Last Updated on December 30, 2025 by The Smetz Files
If you love a young baseball player, you’ll want to read about our week playing at Cooperstown’s iconic Dreams Park.
We just came back from playing a week in Cooperstown in June. Now that I’ve had time to reflect on our amazing experience, here are a few of my takeaways!
The Mecca
Cooperstown, New York is the Mecca of baseball. This quaint town is credited as the birthplace of America’s game. Historic Doubleday Field still hosts games. We spotted an adult league game Saturday morning while we strolled the charming shops along Main Street.
Visit the Baseball Hall of Fame
But, I digress. The main reason we made the ten-hour trek to New York state was to play baseball. Specifically, to play in one of the coveted summer tournaments at Dreams Park.
If your 12-year-old loves the game, this tournament is nostalgic for students of the game. Of course, my primary focus when preparing was to make sure he was comfortable in the onsite clubhouse, away from us for the week. Beyond all of his essential baseball gear, I consulted with experienced baseball moms to get the inside scoop on what he’d need.
Here’s a few of the things I sent when he moved in for the week.
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Packing for the Clubhouse
Dreams Park’s website offers a suggested packing list. That was a helpful starting point. If you’re playing there check the player portal to get the most updated information. Definitely download their app. You will need it to register your car, check in at registration, etc…plus that’s where game updates are posted, the standings, and brackets.
Needs
When you check in your clubhouse, it’s a bare room with bunks lining the walls. Dreams Park provided a fitted sheet. We brought a sleeping bag and pillow, but some of his teammates brought sheets and blankets.
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Label everything! They do team laundry services for their uniforms, so be sure their baseball pants are labeled. I labeled his other clothing just in case.
Why I’m glad I packed it
My husband groaned with each passing day as more packages were delivered leading up to our trip. But hear me out on a few of these items.
The fan was nice to have because it attached to his bunk. It was an added layer of noise reduction.
I read outlets were sparse and with all the devices, ear buds, etc…I wanted him to have access, so the charging block was a huge win. With so many outlet options it is super versatile, and his bunkmate used it too. I loved it so much, I bought one for us and it was helpful in the hotel to keep everyone’s electronics charged and ready.
Advice from experienced moms indicated the microfiber towel was a good option because it dried quickly and was less likely to get stinky in the bunks. The hooks for his bunk were perfect for drying his towel and swimsuit.
The rolling bins were key for check in and check out. On move in day parents were allowed to help get gear to the bunks. But when he moved out, parents had to stay at the gate, so the bins were perfect for quickly packing all his stuff and getting it to the car unassisted. We sorted the mess once we got back to the hotel.
The locks were required and we heard that stuff could easily walk, so he needed to lock up stuff when they weren’t in the clubhouse.
Nice to have
I didn’t send these, but I heard from a veteran mom they are useful if their cleats get wet and you don’t have much time before your next game. We also know some kids brought multiple cleat options.
This is useful during move in to spray the mattress and of course, as the week goes on, the clubhouse gets stinky…see my next suggestion!
There are lots of games across multiple days when you play at Cooperstown, so I threw in some Goldbond spray for his cleats and whatever else. You’ll be glad you did!
I lucked into this, but it’s worth noting. Move in day is organized chaos. Once we found his clubhouse, he instantly began pin trading with other players. My advice, have your pins (already unwrapped) in a bag that you put in a drawstring backpack. I dropped a water bottle in there for him too, and he was off without so much as a goodbye!
Snacks
Our players brought nonperishable snacks for the clubhouse. Many of them complained they didn’t like the food, so snacks were a big hit. Tailor it to what your player likes, but we sent crackers, fruit snacks, beef jerky, etc…
I sent sunscreen, bug spray, and ibuprofen just in case. I kept a bag of extras with me too.
Tips for Families
Of course, your baseball player is your primary focus for this trip. But the families need considerations too. Here a few things to think about as you plan for everyone involved.
