Family travel tip: The boys of summer are also the boys of spring
If you are a baseball fan, these iconic spots belong on your roster.
Cactus League, Arizona
With 10 facilities hosting 15 Major League Baseball teams, the Phoenix metro area is a mecca for baseball fans, as 200 games get underway within just 34 days. Families look forward to enjoying sunny days cheering on their favorite teams in a more intimate setting than typically found during the regular season. (Think autograph opportunities for the kids!) Scottsdale makes for a great Spring Training homebase as fans can catch the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium or the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields. All Cactus League teams rotate through these stadiums during Spring Training. Ask about free trolley rides and a wide range of packages designed to lure sports fans. Now through March.
For more: Cactusleague.com; Experiencescottsdale.com
National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, N.Y.
This iconic sports shrine traces the history and cultural significance of baseball through memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Stories from the game’s rich history are constantly added to keep fans connected.
Learn about the men and women who have made their mark on the field, test your trivia skills and get inspired by the feats of the greatest who played the game. Youngsters under 12 and their families can visit the museum’s Sandlot Kids’ Clubhouse for interactive, youth-focused experiences. Ask about extra innings overnights in the museum.
For more: baseballhall.org.
Grapefruit League, Florida
Beaches and baseball make for a winning combination. That’s what family travelers will find when they head south to watch their favorite players and prospects showcase their preseason skills during Spring Training in Florida. Catch the Philadelphia Phillies in family-friendly Clearwater or be there as the Minnesota Twins make it happen in Fort Myers. The Atlanta Braves are part of the magic underway at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World, where a roving emcee asks fans to guess the attendance for the chance to win prizes. The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches offers an immersive, upscale experience, enabling fans to move through training fields and workout facilities before heading in to the 6,400-seat ballpark.
Fifteen teams tune up for fans in 13 locations throughout the Sunshine State.
Check the websites for game schedules and to learn more about apps that can help plan your March visit.
For more: floridagrapefruitleague.com
Baseball Dreams, Dyersville, Iowa
“If you build it, he will come.” The oft-repeated line is one of the most famous in movie history and you and your family can be part of it. Make your way to traditional Iowa farm country, where reality mixes with fantasy to make dreams and movies that star Kevin Costner come true. Bring your own gear and play catch on the century-old farm that boasts the world-famous baseball diamond. Learn more about the book behind the movie and the curveballs thrown by Mother Nature during filming.
For more: fieldofdreamsmoviesite.com; thebaseballhallofdreams.com/
Big League Tours
Are you a fan of Fenway? Have you been to Coors Field or Miller Park? If the mere thought makes you smile, a Big League Tour might be a perfect fit. Word is you’ll hang out with MLB players, get onto the field, inside the dugouts and catch a batting practice in the venues that continue to infuse allegiance to the game. Tours and vacation packages make it possible to hear the crack of the bat in your favorite cities or an entire region.
For more: Bigleaguetours.com