Minor league games offer family fun

Calling all baseball fans. You'll want to add these travel ideas to your roster.

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. Today, 15 teams tune up for fans in 13 locations throughout the Sunshine State. 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 right at home at North Port’s CoolToday Park, a state-of-the-art ballpark with 8,000 seats that was built from the ground up with the fan experience in mind. Check online for game schedules and to learn more about apps that can help plan your visit.

MORE INFO floridagrapefruitleague.com

Cactus League, Arizona

Today, with 10 facilities hosting 15 Major League Baseball teams, the Valley of the Sun is a mecca for modern baseball fans. Families look forward to enjoying sun-splashed 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.

MORE INFO cactusleague.com; experiencescottsdale.com

National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, N.Y.

Located on Main Street in the heart of picturesque Cooperstown, New York, 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.

MORE INFO baseballhall.org

Minor League games for major family fun

Check out the schedule for minor league baseball teams near your home or in your favorite vacation spot for affordable family entertainment. Stadiums are often small, offering kids a chance to get closer to the action at a price that won’t break the bank. Be on the lookout for theme night, firework displays and engaging mascot interactions. And don’t miss out on the popcorn, peanuts and hot dogs that will complete the experience. There are 30 stadiums in use by Triple-A Minor league baseball teams, the top affiliates of Major League Baseball clubs.

Big League Tours

Are you a fan of Fenway? Have you been to Wrigley Field or Busch Stadium? If the mere thought makes you smile, a Big League Tour might be a perfect fit for your family. Word is you'll hang out with MLB players, get on to 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.

MORE INFO bigleaguetours.com