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Ed Smith Stadium stadium in Sarasota, FL
Photo: Ryan Hancock
View of Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, FL
Photo: D
View of Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, FL
Photo: Random Traveler

Ed Smith Stadium

4.7(1,496 reviews)$Sports
🕑 2.5-3 hours for a full game, though families with younger kids often leave after 5-6 innings👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy the excitement and energy of the game, interactive kids zones, and running around the concourse, while older children and teens appreciate getting closer to real Major League players and collecting autographs during spring training.

About

Ed Smith Stadium brings the magic of professional baseball to families at incredibly affordable prices during spring training season. Kids can watch the Baltimore Orioles practice and play in an intimate setting where they're close to the action, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for even younger children experiencing their first ballgame. The stadium offers designated kids activities and a genuine ballpark experience without the overwhelming crowds of regular season games.

Highlights

  • Watching Major League Baseball players up close in an intimate stadium setting
  • Collecting player autographs during batting practice and after games
  • Kids activity zones with games and entertainment between innings
  • Affordable ticket prices making it accessible for the whole family
  • Authentic ballpark food and atmosphere without the big stadium price tag

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive early for batting practice when players are most accessible for autographs,bring a ball and Sharpie for kids to get signatures along the railings
  2. 2.Sit along the first or third base lines for the best shade during afternoon games, as Florida sun can be intense even in spring
  3. 3.Pack sunscreen and hats for the whole family, and consider bringing an empty water bottle to refill at fountains to save money
  4. 4.Visit the kids activity area between innings to break up the game for younger attention spans
  5. 5.Check the Orioles' spring training schedule in advance as games sell out quickly for popular matchups

Best Time to Visit

Visit during February and March for spring training games, ideally choosing weekday afternoon games which are less crowded than weekends. Morning games (typically 1:05 PM starts) offer slightly cooler temperatures than the midday heat.

What to Know

Spring training tickets are remarkably affordable, typically ranging from $15-35, with kids often receiving discounted or free admission. Parking is available on-site for a small fee, and the stadium offers standard ballpark concessions with kid-friendly options like hot dogs, popcorn, and ice cream.

Seasonal Notes

Ed Smith Stadium is primarily active during spring training season (late February through March). The stadium occasionally hosts other events during the off-season, but baseball games are the main family attraction. Book tickets early as spring training is extremely popular in Sarasota.

Nearby Eats

Try Der Dutchman for hearty, kid-approved comfort food just a few minutes away, or head to Yoder's Restaurant for family-style Amish cooking with generous portions that even picky eaters will enjoy.

More Activities Near Sarasota

Entertainment

Premier Escape Adventures

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Premier Escape Adventures offers immersive, family-friendly escape room experiences that get kids and parents working together to solve puzzles and crack codes. With multiple themed rooms designed to accommodate various skill levels, it's the perfect rainy day activity or special occasion celebration that challenges young minds while keeping everyone entertained for an hour of pure problem-solving fun.

Museum

The Florida Center for Early Childhood

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The Florida Center for Early Childhood offers a unique hands-on learning experience where kids can explore sustainability through interactive aquaponics systems, renewable energy demonstrations, and ecological activities. This hidden gem in Sarasota combines education with entertainment, making environmental science accessible and exciting for young learners through touch-and-see exhibits.

Nature

Celery Fields

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Celery Fields is Sarasota's hidden gem for families who love nature and wildlife. With its easy, stroller-friendly boardwalks, tall observation towers that kids can climb, and the chance to spot dozens of bird species plus alligators and turtles, it's an outdoor adventure that feels like a mini safari right in your backyard. The flat, paved trails make it accessible for all ages, while the elevated viewing platforms turn wildlife watching into an exciting scavenger hunt.

Museum

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

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The Ringling Museum offers a magical blend of art, history, and spectacle across a sprawling 66-acre estate on Sarasota Bay. Kids are captivated by the vintage circus wagons, colorful posters, and miniature circus at the Circus Museum, while parents appreciate the world-class art galleries and stunning Venetian Gothic mansion. The expansive gardens and bayfront views provide plenty of space for children to explore between museum visits.