Located in the heart of New York, Syracuse is known for its museums and parks. It’s also a great place to visit with children. Whether you and your family live near Syracuse or you’re planning a trip to the city, everyone will have fun when you check out these family-friendly attractions in Syracuse.
Destiny USA
Destiny USA is more than just a shopping mall. It’s an entertainment complex that offers a variety of attractions for kids of all ages. Older kids and teens will enjoy challenging themselves on the indoor suspended ropes course at Canyon Climb Adventure, bowling at All-Star Alley & Tavern, and playing laser tag at WonderWorks. Younger children will love the Build-A-Bear Workshop and Glow Golf mini golf course. Plus, everyone will have a good time playing arcade games at Dave & Buster’s and checking out all the shopping and dining opportunities.
Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology
Toddlers and teenagers alike will find something fascinating at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology. In the Rothschild Apothecary Shop exhibit, kids can step back in time to an authentic recreation of a 1900s-era pharmacy. Here, they’ll learn everything from how pharmacists used to treat a toothache to how modern-day sodas were invented. Other popular exhibits include the rock climbing wall, Space Gallery, and Earth Science Discovery Cave.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is another attraction in Syracuse that’s ideal for a variety of age levels. This 43-acre zoo is home to over 700 animals, including the Asian elephants, tiger, snow leopard, African lion, and red wolf. Be sure to stop by the Diversity of Birds Aviary to delight in the variety of free-flight birds that live there. If you know you want to visit the zoo, you can find a conveniently located hotel in Syracuse.
Beaver Lake Nature Center
No matter the season, when you and your family want to spend some time outside, travel just 15 minutes northwest of Syracuse to Beaver Lake Nature Center. In the summer, this 661-acre natural area offers 9 miles of hiking trails, canoe and kayak rentals for Beaver Lake, and picnic areas. In the winter, you’ll discover snowshoe rentals, three trails for snowshoeing, and 7 miles of cross-country skiing trails. The nature center also hosts a variety of nature programs throughout the year.
Erie Canal Museum
If you want your children to learn some history, plan a visit to the Erie Canal Museum. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the construction of the canal and how it shaped New York’s past. Go to the weigh chamber exhibit to view a full-size replica of a line boat. Head up to the second floor to see a recreation of a canal town. At the children’s area, young visitors can read books about the canal, try on historical clothing, and play with traditional toys.
When you’re looking to plan a memorable time in Syracuse with your family, you know everyone will have fun when you check out these family-friendly attractions.