What it's like to bring a three-year-old to a Mets game at Citi Field

New York Post

17 hours ago

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Two years ago, I wrote a story for The Post about my wife and I taking our one-year-old to an early afternoon Mets game at Citi Field.
That experience — although a bit fussy and tantrum-y at times — was a pretty easy one. A few innings in, our little one had fallen asleep on her mom's lap and stayed mostly knocked out through 'cheers, jeers, walk up music and all sorts of other loud noises.'
This year's Flushing visit went a bit differently.
As every parent knows, three-year-olds are nothing like one-year-old infants.
Mostly, they're mobile in a way very few 12-month-old babies are. Simply put, we wouldn't just be sitting and watching the Mets this time around. No, siree, going to a ball game with a three-year-old is a whole different ballgame.
Thankfully, Citi Field is more than equipped to give kids the time of their life when they visit.
So, I jotted down some notes (when I wasn't paying close attention to my rambunctious youngster, of course) for Amazins fans that have been debating taking their toddlers to a game.
Here's a quick account of our family's day at the Mets' home field.
Buying tickets
Before heading out on the 7, we needed tickets.
The past two years, we opted to sit in the shaded 300 sections along the third base line for our mid-day games. This go-round, we thought it might be fun to try a different part of the park and opted for Section 140 in center field right next to the Big Apple.
We thought it might be fun for our little one to witness the signature fruit pop up and steam after a Mets four-bagger.
As always, Vivid Seats had just what we needed.
I snagged a trio of tix next to each other, transferred them to my Apple Wallet and was ready to go.
Time to meet the Mets. LGM, baby.
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Transit
Unfortunately, I do not own a car.
However, my wife and I are longtime MetroCard-carrying MTA riders and have perfected the art of traveling with a toddler.
Essentially, the kid needs agency but eyes on them at all times. That's something the two of us working together as a team can provide.
To make this happen, we opted to take our tot to the day game in a foldable stroller. To make sure we beat the rush, the three of us left for the 1:10 game two hours early. That way, not only would we likely be guaranteed seats on the 7 train (which we ended up grabbing with ease), we could also take our sweet time sauntering from the Mets-Willets platform to the ramps and stairs.
This plan (my wife's, I can't take credit) worked quite well. In fact, we even had time to apply very necessary sunscreen and bug spray on the journey over. Now, that's efficiency.
Once we de-trained at the penultimate Flushing-bound stop, the three of us slowly but surely strolled to the park while letting our sweet kid safely treat the subway station like her own personal playground.
I carried the stroller down the steps, my wife held the tyke's hand all the way (other than when she picked the kid up to cross the street, safety first) and pretty soon we were at the entrance of the park that David Wright built.
Inside the ballpark
After working our way through a short line — the wonders of arriving somewhere early — we quickly located our seats and set up shop, dropping off our stroller at the rear of our section.
Now, that we were situated, it was time for our small fry to take in the spectacle. Before getting too far, we spotted Mrs. Met.
Way, way, way back in 2023, our daughter cried when she met the mascot (who was nothing but nice). She was right to- I don't know if, at just one-years-old, she had seen a person with a large baseball for a head at that time. Also, her nap had just ended. Clearly, there were a lot of factors at play.
Our meeting on the centerfield concourse couldn't have gone better this time. All smiles all around. After taking some photos, I declared 'these might be holiday card-worthy' and genuinely meant that bold statement.
Big ups to Mr. and Mrs. Met. Not only are they incredibly friendly but are also happy and patient enough to take multiple snaps. Not to disparage DisneyWorld but this was a far superior experience.
From there, we visited the Mets Museum. Not the Hall of Fame in the rotunda but the small room next to the batting cages. This cozy space is perfect for fans of all ages. Adults will appreciate the infamous Mookie Wilson-Bill Buckner ball (it's just sitting there! Seriously!) and impressive collection of David Wright memorabilia. Meanwhile, lil bambinos and bambinas will find themselves entertained by the pull-out drawers they can open housing surprise Mets ephemera under the charming, nostalgia-heavy exhibits.
