Family Attractions in Upstate NY: The Essential Guide

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

From quaint small towns to bustling cities, Upstate NY has something for the whole family. I’ll cover the best attractions to try by region with insider tips and seasonal suggestions. You’re sure to find attractions that fit your family’s vibe, budget, and timeline. Let’s dive in!

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

View a Natural Wonder @ Niagara Falls

Best for: All ages

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 7 hours
• Albany, NY = 5 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 7 hour

This amazing trio of massive waterfalls is often called the 8th natural wonder. Your family can ride a boat tour up to the edges of the waterfalls on the Maid of the Mist. It’s open May through October. You’ll get wet on the 20-minute ride, but ponchos are provided.  There’s also an Observation Deck to look down from above, a great spot for photos.

⭐Insider Tip: Purchase your Maid of the Mist tickets online to skip the long lines and come early before it gets crowded.

You can also visit Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest park in America to see the falls. Younger kids or families that don’t love heights can get a clear view and walk along the park’s paths. 

For adventurous families, the Cave of Winds, allows you to walk right up and behind a section of the falls and hear the powerful rush of water around you. It’s spectacular at night.

The American side of Niagara Falls has other cute but kitschy attractions, including an old-time wax museum. If you want to spend more than one day in the area, grab your passport and check out the Canadian side too! They have amazing fireworks displays on some nights and even have a giant Ferris wheel with spectacular views of the falls.

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

Best for: All ages

 Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 7 hours
• Albany, NY = 5 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 6.5 hours  

This is a great place to let your kids stretch their legs and learn some interesting history at the same time. There are three impressive naval ships at the Naval and Military Park – a guided missile cruiser, a destroyer, and a submarine. The tour is self-guided, so your family can explore at your own pace. 

⭐Insider tip: Ask to see the “rigging for red” night vision when you’re on the submarine. If you’re lucky enough to have a guide that can switch to this mode, you’ll see the submarine’s interior will be filled with red light that’s used at night to help crews see through periscopes. It’s a unique and cool experience that feels like a VIP perk!

Touring these ships will give you a sense of what life is like when navy personnel are living and working onboard. They’re like cities on the water – amazing!

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

Buffalo’s Explore & More museum is located just across the street from the Naval Park, making it easy to pop from one top Upstate NY family attraction to another!

Best for: Ages 1-10 years old

This is the perfect place to take small kids on a rainy day, or any time you want them to learn and explore. This Children’s Museum offers STEM related play structures and activities, along with daily crafts to try out. Exhibit topics include water movement, construction, and farming. There’s even a mini-hospital – a favorite for children, as they get to pretend to treat patients and send medical records in a tube across the room! 

⭐Insider tip: The best place to park is under the overpass near the entrance to the museum. 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

This gorgeous old-fashioned theatre will have your family gaping at every turn. It was built in 1926 in a time when glamourous architecture and opulence were abundant. There are amazing plays, traveling Broadway shows, well-known comedians, and music performances of all kinds that travel here to upstate New York and the theatre seats 3000 people.

Recent and upcoming big shows and events include: the comedian Jim Gaffigan (2024), Wild Kratts Live 2.0 (2025), Back to the Future the Musical (2025), Paw Patrol Live (2025) and so much more!

⭐Insider tip: Check out the show schedule often – they sell out quickly and only go on sale about 6-8 weeks in advance for some shows.

You can walk around the Theatre District before or after the show. There are several nice restaurants on the same block and the waterfront off Lake Erie is just a mile away through downtown.

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

The image shows the pier in Watkins Glen, NY off Seneca Lake. It’s right nearby the Watkins Glen State Park.

Hike a Trail of Waterfalls @ Watkins Glen

Best for: Ages 6+ to hike

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 4.5 hours
• Albany, NY = 3.5 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 4 hours  

Watkins Glen State Park is one of the best outdoor attractions in Upstate NY. With an amazing mile-and-a-half walking trail that takes you past 19 waterfalls, charming brooks, and fast-moving rapids, your family will be in awe.

The entire Gorge Trail takes about 2 hours to walk, but you can stop and go back at any time. The trail’s elevation changes often and has over 800 steps in total. This can be great for adventurous or fitness-loving families, but it might be tiring for younger kids.

The paths can sometimes be a little wet too, especially in the springtime when waterfalls are booming. Bring boots or waterproof shoes with good traction for easier navigation. Rest assured – the views are worth a bit of splashing! 

⭐Insider Tip: For a quieter or stroller-friendly spot, try the South Entrance. It has picturesque views, picnic tables, and quick access to the Indian Trail, the flattest path in the park.

Learn about Glassblowing @ Corning Museum of Glass in Elmira

Best for: Ages 5+

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 4.5 hours
• Albany, NY = 3.5 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 5 hours  

The Corning Museum of Glass is a must-see attraction for families in the Upstate region. 

