19 Family Attractions in Upstate NY! [Local’s Guide]

There are so many fun and unique family attractions in Upstate NY to explore. Whether you’re here for a day trip or more, this guide will help you make the most of your time here.

From quaint small towns to bustling cities, New York State has something for your whole family. I’ll walk you through the best spots, plus my local tips to help you plan like a pro. 

Trips that fit your family’s vibe, budget, and timeline. No more wondering where to go. Just epic memories waiting to happen.

Let’s dive in!

👉Jump to the fun or scroll down for all the hottest spots!
📍 Buffalo, NY – Feel the roar of Niagara Falls | Explore a real submarine

🌊 Central NY – Chase waterfalls | Watch hot glass take shape

⛷ Adirondacks, NY – Olympic thrills | A Christmas village year-round

🦒 Syracuse, NY – Get up close with amazing animals | Cool off at the beach

🏛 Albany, NY – Wander underground caves | Step into baseball history

🎮 Rochester, NY – The ultimate play museum | Ride the 4th oldest roller coaster

BUFFALO, NY: Niagara Falls, a Submarine Tour, & More!

View a Natural Wonder @ Niagara Falls

Best for: All ages

This massive trio of waterfalls isn’t just a natural wonder. It’s THE bucket-list trip your family will be talking about forever.  

Want an iconic activity? Take a 20-minute Maid of the Mist boat tour right to the edge of the falls (open May – October). You will get soaked, but that’s part of the fun (plus your ponchos will catch most of it!). 

Or take in the view from above on the Observation Deck. It’s a great spot for photos (and your tween’s next profile pic 📸).

⭐Pro Tip: Buy tickets online and start the day early. The crowds won’t stand a chance!

Looking for something chill? Wander through Niagara Falls State Park. It’s the oldest park in America! No heights, no stress—just stunning views from easy walking paths.

Feeling adventurous? The Cave of Winds lets you to walk right up to the falls, with thunderous water rushing around you. Go at night for an even more dramatic experience!

On the American side, you’ll find some fun (and totally kitschy) extras, like an old-time wax museum. If you’re spending more than one day? Grab your passport and head over to the Canadian side too! They’ve got a giant Ferris wheel with jaw-dropping views, and fireworks that light up the sky on select nights.

Tour a Submarine @ Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park

Best for: All ages

This Naval Park is a great place to let your kids stretch their legs and soak up some cool history. There are three impressive ships docked here: a guided missile cruiser, a destroyer, and a real submarine (cue the spy movie music). 

The tour is self-guided, so you can explore at your own pace.

You’ll get a sense of what life is like when navy personnel are living and working onboard. They’re like cities on the water – amazing!

And climbing through the tight spaces? It’s an adventure in itself!

⭐Pro tip: Ask to see the “rigging for red” when you’re inside the sub. Some of the guides can switch the lighting to a dramatic red glow, just like the real-life night vision that crews use to see through periscopes when it’s dark. It feels like something straight out of the movies – literally!

Spark Curiosity in Little Ones @ Buffalo’s Explore & More Children’s Museum

Buffalo’s Explore & More museum sits just across the street from the Naval Park, making it easy to pop from big ships to big imagination without missing a beat!

It’s the perfect place for a rainy-day. This hands-on Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits for curious kiddos. 

Kids can play with the water movement station and see how a giant water wheel works. (Grandpa Jim even had fun with that!) There’s a construction zone where kids can build gates and structures, with all the gear right there. 

There’s even a mini hospital, which happened to be our family’s favorite. Kids get to “treat” patients that sit on life-like exam tables and send medical records whooshing through a tube across the room!

⭐Pro tip: Park under the overpass near the entrance for the easiest access. Since it’s part of the city, you’ll need to pay to park, so plan ahead.

Watch a Musical or Comedy Show @ Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

The Shea’s Buffalo Theatre is located in downtown Buffalo, NY, conveniently right next to a tram station.

