Syracuse: From Museums to Ice Cream, a Family Adventure

Experience family fun in the heart of Syracuse, USA!

19 July 2023

A family friendly trip to Syracuse, United States offers a range of attractions and activities for all ages. Visitors can explore the interactive Museum of Science & Technology, enjoy a relaxing day at the family-oriented Rosamond Gifford Zoo, and spend quality time at the beautiful Onondaga Lake Park with its playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic hiking trails. With its diverse offerings, Syracuse is the perfect destination for a memorable and enjoyable vacation for the whole family.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to the 'Salt City'

  • Check-in at the quirky and family-friendly Hotel Skyline, where each room is named after a famous Syracuse University alum.
  • Start your adventure at the Everson Museum of Art, housing an eclectic collection ranging from modern to ancient art. Kids will love the interactive exhibits!
  • Explore Destiny USA, a mega shopping complex with over 250 stores, indoor go-karts, and even a ropes course enough excitement for everyone!
  • Dive into Syracuse's history at the Erie Canal Museum, where you can take a boat ride on a replica canal boat and learn about this vital waterway.
  • Treat the family to dinner at Pastabilities, a local favorite known for their mouthwatering pasta dishes like 'stinky' garlic-bomb pasta. Delicioso!
  • Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant nightlife at the renowned Funk 'n Waffles, where you can feast on their signature dish – a mouthwatering combo of soul food and waffles.
Day 2

Green Gardens and Cultural Delights

  • Begin your day at the stunning Rosamond Gifford Zoo, home to over 700 animals from around the globe. Don't miss the playful penguins!
  • Take a stroll through the picturesque Thornden Park, known for its stunning amphitheater and beautiful rose garden – a perfect spot for a family picnic.
  • Head to the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) and participate in cool interactive exhibits, like controlling a Mars Rover or launching a rocket!
  • Indulge in some delicious local cuisine at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a joint known for its finger-licking ribs and live blues music.
  • Watch a performance at the iconic Landmark Theatre, a beautifully restored venue that hosts Broadway shows and other enchanting performances.
  • End your day with a sweet treat from Gannon's Ice Cream, a charming family-owned parlor serving up tantalizing flavors like 'Salt City Caramel'.
Day 3

Outdoorsy Adventures

  • Embark on a family-friendly hike in the stunning Green Lakes State Park, known for its two glacial lakes with vibrant turquoise waters.
  • Rent bikes and pedal along the Erie Canalway Trail, taking in the serene scenery and soaking up the fresh air.
  • Visit the nearby Beaver Lake Nature Center and explore the diverse wildlife that inhabits this wetland oasis.
  • Enjoy a waterfront lunch at The Brewster Inn, a historic lakeside mansion offering spectacular views of Cazenovia Lake and delectable cuisine.
  • Explore the charming village of Skaneateles, with its quaint shops, scenic lakefront views, and charming charm that will transport you to a different era.
  • Catch a movie under the stars at the Finger Lakes Drive-In Theatre, a classic outdoor movie experience that the whole family will love.
Day 4

Charming Surroundings

  • Take a family day trip to the enchanting Finger Lakes region, known for its scenic vineyards and glistening lakes.
  • Explore the charming town of Auburn, where you can visit the Harriet Tubman Home and learn about the heroic Underground Railroad conductor.
  • Indulge in a delicious farm-to-table lunch at the picturesque Elderberry Pond Restaurant, surrounded by lush fields and tranquil ponds.
  • Head to the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge and embark on a breathtaking guided birding tour, spotting a variety of migratory and native bird species.
  • Treat yourselves to a refreshing swim and sunbathe on the sandy beaches of Green Lakes State Park.
  • End the day with a delightful dinner at The Krebs, a historic restaurant serving elegant dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Day 5

Farewell... for Now

  • Return to Destiny USA for some last-minute shopping, incredible deals, and delicious eats.
  • Visit the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology and enjoy their awe-inspiring planetarium show.
  • Indulge in a final Syracuse specialty – salt potatoes! These small, salty spuds are a local tradition and an absolute must-try.
  • Say goodbye to Syracuse with a visit to the Syracuse Stage, the city's premier theater showcasing world-class performances.
  • Reflect on your unforgettable family trip over a dinner at Modern Malt, a trendy eatery serving up comfort food classics with a twist, like duck fat fries.
  • From quirky hotels to family-friendly adventures and mouthwatering meals, Syracuse has given you memories to treasure – until your next visit!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Syracuse by plane is to fly into Syracuse Hancock International Airport, which is located about 10 minutes north of downtown Syracuse. Multiple airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines offer daily flights to and from major cities across the United States.

Car

Driving to Syracuse is possible from major cities such as New York City, Boston, or Philadelphia. If you are driving from New York City, the best route is to take I-81 North for about 4 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car from Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

Train

While there is no direct train from NYC to Syracuse, the best option is to take Amtrak’s Empire Service from New York Penn Station to Syracuse Amtrak Station. The journey takes around 5 hours and offers scenic views of the Hudson River and the Mohawk Valley.

Boat

While there is no direct boat route to Syracuse, the Erie Canal offers a scenic route from New York City to Buffalo, which features stops in Syracuse and other cities along the canal. Visitors can embark on a canal cruise or rent a boat to traverse the canal on their own.

Bus

Greyhound offers daily bus services to Syracuse from major cities in the United States. Their bus terminal is located in downtown Syracuse and is easily accessible from the Syracuse University campus or downtown hotels.

Destination

Syracuse

Welcome to the land of eternal sunshine! Just kidding, we're actually talking about Syracuse, where the snow is eternal and the sun is a rare commodity.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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Explore Syracuse: An Exciting 4-Day Family Adventure!

Syracuse offers a family-friendly trip with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Families can explore the interactive exhibits at the renowned Museum of Science & Technology or enjoy a fun-filled day at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. With scenic parks, such as Onondaga Lake Park and Green Lakes State Park, families can also enjoy hiking, picnicking, and swimming amidst beautiful natural surroundings.