogging at KendraPierson – Love. Learn.Travel..
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2 responses


  1. Thank you for the info! Saving this article for our trip in late July! Any idea on how to get a good family photo while at the park?

  2. Good Afternoon~~we would like to know if we can see fireworks at the June 24th game, if our seats are in the outfield? Thank you.

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