Plus, you can measure your height against Mets greats, which is always neat.
Who knew Mr. Met was 6'10?
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The game
First pitch was at 1:10.
Not only were we seated but I had the pleasure of teaching my attentive child about the National Anthem (she quickly picked up on putting her hand over her heart) and the first pitch (she put her hands over her eyes like I did after the ball dribbled to home plate).
The next three hours blew by.
I got up a few times to grab grub — scooped Shake Shack for my wife and procured Nathan's chicken fingers for myself (they might be the most affordably priced meal at the venue, although I was intrigued by Tai Thai, Wok and Roll, the Fry Factory and a Dole Whip treat) — and then had a few more walks with the gang.
We debated letting our little one play tee-ball at the field in between the center field concourse speed pitch and batting cage but decided she was a little too young. Maybe next year.
Shortly after, my wife generously procured a Mr. Met doll for the kid from the team shop. Perfect souvenir. As you can tell, she's a great mom.
Back at our seats, the 'five borough race' where mascots representing Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and The Bronx run through the outfield barely grabbed our little's attention. Oh, well. Can't win them all.
As for the game itself, no comment. This contest was smack dab in the middle of the Mets' slide. Let's just say they didn't win and let bygones be bygones.
Still, even though the Metropolitans were reeling, there was still a good feeling in Flushing. Fans were cheery, spirits were high and one guy in our section even led a loud, impassioned chant hoping he'd be the catalyst for the Mets rally. Unfortunately, he wasn't.
Amazingly, our kid slept through it all. She was out by the sixth inning. This was a big day for her.
Side note: While eating my chicken fingers, my daughter played with my ketchup packet the whole time. I can't say for certain this is universal but be prepared.
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Matt Levy
Heading out
On our way back to the 7 after the final pitch (which was just as sad as the first on the way in), the exits were more crowded than I've ever seen.
Just wall-to-wall people everywhere you looked.
So, rather than try and squeeze in (or employ our trick where we take the train one stop deeper into Flushing and transfer back to the Manhattan-bound 7, feel free to steal that one), we opted to drop into Corona Park.
Once we'd walked past tennis courts — sadly I didn't spot Jannik Sinner or Aryna Sabalenka training for the upcoming US Open (which I won't be taking my daughter to for a few years) — we found a playground with slides. Although there were no swings, which is a true travesty for any three-year-old, we made do.
When all was said and done, my daughter asked 'are we going to the beach later today?'
Not today, kid. Not today.
Final verdict
Citi Field is secretly a wonderland for three-year-olds. There are fun-filled, baseball-themed activities sprinkled all over the park waiting to be discovered. All you have to do is seek them out. Just make sure you're ready to explore rather than park yourself at your seat.
Otherwise, you might miss out on making some truly unforgettable memories with your toddler.
Mets 2025 home game tickets
Need to find the right home game that makes the most sense for your wallet and busy schedule?
You're in the right place.
All remaining Mets 2025 home games can be found here.
Citi Field seating chart
It's never easy to remember where the seats that suits you best in the park are.
That's where we come in. Below, you'll find Vivid Seat's official Citi Field map to find the section that makes the most sense for you and your squad.
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Mets gear
No Mets fan — mom, dad or tot — is complete without the team's iconic blue and orange gear.
If you're looking to update your Mets wardrobe, whether it be jerseys, hats, shirts, sweatshirts, or hoodies, we've got all your Mets goods' needs covered here.
Huge concerts coming to New York
Want to catch a concert or three this year, too?
You're in luck. Here are just five huge acts you won't want to miss live these next few months.
• System of a Down with Korn (Aug. 27-28)
• Oasis (Aug. 31 through Sept. 1)
• Adam Sandler (Sept. 25)
• Chance The Rapper (Oct. 2)
• Stevie Nicks (Nov. 19)
Want to see who else is touring this year? Check out our list of all the biggest artists on tour in 2025 to find the show for you.
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change