12 Fun Family-Friendly Things to Do in Syracuse with Kids
Like the rest of New York, Syracuse has plenty of exciting things to do for tourists.
Visitors to New York who appreciate museums, galleries, and architectural wonders will find this city an ideal vacation spot.
Enjoy kid-friendly activities that will keep the little ones occupied all day long.
Prepare for a fantastic journey by packing your bags.
We’ve compiled a list of kid-friendly activities in Syracuse.
- Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Burnet Park’s Rosamond Gifford Zoo is a zoo that spans 43 acres and is home to more than 900 different species.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Children of all ages will enjoy exploring the zoo’s various exhibits and learning about their house animals.
The Wildlife Trail, the Primate Park, and the Animal Barn are three of the best family-friendly activities in Syracuse.
Recommended Ages
The zoo is an excellent outing for the whole family, but kids older than four are likely to have the most fun.
If your toddler can walk long distances without assistance, you’ll have an easier time traveling from one environment to another.
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- Erie Canal Museum
The Erie Canal Museum is a local history museum that explains the canal’s impact on the area.
It’s housed within the historic Weighlock Building, which dates back to the 1850s.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The museum’s interactive exhibits and exciting audio tracks will likely please history buffs and curious minds.
You will come across unique waterway relics and Canal-inspired innovations during your travels.
Recommended Ages
If you’re looking for exciting things to do in Syracuse, New York, with kids, bring those in your group who are ten or older.
They have a better chance of enjoying the displays than toddlers.
- The Great New York State Fair
The oldest state fair in the United States is held annually at the Great New York State Fair, a famous fairground in the city.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
If your brood with wandering around carnivals, this is one of the spots in Syracuse to take them.
You can spend the whole day here enjoying various activities, such as midway rides and live performances.
Recommended Ages
A fair is family-friendly, so people of all ages can enjoy themselves.
As there will be a lot of walking and waiting in line, it is recommended that children be at least six years old.
- Destiny USA
Destiny USA is New York’s largest shopping mall, with over 250 stores spread over its six levels.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
And who doesn’t like a good day of shopping with friends at the mall?
Everyone in the family will have a great time visiting this mall, whether they’re looking to stock up on their favorite brands, try some new cuisine, or see what’s hot right now.
Recommended Ages
Toy and teen shoppers will especially like the many stores and malls in the Syracuse area.
There are plenty of options for children of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest teenagers.
- NBT Bank Stadium
The Syracuse Mets play their home games at NBT Bank Park, a public baseball stadium with a capacity of 10,800.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Searching for kid-friendly sporting events in your area?
Any baseball fan will enjoy a day at this ballpark watching the minor league teams play.
Recommended Ages
It’s recommended to bring youngsters over the age of 10 to the games unless they particularly like baseball from a young age.
The average game might run for hours, making it challenging to keep younger children interested if it’s not something they usually enjoy.
- Webster Pond
Webster Pond is a historic urban pond that supports a variety of fish and fauna and is cared for by a volunteer group.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The park’s free, easily accessible trails and pathways are ideal for a weekend of family activity.
Take your infant for a stroll around the pond and feed the ducks and geese some corn.
Recommended Ages
Everyone can have fun in the area surrounding this beautiful pond.
Activities abound for children of all ages (1-18).
- Clinton Square
You’ll find the historic Clinton Square in the heart of modern Syracuse.
The construction of the square dates back to the early nineteenth century.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Today, a quick trip to this square is a good pick if you’re looking for free, family-friendly activities in Syracuse.
You should take some family photos here because the stunning historic buildings in the region are pretty famous.
Recommended Ages
The charm of the city’s historic core is something that everybody can appreciate.
Those between the ages of three and nine will find the lengthy fountain mesmerizing.
Children above ten will enjoy snapping pictures of the unique architecture from various angles.
- Museum of Science and Technology
With over 35,000 square feet of display space, the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology is widely regarded as one of the most engaging science museums in the country.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Dino Zone, Innovation Station, and Technotown are just a few of the permanent exhibits that will inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
For families looking for things to do in Syracuse, NY, a flight simulator or how to use a ham radio are two of the most popular options.
Recommended Ages
Everyone, young and old, can learn new knowledge from a trip here.
However, the interactive displays best suit children and teenagers in grades six and up.
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is an establishment in the area known for its Southern-style barbecue and unique, vintage-industrial decor.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Dine at this hip eatery and sample some of the city’s finest barbecues.
Delicious Southern specialties like ribs and brisket make eating here a top family activity in Syracuse.
Recommended Ages
You can take the whole gang to this restaurant because it has fun vibes and delicious food.
No matter how old your kids are, they’ll find something to eat or drink here that they enjoy.
- Stella’s Diner
Comfort food in large portions may be found at Stella’s Restaurant, a classic American diner.
Famous landmarks in the area can be found among its vintage furnishings and Betty Boop patterns.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
If you’re in the mood for greasy, home-style brunch fare, go no further than this diner.
You and the small ones can fill up on anything from eggs on toast to the delicious corned beef hash.
Recommended Ages
Serve a delicious lunch to the whole family, from the infant to the elderly.
The diner’s straightforward menu is excellent for kids of all ages, especially those over two.
- Fairmount Glen Miniature Golf
Miniature golfers can enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Fairmount Glen Miniature Golf’s 18 holes, which include bushes, a brook, and waterfalls.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Laughs will be had by all as members of the gang compete with one another to see who can conquer the course’s wacky, fantastical obstacles first.
Recommended Ages
Those golfers under six won’t get as much out of this as their older counterparts.
But even 3-year-olds can give it a shot if they have the talent to wield their clubs.
- RPM Raceway
Destiny, USA, is home to RPM Raceway, an indoor go-kart track.
One of the best family-friendly activities in Syracuse is a race at this venue.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Start your engines and get a jump on the other drivers as you skillfully navigate the racetrack.
Young drivers and adults will blast zipping around the track in the electric go-karts.
Recommended Ages
Younger children, preteens, and teenagers are sure to enjoy this outing.
Pick from a variety of available races.
Junior races allow participants as young as six and as short as 4 feet in height.
Likewise, licensed drivers and those without licenses compete in separate races.
However, both require being at least 4 feet, 10 inches tall, and over 13.
