Colorado Baseball Parent Survival Guide
You're not just raising a ballplayer—you're becoming a professional spectator. Here's everything you need to survive (and enjoy!) the baseball parent life.
What to Pack for Game Day
Essential Items
- Folding chair (with cup holder!)
- Cooler with water, sports drinks, snacks
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+, reapply every 2 hours)
- Sunglasses and hat
- Blanket (mornings can be chilly)
- Bug spray (especially evening games)
- Phone charger / portable battery
- Cash for concessions
Tournament Extras
- Pop-up canopy or shade tent
- Collapsible wagon for hauling gear
- Extra clothes (layers for weather changes)
- Rain jacket and poncho
- First aid kit
- Portable fan or misting bottle
- Entertainment for siblings (see below)
- Change of shoes (in case of mud)
Pro Tip: The Baseball Parent Bag
Keep a dedicated "baseball bag" in your car during the season. Stock it with non-perishables (sunscreen, bug spray, spare hat, poncho) so you're always ready for a game.
Colorado Weather Considerations
Colorado weather is famously unpredictable. "If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes" is actually good advice here. Be prepared for everything.
Altitude & Sun Exposure
- • UV rays are 25% stronger at 5,280 feet than sea level
- • Sunburn happens faster—even on cloudy days
- • Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before the game, reapply every 2 hours
- • Hats with brims and UV-protective clothing help
- • Dehydration occurs more quickly at altitude—drink extra water
Afternoon Thunderstorms
- • June-August: Storms typically build between 2:00-5:00 PM
- • Watch for darkening skies over the mountains to the west
- • Lightning is the main danger—games are stopped for safety
- • Storms usually pass within 30-60 minutes
- • Most tournaments have weather contingency plans
Lightning Safety:
If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter in a building or hard-topped vehicle immediately.
Spring Weather Challenges
- • March-April: Snow is possible (and common)
- • Temperature swings of 40°F in a single day are normal
- • Morning games may start in the 40s°F and end in the 70s°F
- • Dress in layers you can remove
- • Keep a jacket in the car even on warm days
Snack and Meal Planning for Tournaments
Between-Game Snacks (Quick Energy)
- • Fresh fruit (oranges, grapes, apple slices)
- • Granola bars or energy bars
- • Trail mix (watch for allergies)
- • Pretzels or crackers
- • String cheese
- • Yogurt tubes (keep cold)
- • Peanut butter sandwiches
- • Sports drinks for electrolytes
All-Day Tournament Meals
- Breakfast (before first game):Oatmeal, eggs, whole-grain toast. Avoid heavy, greasy foods.
- Lunch (between games):Turkey or chicken sandwiches, pasta salad, wraps. Easy to eat, easy to digest.
- Dinner (post-tournament):Lean protein for recovery. Many families do team dinners at local restaurants.
Foods to Avoid Before Games
- ❌ Heavy, greasy foods (burgers, fries)
- ❌ High-sugar snacks (candy, soda)
- ❌ Spicy foods
- ❌ Large portions close to game time
Keeping Siblings Entertained
Not every family member is thrilled about spending 8 hours at a baseball complex. Here's how to keep non-players happy:
Entertainment Ideas
- • Tablets/phones with downloaded content (no wifi at fields)
- • Coloring books and crayons
- • Travel games (cards, UNO, Connect Four)
- • Their own glove and ball (play catch nearby)
- • Books or audiobooks
- • Small toys or action figures
- • Scavenger hunt (create a baseball-themed list)
- • Let them work the scoreboard or help keep book
Look for Fields With
- • Adjacent playgrounds
- • Open grass areas for running
- • Batting cages (let them take some cuts)
- • Nearby walking trails
- • Concession stands with kid-friendly options
Tip: Many of our field pages note if there's a playground nearby. Check before you go!
Divide and Conquer: If you have two parents, take turns—one watches the game while the other takes younger siblings to explore. Switch each inning or half.
Photography Tips at the Ballpark
Position Yourself Behind Home Plate or First Base
The best action shots come from behind home plate (through the fence) or along the first-base side. You'll capture batting, fielding, and running to first.
Use Burst Mode
Baseball happens fast. Set your phone or camera to burst mode (hold the shutter) to capture multiple frames of swings, catches, and slides.
Mind the Sun
Position yourself so the sun is behind you (lighting your subject's face). Avoid shooting into the sun—you'll get silhouettes.
Get the Candid Moments
Some of the best photos aren't action shots—dugout high-fives, pre-game warm-ups, post-game celebrations. Capture the full experience.
Phone Photography Tips
Clean your lens, tap to focus on your player, avoid zooming too much (it degrades quality). Consider a clip-on zoom lens for better reach.
Share Responsibly
Before posting photos on social media, consider that other families may not want their children in public posts. Focus on your own player, or ask permission before sharing group shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to a youth baseball game in Colorado?
Essentials include sunscreen (SPF 30+, reapply every 2 hours), water bottles, portable chairs (many fields lack bleachers), layers for temperature changes, and cash for concessions. At altitude, you'll burn faster and dehydrate quicker than at sea level.
Why does baseball feel different at altitude?
Colorado's thin air means balls travel 5-10% farther than at sea level. Fly balls carry more, and pitches break less. Outfielders need to play deeper, and pitchers may notice their curveballs don't bite as sharply. It's one reason Coors Field is famous for offense.
What time do afternoon storms typically hit in Colorado?
Summer storms usually develop between 2-5 PM along the Front Range as heat builds over the mountains. Morning and late evening games often avoid weather delays. Watch for darkening skies to the west—that's where storms approach from.
What should I do if there's lightning during a game?
Leave the field immediately and seek shelter in a building or hard-topped vehicle. Colorado's '30-30 rule': If you see lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds, take shelter. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning.
How much water should my child drink at a game?
At Colorado's altitude, hydration is critical. Kids should drink 8-16 oz of water 1-2 hours before the game, 4-8 oz every 15-20 minutes during play, and continue hydrating after. Watch for signs of dehydration like headaches, dizziness, or fatigue.
Can I bring my own chair to games?
Most fields allow personal camping chairs and pop-up canopies. Set up behind the backstop or along the baselines (not blocking other spectators). Some tournament venues have specific rules, so check event guidelines in advance.
Find Your Next Field
Now that you're prepared, find the perfect field for your next game or tournament.