Considering a trip to Cooperstown/Otsego County? We've compiled the best tips from real Cooperstown insiders to give you the low-down on their favorite family-friendly Cooperstown activities and how to get the most out of your visit to Central NY.
If your family shares 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 Cooperstown Dreams Park, 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.
"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
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.
"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
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.
"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
Taking the entire clan to chow down? We recommend a few tried and true family-friendly places, including New York Pizzeria, The Pioneer Patio, and Toscana Italian Fusion & Grill. You'll get a great bang for your buck and a welcoming atmosphere.
"Jackie's Restaurant: they have the best breakfast around." –Patricia
"Try Cooperstown Diner for breakfast and lunch, and the Otesaga Hotel for fine dining. The Lake House Restaurant in Richfield Springs is not that far away." –Elaine
"Pizza at Sal's on Main Street." –Rachel
