If you’re looking for a great day trip from Orlando there’s nothing better for sports fans of all ages than checking out a game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, home to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

While the Rays aren’t currently known for their great record on the field, the venue they play in is unique and features many great activities for fans to enjoy in addition to the game itself. For as little as $8 a person (for an upper deck ticket), less than a movie ticket, you get access the game; lots of interactive activities, such as participating in a baseball-themed game show, taking your picture on a Topps baseball card, having your name inscribed onto a bat, broadcasting play-by-play of baseball highlights and more; enjoy the latest baseball video games; visit the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall-of-Fame; and participate in numerous activities for young baseball fans.

Oh, and did I mention that Tropicana Field also features live cownose rays, situated in a touch tank just behind the right centerfield wall? Touching and feeding these live versions of the team’s namesake is also included in a ticket to the game. On the off chance a player hits a home run into the tank, $5,000 is donated to charity. It’s a rare occurrence (to my knowledge it’s only happened once), but I was there when it happened and it was quite a site to behold.

Parking at the field is free (what other professional sports venue can boast that?) and you’re even allowed to bring in your own food. That said, the venue has lots of great dining options. Come on a Sunday and you can participate in Family Fun Days for just $15 and this includes not only your outfield ticket, but also a hot dog, Pepsi and a snack. Kids can run the bases after the game, visit the Ray Tank, get their faces painted and score great kid-themed giveaways. What can beat that? Adults can enjoy a cigar bar, a brew house, sit-down restaurant, and the last time I was there I even enjoyed a Bloomin’ Onion from a carry-out version of Outback Steakhouse located inside the field.

But, I’ve saved the best fact about Tropicana Field for last - it’s an air-conditioned dome! So, you can take yourself out the ballgame without facing the harsh Florida heat.

You can catch a game at the field through September 27 (right now the Rays are taking on the Red Sox and it’s much easier, and cheaper, to get a seat at Tropicana Field than it is at Fenway Park), and upcoming challengers include the Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees.

Visit the team’s official site.

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