March 2025
Discover Family Fun in Syracuse: Unleash Adventure at WonderWorks and Beyond!
From Thrilling Attractions to Hidden Treasures, Syracuse Offers Endless Family Adventures.
Located just a handful of hours upstate from New York City, Central New York is filled with hidden gems. Visitors and locals alike are able to enjoy world-famous waterfalls, state parks, exciting attractions, and the bustling city of Syracuse at the heart of it all. Once people learn of all the unique things to do in the Syracuse area, they can’t resist adding them to their NY itinerary. Family fun awaits around every corner, so it’s time to start planning your next vacation or stay-cation. It is Spring Break season, after all! Here are just some of the best things to do in Syracuse:
WonderWorks
WonderWorks Destiny is a must-do for all families and STEM fans. The indoor amusement park for the mind features activities and hands-on exhibits that everyone will love. With over 100 hands-on exhibits and the World’s Largest Suspended Indoor Ropes Course, families will stay busy for hours learning and laughing. Challenge each other on the Canyon Climb, check out the Extreme Weather Zone, learn about sound and light, and step into simulators like the Wonder Coasters and 4D XD Motion Theater. WonderWorks is conveniently located inside Destiny USA, New York’s largest shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
What family wouldn’t love a day at the zoo? Check out the indoor and outdoor exhibits, visit the many animals, and more. There is much to explore here, including wildlife trails, an elephant preserve, a wide variety of animals, and a café to grab lunch. The Syracuse zoo hosts many exciting events throughout the year including runs, educational talks, and the popular Brew at the Zoo.
Onondaga Lake Park
Spend some time outdoors at this beautiful park that features over eight miles of trails. There’s also a concrete area open to inline skaters, skateboarders, and BMX bikers, multiple playgrounds, bike rentals, and more. Plenty of fun for everyone can be found here, so be sure to take a camera because there are some excellent photo opportunities. Plus, you won’t want to miss Onondaga Lake Park’s annual Lights on the Lake drive-through, one of Central New York’s favorite holiday traditions.
Local Museums
It’s always nice to expand one’s horizons by checking out a local museum. Be sure to stop by the Everson Museum of Art to see the permanent and temporary collections, or even experience some of their special events. There are over 11,000 works of art to explore! If you’re a history buff, visit the Erie Canal Museum, which is housed in the 1850 National Register Weighlock Building. You won’t want to miss the annual Gingerbread Gallery around the holidays.
Quirky Stops
Some quirky little stops help make a trip more interesting, such as the 24-second shot clock marker in Armory Square. The clock honors the rule change in basketball that is said to have saved the National Basketball Association. (Which was enacted in Syracuse!) While visiting that one, several other historical markers are within walking distance, including the banks of the Erie Canal. Syracuse is also home to the world’s only upside-down traffic light, where the green light is on top and the red light is on the bottom. This is, of course, one of our favorite local gems!
There are many exciting improvements and additions on the horizon for the city of Syracuse, from the I-81 Viaduct Project to the development of a brand-new aquarium. So, whether you live here or are planning a Spring Break/summer vacation to beautiful Central New York, Syracuse is the place to be! We hope to see you at the upside-down house real soon!