Best for: Ages 8+ for Broadway-style shows, Ages 4+ for Children’s shows

Stepping inside this gorgeous 1920’s theatre is like a time machine to Hollywood’s golden age. There are opulent chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and vintage glamour at every turn.

And the shows? They’re incredible. Broadway hits, top comedians, and kid-favorite performances. And it’s right here in Upstate New York!

Recent and upcoming shows include: the comedian Jim Gaffigan (2024), Wild Kratts Live 2.0 (2025), Back to the Future the Musical (2025), and Paw Patrol Live (2025). The entire family will love it.

⭐Pro tip: Check out the show schedule often. Tickets are on sale about 6-8 weeks in advance and sell out quickly.

And with great restaurants just a block away, it’s easy to turn your night out into a full-on event.

CENTRAL, NY: A Trail of Waterfalls, Glassblowing, & More!

Hike a Trail of Waterfalls @ Watkins Glen

Best for: Ages 6+ to hike

I first hiked this trail as a kid, dragging my friend Jenny along. (We thought we were so cool in our oversized sweatshirts and 90s hair!)

And Watkins Glen did not disappoint. It’s like a real-life Neverland. There’s hidden waterfalls, misty gorges, and twisting stone pathways straight out of a movie.

Even as an adult (with a lot more hikes under my belt), this place still makes my list of top outdoor attractions in Upstate NY.

The mile-and-a-half walking Gorge Trail winds past 19 waterfalls, charming brooks, and fast-moving rapids. It’s pure magic.

The full hike takes about 2 hours, with 800+ steps in the path. If your family loves adventure, you’ll be all-in.

Got tiny hikers? You might want to hold off. Or just tackle a small section. Those steps can sneak up on you!

With all the water, paths can get slippery. 

Especially in the spring when waterfalls are booming. Wear waterproof shoes. And rest assured, the views are worth the splashing!

⭐Pro Tip: Want fewer crowds? Start at the South Entrance. It has picturesque views, picnic tables, and quick access to Indian Trail—the flattest path in the park!

Learn about Glassblowing @ Corning Museum of Glass in Elmira

Best for: Ages 5+

 The Corning Museum of Glass is a must-see attraction for kids of all ages!

The guaranteed highlight? The live glass-blowing demonstrations that bring molten glass to life. Your kids will be mesmerized when globs of hot glass turn into vases, bowls, and even tiny animal figurines.

You can get right up close to see the action, and kids’ questions are encouraged!

Kids ages 9+ can even make their own glass creations!

The museum also has tons of interesting exhibits about how glass is used – in science, in art, and in everyday life. Our kids just loved wandering around looking at all the glass sculptures, both big and small!

Adults will love the nostalgia of the throwback glassware and the stunning seasonal displays. (December is especially magical — hello, towering glass trees with tiny glass elves sprinkled around!). 

⭐Pro tip: Looking for a unique keepsake? The gift shop is full of one-of-a-kind glass treasures at great prices. I once found a glass apple bushel barrel — it’s now a centerpiece at my mom’s house every fall!

Picnic by Waterfalls then Shop on Cobblestone Streets @ Ithaca

Best for: All ages

Nestled in the sweet little college town of Ithaca, NY are several state parks with amazing waterfalls. 

• Taughannock Falls State Park is home to a towering set of falls even taller than Niagara Falls! (Yep, you read that right!) A short, easy walking path leads to a scenic viewing area where you can take it all in. (It’s pronounced “Tug-an-ick”)
• Buttermilk Falls, just minutes from downtown, is a great spot to play or picnic by the base of a cascading waterfall. (No walk required!) And if your family is more adventurous? Hike the trail alongside the falls! It’s a steeper climb but totally worth it for the stunning, top-down views.

After exploring the falls, head over to the Ithaca Commons. It’s got dozens of great restaurants and a bunch of unique shops, lining a cozy cobblestone street. 

It’s one of the best places to meet locals, enjoy weekend festivals, or catch some live music.

