Everything Families Need to Know Before Heading to Fenway

There is no baseball experience quite like a game at Fenway Park. America's oldest ballpark is packed with history, character, and more than a few surprises for first-timers and regulars alike. Whether your kids are die-hard Sox fans or just along for the hot dogs, a little planning goes a long way toward making the day unforgettable.

Get There Early

The single best piece of advice for a Fenway family outing: arrive early. Gates open 90 minutes before first pitch, and there is plenty to explore before the first pitch is thrown.

The pregame energy on Jersey Street (formerly Yawkey Way) is a show in itself, with music, vendors, and the buzz of fans streaming toward the park. Soak it all in.

Keep an eye out for the Stilt Guy near Gate A on Jersey Street. He is a Fenway institution and a must for a family photo op.

Walk the Park

Once inside, take a lap around the concourse before the game starts. You will find more to look at than you might expect. Stop by the small logo museum on the main concourse for a quick and fun piece of Red Sox history.

Look for the old baseball-shaped gold cart used during pitching changes, another classic photo spot. And keep your eye out for Pesky's Pole, the iconic right field foul pole named for beloved Red Sox shortstop Johnny Pesky, located just inside the right field line.

The Red Seat

Hidden in the right field bleachers is one of Fenway's most beloved landmarks. A single red seat in Section 42, Row 37, Seat 21 marks the exact landing spot of a 502-foot home run off the bat of Ted Williams on June 9, 1946, the longest home run in Fenway Park history. It is worth tracking down.

Kid Nation

Kid Nation, presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods, is the official youth fan club of the Boston Red Sox and is completely free for all children 14 and under.

All members receive a free ticket voucher to a 2026 Red Sox home game and can earn digital badges and rewards by attending games, completing online challenges, and participating in Kid Nation member-only events. Badges can be redeemed for rewards like autographs, memorabilia, and VIP experiences. You can sign up before you go.

Kids Concourse

The Kids Concourse is located at Gate K, found near the Teammates statue at the corner of Ipswich and Van Ness Streets. 

You'll find cool photo ops and interactive activities, along with Big League Brian the Stilt guy who is always happy to snap a photo. 

Between the third and seventh innings, head to Wally's Clubhouse in the Champion's Club on the Kids Concourse for kid-friendly activities and entertainment.

You may get visits from Wally & Tessy, face painting, a balloon artist, and a beanbag toss, a pitching post, plus activities for toddlers and a Wii for slightly older kids.

There is so much to see and plenty of people watching.  It's fund for kids of all ages. 

Sensory-Friendly Room

New for 2026, Fenway Park now offers a dedicated quiet space for fans with sensory sensitivities. The room is located at the Gate E concourse, behind the third baseline seats, and provides a calmer environment away from the noise and commotion of the ballpark. A welcome addition for families who need it.

Eating Your Way Around Fenway

Inside the park, you can grab a classic Fenway Frank, or pick up lobster rolls from Luke's Lobster. But the neighborhood surrounding Fenway is full of great pre-game options worth building extra time into your visit for.

Grab a burger at Tasty Burger, pick up tacos at El Pelon Taqueria, or settle in for BBQ at Sweet Cheeks Q. The Sausage Guy is a Fenway-area legend for good reason. Time Out Market Boston is a great all-in-one option if your group can not agree on a cuisine. All of these spots are within easy walking distance of the park.

Ticketing Tip

Purchasing your tickets AT the Fenway ticket booth (in advance, or same-day if you are lucky) saves you the ticketing fees AND gets you actual paper tickets. 

Kind of a cool keepsake in these days of digital ticketing. 

Getting There

Skip the parking headache. Parking near Fenway can be expensive and the traffic after a game is notoriously slow.

The MBTA Green Line is your best friend. The Kenmore and Fenway stations are both located along the Green Line and within short walking distance of Fenway Park.  If you prefer to drive, use the SpotHero app to reserve a spot in advance for a chance at a better rate than you will find day-of.

One More Tip

Consider signing up for the Red Sox newsletter or checking the promotional schedule before your visit. Special game days, giveaways, and Kids Run the Bases events pop up throughout the season and can make an already great outing even more memorable.

About the Author

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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral, for over 25 years — discovering and sharing the best places to explore in Greater Boston and beyond.