There are many things to love about youth travel baseball. First and foremost, it gives young players the chance to challenge themselves. They’ll play against teams they wouldn’t otherwise compete against, helping them enhance their experience and skills on the field. Travel ball is also a great way for kids to foster strong friendships with their teammates on and off the field.
Another bonus of travel ball is of course the travel itself! Players, parents, and family members can experience new and exciting places and make a fun-filled mini vacation out of a tournament weekend. Nothing compares to unwinding at an MLB game, amusement park, or enjoying the outdoors after a long day of baseball games.
If you’re looking for some great locations for travel baseball, these destinations can guarantee an unforgettable weekend of exceptional baseball and plenty of other fun things to do for the entire family!
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1. Orlando, Florida
The sunshine state offers year-round baseball, making places like Orlando a no-brainer destination when the weather turns cold up north. Orlando is a great place for baseball year-round with exceptional ballfields, most notably the state-of-the-art Boombah Sports Complex. After your games are over, stick around for a couple of days and visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, or one of the many other attractions Orlando has to offer.
Orlando, Florida is the perfect travel baseball destination because you can always count on perfect baseball weather and plenty of things to do for the whole family!
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2. Atlanta, Georgia
Metro Atlanta, Georgia offers some of the best youth baseball in the country, with plenty of ballparks and tournaments throughout most of the year. The area’s premier baseball complex, East Cobb, offers eight meticulously kept turf fields and plenty of on-site amenities.
After a day of games, head downtown to Truist Park for a Braves game, or simply dine out at one of Atlanta’s nearly limitless great restaurants. Six Flags Whitewater Waterpark is another great place to go so everyone can cool off after a hot day of baseball.
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3. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio has a rich baseball tradition that it still withholds to this day. There is no shortage of summer tournaments, not to mention the greater Cincinnati area offers some truly great ballfields. Some of the best ballparks include the Kemba Baseball Complex in West Chester, the replica Crosley Field at Blue Ash Sports Center, Warren County Sports Park, and many others!
After games are over, be sure to plan for a Red’s game at Great American Ballpark or head over to Kings Island for thrilling roller coasters or to cool off at the Soak City waterpark.
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4. Branson, Missouri
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind travel baseball experience, Branson is the place to go. What makes Branson unique for baseball is the Ballparks of America complex. This incredible park has five major league replica fields, so players and fans will feel like they’re in the big leagues. Ballparks of America also features team suites modeled after professional team facilities, which offers a truly unique experience for youth baseball players that they’ll never forget.
After enjoying plenty of baseball, Branson has tons of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as fishing at Table Rock Lake, and hiking or ziplining in the surrounding Ozark Mountains. You can also be sure to find summer festivals and quaint local restaurants and shops in downtown Branson.
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5. Panama City, Florida
With beautiful Florida weather, outstanding baseball fields, and minutes away from the beach, what’s not to love about Panama City for travel baseball? The massive Publix Sports Park is a brand-new sports complex with five full-sized turf fields equipped with stadium lighting perfect for all age groups and year-round play.
Outside of baseball, you can’t go wrong with enjoying the sugar sand beaches of Panama City Beach or taking a fishing charter out on the Gulf of Mexico. Panama City is the perfect mix of great year-round baseball and being close to the beach, which means the whole family will be excited to make the trip!
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6. St. Louis Missouri
St. Louis is another great destination with a rich history of baseball. The area boasts many different high-quality ball fields and complexes, and competitive tournaments are hosted throughout the area every weekend during the summer.
Once everyone is ready to unwind after playing baseball, you can catch a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium, visit Six Flags St. Louis, or see the famous Gateway Arch.
Conclusion
While the main focus for travel baseball is the competition, an added benefit is being able to venture away from home and experience new and exciting locales. If you’re looking for a new and exciting destination for your next travel baseball tournament, bring the whole family and consider one of these fun-filled places.
This information is provided by Kings Sports, a company focused on youth baseball for the past 20 years. We manage tournaments and local leagues in the greater Cincinnati area, along with individual player opportunities to participate in events in Georgia, Florida, and many other locations. To learn more, visit playksports.com