Central New York is the ultimate place to explore all four seasons indoors and out. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll always find places and experiences that make lasting memories with the family. Though there are so many reasons to visit Central New York from craft brew to fresh food to outdoor adventure, here are four of our favorite things to do in each season.
Spring
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Cooperstown, New York
Spring is the time to start thinking about our national pastime and the iconic National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown is the pinnacle of the sport. But this is an outstanding family destination that’s about much more than baseball. Within the walls of this hallowed Hall are plenty of plaques and stats from the greats, but the Museum also offers incredible insight into American history by virtue of the sport so ingrained in our culture. Baseball fans are invited to make the pilgrimage, but there’s something for the whole family at this top Central New York attraction.
Summer
Sylvan Beach Amusement Park
Sylvan Beach, New York
Sylvan Beach has been a summer vacation destination since the 1870s and it’s easy to see why with numerous shops, restaurants and, of course, the beach on Oneida Lake. There’s also a historic amusement park providing classic family fun for decades. Rides, games, food and fun abound at this family-favorite location. Go ahead and take a spin on the Scrambler or be more adventurous with a ride on the Galaxi Coaster!
Fall
Critz Farms
Cazenovia, New York
Critz Farms is the perfect place to enjoy the wonderful autumn season in Central New York. From mid-September to the end of October, the farm hosts a Fall Harvest Celebration with a variety of activities for all ages, including a gigantic corn maze with a new design each year, a petting zoo with more than 25 animals, wagon rides to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch, fresh apple cider and cider-making demonstrations, a tasting room serving hand-crafted beer, wine and hard cider and cow train ride for kids among other features. With so much to do, Critz Farms is the perfect place to make memories with the family.
Winter
The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier
Binghamton, New York
Get out of the cold and stretch those legs and brains with play! The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier is a 22,500-square-foot hands-on children’s museum with over 40 interactive exhibits that are designed to stimulate curiosity and learning in children of all ages. With new exhibits being added all the time, there’s always something new to explore. There are plenty of opportunities for parents and kids to interact and learn from each other.
So, get out there and explore Central New York year-round with these attractions and find plenty of your own fun along the way on your memorable trip.