Exploring Syracuse: A Guide to Family Fun

Family fun, adventure and discovery await in Syracuse, NY, where vibrant city life and breathtaking natural beauty blend together for a memorable vacation.

From exploring the rich tapestry of arts and culture to engaging in thrilling outdoor activities, Syracuse promises a diverse range of experiences that cater to all ages and interests.

Dive into this three-day, two-night itinerary and prepare for a journey filled with family fun, learning, and togetherness.

Day 1

Engage with Animals

Start your adventure at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, home to a diverse range of animals from twin Asian elephants and exotic fish to Chilean Flamingos and a Komodo Dragon. Engage with indoor and outdoor exhibits and learn about wildlife conservation efforts.

Before you leave, grab lunch at the HoneyBee Café, where you’ll find a variety of sandwiches, wraps and salads, plus kids’ favorites like grilled cheese, mac and cheese and dragon nuggets. Trunk & Tusk Canteen and Hofmann Dog Haus are open seasonally in the Zoo as well.

Get Hands-On with Science

Kids of all ages will have the “most” fun possible at Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST). Explore the world of science through hands-on exhibits, fun programming and lively demonstrations. Travel back in time with a life-sized dinosaur exhibit - the Dino Zone, marvel at colorful crystals in the Gem & Mineral Gallery or catch a show at the only IMAX Dome theater in Upstate New York.

Dine Downtown

Step outside of the MOST and you’ll be in Armory Square, where a variety of dining options await – like Margaritas Mexican Cantina, serving up authentic Mexican dishes, or Pastabilites, a Syracuse staple for 40 years with made-from-scratch pastas, sauces and its famous Stretch Bread. Or head towards Clinton Square (3-minute drive or 10-minute walk) for Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, where the funky wall art and live music is just as good as the barbequed pork ribs.

Take a Breath of Fresh Air

Before calling it quits on day one, head out to Onondaga Lake Park. This park has trails that equal more than eight miles for burning off any excess energy. Wegmans Playground comes with climbers, swings, playhouses and slides, while the skatepark welcomes skateboarders, bikers and inline skaters to practice their skills.

During the winter, Onondaga Lake Park is the site of Lights on the Lake, a holiday spectacle of twinkling displays and animated scenes along a two-mile drive.

Settle into your Suite

Don’t worry about sharing a bedtime; it’s easier to travel with kids when you stay in a suite! At Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA, there’s also an indoor pool, a huge hot breakfast buffet and complimentary snacks and beverages every evening. If that’s not enough, it’s next to Destiny USA, with over 250 places to shop, dine and play – just in case you forget to pack something, or need to tire the kids out a little more before bed.

Day 2

Enjoy a Sweet Start

Take your pick of breakfast spots along Clinton Street. Have a delicious (and memorable!) breakfast at Funk ‘n Waffles when you order from the menu of sweet – and savory – waffles. If artisan doughnuts are more your speed, Glazed & Confused Syracuse has you covered. From tasty takes on classic flavors to deliciously crazy combos like The Dizzy Pig’s maple glaze, bourbon sugar and candied cured bacon, you won’t want to stop after one. Modern Malt’s spin on diner food – like breakfast poutine, lobster benedict and Barney Rubble French Toast – will leave you ending on a high note.

Climb Aboard a Canal Boat

Dive into history at the Erie Canal Museum, housed in the 1850 National Register Weighlock Building, where you can learn about the canal's impact on Syracuse and the United States. See how canal boats were weighed before climbing aboard the Frank Buchanan Thomson, a full-size replica boat that would have carried passengers, crew and cargo. Kids will especially love the museum’s children’s area, where they can play with traditional toys, try on historic clothing or read books about the Canal.

Grab a Bite

Stop at any of the delicious restaurants in the area to recharge. XO Taco is a “punk rock restaurant” with creative spins on tacos, burritos and quesadillas. And kid-friendly, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. Located inside a multi-use building, Strong Hearts serves vegan comfort food (think: vegan chicken wings, beyond burgers and mac and cheese) among its modern interior. For a truly unique experience, Luna Café is a full-service Japanese restaurant with adoptable cats to cuddle while you eat.

Admire American Art

Visit the Everson Museum of Art to explore its collection of American art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, video and more. Admission for children ages 6-12 is only $5, but when you visit any time on Wednesdays or from 5:00-8:00 PM on Thursdays, you are welcome to “pay what you wish.” The museum frequently offers family workshops, events and art classes, perfect for a cultural afternoon.

See a Show on the Big Stage

Take in a family-friendly performance at Syracuse Stage, where you can catch captivating plays or musicals that entertain both children and adults. Check the schedule for special events, where kids are invited to dress up in costumes tied to the production. The regional theater has a variety of inclusive offerings, including sensory friendly shows, American Sign Language interpretation and Audio Described for visually impaired guests.

Dig into a Delicious Dinner

After a long day enjoying Syracuse, enjoy a home cooked meal. Francesca’s Cucina in Syracuse’s Little Italy offers a warm, cozy dining experience with a focus on traditional Italian-American cuisine. Many of the classic recipes found on the extensive menu have been passed down for over four generations. Another family-oriented experience can be found at Santangelo's Restaurant in Liverpool, where they have been perfecting their selection of Italian dishes for over 30 years. All entrées are served with a salad or “Grandma’s Chicken Soup” and the generous portions will keep everyone full. For a regional dish, order the chicken riggies.

Day 3

Fuel Up on Coffee

Check out early but before you hit the road, stop for breakfast and a cup of joe at Café Kubal. There are a handful of locations around the area; each one roasting coffee beans in the vintage roasters right on premise. Order a bagel, breakfast sandwich or fresh baked good, and wash it down with their signature coffee, espresso or specialty drinks.

Stretch your Legs at a Waterfall

If you’re looking to break up the drive and stretch your legs, stop at Labrador Hollow State Unique Area. The undeveloped land dates back thousands of years, when it was first created by glaciers. Now, it’s home to a variety of diverse, and even rare, wildlife. Follow an accessible quarter-mile path to Tinker Falls, a 50-foot water “hanging” over a natural rock amphitheater.

Feel the Adrenaline

Regardless of the time of year, you will find an array of activities to keep your family entertained at Greek Peak Mountain Resort! During the winter, there’s skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Summer brings mountain biking, hiking, disc golf and a gravity-fed mountain coaster. Fall is the perfect time for scenic chairlift rides and the Aerial Ropes Course, where you can challenge your agility on bridges, ziplines and balance beams suspended among the treetops. The resort also includes the Cascades Indoor Waterpark with a wave pool and waterslides and Waterfalls Spa for massages, facials and more. When you start to get hungry, choose from the on-site dining options like Trax Pub & Grill, Edgewater Café, Marty’s Deli and Carvers Steakhouse.

For a deeper dive into Syracuse's hidden gems and seasonal festivities, download the Visit Syracuse tour app. It's your gateway to uncovering even more of the area's wonders and ensuring your next visit is just as unforgettable.

Plan your Syracuse family getaway and get ready to experience activities that the whole family will love!