The highlight of your visit is sure to be the live glass-blowing demonstrations. Kids ages 9+ can even make their own glass creations! They’ll light up as they watch molten glass take shape during this interactive experience.

The museum also showcases tons of interesting exhibits about how glass is used in science, in art, and in everyday life. 

Adults will appreciate the nostalgia of the glassware and the stunning seasonal displays. Kids will love the variety of exhibits and getting to see first-hand how tiny glass figurines and larger vases are shaped. The demonstrations are mesmerizing.

⭐Insider tip: Don’t leave without browsing the gift shop. It’s full of beautiful, one-of-a-kind glass souvenirs at great prices! I once found a glass bushel barrel to hold apples – it’s now a showpiece in my mother’s house each fall.  

Picnic by Waterfalls then Shop on Cobblestone Streets @ Ithaca

Best for: All ages

Approximate drive times from:

• New York City, NY = 4 hours
• Albany, NY = 2.5 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 4.5 hours 

Nestled in the sweet little college town of Ithaca, NY are several state parks with very large waterfall features. 

• Taughannock Falls State Park contains a towering set of falls that is reported to be even taller than Niagara Falls. It has a short easy walking path with a designated platform where you can enjoy the view close-up. (It’s pronounced “Tug-an-ick”.)
• Buttermilk Falls, another impressive waterfall, is close to the city’s center and offers a sizeable picnic area at the base where families can play and relax. If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, you’ll also find a steeper trail that runs alongside the falls for more advanced hikers.

After exploring the falls, head over to the Commons area. This pedestrian-only section of town is known for its cobblestone streets, shops, and restaurants. It’s one of the best places to meet locals, enjoy weekend festivals, or listen to live music on most nights.

⭐Insider tip: For littler ones, ages 2-6, you can also check out the Sciencenter. It’s a hands-on children’s museum that covers different science topics like space and sound waves. Though it’s great for young kids, it may seem limited in its offerings for older children.

Watch a Thrilling Harness Horse Race @ Tioga Downs

Best for: Ages 4+

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 3.5 hours
• Albany, NY = 2.5 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 3 hours 

Harness racing is a fast-paced sport where a jockey rides in a small cart behind a horse during a race. Each race is quick and the crowd gets more excited as each race progresses.

You can enjoy the action from the outdoor grandstand at Tioga Downs or get closer by walking right up to the track sidelines.

Family-friendly touches include:

• On-site bounce houses
• Outdoor food stands and an indoor buffet restaurant
• Charity game where kids throw a small horse into the pace car
• Fireworks on holidays and some weekends

⭐Insider tip:  Get to the buffet restaurant early, as seats fill up fast and reservations aren’t accepted. The restaurant has a great view of the track and kids will love choosing from all the tasty options (especially the desserts!).

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

View Olympic Sites or Whiteface Mountain @ Lake Placid

Best for: Ages 5+

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 5 hours
• Albany, NY = 3 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 6 hours 

Lake Placid, the only Winter Olympics site on the East Coast of North America, has year-round attractions that offer the perfect mix of history, sports, and adventure! 

Start your visit at Whiteface Mountain. It’s the fifth highest peak in the Adirondacks and is known for its incredible views. You can drive on the Veteran’s Memorial Highway to access the summit. Once there, you’ll enter a charming castle and take an elevator to the peak of the mountain. Enjoy stunning scenery and 360-degree views from inside the building or walk outside on huge boulders for a closer view – and the perfect photo ops!

After the mountain, head downtown to Lake Placid to explore the Olympics. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum is packed with Olympic memorabilia, inspiring athlete stories, and interactive exhibits that both kids and adults will enjoy.

A must-see site attraction for families is the Olympic Jumping Complex, where you can ride a gondola 394 feet (120 meters) to the top of the ski jumps. You’ll be amazed when you see the heights and lengths Olympians go for this event! Or head over to Mt. Van Hoevenberg. The center covers events like cross-country skiing, the biathlon, and bobsledding. For families who love adventure, test out the luge and bobsled track experiences – it’s unforgettable and so much fun!

⭐Insider tip: Dress warmly and bring layers for your visit. Even on a hot summer day, Whiteface Mountain and the Olympic event centers are colder and windier than the town below.

Visit Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole @ Wilmington

Best for: Ages 1-8

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 5 hours
• Albany, NY = 3 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 6.5 hours 

Santa’s Workshop is a children’s amusement park with a sweet Christmas theme geared toward young toddlers and elementary-aged kids. It features kid-friendly, old-fashioned rides include Santa’s sleigh (a gentle roller coaster), the Candy Cane Express train, and a junior-sized Bobsled ride. 

The park’s unique attractions like feeding Rudolph the reindeer, enjoying a magic show, and visiting with Santa make it feel special and memorable for kids.

