Fun Filled Adventures for Young Children

Fun-Filled Adventures: The Best Things to Do with Young Kids in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes Region of New York isn’t just for wine lovers and nature buffs—it’s also an incredible destination for families with young children! With its perfect mix of outdoor fun, hands-on museums, and charming small towns, there's no shortage of activities to keep little ones engaged and smiling. Here are some must-visit places and activities for families vacationing in the Finger Lakes:

🧠 1. Sciencenter – Ithaca, NY

🐛 2. The Strong National Museum of Play – Rochester, NY

While just on the edge of the Finger Lakes, The Strong Museum is worth the short drive. It’s one of the largest history museums in the country devoted to play! Your kids will love the interactive exhibits, the indoor butterfly garden, and playing in the life-sized storybook areas. You might even catch a ride on the indoor carousel or train.

🎢 3. Seabreeze Amusement Park – Rochester, NY

Seabreeze Amusement Park features a variety of adult & kiddie rides and attractions, including four roller coasters, thrill rides, live shows, a water park and more. Located in Rochester, New York, between Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay and only a short drive from Syracuse, Elmira & Buffalo. Founded in 1879, Seabreeze has a long history of providing family fun throughout upstate & central NY.

🚂 4. Finger Lakes Railway – Geneva, NY

Take a scenic train ride on the Finger Lakes Railway! They offer themed rides throughout the year, including special family-friendly trips like Santa trains and fall foliage tours. Trains + countryside views = instant kid delight.

🦆 5. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge – Seneca Falls, NY

Great for birdwatching and easy walking trails, this refuge is a peaceful place where kids can spot herons, ducks, and even bald eagles. Don’t miss the Wildlife Drive for a relaxed way to explore from the car!

🎨 6. Corning Museum of Glass – Corning, NY

Glass might not seem like a kid-friendly activity, but this museum offers hands-on experiences for all ages. Kids can try their hand at glassmaking (with supervision), watch exciting glassblowing demos, and enjoy exhibits made with children in mind.

Bonus: The town of Corning is super walkable and full of fun little shops and cafés.

🌊 7. Splash Pads & Lakefront Parks

• Roseland Waterpark - Roseland Waterpark is the largest waterpark in the Finger Lakes Region with 56 acres of aquatic adventure and 9 unique attractions.

• Kershaw Park (Canandaigua): Sandy beach, shaded picnic areas, and a playground right on the lake.

• Seneca Lake State Park (Geneva): Home to one of the best splash pads in the region—perfect for warm weather fun.

• Taughannock Falls State Park (Trumansburg): A flat, stroller-friendly trail leads to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies!

🍦 8. Treat Stops Every Kid Will Love

• Spotted Duck Creamery (Penn Yan): Custard-style ice cream made with duck eggs—sounds fancy, but kids love it!

• Cayuga Lake Creamery (Ithaca): Specializing in homemade ice cream produced on the premises. Sample traditional as well as unique flavors and wine sorbets. 

• Shtayburne Farm Creamery (Rock Stream): Tasty cheese curds and soft-serve on a dairy farm with cows on-site!

🚗 Final Tips for Traveling with Kids in the Finger Lakes:

• Many towns (like Skaneateles, Hammondsport, and Naples) are walkable and full of kid-friendly charm.

• Pack water shoes—many lakefront areas have shallow, rocky spots great for splashing. Viewing some waterfall sites also involve wet hiking paths.

• Keep an eye on local calendars for small-town festivals, parades, and events happening during your visit. It's a great way to get to know our communities.

The Finger Lakes offers unforgettable moments for kids—and a relaxing, memory-making vacation for parents too.