A couple of years back, I wrote about taking my wife and our one-year-old to a Mets game at Citi Field. It was a fleeting mix of noise and, well, occasional toddler meltdowns, but overall pretty manageable. At one point, our little one even dozed off on my wife’s lap amid cheers and music.
This year, things felt different.
Anyone with kids knows that a three-year-old isn’t quite the same as a one-year-old. They’re often on the go—unlike the stillness of a small baby. So, watching the game this time around was a whole different scene.
Fortunately, Citi Field is equipped to keep younger visitors engaged.
I took some notes while keeping an eye on my energetic young son.
Here’s a quick rundown of our Family Day at the Mets’ home field.
Buying Tickets
I needed tickets for the game.
For the last couple of seasons, we’ve settled for seats in the 300 sections, under the shade and along the baselines. This time, I figured it might be fun to try Section 140, behind Center Field, near the Big Apple.
We were curious to see our little one’s reaction to the character displays, especially after a Mets home run.
As always, the vibrant seating came through with all we needed.
I linked our tickets in my Apple wallet, feeling ready for the adventure.
Time to meet the Mets—Let’s Go Mets!
Transit
Sadly, I don’t have a car.
However, my wife and I are experienced MTA users, so navigating with toddlers is something we’ve gotten good at.
It’s crucial to keep an eye on them, of course, but we’ve worked out a solid system.
I opted for our day at the game with a folding stroller. To avoid the rush, we set off two hours early for the 1:10 game—this way, we could get seats without much hassle and take our time getting to the gates.
Thankfully, the plan worked beautifully. I even managed to apply some long-overdue sunscreen and bug spray for our day out—efficiency at its finest.
After getting off at the Flushing stop, we walked leisurely toward the park while letting our little ones explore the subway station.
As I carried the stroller down the stairs, my wife held our child’s hand, and we soon arrived at the park entrance.
Inside the Stadium
Arriving early made navigating through a short line a breeze. We found our seats, set up shop, and stowed the stroller.
Now, our kids were eager to soak in the atmosphere. We quickly spotted Mrs. Met.
Last time, our daughter was startled seeing the mascot; she was so young then. This time, with her recent nap, things didn’t go much differently. All smiles initially, but that encounter could have been better.
After snapping a few photos, I joked that they might just be good enough for holiday cards.
Props to Mrs. Met—super friendly and patient, she was ready to take multiple pictures with us. Not quite Disney World standards, but still a delightful experience.
Afterward, we checked out the Mets Museum—not the big Hall of Fame, but a cozy area by the batting cage. It’s perfect for fans of all ages. Adults can enjoy historic memorabilia, while kids can explore fun surprises hidden throughout the exhibits.
The bonus? You can compare your height against that of Mets greats—a fun little detail.
Who would have thought Mr. Met is 6’10”? Crazy!
The Game
The first pitch was thrown at 1:10.
We not only settled in but used the moment to teach our daughter about the national anthem. She followed suit, placing her hand on her heart, which was adorable, and then mimicked me as I shielded my eyes during the first pitch.
It was a long afternoon; I made a few trips to grab some food—Shake Shack for my wife and Nathan’s chicken fingers for me. I was intrigued by a few stands offering more eclectic foods too.
We even considered having her try tee-ball in the area by the concourse and batting cage, but figured she might be a little too young for that. Maybe next year.
My wife also picked up a Mr. Met doll as a souvenir. A thoughtful touch! She’s really the best.
Back in our seats, we caught some of the mascots wandering through the crowd, but honestly, they didn’t hold much of our attention.
I’ll spare the details of the game itself—it wasn’t pretty for the Mets. Let’s just say they didn’t come out on top.
Even with the loss, the atmosphere in Flushing was upbeat. Fans were lively, and someone in our section even led a chant trying to rally the team. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work.
Remarkably, our daughter managed to nap through most of the game, finally tossing in the towel by the sixth inning. It was quite a day for her.
Quick note: my daughter was so engaged, she played with ketchup packets during my chicken finger meal. Just something to keep in mind if you head out with kids.
Heading Out
The return journey on the 7 train after the game was, I’d say, more chaotic than ever—wall-to-wall people everywhere.
It was a bit tight, so we followed a trick I learned: board a Manhattan-bound train, then wait for a chance to head back.
As we wandered past the tennis courts—no luck spotting any famous players before the upcoming US Open—there was a playground! A bit of a letdown due to lacking swings, but for a three-year-old, it was still a hit.
At day’s end, my daughter asked, “Are we going to the beach later?”
Not today. Just not possible today.
Final Thoughts
Citi Field is like an undiscovered wonderland for three-year-olds. Fun, baseball-themed activities are scattered throughout the park—just waiting to be found. If you’re prepared to do a little exploring, you can make some truly memorable moments with your little ones.
Mets 2025 Home Game Tickets
Looking for the right home game that fits your schedule and budget?
You’re in the right spot.
Citi Field Seating Chart
Figuring out the best seats can be tricky.
That’s where we come in. Below is the official Citi Field seating chart to help you find where to sit.
Mets Gear
Mets fans, whether mom, dad, or tot, look great in the team’s iconic blue and orange.
If you’re thinking about updating your Mets gear, check out the selection for jerseys, hats, shirts, and more.
Big Concerts in New York
Want to catch some concerts this year?
Lucky you! Here are five major acts to consider:
- • Down system with cones (August 27-28)
- • Oasis (August 31 to September 1)
- • Adam Sandler (September 25)
- • Chance the Rapper (October 2)
- • Stevie Nicks (November 19)
If you want to see who else is on tour this year, check out our list of all the biggest artists hitting the road in 2025.
