Batting Cage FAQ

Most batting cages charge $2-$4 per token (15-25 pitches) or $20-$40 for a half-hour session. Indoor training facilities with HitTrax or pitching machines often charge $30-$60/hour for cage rentals. Prices vary by region — expect to pay more in metro areas. Many facilities offer punch cards or monthly memberships that lower the per-visit cost significantly.

Most facilities welcome kids as young as 5 or 6 years old, as long as they can hold a bat and wear a helmet. Slow-pitch cages (30-40 mph) are ideal for beginners. Many indoor training centers offer youth-specific cages with shorter plate distances and slower speeds. Always check with the facility — some require a minimum age or parental supervision for younger hitters.

Indoor cages offer year-round availability regardless of weather, consistent lighting, and often feature higher-end pitching machines with adjustable speeds. Outdoor cages are typically coin-operated with fixed speeds and cost less per session. Indoor facilities often include video analysis, HitTrax simulators, and instruction — outdoor cages are more of a casual drop-in experience.

A single token typically buys 15-25 pitches, depending on the facility. Timed sessions (usually 15 or 30 minutes) give you unlimited swings within that window. At outdoor coin-op cages, a $2-$3 token usually delivers about 20 pitches. Indoor facilities that charge by the hour let you hit as much as you want during your reserved time.

Yes, most batting cages allow personal bats. Some facilities restrict certain bat types — composite bats may not be allowed in cages with real baseballs (dimple balls are standard at most public cages). If you plan to use your game bat, call ahead to confirm their policy. Most facilities also have loaner bats available in various sizes.

Start at a speed your hitter can consistently make contact with: 35-45 mph for ages 7-9, 45-55 mph for ages 10-12, 55-65 mph for ages 13-15, and 65-80 mph for high school and above. The goal is to develop timing and mechanics — not to chase the fastest speed. Once a hitter is consistently squaring up 8 out of 10 pitches, move up 5 mph.

Batting cages are excellent for developing timing, hand-eye coordination, and swing mechanics through high-volume repetition. They are most effective when combined with instruction — going in with a specific focus (keeping hands inside, driving the ball the other way, staying back on off-speed) makes every session more productive than just swinging at everything.

Essentials: a batting helmet (most facilities provide them, but yours fits better), batting gloves, your own bat if you have one, and cash or a card for tokens. Optional but recommended: a water bottle, a phone mount if you want to record your swing for review, and athletic shoes with good grip. Skip the metal cleats — most indoor facilities don't allow them.

Many facilities offer both baseball and softball cages. Softball cages typically throw 11-inch or 12-inch balls at speeds ranging from 35-60 mph. Some facilities have separate slow-pitch and fastpitch softball machines. Use the filters on WhereToHit to find softball-specific facilities near you, or check the facility page for details on available cage types.

WhereToHit.com lists 14,800+ batting cages, baseball fields, and softball facilities across all 50 states. Search by city, state, or zip code, or use the "Near Me" feature to find the closest options based on your location. Each listing includes hours, pricing (when available), phone, and directions — so you know what to expect before you drive there.