⭐Pro tip: For littler ones, ages 2-6, check out the Sciencenter. It’s a hands-on science museum that covers everything from space to sound waves. (Though it’s great for young kids, it’s likely too basic for your older kids.)

Watch a Thrilling Harness Horse Race @ Tioga Downs

Best for: Ages 4+

Harness racing is a fast-paced sport where a jockey rides in a small cart behind a horse during a race. 

(My girls call it chariot racing, thanks to their favorite Greek mythology podcast.)

Tioga Downs is our go-to place to see the action!

And boy, do these races bring high energy! With each lap, the crowd gets louder and more amped up.

Watch from the outdoor grandstand or you can walk right up to the sidelines for a front-row experience.

⭐Pro tip: The buffet restaurant is a hit with kids, thanks to the dessert bar and trackside views. Get there early—seats fill up fast, and there’s no reservations!

ADIRONDACKS, NY: Olympic Sites, Santa’s Workshop, & More!

View Olympic Sites or Whiteface Mountain @ Lake Placid

Best for: Ages 5+

Lake Placid is the only Winter Olympics site on the East Coast (in North America) — and it’s the ultimate mix of history, sports, and adrenaline! 

First stop: Whiteface Mountain.

The fifth-highest peak in the Adirondacks, with views that will leave you speechless.

Drive up the scenic highway to the summit, then step into a charming castle (yes, a real castle!). From there, an elevator takes you straight to the peak.

Once you’re at the top? 360-degree mountain views. Stay warm inside the lookout building. 

Or, if you’re feeling brave, step outside onto massive boulders. The photo ops are unreal!

⭐Pro tip: It’s at least 10°F colder up here. With the wind, it feels more like 20°F! Pack layers, even in the summer.

Next, Watch (or Try!) Olympic-Level Thrills

Head downtown to Lake Placid for all things Olympics. The museum is packed with memorabilia, inspiring athlete stories, and interactive exhibits.

Then, hit the Olympic Jumping Complex. (Our family’s favorite!) Ride an enclosed gondola 394 feet to the top of the ski jumps. Watching this on TV is one thing. Seeing it in person is mind-blowing!

And if you time it just right, you might even see elite athletes in action! We watched 12- and 14-year-olds launch off the jump. It was equal parts inspiring and terrifying from a mom’s perspective!

Just a short drive away is Mt. Van Hoevenberg. The Olympic site is home to cross-country skiing, the biathlon, and (what kids love the most…) bobsledding and the luge. 

Do your kids love fast rides? Try the luge experience or the bobsled track. They cost extra, but it’s totally worth it. And if your kid loves the idea of speed but not the reality? No worries. You drive the intensity of the bobsled as it flies down the track!

Visit Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole @ Wilmington

Best for: Ages 1-8

Santa’s Workshop is a charming, Christmas-themed amusement park designed just for little ones. It’s perfect for toddlers and elementary-aged kiddos. 

With old-fashioned, kid-friendly rides, it feels like you’re stepping into a holiday storybook. Favorites include Santa’s sleigh (a gentle roller coaster), the Candy Cane Express train, and a junior-sized Bobsled ride.

But the magic doesn’t stop at the rides. Unique experiences like feeding Rudolph the reindeer, enjoying a magic show, and visiting with Santa made my kids feel like VIPs!

And don’t forget to visit the North Pole! This snowy, ice-covered sign stays frozen year-round. It’s the perfect spot for fun photos, especially when it’s warm outside.

⭐ Pro tip: Feeling hungry? Stop by Northern Lights Restaurant for a quick meal or snack. There’s also a cute little sweet shop nearby to try!

At just 20 minutes from Lake Placid, this sweet theme park is an easy and magical way to add a little Christmas spirit to your trip, no matter the season!

Climb a Giant Spider Web and Bird’s Nest @ The Wild Center in Tupper Lake

Best for: All ages

If your family loves the outdoors, The Wild Center is a must-visit. It’s not a typical museum. It’s a hands-on, climb-up-and-over, explore everywhere kind of place!  

