Family Guide to Attending a White Sox Game at Guaranteed Rate Field

Here’s how to score the best family deals and make your child’s first Sox game a win!

The Chicago White Sox are one of the oldest teams in the American League. Their South Side home at 35th and Shields — renamed Guaranteed Rate Field in 2016 — holds more than 40,000 fans and hosted the World Series Champions in 2005. 

In addition to stadium giveaways, firework displays and a 15,000-square-foot kids play zone, a visit to Guaranteed Rate Field in Bridgeport is a great way to experience some of the old-school charm of Chicago baseball.

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 Guaranteed Rate Field

chicago white sox game with kids
Photo credit: Chicago White Sox

  • Address: 333 W. 35th St., Chicago
  • Season: Opening Day is March 28, 2024. 
  • How to get there: Take the CTA red line to the Sox-35th stop, which drops fans off just steps away from the field. The 24, 35 and 44 buses also have stops nearby. 
  • Parking: Purchase parking in advance for $17-$27 to avoid the game day rush and snag the best spot. Day-of parking is available for $20-$30. 

Purchasing tickets for a Chicago White Sox game

  • Tickets are required for all adults and for kids taller than 36 inches. Small 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!
  • The White Sox have different deals for families each year. During the 2023 season, they offered a Family 4 Pack deal that includes a ticket, a hot dog, a drinks and chips starting at $19 per person. Check the website to see which family deals will be available for the 2024 season! 
  • Sox Family Sundays feature special activities and events, kid-friendly giveaways and great deals on tickets. Check the website to find the next Family Sunday. 

Tips for attending a Chicago White Sox Game with kids

White Sox Game with Kids

  • 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 activities and prizes! 
  • Clear tote bags (12” x 12” x 6” or smaller), clutch purses (9″ x 5″ x 2″ or smaller) and diaper bags when an infant is present are permitted. No other bags are allowed. There is a bag check to check any prohibited items.
  • Strollers are permitted and will be subject to a security search. 
  • 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 Guest Relations booth to get a kids I.D. bracelet that is personalized with their seat location. Lost children will be returned to their seats by ballpark staff. 
  • A nursing room is located in section 352 and can only be accessed by first visiting a Guest Relations booth. The room has amenities for nursing and pumping, as well as a changing table. 
  • A family restroom is located in section 106. 
  • A sensory room with texture walls, specialized lighting, weighted blankets and other items is located near section 352. There’s field-view access and a TV so family or friends in the room can keep up with the game. 
  • Diehard Sox fans can celebrate the newest member of their family by joining the White Sox Newborn Club. The membership fee includes adorable newborn White Sox apparel and a custom Sox birth certificate.

What to do with kids at Guaranteed Rate Field

chicago white sox game with kids
Photo credit: Chicago White Sox

 Other than watch the game, of course! 

  • Stop by the First Game Certificate Booth to get a free customized certificate and First Game Button for your little Sox fan to commemorate their first game (and hopefully first win!) 
  • Play with Southpaw, the fuzzy green mascot! For an extra memorable game day, you can make arrangements for Southpaw to visit your seats with a custom sign and autographed baseball cards. 
  • Kids 13 and younger can visit the Xfinity Kids Zone, a 15,000-square-foot play zone with a mini baseball diamond, coaching clinics, batting and pitching cages and more. While you’re there, make sure to sign up for the White Sox Kids Club so your child can win fun game day prizes! 

What to eat with kids at Guaranteed Rate Field

We all know that a ballpark hotdog or peanuts and Cracker Jacks are part of the game day fun. But Guaranteed Rate Field offers many other delicious Chicago delicacies, too. 

  • Get a taste of Chicago with the cheddar and potato pierogies served in section 126.
  • The pretzel-wrapped Bratwurst isn’t exactly a Windy City staple, but it is delicious! There’s also a Blue Moon-infused brat with a charred orange mustard for those with more adventurous taste buds. Get yours at Classic Stands
  • The Rainbow Cone, a Chicago classic for nearly 100 years, features orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House strawberry and chocolate all in one cone. Get yours in sections 158 or 526.
  • Parents can also look forward to local craft brews offered throughout the park, including beverages from Goose Island Brewing Company, Hopewell Brewing Company, Lo Rez Brewery & Taproom, Short Fuse Brewing company and many more! 
  • Guests with dietary restrictions can bring their own food in a clear plastic bag. Enter through Gate 5 and ask for a security supervisor when bringing personal food on game day.

Things to do with kids near Guaranteed Rate Field

The fun doesn’t have to stop after the 9th inning! Guaranteed Rate Field is located in Bridgeport, one of Chicago’s oldest neighborhoods. Our family neighborhood guide has plenty of suggestions for families who want to explore the neighborhood. 

Skipped the concession stand at the game? Head to one of the community staples for eating out on game day. 

  • 35th Street Red Hots is a classic Chicago hot dog joint just a few blocks from Guaranteed Rate Field serving up hot dogs, Polishes, burgers and crispy sea salted fries. George’s Gyros is the definition of service with a smile. Eat like a local at this Bridgeport staple that has gyros, patty melts and burgers on the menu (and grilled cheese and milkshakes for the kids!)
  • Eat at Wings and Rings for classic game day wings, fried appetizers and loaded burgers. Plus, there’s a kids menu! (Pro tip: If you dine before the game, you can ride the Wings and Rings shuttle to the ballpark and save on parking fees!)
  • Visit Grandstand to pick up a game day souvenir. In addition to the huge inventory of licensed Sox gear, they also carry apparel and gifts for the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls and Bears (and — dare we say it? — the Cubs). Plus, there’s a large selection of kids gear.
  • Wrap up game day with a sweet treat from Sugar Shack. This iconic neighborhood walk-up window has signature funnel cake sundaes (great for sharing!) as well as classic cones and Italian ice.

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Nikki Roberts
Nikki Roberts
Nikki Roberts is the assistant editor on the Chicago Parent team. She is always on the lookout for the coolest and trendiest new attractions, restaurants and events for Chicagoland families. Her newsletters, online family guides and exciting digital content keep families informed on all the latest happenings around town.
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