Before everyone piles in the van, make sure you have a plan!
Planning a trip to Cooperstown/Otsego County? We've knocked it out of the park with insider tips straight from the local heavy hitters! Here's your all-star guide to family fun and how to hit a home run with your Central NY adventure.
Baseball, Baseball, Baseball.
If your family shares a slight obsession with America's favorite pastime, Cooperstown is the place for you. Give your family a sense of baseball's rich history at the Baseball Hall of Fame, watch baseball dreams come true at The Cooperstown All Star Village or catch a game at Doubleday Field. Don't miss a trip to the Cooperstown Bat Company's Main Street store, or the Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum for a lifelike look at the greats. 'Thirsty' for more? Check out our guide to Baseball in Cooperstown.
Top tips for baseball families:
"The township rolls out the red carpet for Induction Weekend. Something about sitting in the field listening to Hall of Famers thank their friends makes my heart smile. The families that open their yards for parking and the lemonade stands you pass as you walk to the Clark Center—so fun!" –Rachel
"I have been visiting every year since 2009. My hubby goes to umpire at Dreams Park. The Hall of Fame is a must see!" –Patricia
Cooperstown Classics
Between Cooperstown's must-sees and off-the-beaten-path experiences, how do you know where to start? We recommend beginning with the classics: The Farmers' Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, the Glimmerglass Festival, and Hyde Hall.
Top tips for all families:
"The Farmers' Museum, the Fenimore Art Museum and of course Hyde Hall!" –Linda
"The Farmers' Museum—we went every year when we were kids and it never got old. It has just improved over the years." – Jeannie
"Take in a highly professional production of an opera at the Glimmerglass Festival just a few miles up the road from Cooperstown." –Chas
Get on the water.
Cooperstown is situated on sparkling Otsego Lake, and there are lots of ways families can enjoy a day together on the water. Rent a boat from Canoe and Kayak to cruise Susquehanna River, stay at one of our lakeside motels and hotels like Bayside Inn & Marina, or grab a ticket on the Glimmerglass Queen Tour Boat.
Top tips for outdoorsy families:
"There is no better family fun than to pack a picnic lunch or buy sandwiches at your favorite local eatery, rent a boat at Sam Smith's Boatyard and putter around the beautiful lake." –Thomas
"We loved the Glimmerglass tour boat!" –Joyce
Go out to eat.
Taking the entire clan to chow down? We recommend a few tried and true family-friendly places, including New York Pizzeria, Upstate Bar & Grill, and Toscana Northern Italian Grill. You'll get a great bang for your buck and a welcoming atmosphere.
Top tips for hungry families:
"Jackie's Restaurant: they have the best breakfast around." –Patricia
"Try Cooperstown Diner for breakfast and lunch, and the Otesaga Hotel for fine dining." –Elaine
"Pizza at Sal's on Main Street." –Rachel