There is something magical about baseball in the desert. Every spring, 15 Major League Baseball teams head to Arizona for Cactus League Spring Training giving fans a unique opportunity to interact with their favorite teams and players. For fans in California, it is one of the easiest and most exciting spring break trips that you can plan. If you are thinking about making Spring Training a new family tradition, here’s some tips that we’ve learned along the way.
Cactus League – 15 MLB Teams All in One City
From SoCal favorites Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Angels to Bay Area favorites, San Francisco Giants, the Cactus League is home to ten stadiums and 15 MLB teams. Located in the Phoenix metro area, Spring Training begins in late February and concludes March 24. Because all of the stadiums are located within about an hour of each other, fans can see multiple teams in one day and several over the course of a weekend! Some stadiums are home to multiple teams too, which means you can watch several of your favorite teams all in one place. You might not be able to get to Wrigley Field during the regular season, but you can watch the Chicago Cubs at Spring Training.
Our families love Spring Training because stadiums are typically smaller with only 10,000-40,000 seats. This means a closer view of our favorite players, better chances for autographs, and easier navigation with kids. It feels intimate, relaxed, and incredibly family-friendly.
Drive or Fly?
We’ve done both! For Southern California families, Arizona is surprisingly convenient. Driving from San Diego or Los Angeles takes anywhere from 5 to 7 hours. The flight from Southern California is only one hour to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. If you are doing two to three games in a short amount of time, flying often makes more sense. If you are making it a four to five day trip, driving or renting a car can be more economical. We also enjoy having a car, which allows us to explore beyond the ballpark. Many of the ballparks charge for parking, so that is something to consider as well.
How to Choose the Right Games
This is where planning becomes strategic. We have found these questions helpful when planning our Spring Training schedule:
- Do we want to see one specific team?
- Are there teams that we won’t be able to see during the regular season due to distance?
- Are we hoping for autograph opportunities?
- Do we want day games or night games?
- Are we pairing games with any outside activities?
For families, these are some great times to go. Also, remember that given Spring Training’s popularity, tickets can sell out.
- Spring Break weeks
- Long weekends
- Early March, before Arizona temperatures climb
- Weekend rivalry matchups sell out quickly, so planning early makes a big difference.
Spring Training Tips:
- Plan no more than one game per day with younger kids. Build in some downtime, especially if you are staying at a nice hotel or resort.
- Sit near first or third base for player interaction.
- Bring sunscreen (even for afternoon/evening games)
- Choose lawn seating with younger kids – lots of room to run and roam
- Several of the stadiums have whiffle ball parks, play grounds and some even have splash zones for when it heats up.
- Stay for at least the first 4 innings – during Spring Training, top players usually only play the first few innings
- Check bag policies ahead of time
- Autograph Access
- Arrive 60-90 minutes early for batting practice. Bring:
- Bring Official MLB baseballs, Pens & a small stadium-approved bag
- Players are far more likely to stop along their dugout rails.
What to Pack for Early Spring Weather in Arizona
The weather in Arizona can be unpredictable in early spring, with warm afternoons and cooler evenings.
Bring:
- Sunscreen (yes, even in March)
- Hats & sunglasses
- Refillable water bottles
- Clear stadium crossbody
- Lightweight blanket for night games
- Rain jacket (desert rain can happen!)
Pro tip: Leave extra room in your suitcase for exclusive Spring Training merchandise available only at the stadiums.
