READING FIGHTIN PHILS
So for the two or three of you that have been reading our blog (Thanks, Mom and Dad), you know we took two trips to Reading last summer.  And we are planning on taking at least one more this summer to check out the Reading Fightin Phils!  The Reading Fightin Phils are the AA affiliate for the Philadelphia Phillies.  They play in FirstEngery Stadium, which is just over an hour away from downtown Philadelphia.  The stadium is about 60 years old, but went through significant renovations a few years ago, so it feels like it’s brand new. 

THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY
There are actually a number of family friendly activities right around Reading, making it a great day trip destination.  If you like outdoor activities, start off with the Daniel Boone Homestead – you can go on one of their hiking trails, fish, check out the historical houses, or learn about amputation in the 18th Century.

After that, check out the view of the city from the top of Mt. Penn at the Reading Pagoda or the Fire Tower.  Prices are still 19th Century -$1 for adults, 50 cents for kids.  There is also a snackbar at the Pagoda, and a few hiking trails up there as well.

If you prefer indoor activities, our kids had a blast at the Reading Public Museum.  It’s a combination Science and art museum, along a beautiful park 10 minutes south of the stadium.  Through May, they have a Thomas Train exhibit, if you really want to torture yourself, but what I am looking forward to is the Hot Wheels exhibit going on until August.  They also have suits of armor, mummies, medieval church art, science exhibits, and even some modern art.  My kids favorite were the asses pooping money.  
WHERE TO EAT IN THE CITY
Like all cities, there are a ton of great places to eat all around Reading.  During our first visit, we checked out Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar in downtown Reading.  The place has a 1920s saloon feel too it, and the floor is covered in peanut shells.  The staff is very friendly, and they have some highly touted wings, which are much creamier than any other sauce I have tried.  Definitely worth checking out.

We also had our eyes on the Speckled Hen, which is right around the corner from the Peanut Bar.  Good to keep in mind if one or the other is too crowded for you.

There is also a pretty fancy looking place called the Stokesay Castle just outside of the city.  The building is pretty impressive, and the kids might like going to a “castle” for dinner.  Just make sure you take them to the Knight’s Pub section for a more reasonably priced meal.   

WHAT TO EAT AT THE BALLPARK
Since this is a Minor League ballpark, the food prices are not exhorbitant like they are in the Majors.  You can get some decent food for a good price.  Though they don’t have a signature dish like a lot of ballparks do, you can buy tickets for an All You Can Eat Buffet before most games.

WHEN TO GO
There are plenty of activities for the kids to bug you about while you are trying to watch any game there: a play area with a moonbounce, inflatable slide, and some boardwalk games; about five dozen mascots walking around for photo ops, and, my favorite, a small, crowded pool in the outfield your kids will harass you about during the whole game!  31 of the games during the year even have a pretty impressive fireworks show.

If giveaways are more your thing, make sure you get there early.  There are a couple spaces on my shelf that were supposed to have golden bobbleheads.  Instead, they have bottles of whiskey.  OK, almost empty bottles of whiskey.  Weekend games in Reading are very popular, and they don’t have enough of the giveaways for everyone.  So if you want yours, get there early. 

For the kids, head down on July 23rd so they can get a Batting Practice hat, or June 25th for the Maikel Franco baseball.

If you want something for yourself, they have an Aaron Nola golden bobblehead on April 14th or Brett Myers on August 15th, a bucket hat on June 11th, or Ugly Christmas Sweater T-Shirt on July 25th.  If you are a wrestling fan, you can meet Tito Santana on July 14th!

BEER
If you are getting to the game early, you are in luck, because the stadium is a pretty good place to find some decent beers while your kids are admiring their.  Sly Fox Beer has a Pub in the outfield, so you can try their 360 IPA or Helles Golden Lager, while Hardball Cider sponsors the stage and serves some of their ciders at FirstEnergy.

If you can’t wait to get to the stadium to try some local beers, swing by Chatty Monks Brewing Company to try some 227 IPA or the Morning Monk Stout.  My wife and I want to try them with the Pierogis and Smoke Jalapeño Popper Dip.