the mommy avenger

There are good family outings, and then there are legendary ones. Sunday, May 19, 2025, was the latter. We spent the evening at loanDepot park watching the Miami Marlins pull off a wild 8–7 comeback win against the Chicago Cubs—and let me tell you, it was the kind of night you replay in your head over and over.

From the moment we stepped into the stadium, we were in our happy place. Miami was sweltering outside, but inside loanDepot park, the dome was shut, the AC was cranking, and we were cool, comfy, and buzzing with anticipation. The stadium itself is a stunner—bright turquoise, pulsing neon, and those iconic palm trees and stunning skyline loomed just outside the outfield wall. It’s modern, it’s bold, and it screams Miami in the best way.

We were lucky enough to be sitting right behind home plate, and honestly, there’s no better way to watch a game. Every pitch snapped with intensity. You could hear the pop of the catcher’s mitt, the crack of the bat, and see the players’ focus written all over their faces. The kids—even the teens—were locked in. And when Jesús Sánchez hit that leadoff homer? Instant chills.

But that was just the start. The game was a rollercoaster—15 total runs, back-and-forth momentum, and a crowd that never sat still for long. Sánchez came up huge again in the ninth with a walk-off triple that sealed the deal. The stadium exploded. Strangers were high-fiving, our teens were yelling, and everyone around us was caught up in the magic. Baseball has a way of doing that, especially when you’re this close to the action.

Of course, it wasn’t all about the score. loanDepot park is a gold mine for families. If you’ve got little ones, the Fan Zone is a lifesaver. It’s packed with hands-on fun like a Batting Simulator and Play Zone—perfect for giving younger fans a break when their attention span hits its limit.

And the kid-friendly perks? Top notch. Over the summer, they offer $1 kids’ tickets to select games (yes, you read that right—ONE DOLLAR). Plus, Billy’s Club 305 is a must if you’ve got kids under 14. You can earn points toward prizes, and when those prizes include player meet-and-greets and exclusive merch? Total motivation to come back.

We love the theme nights on the calendar and it’s clear the fanbase does, too! Upcoming theme games include Youth Baseball Day, Camp Day, and Back to School Day—basically, there’s always something extra happening.

Let’s not forget the food. loanDepot park has some of the most affordable eats in the MLB. You can opt for the 4 for $44 family deal—four hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks—which makes feeding a crew easy and drama-free. Grab pizza and chicken tenders (classic), or get adventurous with a Cuban sandwich. If you want to chill with a drink and a solid view of the field, the Bullpen Bar and Grill is the spot.

So here’s the deal: If you’re visiting Miami or you’re local and just need a family activity that hits all the marks—cool inside, tons of entertainment, budget-friendly, and flat-out fun—a Marlins game at loanDepot park should be on your list. From high-stakes baseball to high-energy vibes, it’s one of those experiences that checks every box.

Check out Marlins.com for details on tickets, food, and upcoming theme games. It will be a great time creating memories with your family!

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}