Family Fun

Trails, educational attractions and unique experiences make Central New York a great family destination.

No one will be asking “Are we there yet?” during an old-school road trip down historic Route 20. This classic bit of Americana is a gateway to Central New York’s signature attractions and cornerstone village communities.

Sylvan Beach Amusement Park has been a Central New York favorite for decades. The rides, midway and other attractions all offer a nostalgic experience.

Head to Binghamton to explore Chuckster’s Family Fun Park. From batting cages to miniature golf to rock climbing walls, this entertainment powerhouse guarantees a day full of fun, food and excitement. Guests can also embrace their adventurous side on the facility’s Aeroboard, Jumpster, and zipline.

Schoharie County’s Howe Caverns Adventure Park offers a fantastic blend of family fun and exploration. See rock formations six million years in the making or take on several above-ground activities that range from biking to zip-lining to fudge tasting. Scenic cave tour miles below the Earth’s surface provide families with the adventure of a lifetime.

Gobbler’s Knob Family Fun Park is home to a scenic miniature golf course with the perfect ice cream parlor to grab a sweet treat at after a few holes. The park also includes an arcade area and a go kart speedway.

Madison County holds a great U-pick destination for a day of family fun. Critz Farms allows the family to enjoy fun fall activities and pick a variety of different apples and pumpkins. Kids even have the opportunity to embark on a behind-the-scenes tour to see how apple cider is made.

With so many nature trails to choose from, take the family on a day-long hike through the outdoors. Chittenango Falls State Park, for one, offers breathtaking views of some of nature’s finest waterfall creations. Guests can enjoy a family picnic, mingle on the playground or hike to the falls while taking in the fresh air from the great outdoors.

Head to Otsego County for a variety of museums, including the world-famous National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum boasts frequently updated exhibits, some 40,000 artifacts, three million books and documents and 500,000-plus images.

The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, a hands-on interactive children’s museum, takes a different approach to learning and fun that fosters play, sparks creative thinking and builds self-esteem. Just next door is the Binghamton Zoo, which celebrates more than 135 years as a local treasure. It’s one of the oldest zoos in the country.

Take a train ride through Central New York and beyond on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. Enjoy some of their featured experiences that they have to offer, the most popular one being the Polar Express experience. Watch the story of the Polar Express come to live during the holiday season.

And don’t forget a full slate of local festivals that fuel fun all summer long.

Named one of the top events by the Press & Sun Bulletin Readers’ Choice Awards every year since the contest began, Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally in Binghamton draws nearly 100,000 people each year. Enjoy a weekend full of great food, musical performances and hot air balloon launches.

Outdoors, indoors and anywhere in between, Central New York has you covered when it comes to family entertainment.