Inside, get up close with wildlife through interactive exhibits and live animal encounters. Nature experts bring out turtles, owls, and other local creatures. And they’re all about answering questions and sharing cool facts.

Outside is one giant playground! Walk on treehouse-style bridges, scramble across a massive rope spider web, and climb up into a giant eagle’s nest!

Down below, kids can weave in and out of huge stick forts. (Our kids played hide-and-seek with Dad here—poor Mom never stood a chance at catching their photos!)

With so much to see and do, your crew will have a blast while learning all about Adirondack wildlife!

⭐ Pro tip: Don’t rush! Plan for at least a half-day here. There’s way too much fun to squeeze into a quick stop.

ALBANY, NY: Underground Caves, Baseball History, and More!

Visit Amusement Parks @ Lake George

Best for: Ages 8+ for Great Escape & Hurrican Harbor; Ages 1-8 for Magic Forest & Dino Roar Valley

Lake George, at the base of the Adirondacks, is hands down the best spot for a classic lakeside getaway in Upstate NY! 

It’s got plenty to do year-round, but the biggest draw? Not one, but TWO amusement parks – each one with its own vibe.

The real star? A diving horse! Yes, you read that right. A horse literally dives off a high platform into a pool below. And it’s the last of its kind in the country. How many people can say they’ve seen that on a family vacation?

The newest section of the park is Dino Roar Valley. Along a paved path, you’ll find life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. It’s great for the dinosaur obsessed (like my nephew!) or for kids that just need to stretch their legs. A little walking = great naps!

⭐ Pro tip: Plan at least two days in Lake George. Beyond the parks, the town itself is adorable. Think cute shops, great restaurants, and one seriously gorgeous lake.

Explore an Underground Cave @ Howe Caverns

Best for: Ages 6+

Looking for an epic adventure? Your kids will love Howe Caverns—a cave that sits 13 stories underground!

And before your mom spidey senses start tingling…don’t worry. This is a total family-friendly experience.

It all starts above ground, at an old-fashioned storybook mansion perched on a hill. (Think Snoopy cartoons, where he drives up a winding road to a mansion – only this one’s more charming, than spooky!)

After a quick video in the cozy foyer, then ride an elevator straight down into the caves. That’s when the real adventure begins.

⭐Insider tip: It’s a cool 52°F year-round in the caves, so bring a jacket or sweatshirt!

Inside, the cavern glows with colorful lights and lanterns, making it feel totally surreal. Even your most skeptical family member will be impressed. 

Got teens and tweens? They’ll love the glowing rock formations and shimmering underground lake – perfect for social media pics!

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll hop into a boat for a peaceful ride across the underground lake.  But be ready! Your guide might flip the switch for a “lights-out” moment midway, plunging you into total darkness! (It’s the best kind of spooky!)

With its all-in-one tour, Howe Caverns is the perfect day trip for families who love adventure!

Visit the Baseball Hall of Fame @ Cooperstown

Best for: Ages 8+

Sports fans in your crew? Check out the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Whether you’re die-hard fans or just casual observers, this museum is a must!

On the fence? Trust me, if I loved it, you will too! And that’s considering my baseball resume includes one live Yankees game and one season of watching t-ball. (Is it just ours, or do your kids try all the sports too?)

But this place is just so well done. Iconic memorabilia. History lessons on the sport (that even I can understand). And a whole section about baseball movies. (Isn’t ‘A League of Their Own’ just the best?)

Parents will love all the rare baseball cards that are perfectly preserved. (My husband now has even more justification to hoard his old-school card stash.)

Plus, the interactive exhibits are a blast. Test your pitching speed. Try announcing a game. It’s baseball magic, even for non-fans.

Make a day or longer of it! After your visit, grab lunch in town or head over to the Farmers’ Museum just a mile down the road. With workshops, demos, and a working Empire State Carousel, it’s a great way to keep the fun going.

