A perfect day at the River Cats: A family baseball adventure

Family fun of Sacramento baseball Going to a Sacramento River Cats game has family summer memories written all over it. I have been lucky to watch this amazing team since they started playing at what used to be called Raley Field. I was there for the very first game on May 15, 2000, and that special day changed everything for me. That was when I fell in love with the lawn seats, and now I get to share that same fun with my kids. Our family always picks the lawn seats when we go to River Cats games because lawn tickets start around $11.50, making them a great deal for families, and the Toyota Home Run Hill is the perfect spot where my children can run around and play while still watching the game. You can bring blankets, towels and low-back lawn chairs with seats no higher than 9 inches off the ground, and we're close to all the fun activities, including the kids play area called "Down on the Farm" with its playground, wiffle ball area and misting pads to keep cool on hot days. When the visiting team warms up, our kids can sometimes catch balls from the players, which always makes their day extra special. Every seat at Sutter Health Park has a fantastic view of the game. We sat in section 117, row 10 on a Saturday night when it was 102 degrees outside, and we never sat in the sun once. The ballpark is designed so well you can enjoy the game even on super-hot summer days. One of the best things about going to River Cats games is all the amazing food choices throughout the ballpark. From classic ballpark fare like hot dogs and peanuts at The Sweet Spot to Mexican food at Oso's Mexican Grille with their tasty tacos and burritos, there's something for every taste. Pizza lovers can enjoy fresh pizza at Pizza & Pints, while families love the crispy chicken tenders and famous garlic fries at places like Bridges Grille and Golden Spike Chophouse - the garlic fries are a must-try with their crinkle-cut potatoes tossed in garlic and parmesan cheese. Don't miss Coop & Kennel Pub's all new pastrami fries featuring secret sauce, caramelized onions and cheese sauce, or the portable carts offering everything from Dippin Dots, Merlino's Freeze and Helmet Nachos to the famous tri-tip sandwich, plus classic favorites like Cracker Jack and peanuts scattered throughout the ballpark. Remember to bring your credit or debit card because Sutter Health Park is a cashless facility. No cash is accepted anywhere in the ballpark. The River Cats know how to make every game special with exciting events throughout the week. Every Friday and Saturday night ends with amazing fireworks shows that light up the sky, while kids can run the bases after Sunday games, which is always a highlight for young fans. The team also has special themed nights like Video Game Night, Star Wars Night and Christmas in July that make each visit feel like a unique adventure. Family Value Tuesday offers $2 hot dogs, ice cream and drinks. Dinger's Kids Club - A great deal for young fans For families who love Sunday games, Dinger's Kids Club is an amazing value at only $35, giving kids a Toyota Home Run Hill ticket for every Sunday home game in 2025, plus a T-shirt, 10 percent off at the On-Deck Shop, express pass to run the bases after games and access to special events and exclusive activities throughout the season. The ballpark has family friendly rules about what you can bring inside. You can bring unopened water bottles or empty refillable bottles, and there are water filling stations throughout the ballpark. This is great for families who want to stay hydrated without spending too much money. Family restrooms are available, which makes visiting with little ones much easier. There are also booster seats available for free from Guest Services behind Section 112. Getting there and parkingGetting to the ballpark is easy with more than 5,000 parking spaces available around Sutter Health Park for $15-20 per game (credit/debit only), though I recommend buying parking passes online ahead of time since lots fill up quickly. To save money, you can park in Old Sacramento and walk across the Tower Bridge to the ballpark, or bike and use the free bike racks near the suite entrance on Ballpark Drive. Going to River Cats games is one of our family's favorite summer activities because the ballpark is beautiful, the staff is friendly, and there are so many fun things to do that even kids who aren't big baseball fans have a great time. From the exciting games to the delicious food to the fun activities, Sacramento River Cats baseball truly offers something special for every family member, making it the perfect way to enjoy America's favorite pastime right here in our beautiful region. For information on tickets, visit: milb.com/sacramento. Discovering family friendly destinations and adventures beyond our backyard. For questions or comments, email Jessica at jessicah@goldcountrymedia.com.