My 12yo is playing at Cooperstown Dreams this summer and we are trying to get ahead of as much as we can. For those that have been before do you have any tips, tricks, warmings, etc. that could help us prepare for this trip better?

One of our biggest concerns is what do we do with our 8yo for most of the time we are there? Everyone says younger siblings have a great time but we never get much detail in what they do that is so enjoyable. Our 8yo son plays baseball too and I've heard there are waffle ball games, he should enjoy that for a while, but what else do they do?

What did y'all do when the boys were not on the field?

We have some lists we've been given of what the boys need in the barracks and think much of it we need to get after we land, are there nearby stores to buy pillows, sheets, snacks, etc.?

Appreciate any advice y'all may provide!

First, y'all are going to have a blast. We went last year, and it was so great, we will go back without the baseball portion at some point.

For the younger kid: There is a putt-putt place right next to Dreams Park. There is a restaurant downtown and on the water, aptly named Lake Front Restaurant & Bar. You can rent fishing equipment there and take him fishing. We caught some redeye bass. There are a lot of shops you can kill time at downtown Cooperstown as well. The cider mill has ducks to feed and some other cool stuff for the kids. I would have the younger kid be in charge of trading pins with the businesses.

The younger kid won't be able to play wiffle ball at Dreams Park, outside of drop-off day. The families have access to the dorms during drop-off, but won't be able to access it after that point.

We flew AUS - BWI - SYR. However, I think SWA just discounted their route to Syracuse. When we landed, we stopped by Turning Stone Casino to get some lunch and a tiny bit of gambling. We stayed at the casino the night before we flew back home as well. There are in-door pools and other things the kids can do there.

I will update this in an hour or so. I am just finishing up a project.

The best grocery store is called Tops and it's not far from the fields. You want to load up on the every day stuff there.

We didn't have one bad meal. The food really is spectacular. New York Pizzeria is the best place for some pizza. Upstate Bar & Grill is the best for steaks and meats. Lake Front is the best place for seafood and ambiance. My wife and I ate/drank with another couple and the bill was like $600 at Lake Front, so it can get a little pricey, if you stay hours like we did. Depot Restaurant and Tavern (Oneonta) was really good as well. The most overrated (not bad, but just average) is Maskot's which is just right across the street from Dreams Park. It's still a cool place to go, but just isn't as good food wise as the other options.

Really, outside of watching baseball, we just ate, drank and shopped with our other friends. Red Shed Brewery is a lot of fun and the food truck outside of there is great, too.

I am sure this a given, but make sure to check out the HOF and Doubleday Field. Cooperstown Distillery is great to get a drink and also buy some alcoholic gifts as well. There is a lot to explore DT.

We would check the kids out to eat with us on occasion, but let them get settled in before you start checking them out. It's also a pain for the coaches since they have to facilitate the check-in/check-out process.

All of the games are streamed. Family and friends who aren't present can watch all of the games by downloading the app and paying a small weekly fee.

Make sure to have someone ready to grab homerun balls for your team. They (Dreams Park) give the kids special tokens to collect foul and HR balls. They then use these tokens to trade-in for special pins. These kids are crazy and go to wild extremes to find balls to trade-in. Make sure to get at least the get the 1st HR ball engraved at the park.

The HR derby is thrown by pitching machine. Last year, everyone was required to use a Cat 10 that the complex provided. The machine was throwing about 35 mph, which really threw a lot of kids off. Your best change-up hitter should be in the HR derby.

Anything else, just ask and I will try and answer.

They let you engrave what you want into the homerun balls. You can also buy the Dreams Park cases for them. I wouldn't do more than one or two. All of the in-park prices are reasonable, but will add up if you're getting a ton of balls done.

My son also wanted to buy the "I hit a Homerun at Cooperstown Dreams Park" shirt.

On check-in day, the first person from each team to stop the golf cart people, can trade them for a special pin. They have a list of each team and will only do this for the 1st person to ask them from each team. The Cider Mill also does a special pin for the 1st person (per team) to trade with them and they also put you into a cash drawing. Make sure you tell you kids to keep an eye on their pins. There were other teams who would distract kids and then have other kids come and steal their pins. Those pins are like gold.

My wife was in charge of the dorm packing stuff, so I don't really know on that.

Also, sorry, I am just adding stuff as I think of it.

Sounds like you're getting ready for an exciting trip to Cooperstown Dreams with your 12-year-old! It's great that you're planning ahead. For your 8-year-old, waffle ball games can be a fun way to pass the time. Besides that, there are usually other activities like arts and crafts, mini-golf, and even arcade games to keep younger siblings entertained.

When the boys aren't on the field, you can explore the area, check out local attractions, or even relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. As for getting things like pillows, sheets, and snacks, there are usually nearby stores where you can pick up those essentials after you land. It's all about being prepared and flexible for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Have a fantastic time at Cooperstown Dreams!

While you're in Cooperstown, you definitely don't want to miss out on the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. It's a must-visit for any baseball fan! The Farmers' Museum and Fenimore Art Museum are also great places to explore and learn more about the area's history and culture. Enjoy your time exploring these fantastic attractions!

I don't know what they have at All-Star Village, but Dreams Park doesn't have an arcade anymore.

Holy ChatGPT

(This account has been scamming, or is building the posting history to try to scam, people on the Ticket Exchange.)

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Aggie0956732 said:

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It's now a problem having a new account been an ag fan. Y'all could do better

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you are obviously employing a bot to make Aggie-related sports posts. Same as the other scammer.

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We did the All Star village a few years back. We tried to do the Dreams at 12U but covid hit. They had a special 13U wood bats only the following year at All Star Village so that is what we did. I think it was a great experience. I'll try and list a few things I remember.
1. A lot of families rented houses on Lake Goodyear. I actually rented a boat for a week which was a lot of fun.
2. Definitely go to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
3. Go to the Otesaga resort. I think that is where the HOF inductees stay. Beautiful view of the lake and the restaurant is pretty good.
4. Go eat at the pizza place in Oneonta that serves the cold cheese. I can't remember the name but the locals can tell you.
5. Golden Guernesy for ice cream
6. Don't expect your team to win it all. There will be teams there that are absolutely stacked so don't get too upset if your group of boys are overmatched.
7. Have fun!

You're soooo close to mastering the English language! Don't give up!


Staff can we take out the trash?

Be aware!
Aggie0956732 Is definitely a scammer! Just tried to sell me tickets.
Texted from the number - +1 (512) 889-6187

Staff, asking once again to take out the trash.

Aggie0956732 said:

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I could see how far you can think with this your post

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The chatgpt responses you replied to posters with here is a lot better than when you are posting as yourself.