Free Things To Do In Syracuse Ny

Green Lakes State Park

Signs You’re From Syracuse, NY

Ive been to a lot of state parks in New York, and few have impressed me as much with their beautiful natural scenery as Green Lakes State Park.

Green Lakes State Park is located a short distance east of downtown Syracuse and is home to two of the most beautiful and rarest lakes in the state. This 2,000-acre park features miles of hiking trails and many places to explore. However, the parks highlights are its two lakes.

These lakes are meromictic lakes. This means that the lakes have layers that do not ever mix. This creates a lake that preserves things incredibly well at the bottom and has a very bluish-green hue in the top layer that is nearly crystal clear.

A great walking and jogging trail loops around the lakes.

Beaver Lake Nature Center

Just a 15-minute drive outside of downtown Syracuse, Beaver Lake Nature Center has something going on nearly every day of the week, plus more than nine miles of trails.

This is a nature lovers paradise, with plenty to see, including more than 200 bird species and more than 800 plant varieties.

Theres also a 200-acre glacial lake, thats a stopping point for thousands of Canadian geese during the migration season.

Plus, in the summer, you can always rent a canoe and explore the area by water!

Daniel Parrish Witter Agricultural Museum

Source: nysagsociety

This museum is located on the New York State Fair grounds, and is dedicated to the heritage of the states agricultural development.

It was built in 1928, and has undergone a series of changes over the years.

Daniel Parrish Witter was a farmer and politician, who was very closely affiliated with several dairymens and farmers association.

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Fun Things To Do In Syracuse With Kids Family Friendly Activities

Theres always something fun to do wherever you visit in New York, and Syracuse is no exception.

This NY city is a great vacation destination for families who love history, art, and beautiful landmarks.

You can even enjoy fun attractions for kids that will keep them entertained throughout the day.

So pack your bags and get ready for a fantastic trip.

Here are some fun things to do in Syracuse with kids.

Things To Do In Syracuse

Experience all of the activities, attractions and events that Syracuse, NY has to offer. Step out into the scenic outdoors, embrace the urban vibrancy of Downtown Syracuse or explore one of our many unique neighborhoods. Find your next big adventure whether it’s kayaking in the summer, hiking through autumn or chasing frozen waterfalls. Let your inner foodie lead the way to restaurants offering everything from the best brunches to farm-to-table eats. Sip your way through craft breweries, wineries and cideries. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the region or enjoy the expansive arts & culture scene. No matter the season, stay inspired on things to do in Syracuse.

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Take A Day Trip To Skaneateles

Only 30 minutes from downtown Syracuse, the uniquely named town of Skaneateles , is set on Skaneateles Lake and has a long history of being the summer playground of the rich and famous. Imposing mansions line the shoreline and have commanding views out over the water and surrounding countryside.

The quaint downtown area is home to small shops and restaurants in restored 18th-century buildings. Enjoy a pleasant stroll along the main street and then wander out on the pier. You might even see a movie star or a famous athlete.

Explore The Great Outdoors Of New York

Roy Boyce

The Beaver Lake Nature Center is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Syracuse. Spanning 661 acres, this outdoor oasis offers a slew of activities for kids of all ages.

The nature trails in the park are peaceful and expose visitors to the beauty of the area. During the summer months, take advantage of the parks aquatic activities by renting a canoe or kayak and cruising on the lake. During winter, you can go skiing or snowshoeing.

If youre looking for fun things to do in Syracuse outside the city, this is the place for you!

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Visit An Iconic Landmark For A Classy Night Out

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The Landmark Theater is a historic theater from the era of lavish movie palaces. It first opened in 1928 a time when ladies wore gowns and gloves to the theater and men wore tuxedos.

The venues beautiful murals and architecture will remind you of a time gone by. Its a treasure of Syracuse that has been well preserved. The theater hosts live performances, concerts, comedy acts, kids events, and more!

For some live entertainment in Syracuse NY and a fun night on the town, head to the Landmark Theater.

Scope Out The Local Breweries

Visiting Destiny Mall in Syracuse NY

This city has a pretty impressive craft beer scene. Cap off your night by visiting one of these fun Syracuse breweries.

Now & Later is one of the most popular breweries in town. This chilled, rustic-style bar has an impressively large selection of craft beer on tap, as well as a bottle shop. No matter what style of beer you like, theyll have something for you.

The Buried Acorn Brewing Company is another great local brewery. If youre looking for things to do in Syracuse, NY at night with kids, this brewery is kid-friendly. There are lots of games and legos to keep kids entertained while their parents enjoy a social drink.

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Visit The Citys Charming Historic Square

Clinton Square is located in downtown. Its characterized by stunning buildings that beautifully display the historic architecture of the city. This charming square offers many local Syracuse attractions. Youll find a great selection of local bars, cafes, shops, and eateries.

