Whether you’re enjoying a Spring Break stay-cation or just visiting for the weekend, Syracuse is buzzing with activities for any kind of traveler. Families can take advantage of our kid-friendly facilities, while couples can experience a romantic weekend at some of our top restaurants and parks. Even the solo traveler will find a trip to Onondaga County memorable.
For Families
Things to Do
Check out an "amusement park for the mind" at Wonderworks in Destiny USA. Your family can explore more than 100 hands on exhibits that are entertaining and educational. Discover zones like extreme weather, space discovery, light and sound, and so much more. Plus, there's a 4d XD simulator ride, a canyon climb and a laser tag arena.
Prefer outdoor activities? Syracuse has a variety of parks and programs perfect for the whole family. Visit some of the newest members of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Yaad and Tukada, extremely rare, twin Asian elephants! They're the only twin elephants in the United States. There's also Evie, a red wolf, which is the most endangered canine on earth. There are over 700 other animals who live at the Zoo and your family can learn about the importance of conservation and preservation. Baltimore Woods and Beaver Lake Nature Center both offer hiking trails as well as a variety of programming options including informational guided walks, hands-on learning and trail exploration.
Places to Dine
Children, young and old, will love the dining experience at a number of Syracuse area diners and restaurants. Head to Rise N’ Shine Diner for a deliriously delicious (and Instagram worthy) milkshake or pancake flight. Have you ever heard of “Brinner”? Think of your favorite breakfast and dinner options together on one plate and you’ll likely find it on their menu.
Tully’s Good Times is a lunchtime favorite for families, with several locations throughout the region, or check out Limp Lizard for kid-size BBQ Sliders or Ribs. Parents and children will both enjoy the dining experience at Heritage Hill Brewhouse. Enjoy a pub-style menu with craft beers made on-site for the adults, and farm animals and a play area for the kids!
Get a Sweet Treat
Ice cream, you scream, we all scream to Sprinkle Syracuse at The Ice Cream Stand. Snag a scoop (even a vegan one), a float or a flurry. It’s a treat for the adults as much as the kids.
For Couples
Things to Do
Enjoy a unique weekend in Syracuse with your special someone. Get outside and learn more about meromictic lakes with a hike around the two, color captivating, glacial lakes at Green Lakes State Park. Or check out one of the area’s several waterfalls at Pratt’s Falls, Delphi Falls, Chittenango Falls or discover your own favorite Fall.
If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, find your serenity with a spa day at Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles, one of the most beautiful Finger Lakes villages.
Enjoy some adult beverages with your special someone by visiting one of the area’s many craft breweries, wineries or even distilleries. Check out the views from the 1911 Tasting Room at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, visit a local brewery like Talking Cursive or Meier’s Creek Brewing or find your own spot with our complete list of area wineries and breweries.
Places to Dine
Just down the street from Green Lakes State Park is The Craftsman Wood Grille and Tap House. Experience the ambiance of their covered outdoor space, with a large stone bar, fireplaces and plenty of seating. If in Skaneateles, enjoy a romantic evening at Rosalie’s Cucina, with fine Italian dining indoor and out, or head over to the eclectic Elephant and the Dove for some specialty cocktails and Mexican fare. Looking for something a bit more central to downtown Syracuse? Head over to Francesca’s Cucina for a romantic dinner on their outdoor patio which features a fireplace and a gorgeous chandelier, or check out a local favorite for Italian flavors at Pastabilities. We have our classic Syracuse staples you have to experience at least once like a coney at Heid's of Liverpool and loaded salt potatoes at Bull & Bear Roadhouse.
Get a Sweet Treat
The restaurants all have excellent dessert selections, but if you’re looking for something different, visit Sweet on Chocolate in downtown Syracuse. Here you’ll find champagne truffles, strawberry creams, chocolate covered potato chips and so much more.
For the Solo Traveler
Things to Do
Explore Syracuse solo this spring with some of our top things to do. Start south of Syracuse at the accessible trails at Labrador Hollow or go a bit farther south and hike either the lower or higher trails at Tinker Falls.
History buffs can find plenty to do in the downtown Syracuse region with plenty of museums. Head to the Onondaga Historical Association for a variety of both permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting the history of the area. Just a few blocks from OHA, you’ll find the Erie Canal Museum, featuring the only lasting weighlock from the Erie Canal.
Or check out the neighborhood of Tipperary Hill, which is home to the only stoplight where the green is on top. While there stop by one of the several Irish pubs like Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub, or Now & Later, a top spot for fans of craft brews.
Places to Dine
Start your day at one of our local cafes. The Sweet Praxis, located in downtown Syracuse, offers vegan and gluten-free options and serves up locally-owned Peaks Coffee. Enjoy a wood fired bagel at Water Street Bagel Co., also located in downtown Syracuse. Have some tea and spend time with feline friends at Pawsitivitea CNY. For lunch, check out Pita Dream for authentic middle eastern and Mediterranean cuisine with a New York style, or head over to nearby The Hops Spot for some burgers and poutine. Tour the popular Syracuse spots that have been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-in’s and Dives, like Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub, Funk N’ Waffles or Eva’s European Sweets.
Get a Sweet Treat
Go to the Heart of Little Italy in downtown Syracuse and you’ll find Biscotti Café & Gelateria. This place is a favorite among the locals. The display of pastries, cakes, cookies, brownies and pies will make it tough to pick just one. Of course, they have gelato and classic Italian pastries like cannoli’s and biscotti’s too.
You Might Be Interested In
Best Syracuse Breweries
Check out some of the best breweries throughout Central New York right here in Syracuse.
Find Spring Blooms in CNY
New blooms in Syracuse are a sure sign of the Spring season, proving that April showers really do…
Where to Find the Bald Eagles In Syracuse, NY
The Eagles have landed....see where in Syracuse!
Celebrate Spring in Syracuse
Spend your days enjoying brunch followed by flower shopping, sipping on NYS craft beverages in a…