Looking for a fun family outing or a chance to see up-and-coming baseball players before they go pro? Head to ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood, NJ, to catch a Jersey Shore BlueClaws game where the minor league team makes every home game a family-friendly night out. With the thrill of watching talented players under stadium lights, fun breaks with mascots in between, and a huge jumbotron where you might just end up on the screen—there is no shortage of excitement. And it’s not just about the baseball—there’s also a mini golf course, boardwalk game area, and plenty of food options to choose from. Plus, you won’t want to miss the Manhattan Bagel Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese race (you have to see it to believe it). Read on for what you can do during the Blue Claws 2025 season, and if Lakewood is not in your neck of the woods, you can head to a baseball game in New Jersey near you. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
Watch players before they go pro
My kids always get excited to see the BlueClaws because there is nonstop action and some pretty exciting plays, especially since the team is a pipeline to the Philadelphia Phillies. The kids also love to get autographs from the players because you never know when a player might go pro. When the game is not in play, they try to get autographs near the dugouts or along the first and third baseline railing.
Find the best seat in the house
One of the best things about going to BlueClaws games at ShoreTown Ballpark is that there is no bad seat in the house. There are so many options, and sometimes we mix it up from sitting in a stadium seat or stretching out on the lawn, or the kids like to climb into the lifeguard chairs if they are available. You can even rent a party deck or reserve a luxury suite if that’s up your alley. The stadium also has perks like stadium seating, lights for night games, and my kid’s favorite—the huge jumbotron screen. Fun Fact: If you visit the NJ Natural Gas Information booth (on the concourse behind home plate before the start of the game), you can put a message on the scoreboard for a $5 donation to BlueClaws Charities.
Play at The Boardwalk
My kids love to check out The Boardwalk area to play games and test their luck during every game. There are classic shore games like Cat Rack, Balloon Darts, and the Goblet Toss or Ring Toss. My kids love the basketball-themed Hoop Shots, and they have a great time finding the perfect angle to sink a shot since only one-in wins. Near The Boardwalk is the Manasquan Bank Mini Golf course, complete with nine holes and family-friendly fun, and it was the ideal spot to play a quick round before returning to our seats.
See why it’s all fun and games
One of the most fun parts of the games is cheering on the mascots and participants in the hilarious races during game breaks. It’s always a blast to see who will win— the Manhattan Bagel Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese mascots or the Blue, Green, and Red Eyeballs that kids can race on. For added excitement, there are promotion nights where extra fun happens, including my kid’s favorite—Kids Run the Bases, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where they can run the bases just like the players. Or Bark In the Park, Halfway to Halloween, or celebrate with the mascot at Buster’s Birthday. We also like to come during the post-game fireworks nights, when the entire field gets going and the sky lights up like it’s the Fourth of July.
Fill up at the concessions or new restaurant
Our recent visit included a stop at the newest restaurant, Blue Wave Bar, where we enjoyed delish main-course salads and the famous Buster’s Pork Roll and Egg and Cheese Sandwich. They also offer specialty cocktails, including the Cape May Crush and the Belmar Breeze. The Blue Claws Sand Bar is another spot for adults to find a drink. Usually, though, my kids like to eat at one of the boardwalk-style concessions throughout the park, from ShoreTown Tacos to Philly Cheesesteaks.
What to know before you go
What’s great about going to a BlueClaws game is the price—unlike pro games, this is a more affordable night out with single-game tickets for $16, and children under 2 are free as long as they are sitting on a parent or guardian’s lap. Other ticket options include the 5 & 10 Game Membership and Half and Full Season Tickets. The BlueClaws Kids Club consists of an MVP Package that includes five ticket vouchers and other unique experiences, like watching the fireworks from the field. If it rains, you can exchange your tickets of equal or lesser value for any remaining home game that season, subject to availability. It is $5 to park, and it is a cashless facility, so make sure you have your credit card ready to enter the stadium from the parking lot. A reverse ATM is available inside the park to convert your cash to a Visa Debit Card. The parking lot opens 2 hours before the game, and gates open 65 minutes before the first pitch so that you can take advantage of all the other fun things to do. Season ticket and partial plan holders can access the park 30 minutes earlier than everyone else. Parts of the park are stroller-friendly, and it is easy to walk around the field’s perimeter, but if you are sitting in the stadium seating, it is not stroller-friendly. Outside food is also not allowed in the park. Before heading out to a game, it is best to check ahead for any weather-related cancellations. You can also host anything from a birthday party to a wedding at Jersey Shore BlueClaws, so keep them in mind for your next special occasion.
2 Stadium Way
Lakewood, NJ 08701
