4 Great Last Minute Day Trips for 2024 Spring Break in Upstate NY

Not everyone can take spring break off and hit the Caribbean with the kids. Even if you can’t get away for the whole week, there is plenty to do in NY with the kids. Here are four day trips we love and we know you will too. Each destination is within four hours of our location, but easily drivable from anywhere in the state. 

Cooperstown

Cooperstown offers visitors a quaint town feel while getting you outside after being inside for months. Explore the outdoors, visit one of the area’s museums or eat and tour breweries and see how NY’s microbrewery industry has excelled. 

Cooperstown is famous for its history, and showcasing America’s pastime’s history. Visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame is the perfect way to get ready for the upcoming baseball season. Even if you’re a Red Sox fan. Check out their events calendar in April. Visit on Hank Aaron day or visit during April Adventures week and explore Jackie Robinson’s debut.

For the history buffs, The Farmers Museum offers historic exhibits and demonstrations showcasing farming and life in the 19th century. For the art lovers, the Fenimore Art Museum is perfect. View American art and photography or explore one of the exhibits scheduled for April. Both museums open early April and are perfect for spring break day trips.

Finally, we recommend a tour, tasting and lunch at Brewery Ommegang. It’s perfect between museum visits. With a brief tour and lunch menu, you’ll have time to recharge and get something delicious for lunch. We loved the gift shop. Buy a growler or 4 pack of your favorite brew along with a shirt for the kids. 

How to Get There:

• National Baseball Hall of Fame: 25 Main St., Cooperstown, NY 13326
• Brewery Ommegang: 656 Co Hwy 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326
• The Farmers Museum: 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326
• Fenimore Art Museum: 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Ithaca

Ithaca is one of Upstate NY’s hidden gems. Located in the NY Finger Lakes wine country, the city is a year-round travel destination. From the small town feeling of walking the streets to hiking through beautiful trails overlooking waterfalls and gorges, Ithaca is a great spot for a spring break day trip.

Once the trail opens in mid to late April, take a hike through Buttermilk Falls State Park and get some fresh air. Enjoy viewing 10 waterfalls along Buttermilk Creek with the largest, a 165 waterfall, being the climax. Have you seen Niagara Falls? Near-by Trumansburg has an even taller waterfall to view. Taughannock Falls‘ impressive 215 foot drop is a site to see. Hike the trails and enjoy some time outside.

If the weather doesn’t allow you to hike, explore the city and check out the amazing museums. Let your kids dive into STEM exhibits at a unique museum, which encourages hands-on learning. The Sciencenter is the perfect way to get your kids a little extra education outside the classroom. Need a little more science? Check out the 8,000 sq ft. Museum of the Earth. Explore natural history through interactive exhibits and discover how the Earth changed over the eras. 

How to Get There:

• Taughannock Falls: 1740 Taughannock Blvd. Trumansburg, NY 14886
• Buttermilk Falls State Park: 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850
• The Sciencenter: 1259 Trumansburg Rd.Ithaca, NY 14850
• Museum of the Earth: 601 1st Street  Ithaca, NY 14850
• Purity Ice Cream Co: 700 Cascadilla St Ithaca, NY 14850

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the classic travel destinations in New York. Close to Buffalo, there is so much for families to do. With a passport, you’ll expand your family activities even more. While we recommend more than a day trip to explore the area, you’ll definitely get your money out of a quick trip.

First, you have to see the falls. Visit Niagara Falls State Park and stand next to the Horseshoe or American Falls and feel the power of nature. Check out the statue of Nikoli Tesla or see the falls from the observation deck. If the kids get hungry, check out the in-park dining. Plus, there is a little bit of shopping to pick up something special.

After the park, head to the Niagara Falls Aquarium. Spend a couple of hours visiting the Humboldt penguins or book a seal experience. For a little more science, the Niagara Power Vista offers tours to see how energy is created from the falls and Niagara River. Need a break? Get a bite to eat and do some back to school spring shopping at the Fashion Outlets Niagara. 

How to Get There:

• Niagara Falls State Park: 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
• Niagara Falls Aquarium: 701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
• Niagara Power Vista: 5777 Lewiston Rd, Lewiston, NY 14092
• Fashion Outlets Niagara: 1900 Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY 14304 

Rochester

Rochester has come a long way in becoming a great Upstate NY city to visit. Close to Lake Ontario, Rochester has a thriving food, art and culture scene. One amazing thing to see in the middle of the city – a waterfall.

First, a must for the kids, the Strong Museum of Play is great for the little kids, and the adults will have fun too. From a miniature Wegmans to a huge treehouse style play area, you’ll get the kids nice and tired. Another great spot, the Rochester Museum and Science Center. Explore various topics from natural science to astronomy to technology. 

Finally, if you want an outdoor adventure, head to the Seneca Park Zoo. Check the calendar for events or programs to help get closer to the animals. Stroll among white rhinos, polar bears and other species. While zoos are similar, kids always find new and exciting things when visiting new ones. Hike over 15 miles of trails over 900 acres at the Cumins Nature Center. See natural science exhibits like the “Is it local” area to test your skills of wildlife identification.  

How to Get There:

• Strong National Museum of Play: 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607
• Seneca Park Zoo: 2222 St Paul St, Rochester, NY 14621
• Rochester Museum & Science Center: 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
• Cumming Nature Center: 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607

See What NY has to Offer for Your Last Minute Spring Break Trips

The best part about our list, you can visit these great places all year. Give these great family trip spots a try and let us know what you think. If you need help planning, or need a longer vacation, contact me and let me plan your trip. From road trips to cruises to all-inclusive resorts, Mucitelli Travel and NY Travel Journal are here to help.