This is most highlighted and exhibited in the abundant number of family-friendly activities our area has to offer. Lace up your sneakers, pack a picnic lunch, and load the dog in the car as you prepare for outdoor adventures with the family! Upstate is home to gorgeous Nature and walking trails, hiking trails, the Adirondack Mountains, campgrounds, glimmering lakes, and water sports galore- whether at Sylvan Beach or Enchanted Forest Water Safari (where the fun never stops).

Become an annual passholder at the Utica Zoo, and experience amazing events in every season- the animals and staff are always happy to see you! Your youngsters will get a kick out of mining for gemstones at the Herkimer Diamond Mines- where you can keep any diamonds you find, and we guarantee they will enjoy exploring Howe’s cavern as well.

Embrace history with the kids and visit our multitude of forts and battlefields in the Upstate area and combine family fun with education and an appreciation of the past. The Utica Children’s Museum also serves as a fantastic environment that support every child’s natural curiosity to learn through play-based exploration.

Otsego County is a treasure trove of family-friendly adventures, offering a wide array of activities that cater to all ages. For a taste of exhilarating fun, Barnyard Swing in Cooperstown provides a delightful mix of mini-golf and a Wild West laser tag arena, perfect for a day of family bonding. Equally enchanting is the Glimmerglass State Park, boasting sandy beaches, hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities for families to explore and enjoy the outdoors. The Fly Creek Cider Mill, a historic water-powered cider mill just minutes from Cooperstown, offers a unique culinary experience, with tastings of locally produced ciders and delicious treats, plus a duck pond and farm animals that children adore.