How To Make Game Day Fun For The Whole Family

(Courtesy of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs)

Summer is one of the best seasons to get outside and play sports, but it’s also the perfect time for family trips to sports games. Baseball games are often held during the season, usually by local teams playing in the minor leagues.

If you’re planning a trip to see a game, here’s how you can make the most out of the experience.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Some kids may have trouble sitting still for the entire length of a sports game, so knowing which stadiums offer kid-friendly diversions may influence where you choose to travel to watch them. There are several large stadiums that have dedicated children’s areas and playgrounds. For 2026, Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia opened a Phillies-themed playground where kids can run around and play while their parents enjoy food or watch the game.

If you’re more in the mood for a minor league baseball game, consider watching the Lehigh Valley IronPigs play at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. In addition to a playground, the stadium also has games where kids can test their pitching and batting skills.

And if you want a truly unique experience, the ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood, New Jersey, puts the Jersey Shore in the Jersey Shore BlueClaws front and center, offering mini golf and midway games in addition to the baseball experience.

Club Member Perks

Some teams in the Greater Delaware Valley area have kids’ clubs organized by the sports team that families can sign up for. The Reading Fightin Phils, appropriately, has a kids’ club with a dedicated academic program. Some schools in the area are part of the team’s “Hard Work in School Pays Off Program,” which awards students for good academic performance with free tickets to games and the chance to meet players and win prizes.

Further away from the Delaware Valley, the Brooklyn Cyclones’ kids’ club, known as “The Flock,” grants kids free tickets and access to fun experiences like batting and catching practices at Maimonides Park. Aspiring reporters can even take part in the Kids Club Press Conference, where they can ask Cyclones players any burning questions they have about baseball.

Citizens Bank Park (Chris6d via Wikimedia Commons)

Family Days

Most sports have special family days throughout the season — so planning ahead and knowing when to go can get you more of an experience at the game for the same price. The Wilmington Blue Rocks host Family Fundays every Sunday home game, as well as holding fireworks shows on Fridays during the summer.

The Somerset Patriots host several unique events during baseball games throughout the year. Every Sunday home game, kids have the opportunity to run the bases at TD Bank Ballpark. The audience can also test their luck during certain games by playing Baseball Bingo, with prizes available for winners. This summer, the team is hosting several themed nights, including Pirates and Princesses Day, Star Wars Night and a game featuring an appearance from Sonic the Hedgehog.

Unique Sports

If you’re looking to go off the beaten path, there’s more than just modern baseball to explore. One of the most unorthodox teams in Pennsylvania is the Gettysburg Generals, who play baseball using 19th-century rules, equipment and uniforms. On top of being a fun sports experience, the games offer an interesting opportunity for a history lesson. Games take place across the Northeast United States, with locations for upcoming games listed on the team’s Facebook page: facebook.com/gettysburgvintagebaseballteam.

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