We observed the first Monday of “spring” break with a minor league baseball game. If you’ve never done this with your kids, it’s totally worth it even if you have less than zero interest in baseball (as I do). It’s way easier than a major league game, in terms of parking, stadium size, and cost (and in our case it’s at least 90 miles closer to home than the nearest major league park). The ballpark closest to us is clean and very kid-friendly; it even has a playground.

Plus, the goofy activities and cheesy (more on that later) promos are nonstop. Kids can’t get bored by the slow pace of baseball when pretty much every inning includes a giveaway, race, or contest.

And when you are freezing your butts off in the bottom of the 5th you can just pack it in and go home, no harm done.