Top Family Vacation Spots in Syracuse, New York, United States
1. Syracuse Zoo
Home to more than 700 animals from around the world. Offers a petting zoo and educational programs for kids.
- Variety of Animals: Offers a wide variety of exotic and local wildlife.
- Educational Programs: Provides interactive programs to educate children about animals and conservation.
- Petting Zoo: Allows kids to interact with smaller, friendly animals in a safe environment.
2. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park
Expansive zoological park with over 700 animals from six continents. Features a tropical dome and the largest indoor rainforest exhibit in the region.
- Indoor Rainforest Exhibit: Largest indoor rainforest exhibit in the region, home to exotic birds, reptiles, and mammals.
- Tropical Dome: Unique glass-enclosed tropical environment with a variety of plants and animals.
- Six Continents Representation: Represents over 700 animals from six different continents.
3. Destiny USA Mall
Largest mall in New York state with more than 250 stores and restaurants. Features an indoor water park and movie theaters.
- Indoor Water Park: Allows families to enjoy a water park experience year-round.
- Large Selection of Stores and Restaurants: Provides an extensive range of shopping and dining options.
- Movie Theaters: Offers multiple movie theaters for family entertainment.
4. Syracuse Museum of Science and Technology (MOST)
Interactive science museum with exhibits on physics, technology, and the environment. Features a digital dome planetarium.
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows visitors to engage directly with scientific concepts.
- Digital Dome Planetarium: Provides immersive, educational astronomy experiences.
- Environmental Exhibits: Offers insights into environmental science and conservation efforts.
5. Salt Museum at the Great Salt Spring
Educational museum dedicated to the history of salt production in Syracuse. Features a working salt-making demonstration and exhibits on local culture.
- Working Salt-Making Demonstration: Allows visitors to witness the traditional method of salt production.
- Local Culture Exhibits: Highlights the history and impact of salt production on local culture.
- Interactive Displays: Offers hands-on activities to engage visitors in learning about salt.
6. Green Lakes State Park
Beautiful park featuring two unique glacial lakes. Offers hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas.
- Glacial Lakes: Two rare meromictic lakes formed by glaciers.
- Hiking Trails: Provides scenic routes for exploring the park.
- Fishing and Picnic Areas: Offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
7. Onondaga County Parks
Network of parks offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking.
- Variety of Activities: Provides diverse options for active family recreation.
- Scenic Landscapes: Offers beautiful, natural environments to explore.
- Family-Friendly Facilities: Includes picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms for family convenience.
8. Syracuse University Carousels
Beautiful, historic carousel located in the heart of Syracuse University. Features hand-carved figures and a Wurlitzer organ.
- Historical Significance: One of only a few remaining carousels designed by carousel master, Gustav Dentzel.
- Hand-Carved Figures: Each figure is individually crafted and unique.
- Wurlitzer Organ: Adds to the classic carousel experience with its beautiful music.
9. Syracuse Meteorology Museum
Museum dedicated to meteorology and weather history. Features a variety of exhibits, including a tornado simulator.
- Tornado Simulator: Provides an educational experience demonstrating the power of tornadoes.
- Weather History Exhibits: Highlights significant weather events in Syracuse and New York state.
- Interactive Displays: Allows visitors to engage with meteorological concepts and technology.
10. Syracuse Stage
Professional theater offering a variety of productions for all ages. Features workshops and educational programs.
- Variety of Productions: Offers a wide range of plays, musicals, and family-friendly shows.
- Workshops and Educational Programs: Provides opportunities for kids to learn about theater and performance.
- Community Engagement: Involves local schools, artists, and audiences in its productions and programs.
11. Syracuse Antique Center
Largest antique mall in the Northeast with over 800 dealers. Offers a wide variety of antiques and collectibles.
- Size and Selection: Offers an extensive range of antiques and collectibles under one roof.
- Dealer Diversity: Allows visitors to explore a wide variety of unique, specialized dealers.
- Educational Opportunities: Some dealers offer consultations and appraisals for collectors.
12. Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (SSO)
Professional orchestra offering a diverse range of classical and popular music. Provides educational programs for children.
- Diverse Musical Offerings: Presents a mix of classical, pop, and world music concerts.
- Educational Programs for Children: Offers workshops and performances designed specifically for kids.
- Community Engagement: Involves local schools, artists, and audiences in its performances and programs.
13. Onondaga County Public Library (OCPL)
Large library system offering books, movies, and educational programs for all ages. Features a children's area with interactive exhibits.
- Variety of Resources: Offers an extensive collection of books, movies, and other resources.
- Children's Area with Interactive Exhibits: Engages children in learning through play and discovery.
- Educational Programs for All Ages: Provides workshops, lectures, and other educational opportunities for adults and children.
14. Onondaga Lake Parkway
Scenic parkway along Onondaga Lake offering biking, walking, and fishing opportunities.
- Natural Scenery: Provides beautiful views of Onondaga Lake and the surrounding landscape.
- Outdoor Recreation Activities: Offers opportunities for biking, walking, fishing, and picnicking.
- Historic Significance: Formerly a major thoroughfare during the Prohibition era.
15. Syracuse OnCenter Complex
Multi-purpose facility hosting concerts, sporting events, and trade shows. Offers family-friendly entertainment options.
- Variety of Events: Hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, sporting events, and trade shows.
- Family-Friendly Entertainment: Offers entertainment options suitable for families, such as family shows and festivals.
- Central Location: Located in downtown Syracuse, providing easy access to other attractions and amenities.