Upstate NY spring breaks offer a ton of family-friendly activities. Even if you can’t take a week off, each destination is perfect for a day trip. We’re sharing four of our favorite day trip locations. Each is a few hours from most major cities upstate, making them perfect for a quick getaway.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is a quaint town on the south shore of Otsego Lake. It’s the perfect place to get out and enjoy the warmer weather. The town has something for everyone from exploring the outdoors to visiting one of the area’s museums or eating and touring at one of the many breweries.
Cooperstown is famous for two things—The Cardiff Giant and Baseball. The National Baseball Hall of Fame is perfect to get prepped for the upcoming baseball season, even if you’re a Red Sox fan. Your kids will love the artifacts and exhibits throughout the museum. Need more baseball? Take a tour of Doubleday Field. Hit the gift shop for your favorite team’s merchandise. Check out the events calendar in April for special events like April Adventure Week celebrating Jackie Robinson.
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 in early April and are perfect for spring break day trips.
Finally, we recommend a tour, tasting, and lunch at Brewery Ommegang for a respite from museum tours. Ommegang offers American fare with special events like Cafe Mondays at the Tap House. We loved the gift shop finding the perfect growler and 4-pack of our favorite brew. There are plenty of other places to grab a bite to eat. The Fly Creek Cider Mill is perfect for a sweet treat or a quick lunch. Join the locals at the Cooperstown Diner for lunch or their ½ pound burger all day.
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 another one of Upstate NY’s hidden gems. Ithaca is a great year-round travel destination in NY’s Finger Lakes wine region. 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, hike through Buttermilk Falls State Park and get some fresh air. Enjoy the 10 waterfalls along Buttermilk Creek. The tallest is a 165-foot drop, which will leave you in awe of nature. Have you seen Niagara Falls? Nearby 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, encouraging hands-on learning. The Sciencenter is the perfect way to get your kid’s 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 on the Canadian side. While we recommend more than a day trip to explore the area, you’ll get your money out of a day 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 are a few gift shops to pick up something special.
After the park, head to the Niagara Falls Aquarium. Spend a few hours visiting the Humboldt penguins or book a seal experience. For 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. Rochester has a thriving food, art, and culture scene close to Lake Ontario. Want to see where urban and nature meet? Check out the High Falls and Lower Falls running through the city along the Genessee River.
First, the Strong Museum of Play is a must-do for kids of all ages. The adults will love it too. You’ll have hours of fun guaranteed to get your kids nice and tired. The museum has a huge treehouse play area, a kid-sized Wegmans, and even a pinball exhibit. Another great spot is the Rochester Museum and Science Center. Explore various topics from natural science to astronomy to technology.
Next, for an outdoor adventure, visit the Seneca Park Zoo. Check the calendar of events for something extra or experience one of the animal encounters. Get close to elephants, giraffes, or rhinos and blow your kid’s minds. While zoos are similar, kids always find new and exciting things when visiting new ones. Taste the outdoors and 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 in identifying local wildlife.
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
Upstate NY has a variety of great day trip destinations. Our little list only scratches the surface of the nooks and crannies. From the Finger Lakes to the Capitol Region and the St. Lawrence Seaway, the beauty and charm of Upstate NY has few competitors. We love to travel across the state and further with our kids. We share our adventures to help you find new and fun trip ideas. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for more.
