Take the kids out to the ol’ ball game this summer in Des Moines! Baseball is a quintessential summer pastime that many people just can’t get enough of. The smell of hot dogs and the sound of the bat crack make for an unforgettable experience for families. Luckily, Des Moines is home to the Iowa Cubs, a Triple-A Minor League baseball team, affiliated with the Chicago Cubs.
And, be sure to watch dsm4kids’ Events Calendar and Summer Fun Guide for additional things to do in the Des Moines area.
Here are a few tips to have a fun family outing at an I-Cubs game this summer in Des Moines:
Know Before You Go
Location
The Cubbies play downtown at Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309. Ensure that you allow ample time for your travel to the game, so that you do not feel rushed. Visit the Iowa Cub’s website or call (515) 243-6111 for game time, tickets, special promotions or if you need additional information.
Tickets
You can purchase Iowa Cubs tickets at the Principal Park ticket office, online, or by calling 515-243-6111 over the phone. Children 3 and under receive a free general admission ticket at Principal Park. Children must sit on the lap of a parent or guardian in Reserved Grandstand sections, or a purchased ticket is required. In addition, the I-Cubs also provide discounted and exclusive promotional tickets during various times throughout the season.
Parking
Surface parking at the stadium costs $13.00 and attendants accept cash ONLY. There are also parking garages located in the area and street parking is available as well. While the stadium area is relatively compact, be prepared for some walking as there may be a considerable distance to cover between the parking lot, stadium, and your seating area.
Food Policy
Bringing outside food or beverage into Principal Park is not allowed. The stadium offers a wide variety of food and beverages for purchase at their concession and restaurant locations.
While You’re There
The great thing about a minor league baseball game is that you can see future (and every now and then rehabbing current) major league stars. The intimacy of sitting behind home plate, the joy of meeting mascots, the great atmosphere and the inexpensive ticket prices make seeing the I-Cubs a home run.
Attending an Iowa Cubs baseball game is always on our family’s summer bucket list. During the season, we make it a point to attend several games at Principal Park. It’s a delightful experience for our family, as well as for outings with friends or larger groups. Arriving slightly before the game begins (since gates open 60 minutes prior to the first pitch), we typically visit the concession stand before settling into our seats for an enjoyable afternoon or evening at the ballpark.
You’ll find the typical baseball fare at Principal Park. Cubbie Dogs, fries, nachos and beyond—it’s all there. Plus, like any good ball game, vendors are walking up and down the aisles with staples like peanuts and popcorn as well as cotton candy and snow cones.
Even the greatest baseball fan can get antsy, and Principal Park has the answer with their kids’ play area. In the First Base Concourse, there is batting and pitching games along with a large climbing/jungle gym-type structure. If your little fans tire of that, there is also a perfect place for the kids to cool off at the fountain in right field. The fountain shoots water after home runs and other exciting plays. Be prepared and bring a swimsuit or change of clothes or go home with wet kids;).
Besides watching the game and dancing along to the pulsating music, there are other activities to keep kids interested. Fans are chosen at random to participate in activities like limbo, memory games and baseball trivia, with prizes to boot. It’s also a great idea to check out the Iowa Cubs promotions page on their website. There are lots of free giveaways, Friday Night Fireworks and Family 4 Pack nights. And if that wasn’t enough, it is an I-Cubs tradition to let the kids run the bases after each and every Sunday game.
Tickets to an Iowa Cubs baseball game are fairly affordable and can be purchased at a number of different price points ranging from General Admission at $7 to $40.
Kids (ages 13 and younger) can join the Cubbie’s Kids Club for $22.00. They will receive: tickets to 13 Sunday Iowa Cubs home games, a treat voucher at each of those games, T-shirt and an exclusive on-field experience (Saturday, July 8, 2023). The Iowa Cubs also hosts kid’s birthday parties.
Go Cubbies Go!!!
Have you taken your little baseball fans to an I-Cubs Baseball Game at Principal Park? Tell us your best tips!