Location
We debated where to stay. Honestly, there aren’t a lot of options given that there are as many as 110 teams playing each week. Many of our families opted for Airbnbs away from town.
The longer you wait, the fewer your options. Ultimately, we splurged to stay close to the fields.
We opted for a hotel less than two minutes from Dreams Park. This worked well for us because we only had his little sister in tow.
Why it worked well
Technically, we were within walking distance (Dreams Park does not allow walk ups, you must enter in a registered vehicle). This was helpful when you had only a few hours between games. We could easily slip out, cool off at the hotel, refresh, and be back easily in time for the next game.
I liked it because we had a fridge and microwave, so we could make small meals and decent snacks to avoid overindulging on ballpark food. The hotel had an indoor pool (great for little sis), a fitness center (great for me!), and had ample space when we had to take work meetings around our game schedule.
Jay used these travel monitors to stay on top of work and never missed a game!
Our first day ended in a rain delay (after waiting around for several hours) and we had to be back for a triple header starting at 8 am.
Yes, the horror stories of games throughout the night are not a myth…they are reality!
Our families who were staying 45 minutes to an hour away grew tired of the drive back and forth quickly! Be aware that a place 20 miles away could be more like 45 minutes when you consider windy, two-lane roads in foggy conditions.
Consider your families’ needs, but we were glad we had the convenience of staying close to the fields.
Hydrate
This goes without saying, but it’s still a good reminder, hydrate! We brought a case of water from home for the drive, and we bought more at the local grocery store to restock.
The only thing you can bring in at Dreams Park is water.
I brought extra water bottles in my bag each game to refill his water bottle in the dugout. And I kept several for us. The further you go into the tournament, the less time there is between games. Unless you want to wait in line to purchase water, bring extra!
I bought these Propel packs to add some electrolytes and flavor to water bottles for him and little sister. These electrolyte gummies are good too.
Keep it in the car
I mentioned you can only bring water into the gates. We kept a cooler in the car with extra snacks and beverages. This was nice because between games, we could walk out, grab a healthy snack and refill our water bottles with fresh, cold water.
There are concession stands in each area of the park, but ballpark food adds up quickly, and when it’s super hot, the last thing you want is more chicken fingers and fries!
We stocked up on fresh fruit and made sandwiches at the hotel to stave off hunger cravings. I kept a few of these protein shakes chilled.
Expect the unexpected
Pack for all seasons, potentially in one day. Packing for any and all weather was tricky for this trip. We had blazing hot conditions, cold, windy rain, and everything in between.
I was surprised how humid it was (we went mid June). I recommend packing layering options. Wagons aren’t allowed inside the park, so I kept lightweight options in my backpack and wrapped a sweatshirt around my waist. You can keep heavier layers in the car and run out to grab them as needed.
Part of the fan viewing area was covered, so if you need to get out of the sun (or rain), there are options. I wore a hat most days and I saw a few people with neck fans. Those would have been nice to have on Opening Day when it was sweltering and we were packed in the big stadium.
Don’t forget an umbrella or lightweight raincoat for random rain showers that pop up.
Cooperstown memorabilia
At Dreams Park there is a family pavilion that includes an engraving shop. You can buy wooden bats and baseballs to have them engraved to commemorate your trip.
We had one of his game balls engraved to remember his grand slam. They engrave on site, so you can get the items returned there at the pavilion if you order the first few days. There is a deadline and after that they will ship your item to you for a fee.
Of course, there is a souvenir shop that has all manner of Cooperstown gifts and gear. You can also buy pins there and at various shops downtown on Main Street.
Finally, I wanted to document everything, keep up with game updates, and text family following from home. So, I kept this charging block in my backpack to stay charged throughout the long days at the field.
It was absolutely an amazing baseball experience! If your baseball player played in Cooperstown, share your insights.
Planning your Cooperstown trip? Pin and share these tips!
