Looking For Roberto Clemente
It's time to play ball! For all of the little sluggers in DC there is plenty to do to spark an interest in America's pastime.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame: A Nationals game should be top of the list this spring! There are plenty of opportunities to give kids a special experience at Nationals Park. Check out Kids Run the Bases after select games or join the Nationals Kids Club at the VIP or free Rookie level for some special benefits. If kids start to get antsy during the seventh inning stretch, head over the Kids Zone play area with a playzone and other family-friendly activities.
Learn About (and see) Baseball History: The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History has some great treasures from baseball's past like a ball signed by Babe Ruth and photos of Jackie Robinson and other baseball greats.
Look for Roberto Clemente: Just in time for baseball season, head to Imagination Stage to see Looking for Roberto Celemente. This musical follows Sam and Charlie, Little League players from Pittsburgh who are inspired by super-star player Roberto Clemente, even when the two are forced to play on separate teams because Charlie is a girl. Charlie forms her own team with kids who are not as athletic, including a child with a disability who is played by a great actor with Down Syndrome. This show helps kids define what a hero is as the kids struggle with Roberto Clemente's fateful trip to deliver supplies to earthquake ravaged Nicaragua.
Nationals Fan Logan, Age 12, caught the game ball after a 16-inning game
Minor League Baseball: While the Nationals are the undisputed hometown team, there are plenty of minor league teams that have kid-friendly games. Check out the Bowie Baysox, Aberdeen Irons, or Potomac Nationals for an less expensive alternative to the Washington Nationals. Many area minor league teams have moonbounces and kid-friendly areas to practice batting.
Kids want to go pro? Let them run the bases after a Nationals game.
Go ahead and celebrate spring with a trip to the ballpark or choose another way to share your love of America's favorite pastime with your children.