Major League Baseball is back in the full swing of things for another
season so that means it is time for A Geek Daddy's annual look at the
best "Kids Clubs" that teams have to offer this year. Of the 30 MLB teams, 25 have programs to encourage children to
become fans of the team and develop an interest in the sport of
baseball. The programs vary from team to team in both the price charged
to participate (ranging from FREE to $50+) and the benefits provided. They can include perks such as team apparel and branded merchandise, special experiences
at the ballpark, and a kids focused team newsletter among other
things. Some of the Kids Clubs are really
nice and are legitimately aimed to enhance the fan experience and a child's enjoyment of the game. Other programs aren't much of a value and seem to be run as just another way to try to get a
few more bucks out of a fans' wallets.
I personally like the Kids Club concept as a way for fan dads and moms to share a passion for their favorite MLB team with sons and daughters in a fun way. Also as every parent knows, children are often more interested in exploring a stadium, snacking on junk food, and getting a souvenir compared to watching a game during a family outing to the ballpark. A Kids Club membership can provide a great memento from attending a game that won't bust your bank account. In some cases these programs even make a visit to see a team play live at their stadium affordable when it might not otherwise have been for a family.
A Geek Daddy has taken a look at each of the current programs offered by MLB teams and ranked the Top 5 KID CLUBS for 2017 in my opinion based upon these factors - price/value, coolness/wow factor, originality, quality of materials/swag, special events, and branding for the program. So going from fifth place to the best we have:
5. Houston Astros -- Buddies Kids Club $25
The Astros are one of the hottest teams in baseball staring off the 2017 season and they also have one of the more impressive Kids Clubs in the American League. As you'll notice the National League dominates the rest of our list. Sponsored by Coca Cola, Houston's program has a combination of perks that will help get kids to the ballpark to watch a game, exclusive benefits when they get there and some cool swag to take home with them all for a family budget friendly price tag.
Each Astro Buddy receives four complimentary game tickets. Plus once they are at Minute Maid Park they can participate in exclusive opportunities such as player autograph signings, batting practice viewings, pregame parades, baseball clinics, and get first access on the field to kids run the bases. They're also invited to a special behind-the-scenes day event. Membership in the Astros Buddies Kids Club includes a branded backpack, baseball cap, membership card, lanyard, and socks.
4. New York Met -- Mr. Met's Kids Club $33
With the inflated prices of living in the Big Apple, Mets fans can get a good deal with this Kids Club for youth under the age of 14. The package includes four promenade outfield outfield seats redeemable for select games throughout the season plus four complimentary tickets to see the Met's minor league affiliate the Brooklyn Cyclones play at their stadium located next to the Coney Island board walk. Plus every time a Kids Club member attends a game at Citi Field and checks in at the Mr. Met Kiosk they can earn prizes throughout the season including an autographed player card and a Mr. Met's Kids Club baseball cap.
A really nice aspect of the program, is every member is provided an opportunity to submit a score board message that can be displayed on the Citi Field scoreboard while they are attending a Met's game for FREE as part of their membership. Plus they get fast access to the Mr. Met Dash that takes place on the field after Sunday games by showing their membership card. To help members cheer on the team while the Met's are playing, the Kids Club also has a membership kit designed to bring along to the game with them. It includes a draw string backpack, inflatable thunder sticks, a silicon wrist band, a book mark, a squishy miniature baseball, and a membership card on a Mets branded lanyard.
3. St. Louis Cardinals -- Cardinals Kids Club $30
2. Cincinnati Reds -- Reds Heads $30
The Reds have one of the best Kids Club programs in Major League baseball and have fallen somewhere on our list every year because of the originality of their efforts, the uniqueness and quality of their branding and the really great swag they include in their membership packs. This year is they continue to provide great deals for their members. In addition to providing 2 free tickets to attend a Reds game they also encourage members to go to attractions such as Newport Aquarium, the city's Museum Center and the Cincinnati Zoo with special Kids Club offers. While at the ballpark, members also have special access to ballpark experiences like player autograph sessions and chance to take the field. Plus they get priority placement in line for the postgame Run the Bases.
The Reds always make an effort to provide their members with top-notch swag and that tradition continues with this year's assortment of items inside their membership pack. Reds Heads receive a really nice jersey, a quality backpack, an exclusive bobblehead of the club mascot, an authentic Kids Club branded baseball, an activity book and a membership card along with a lanyard to display it.
This year the Reds have also introduced a new program for parents to share their love of the team with newborns called the Rookie Club. Red's Rookies receive a hooded towel, gapper plus cuddle-up, a baby fan club branded picture frame and a diaper bag tag. Plus parents can take baby to his or her first Reds game with the included 2 tickets for mom and dad (of course babies always have free admission) to attend one of the select home games which also include the family joining in on the field for a Reds Rookies parade. The program also includes access to a parent/baby photo session with a Reds player and mascot. Joining the Reds Rookie Club is just $20 dollars.
1. Arizona Diamondbacks -- D-backs Kids Club FREE
The Diamondbacks have gotten off to one of the hottest starts this baseball season and really want fans to come out to cheer on the team as they compete for a playoff berth. Children who are registered with Arizona's Kids Club can show their membership card each time they attend a game at Chase Field to receive prizes that range from a D-backs hat to a spot in their baseball academy camp.
Thinking this isn't that great of deal because you still need to buy tickets to go to the game? Guess what! Kids Club members get FREE tickets for every Sunday home game! So by signing up for a FREE program your child gets complimentary tickets and gifts from the Arizona Diamondback throughout the season. Plus members get VIP front of the line access to Kids Run the Bases after games as well.
Another plus for this program is that the Diamondbacks have teamed up with Delta Dental of Arizona to utilize the Kids Club to bring awareness to young fans about the dangers of spit tobacco. So in addition to promoting the team and the game of baseball, the D-Backs Kids Club is also encouraging healthy living. D-backs players and the team's bobcat mascot, D. Baxter, provide informative presentations and materials to Kids Club members to get this message across in a campaign called the NO CHEW CREW. Plus there are rewards for the members who make a NO CHEW PLEDGE.
A tip of the cap to the D-back for a job well done with your Kids Club this year. Good luck on your efforts to win a World Series title in 2017 to go along with your Kids Club top ranking from A Geek Daddy!
Cheering on your favorite sporting team can be a great bonding experience for parents and kids plus a fun way to spend time together as a family. MLB Kids Clubs can be a nice way to introduce your children to the team you cheer for and encourage them to join you as a fan. What team are you rooting for this year?
Of course we've only highlighted a handful of the Kids Clubs that are available to join. Check out your favorite team's website and see if you like what they have to offer. Unfortunately, the Tigers didn't make our list this year but we'll still be cheering them on while enjoying the baseball season.