Don’t miss the North Pole – a snowy, icy sign that stays cold year-round. It’s a great spot for photos and is especially fun in the summer to contrast with warm weather.

Grab a quick meal or snack at the Northern Lights restaurant as part of your visit. At only 20 minutes away from Lake Placid, it’s an easy trip for those already in the area to spend an afternoon during the summer, fall, and winter months.

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

Best for: All ages

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 5 hours
• Albany, NY = 3 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 7 hours 

The Wild Center is a unique and engaging attraction for families that love nature. This one-of-a-kind museum and play center focuses on Adirondack wildlife and the outdoors. 

Inside the center, families can explore interactive displays and listen to engaging info sessions about local wildlife. These talks come to life when the nature experts bring live animals like turtles and owls – allowing kids to ask questions and learn about their habitats. 

Outside the center, kids will love checking out the the giant, imaginative play structures and wooden treehouse-style bridges. Along the way, kids can climb into a massive rope spider web above the trees, or scale up and into a giant eagle’s nest look-out for a cool “birds’ eye view”. Down below on the forest floor is a cluster of stick huts that kids can weave in and out of – a great spot for a game of hide-and-seek.

With so much to see and do, kids will learn a ton about nature and the Adirondacks and have a great time!

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

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 4 hours
• Albany, NY = 1 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 5 hours

At the base of the Adirondacks, Lake George is a family-friendly lake-side town in Upstate NY that offers year-round activities like boat tours, hiking, and camping. It has two separate amusement parks to enjoy – each one with its own vibe.

The Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor

This Six Flags amusement park has thrill rides and roller coasters, along with a huge water park. There’s a special area for toddlers under 7. For everyone else, there are water slides and roller coasters of every thrill level to enjoy – making it a great option for families with older kids or teens.

The Magic Forest

This nostalgic, storybook-themed amusement park feels like it’s straight out of the 1950’s. It has over 25 kiddie rides, daily shows, and even goats to feed. Don’t miss the horse diving show – it’s the last of its kind in the country!

The newest section of this little amusement park is Dino Roar Valley. Nestled into the woods along a paved walking path are life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that move and sound realistic. It’s a great option for strollers or for kids that just need to stretch their legs for a bit. 

⭐Insider tip: Consider staying in Lake George for at least a long weekend. The town itself has tons of shops and quaint restaurants and there are lots of activities on the lake for families to enjoy.

Explore an Underground Cave @ Howe Caverns

Best for: Ages 6+

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 3.5 hours
• Albany, NY = 1 hour
• Philadelphia, PA = 4.5 hours 

Howe Caverns is a must-see hidden gem located 13 stories underground in Upstate, NY. This family friendly attraction offers a guided tour past huge rock formations and a gentle underground boat ride. It’s a stress-free adventure for the whole family. 

Your journey begins at an old-fashioned storybook mansion set atop a large hill. (Think old Snoopy cartoons where he drives to a mansion – but this big house is more charming than spooky!) Once inside, you’ll enjoy a cute overview video in the cozy foyer, then ride the elevator down to the caves – where the real adventure begins.

The caves are lit up with colorful lights and lanterns, making it feel magical and like a dream. Even the most skeptical family member will be impressed. Teens and tweens will especially love the glowing rock formations and shimmering lake – perfect for social media photos!

⭐Insider tip: The cavern stays a cool 52°F year-round, so bring a jacket or warm sweatshirts with you.

About three-quarters of the way through the tour, you’ll board boats for a peaceful trip on the underground lake – but be ready, the guides sometimes go “lights-out” midway, plunging you into total darkness!

With its simple, all-in-one tour and easy access from most upstate cities, Howe Caverns is the perfect day trip you’ve been looking for!

Visit the Baseball Hall of Fame @ Cooperstown

Best for: Ages 8+

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 4 hours
• Albany, NY = 1.5 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 4.5 hours 

Check out the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Whether your family has die-hard fans or just casual observers, this museum of America’s favorite pastime is a great way to spend a few hours.

Once there, you’ll see iconic memorabilia from the sport throughout its history, showcasing players and their journeys.

Parents will appreciate some really rare baseball cards, something many of us collected when we were younger.

And interactive exhibits will be a blast for kids. There’s an area to test out your pitching speed and another spot where they can hone their skills as a game announcer.

Once finished, head over to the town for lunch or even stop at the Fenimore Art Museum to check out original Folk Art.

⭐Insider Tip: If you’re looking to stay in town for a night, consider the Otesaga Resort Hotel. It’s a luxurious and historic hotel right off the picturesque Otsego Lake. With a decadent buffet that includes all kinds of amazing foods, your whole family will find something to enjoy.

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

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

Best for: All Ages

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 4.5 hours
• Albany, NY = 2.5 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 4.5 hours 

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is a family-friendly zoo that’s an easy, short drive from the city of Syracuse. 

