A couple of cozy new Major League Baseball parks make good reasons to take the family on the road this summer. Citizens Bank Park, right, in Philadelphia features a skyline view beyond center field, a promenade where Geno’s and Tony Luke’s offer their famous cheesesteaks, and the Phanatic Kid’s Corner, where children can dress their own mini-version of the Phillies mascot. With a sandbox behind the outfield wall, San Diego’s Petco Park is also kid friendly. Trolley rides to the waterfront park and the old brick warehouse in left field are among Petco’s other charms. The downside: the San Diego Chicken, the team’s beloved mascot, isn’t coming out of retirement. The Padres Friar will have to do. –By Sean Gregory
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Write to Sean Gregory at sean.gregory@time.com