⭐Pro Tip: Planning an overnight stay? Check out the Otesaga Resort Hotel. It’s a historic hotel right off Otsego Lake. It’s pricey, but luxurious. Especially for the foodies in your group! Their decadent breakfast buffet? I still dream about those waffles. It’ll have your whole family saying ‘mmmm’ long after the trip…

SYRACUSE, NY: Amazing Animals, The Beach, & More!

See Animals at the Zoo @ Syracuse’s Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Best for: All Ages

Looking for an easy, family-friendly adventure near Syracuse? The Rosamond Gifford Zoo will hit your mark. 

While their Asian Elephant herd is the big draw, there’s so much more to explore.

Family-favorites include:

• Penguin Cove – With a wall of giant clear tanks to watch these little swimmers dive, zoom, and waddle.
• Snow Leopards & Red Pandas – These outdoor habitats are specially designed to encourage them to roam and interact. (We watched the red pandas walk single file in a path over and over, it was the cutest routine – like recital practices for a big show!)
• Nocturnal Animal Exhibit – a darker space where kids can spot animals that thrive in the dark. (It’s like a glow in the dark version of eye-spy!)
• Playful Primate Park – where monkeys and primates swing, climb, and show off all day long.

⭐Insider Tip: Don’t stress if the weather turns bad. The zoo has tons of indoor spaces, including a Tropical Rainforest and a Reptile House, to make sure your day isn’t a total wash.

Play at the Beach or Have Fun at a Junior Amusement Park @ Sylvan Beach

Best for: All Ages

Looking for the quintessential beach trip with kids? Sylvan Beach has everything you need – warm water, soft sand, and even an amusement park!

Located on Syracuse’s Oneida Lake, Sylvan Beach is known for its warm, shallow waters that reach between 70 – 78°F in the summertime.

What makes this place extra fun? It’s got deep sand bars. So, you can all wade into the water for a long distance! It’s ideal for your beginner swimmers. 

And the swimming area is monitored by lifeguards – an extra sense of security for you.

Important Step: Check the online schedule before you go. Occasionally, the beach closes due to staffing or natural algae blooms (a totally normal part of warm lakes up north!).

⭐ Pro Tip: When kids need a change of pace, head over to the playground across the street from Lake Shore Drive. It has slides, swings, and (…key point here…) a working bathroom! There’s also public parking there, making it a great landing spot for your family.

Hungry after all that swimming? Grab a bite to eat at Eddie’s Place, famous for their Nathan’s hot-dogs. Or try one of the cute ice cream parlors nearby for a sweet treat.

If you’ve got elementary-aged kids, the Sylvan Beach Amusement Park is a must-see! This old-fashioned junior park has traditional rides like a merry-go-round, a mini Ferris wheel, and bumper cars.

Shop and Be Entertained @ Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse

Best for: All Ages

The Destiny USA Mall is truly a destination. It’s an all-in-one shopping and entertainment adventure, packed with fun for your whole family!!

For big-time shoppers, there are stores of all kinds and sizes! From clothing to footwear to home goods. If you need it, they’ve got it.

Younger children will love the Build-a-Bear and Lego stores, while teens and tweens can enjoy Sephora, the Apple Store, and the Nike Factory Store.

In addition to shopping, Destiny USA has great entertainment options too:

• A rope course at Wonder Works Canyon Climb Adventure. Brave enough to walk high above shoppers? This one’s for thrill-seekers! While the team ‘feet-on-the-ground’ watches from below!

• Professional-grade racing go-karts at RPM Raceway (My office did a team event here and it was a huge hit!)

• Comedy shows at the Funny Bone Comedy Club – a great option for older teens or for a parents-only break.

• Movies showing at Regal Cinemas, to catch the latest blockbuster.

• Bowling at All-Star Alley & Tavern – Yep, there’s a bowling alley right inside the mall!

Feeling hungry? (And hopefully not hangry…) Whether it’s a quick bite or a sit-down meal at spots like P.F. Chang’s or The Cheesecake Factory, you’ll find tons of options that work.

