Bars near Wrigley Field are charging up to $250 per person and many do not admit people under 21 years old. Don’t spend the kids’ college tuition money on tickets to a World Series game. Instead, head to these locations with the kids to watch the Cubbies fly the W in a family-friendly setting.
Not only is there is no cover charge at the Candlelite (7452 N. Western Ave.), families can even save money by enjoying two-for-one pizza specials. (There’s also discounted draft beer for the adults.) The atmosphere is both festive and kid-friendly, and the Candlelite is far enough north that you can root, root, root for the Cubbies and also avoid the crowded craziness of Wrigleyville.
A big game should be on the big screen, right? Logan Square’s iconic Logan Theater is making sure that happens. Tickets are complimentary, but space is limited. Free tickets are available at concessions the day before each game, and you may get two per person. Grab popcorn and snacks at the movie theater bar.
(If you can’t get into the Cubs game, check out the free family matinee of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 3 p.m. Limit 4 tickets per family.)
Head to Home(run)wood
Your family can be bleacher bums at The Village of Homewood’s World Series Viewing Party. They are showing the games in Martin Square at 6:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday at this free, family-friendly event. You can sit in the bleachers they’ve put up for just the occasion, or bring your own chairs. Viewers can also bring their own snacks, but not alcohol. The event is taking place right outside La Voute Bistro + Bar where you can grab some popcorn and hot chocolate, or other snacks and drinks, if you don’t want to pack your own.
Admire the ivy of Wrigley from the Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.) in Northbrook, where the game will be on flat screen televisions on each wall. Chef Sarah Stegner created a special menu to celebrate the Cubs first World Series appearance in 71 years with fun twists on ballpark favorites, including Parmesan signature spice blend popcorn, honey cayenne roasted peanuts and warm pretzel bread with gruyere cheese dip. The specials are available Friday through Sunday after 5 p.m.
Mariano’s
You and the kids can grab a cute Cubs cupcakes or hit the popcorn station for a bag of Ball Park Crunch, as well as dinner, if you wish. Munch and cheer at the store as you watch the game. Mariano’s has televisions at a few different spots in its stores, including the cafe area and the wine bar. There are dozens of Mariano’s locations around the Chicago area. Find one near you here.
Flying the W is great, but it’s even better when you do so on a full stomach. Enjoy the pizza and amazing mozzarella sticks at Roots Handmade Pizza in Lincoln Square (2200 W. Lawrence). They’ll hit the spot while you and your littles watch the game on one of their 13 televisions.
Wishcraft Sleepunder – For kids only
If you’re looking for a kids only way to watch the game (perhaps freeing you and other adults up), check out the Not-Sew-Spooky-Very-Baseball Sleepunder at Wishcraft Workshop (3907 N. Damen). Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade can enjoy crafts, snacks, storytime and the game, which they are brilliantly airing via MLB GameDay’s virtual field instead on television to avoid the commercials. The event is 6:30-9:30 p.m. and costs $35 per child. Use code SIBLING10 for 10 percent off of sibling registration.