Every year the Little League World Series is played in South Williamsport, PA. It is the culmination of a season and elimination playoffs which involves over 6500 official Little Leagues from over 90 countries worldwide. The top 8 U.S. finalists and top 8 finalists for all other countries are then invited to a double elimination tournament in South Williamsport. Little League was founded in Williamsport, PA in 1939.

I have taken some of my kids a few times in the past, and last week we decided to once again take a one-day trip to South Williamsport to see this revered, magical-like World Series first- hand. The drive is about three hours from Teaneck. I went with Max and his friend Noam Kinderlehrer.

This year’s World Series got plenty of hype. There were two female stars leading their teams: Emma March of Canada and Sports Illustrated cover girl Monae  Davis from the Philadelphia/ Mid-Atlantic team. There were also the two inner city teams representing the field of 8 from the U.S.A.: one from Chicago and the other from Philadelphia. A few years ago Little League Baseball began a concerted effort to bring baseball back to the inner cities. Having these two teams reach the pinnacle of success would have been nothing more than a dream just a few short years ago.

One of the best parts of the LLWS, is there is no cost to watch the games. Admission is FREE! You can either choose to sit on blankets or one’s own chair in the outfield–anywhere you can find room! It is recommended to cut down the back legs of any chair so that it will sit evenly on the hill! The other option is to sit in the stadium itself, which works on a “first come, first served” basis. There is almost always enough room for anyone who wants to sit in the stadium seats. Any fan can be fairly certain that’s/he will have an opportunity to meet and greet (and take “selfies” with) some of the players who are not playing that day.

Besides enjoying the actual games–played in two stadiums the first week of the tournament– kids can enjoy a variety of “fan fest activities.” These include sliding down the outfield hills–mostly on cardboard boxes–to the various booths set up outside the two stadiums. There is the “tracking your pitch speed” booth, trading baseball pins, running simulated bases, and so much more. There is also a Little League museum, which guides each visitor through the history of Little League baseball. I would be remiss if I did not mention the breathtaking scenery in South Williamsport. This, too, makes this a day of wonderful relaxing fun.

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Little League World Series and we know we will do it again sometime in the future. It’s a wonderful experience and given its relatively close proximity to Bergen County, I highly recommend it to all who would like to share an exceptional day (or days) with the kids! It will be an experience they (and you) will always remember!