The square also contains several important monuments. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was created in 1910 to honor the Civil War veterans from the area. The Jerry Rescue Monument commemorates the rescue of a fugitive slave by citizens in 1851.

In winter, theres a large ice rink set up in the middle of the square. During summer, the citys buzzing farmer market takes center stage. There are also plenty of local festivals that are held throughout the year in Clinton Square.

See One Of The Wonders Of The World

Located just 2.5 hours from Syracuse, Niagra Fall is a great place to enjoy an exciting day trip. This iconic group of three waterfalls sits between the border of Ontario, Canadia and the State of New York.

The best way to experience the falls waterfall is Youll get an up-close and personal and see the true power of nature. The Niagra Falls State Park is located on the brink of the falls and is the oldest state park in the United States. Its filled with miles of hiking trails, an observation deck, a trolley ride service, and more!

This day trip will be fun for the whole family and you can visit the falls at any time of year.

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Best Things To Do With Kids In Syracuseview All

Your time in Syracuse is sure to be packed full of family-friendly fun. Explore the 43-acre Rosamond Gifford Zoo or bounce and jump to your hearts content at Sky Zone. Take a look at the list below for more things to do with kids in Syracuse:

  • Rosamond Gifford Zoo: this 43-acre zoo is home to many species of animals including lions, penguins, and elephants
  • Clark Reservation State Park: take a guided nature walk through many different landscapes
  • WonderWorks Destiny: a play-education hybrid where kids can learn about topics including outer space, light and sound, and physics
  • Sky Zone Trampoline Park: come here for high-flying fun for the whole family
  • Great New York State Fair: a showcase of agriculture, entertainment, education and technology with rides, games, and a whole lot of fun

Sports And Outdoor Activities In Syracuseview All

Lace up those hiking books and hit the trails in Syracuse. Theres an outdoor activity for every season and plenty of places to enjoy it. Swim in the lake or snowshoe through the forest.

Here are some active things to do in Syracuse:

  • Tee off at Green Lakes State Parks 18-hole golf course
  • Stop and smell the roses at Thornden Park
  • Walk the lush courtyard and admire the fountain at Columbus Circle
  • During winter, snowshoe through 660 acres of snowy wonderland at Beaver Lake Nature Center
  • Soak up the sun and swim in the Schiller Park community pool

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Incredible Things To Do In Syracuse Ny

Jim CheneyDisclosure:

Located in the eastern part of the Finger Lakes, Syracuse is the fifth largest city in New York State. And, while this part of the state is sometimes overlooked, there are many fun things to do in Syracuse, NY.

Whether you are looking for a historic museum, incredible natural scenery, or just some mindless fun, there are a lot of great spots to check out throughout Onondaga County.

So, while this isnt a list of all the things to do in Syracuse, its a great start for planning your adventures in this corner of Upstate New York.

Best Hotel In Syracuse Quality Inn & Suites Downtown

This Syracuse hotel offers loads of great perks and is great value for money. Its conveniently located close to many Syracuse attractions as well as restaurants and bars.

Guests will enjoy free breakfast, free coffee, and free parking. Each room is spacious and includes a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, and safes.

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Central New York Regional Market

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Reviewed By ShawnVandy – Adkins, United States

We were in town and thought wed stop by the Farmers Market.Ive been to a lot of Farmers Markets but this one was by far the best! Literally hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods, fresh eggs, honey products, etc. etc. Often the price of produce at Farmers Markets is higher due the produce being fresh. Not only were the prices lower than what one would pay in a grocery store, but the produce was both fresh and frankly, very large and of top quality.If we lived here we would be frequenting this place on a weekly basis!!Parking wasnt too bad and all of the sellers were very friendly. While most places took credit cards, most preferred cash.

Clark Reservation State Park

Tour of Syracuse New York State Fair

At the end of the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago, there was a massive glacial waterfall at the site of Clark Reservation State Park. Today, Glacier Lake is a large body of water located in the basin where the waterfall once fell. Visitors to Clark Reservation State Park will find the rocky cliff, lake, and gorge carved from the ancient waterfall as well as a number of other rocky formations and ravines. The area is also home to the largest population in the country of American harts tongue, a rare species of fern that is federally recognized as a threatened species.

6105 East Seneca Turnpike Jamesville, NY 13078, Phone: 315-492-1590

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Free Things To Do In Adirondacks: 9 Ways To Have Fun Without Spending Money

Things to do for free in the Adirondacks

The 6-million acre Adirondack Park in New York offers something that almost everyone in the family can enjoy, especially if you’re on a budget. Here’s a look at free things to do in the Adirondacks, from the obvious, such as hiking and swimming, to the lesser known, including weekly fireworks shows and concerts in the summer. The photo by Lauren Long shows a view of Mount Colden from Marcy Dam in August 2009.

