Spring baseball is heating up (hello, NJ native and Yankee player Anthony Volpe), and if your family is itching to get in on the action, you can do it without going to a big city. Thanks to the five baseball teams in NJ playing at stadiums around the state, you can catch a pro ball game close to home. And watching a game at one of New Jersey’s major ballparks is like hitting the family outing homerun—with rising stars moving up the ranks (the teams are pipelines to the majors), stadium extras like food, luxury box suites, fireworks, and dedicated kid areas, going to one of these games rivals the big leagues at a much more affordable price. Ready to batter up? Read on about the 5 NJ stadiums to see the pro and minor leagues, and if you are looking for more spring activities, check out our activity guide. (featured photo credit: Jersey Shore BlueClaws).
Where To Go To See Baseball Teams In NJ
Arm & Hammer Park/Trenton Thunder Ballpark
Catch Trenton Thunder, a minor league (collegiate summer) baseball team in NJ, and their mascot, Boomer the Blue Thunderbird, at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Boomer races kiddos across the field, sings “Happy Birthday” to those celebrating birthdays, and encourages fans to cheer loudly for Trenton Thunder. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for bat dog Rookie, who makes an appearance during the first inning.
1 Thunder Road, Trenton, NJ 08611
Hinchcliffe Stadium
Located in Paterson, this is home to the New Jersey Jackals, one of the professional baseball teams in NJ in the East Division of the Frontier League (a partner league of MLB, so you’ll be seeing up-and-coming players). Even if your kids are only mildly interested in the game, they’ll still have fun with game-day promotions, including giveaways, catching a t-shirt, and dancing along to the Cha Cha Slide in a convivial atmosphere.
1 Jasper Street, Paterson, NJ 07505
ShoreTown Ballpark
Sure, fans love to see the minor league baseball team, the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, play, but kids will also enjoy the family-friendly extras at the stadium. They can test their skills on a shore-themed mini-golf course, win a plushie at one of the boardwalk games, or visit during their Halfway to Halloween Theme Night. Make sure to join the Kids Club, where kids can eat free at Sunday home games.
2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Skylands Stadium
Head to Skylands to watch the Sussex County Miners, who are members of the Frontier League and the MLB Partner League. With lots of entertainment for adults and kids—a food truck festival, a play area, an ice cream stand, and a post-game fireworks show on Saturdays—watching a game is a family affair. Check out their themed events, like Star Wars Night and their Through The Decades Series (Big 80s, anyone?)
94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
TD Bank Ballpark
The Somerset Patriots, a minor league team with a pipeline to the Yankees, call this stadium home. Make sure to go during one of their promotional games, including ones with a post-game firework show, a baseball-themed bingo game, and various giveaways. There are even a handful of “Kids Run The Bases” events, where kiddos (and their families) can run the bases after the game and meet Somerset Patriots’ mascot, Sparkee, the schnauzer.
1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807
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