While they’re most well-known for their Asian Elephant herd, there’s a lot more to explore to keep your family busy.

Some family-favorite attractions include:

• A penguin habitat with clear tanks to watch them dive and swim through the water.
• Specially designed outdoor spaces for snow leopards and red pandas to encourage them to roam.
• A darker nocturnal animal exhibit that helps kids see animals that thrive in the dark.
• A playful primate park where monkeys and primates play, swing, and interact all day.

⭐Insider Tip: Don’t stress if the weather turns bad on the day of your visit. The zoo has several 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

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 4.5 hours
• Albany, NY = 2.5 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 5 hours 

Looking for the quintessential beach trip? Sylvan Beach is your answer, and the perfect spot for a family day trip.

Located on Oneida Lake, Sylvan Beach is known for its warm, shallow waters that reach between 70 – 78°F in the summertime. Families can wade out for quite a long distance too, making it ideal for beginner swimmers. And the swimming area is monitored by lifeguards, so you’ll have an extra sense of security.

Important: Before you go, make sure to check out the lifeguard schedule and ensure the beach is open. It’s sometimes closed due to algae or staffing issues.

⭐Insider 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 even a bathroom you can access. There’s also public parking there, making it the ideal landing spot for your family.

You can grab a quick bite to eat at Eddie’s Place for their famous Nathan’s hot-dogs. Or try one of the cute ice cream parlors nearby for a sweet treat.

If you’re bringing along elementary-aged kids (ages 1-8), 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 that younger kids will love.

Shop and Be Entertained @ Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse

Best for: All Ages

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 5 hours
• Albany, NY = 2.5 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 5 hours 

The Destiny USA Mall is truly a destination. Conveniently located off the highway, this shopping mall and entertainment center has so much to offer.

For big-time shoppers, it’s got stores of all kinds and sizes! They stock just about anything you need – clothing, footwear, home goods and more. 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 fun entertainment too:

• A rope course at Wonder Works Canyon Climb Adventure
• Professional-grade racing go-karts at RPM Raceway
• Comedy shows at the Funny Bone Comedy Club
• Movies showing at Regal Cinemas
• Bowling at All-Star Alley & Tavern

With several higher end chain restaurants including Texas de Brazil, P.F. Chang’s, and the Cheesecake Factory, there are enough options to find something you and your kids will like.

⭐Insider Tip: If you plan to check out more than one entertainment option, consider staying the night at the Homewood Suites next door. Once you park, it’s 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

Approximate drive times from: 

• New York City, NY = 6 hours
• Albany, NY = 3 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 6 hours 

Located in the heart of Rochester, the Strong National Museum of Play is known as one of the premier children’s museums in the world. The museum has fun and interactive exhibits and amazing collections of toys, games, and dolls to explore. 

This must-see destination has nostalgic brands like LEGO, Barbie, Sesame Street, Pac-Man, Tetris, and Minecraft. Younger kids will enjoy the dedicated craft areas and huge indoor play structures, while preteens will love to preview the world’s largest collection of video games and the superhero exhibit.

Take a walk down memory lane to see how toys have evolved over time – your kids will love to see the changes!

With the perfect mix of games, history, and hands-on fun, this is a top attraction for families to visit in Upstate NY. 

⭐Insider Tip: The museum is large and can get busy. Arrive early and wear comfortable shoes. For little ones, a stroller could provide a nice break for tired feet.

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

Best for: Ages 3-13

Approximate drive times from:

• New York City, NY = 5.5
• Albany, NY = 3.5 hours
• Philadelphia, PA = 6 hours

If you’re looking for a more stress-free and easy-going theme park, Sea Breeze Amusement and Water Park is a hidden gem that will create big family fun. 

The park offers roller coasters and thrill rides that are a little less intense than the major Six Flags parks, making it the perfect option for tweens and kids just starting to try bigger rides.

And a bonus for parents – it’s more budget friendly and a lot easier to navigate than those huge sprawling parks too!

The historic Jack Rabbit, a wooden roller coaster that’s been in use since 1920, is a must-try attraction for kids who like thrills. 

Beyond roller coasters, there’s traditional rides, carnival games, and even kiddie rides to try.

For water lovers, there is a whole section for water play including a lazy river, tube slides, and a splash and play area for little ones. No problem if your child is not a confident swimmer yet – life vests are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, helping to ease the worry.

For families looking for a fun theme park experience without the overwhelming crowds and steep costs, Sea Breeze is the park to try.

Plan Your Family Visit to Upstate NY Attractions!

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? Don’t miss our guide to the best apple festivals in NY – a must-do for families!

For more inspiration, learn how Amanda turned burnout into balance and reclaimed family time. Or head over to the Tiny Adventure Mom homepage for more tips and getaway ideas to help you plan your next adventure!