The ivy-clad walls and signature red marquee at Wrigley Field make it a must-see ballpark for all baseball fans. Luckily, you have it right here in your hometown!
Whether you’re taking your little Cubbies fan to their first MLB game or you’re a veteran family whose blood runs Cubbie blue, these insider tips on what to do (and eat!) at the ballpark and how to score the best deals for families will make you feel like an MVP. Play ball!
Quick details about Wrigley Field
- Address: 1060 W. Addison St., Chicago
- How to get there: Take the CTA red line to the Addison stop, which drops fans off just steps away from the field. The 8, 22, 80 and 152 buses also have stops nearby.
- Parking: Reserve your parking spot ahead of time with SpotHero. Day-of parking accepts cashless payments only. A free parking lot is located at 3900 N. Rockwell St., with a shuttle bus available to take fans to the game and back to their car.
- How to purchase tickets: Tickets are required for all adults, and for kids ages 3 and older. Young children who can enter for free are expected to sit on their parent’s lap and not take up an additional seat. But, anyone with a toddler knows it’s impossible for them to sit still for nine innings, so read on to find fun activities to keep them entertained!
Tips for families attending a Chicago Cubs game
- Download the MLB app before you go for easy access to your tickets and a stadium map. Plus, there’s plenty of exclusive in-app games and activities!
- Only bags smaller than 16 x 16 x 8 inches are allowed in the ballpark. Exceptions are made for diaper bags when an infant is present.
- Attend a Kids Sunday game on the first Sunday of each month starting in May for a chance to claim a free Clark the Cub plushie! The cuddly giveaway will feature Clark in different Cubs jerseys.
- Collapsible strollers are permitted and will be subject to a security search. All other strollers can be claim checked with the Cubs’ Bike Valet service.
- Avoid concession stand prices and pack your own snacks. All food items must be in a clear zip lock bag. Sealed water bottles are also permitted.
- Stop by a Fan Services booth to get a kids I.D. wristband that is personalized with your contact information and seat location. Lost children will be returned to their seats by ballpark staff.
- A nursing pod is located just inside the Gallagher Way Gate.
- Changing tables are located in most restrooms throughout the stadium.
- Family restrooms are located near sections 113, 128, 307L, 326R and in the upper Budweiser Bleachers.
What to do with kids at Wrigley Field
Other than watch the game, of course!
- Stop by the First Timer’s Booth to get a free personalized certificate for your little Cubs fan to commemorate their first game (and hopefully first win!)
- Show up early for autographs. Batting practice typically begins about 90 minutes before the first pitch. Get to your seat early and you may be able to score an autograph as the players exit practice and head to the locker rooms.
- Play with Clark the Cub, the team’s official mascot. Follow him on Instagram to keep up with appearances!
- Run the bases and score a home run when you attend a day game on a Kids Sunday. The first 1,000 children ages 13 and younger will have the opportunity to run the bases post-game.
- Register your kids with Clark’s Crew to get special game day perks — including a fast pass to run the bases and a free tour of Wrigley Field! — and adorable merchandise featuring Clark the Cub.
- Diehard Cubs fans can celebrate the newest member of their family by joining the Newborn Fan Club. The membership fee includes a Cubs bib and baby blanket set, and a customized marquee photo.
- Arrange a special video message for your kiddo to spot on the left field board. This is a great way to celebrate a birthday, special occasion or even a first game!
- We all know that a ballpark hotdog or peanuts and Cracker Jacks are part of the game day fun. But, did you know that not all concession stands at Wrigley Field offer the same options? Throw your kids a curveball by getting them loaded nachos served in a plastic Cubs baseball helmet, or soft serve treats that use mini batting helmets instead of cones.
What to eat with kids at Wrigley Field
Most kiddos love enjoying ballpark food like hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, popcorn and ice cream. For families with dietary restrictions, there’s good news! Wrigley Field offers gluten-free, kosher, vegetarian and vegan options. Get a quick look at the ballpark’s yummy options for fans with dietary restrictions.
Note: If you’re not a fan of these options, guests with dietary restrictions are welcome to bring food from home as long as it is in a clear bag or container.
- Gluten-free: Enjoy gluten-free hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, nachos and even beer! Check the Cubs accessibility info to find a vendor with gluten-free options near your seat.
- Kosher: A kosher hot dog and Polish sausage cart is in the Right Field Terrace near Section 217.
- Vegetarian/vegan: Enjoy vegetarian hot dogs, burgers and nachos at Wrigley Field. For a vegan option, order the plant-based burger without toppings and bun. Check the Cubs accessibility info to find a vendor with veggie options near your seat.
This article was recently updated on March 12, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s writer, Sarah Knieff. The update included her research to feature the latest information. Questions? Please reach out to editor@chicagoparent.com.
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