Adirondack mountain bike trails

The Warren County Bikeway is a free, 9-mile-long bike trail that begins at the southern tip of Lake George. The trail takes you through forested areas and crosses a small inlet of Glen Lake. Don’t forget to pack a lunch. Free picnic tables are available along the way.

Songs at Mirror Lake Music Series

For seven weeks each summer, free public concerts are offered at the Songs at Mirror Lake Music Series in Lake Placid. Local, regional and national acts perform at Mids Park from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday nights in July and August.

Free fireworks in Lake George village

Enjoy free fireworks over Lake George each Thursday night in July and August. The fireworks begin at about 9:30 p.m. in Lake George Village, and can be seen from miles away. The fireworks can also be seen during special cruise boat tours. The cruise boat Adirondack heads back to dock after a tour on Lake George on Friday, July 11, 2014, in Lake George, N.Y.

Swimming in Adirondack lakes

Brandon J. Himoff

Adirondack Woofstock

Root On The Syracuse Orange

David Darling

The Carrier Dome is the citys sports dome and the best place to immerse yourself in the local sports culture of Syracuse. Its a large capacity stadium with seating for 49,250-spectators.

The dome is located on the campus of Syracuse University and is the home of the Syracuse Orange football, basketball, and lacrosse teams. Root on the local team and immerse yourself in the electric energy that only game day can produce!

The stands inside the venue offer food and drinks, including beer. As well as local sporting events, the venue also hosts concerts, non-college sporting events, and Monster Jam.

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Best Things To Do In Syracuse

Even though its not New York City, upstate Syracuse still holds tons of appeal for those wanting to get away from the actual urban hubbub, and enjoy a little of the super-charming side of another part of the state.

Syracuse offers something for every season the winters are as you would expect in this part of the country, the summers are filled with vibrant foliage and waterfalls and the fall is breathtakingly beautiful. So, no matter when you visit, youll be sure to be delighted as ever. Check out some of the greatest things to do while youre in Syracuse, from the totally unique to the tourist traps to the memory-makers and beyond.

Lets explore the best things to do in Syracuse:

Discover The Salty Side Of Syracuse

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If youre looking for unique museums in Syracuse NY, the Salt Museum will make for quite an interesting experience. During most of the 19th century, Syracuse supplied the majority of the salt used in the entire United States. Syracuse even has the nickname of the Salt City.

This small museum is filled with exhibits and artifacts from the salt industry. There are also museum guides dressed in period clothing. Learn about the citys tie to salt, and the history and impact this had on the region.

The museum is located in Liverpool, New York, five miles from downtown Syracuse.

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Enjoy An Intimate Evening At The Syracuse Stage

The Syracuse Stage is a performing arts venue. Its one of the best places to go in the city for wholesome entertainment. Enjoy a show and experience New Yorks local performing arts culture. The theater is intimate and comfortable there isnt a bad seat in the house!

The ticket prices are also very reasonable. But most importantly, the quality of the performances are top-notch. If youre looking for Syracuse activities all ages will enjoy, you cant go wrong seeing an exciting show at this local theater.

Everson Museum Of Art

The Everson Museum of Art has distinguished itself in many ways.

It was the first museum to be dedicated to American art, to have its own permanent collection of ceramics, to start collecting art in a video medium and the first to create a docent program.

It also hired the architect I.M. Pei, when still unknown, to design its sculpturally inspired building.

Now, this museum has more than 11,000 pieces of art, from paintings, to sculpture to video, along with one of the largest collections of ceramics in the country.

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Milton J Rubenstein Museum Of Science And Technology

This hands-on science and technology museum is created for not just children, but learners of all ages.

Its set apart by its magnificent planetarium, as well as its status as the only domed IMAX theater in the state of New York.

This is the first hands-on science museum in upstate New York, opened in 1981 mostly in thanks to the efforts of both the local chapters of the Junior League and National Council of Jewish Women and the Technology Club of Syracuse.

It received its current name in 1992, when it also opened up the only public planetarium in the region.

Just as recently as two years ago, it added six permanent exhibits and expanded to a total of 35,000 square feet of space.

Relish In A Great American Pastime

Online Medicare Meeting in Syracuse, New York

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NBT Bank Stadium is the home of the Syracuse Mets, which are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets. New Yorkers are known for being passionate baseball fans. You dont have to be a baseball fan to enjoy the energy the stadium produces when a home match is on.

The stadium runs frequent specials at their concessions, including USD $1.00 hotdogs and USD $2.00 draft beers. TIckets are also very reasonably priced.

If youre looking for fun stuff to do in Syracuse thats affordable, a trip to this ballpark is sure to make for an experience the whole family will enjoy.

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