⭐Pro Tip: If you’re testing out multiple attractions, consider staying the night at the Homewood Suites next door. Once you park, it’s just an easy walk over to the mall for a hassle-free weekend getaway.  

ROCHESTER, NY: Children’s Museum & the 4th Oldest Roller Coaster!

Play and Have a Blast @ the Strong Museum of Play

Best for: Ages 2-12

Welcome to The Strong National Museum of Play—a world-famous children’s museum where kids (and kids-at-heart) can explore, play, and geek out over past favorites!

With credentials like that, it might sound stuffy. But not this place – it’s full-on fun!

Walk in and look up. There’s a ropes course overhead, right above a retro Bill Gray’s diner. (Not just any diner. Bill Gray’s has the BEST burgers. Get the meat sauce, trust me.) And before you even grab a bite, watch as kids fly by on a zip line overhead. This place is nonstop action!

Every room in this museum has a theme and a fun story. There’re brands like LEGO, Barbie, and Sesame Street (hello, nostalgia!). And you can solve clues like Scooby Doo or play in the Berenstain Bear clubhouses. 

Fan favorites? A mini-sized grocery store with checkout lanes and stocked shelves. A life-size piano. A laser holographic harp. Even a giant chess set made of plastic pieces half the size of your tween!

Outside, you can immerse yourself in giant board games like Monopoly and Jenga! 

Think this place is only for little kids? Think again. 

Calling all gamers!

The Strong Museum houses the world’s largest collection of video games. (Yes, you can actually play them!) They’ve got Pac-Man, Minecraft, old-school Nintendo games, you name it. (There’s even a towering 12-foot Donkey Kong arcade game. My husband was in heaven.)

There’s a room full of classic pinball machines. It’s wall-to-wall, so bring your quarters. 

And there’s a bunch of new, virtual sensor-based games that let you become ‘Player 1’ in real life!

The list goes on and on. It’s the perfect mix of games, history, and hands-on fun. Good luck getting your crew to want to leave!

⭐Pro Tip: Want to beat the crowds? Arrive early and wear comfy shoes. (Already follow this tip? Knew you were a pro!) Employees also recommend trying the ropes course first if it’s on your agenda, as most families try it out at the end of their trip.

Ride, Slide, and Splash @ Sea Breeze Amusement and Water Park

Best for: Ages 3-13

Need a stress-free and easy-going theme park? Sea Breeze Amusement and Water Park is the perfect destination. 

What sets this place apart? It’s got roller coasters and thrill rides, but they’re less intense than the ones at the major Six Flags parks. 

It’s the perfect stepping-stone for kids ready to try bigger rides. It’s just thrilling enough to feel grown-up, but not too intense.

⭐Bonus for parents: It’s more budget friendly and a lot easier to navigate than those huge sprawling parks too!

The centerpiece attraction is the historic Jack Rabbit. It’s a wooden roller coaster from 1920, and a must-try for your thrill seekers. 

Beyond roller coasters, there’s traditional rides, carnival games, and a whole water play section. Our kids love a good lazy river, and this park delivers! Plus, there’s a ton of tube slides to try.

Still working on swimming skills? No worries. Life vests are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, for extra peace of mind.

This will be your favorite theme park experience. No overwhelming crowds, steep costs, or extreme rides that force your kid to sit out all day. Just classic fun at an easy pace and budget!

Plan Your Next Family Visit to Upstate NY and Beyond!

There are so many family-friendly attractions in Upstate NY to explore that you just can’t go wrong. Whether you’re planning to visit for a season, or you live here year-round, there’s tons to do with kids of every age.

Looking for a great fall tradition? Visit one of the apple festivals in the area – because nothing says cozy like cider and donuts!

Want to make trip planning easier? Check out how Amanda reclaimed family time and snag her best travel tips and tricks. Or head over to the Tiny Adventure Mom homepage for more ideas to help you plan your next adventure!