Can this trend continue? Cards mark first Kids Sunday Party of the year with a win

Nothing says summer in St. Louis like taking kids out to the ballgame, but this year, the Cardinals have gone max in making them feel welcome at Busch.

Like this past Sunday, when the club hosted its first Kids Party of the summer for the series finale against the Reds. An amped-up version of Kids Sunday, it's a trend that will continue at Busch Sunday home games through mid-August.

From the time gates opened to the end of the 4th inning, the club offered nine different activations, from the opportunity for kids to hold one of Masyn Winn's bats to a giant "6-7" light-up display for photos (on the weekend of June 6-7, no less) and a balloon artist. Even the gate giveaway lent a hand in helping young fans walk away with a memorable ballpark experience: the club handed out at least 8,000 Rawlings kids baseball gloves.

And the families were loving it – the crowds at each Kids Party location in the ballpark remained steady throughout the event.

"We also got positive feedback when we would stop and talk with the families," shared Katie Brandenburg, the club's director of fan entertainment and corporate content.

The numbers speak to the success of the club's efforts so far this season to make bringing the entire family to Busch an enjoyable experience: the Kids Club (which offers either a free or paid membership for those 12 and under) currently has members in 31 different states. Around 2,000 Kids Club members redeemed their two complementary tickets to the ballpark this past Sunday (a perk of the paid membership, which includes two free tickets to every Kids Party).

Another number that may outpace them all: The amount of free ice cream sandwiches kids consumed at each party thanks to the Kids Sunday Prairie Farms ice cream initiative.

And the best part? The Cards won … a trend the club hopes continues for the four remaining Kids Sunday Parties this season.

Not a bad day at the ballpark.