Things to do with kids in Ithaca, NY

Shipwreck Amusements

Family entertainment center with mini-golf and arcade games.

4.5 (619)$$Cortland, NY

Atlas Bowl

Boutique bowling alley with a restaurant and bar, offering a fun atmosphere for families.

4.5 (530)$$Trumansburg, NY

💬 5 local tips

The Adventure Center

Outdoor adventure park featuring ropes courses and zip lines.

4.6 (276)$$$Cortland, NY

Lynah Rink

University ice rink offering public skating sessions for the community.

4.7 (263)$$Ithaca, NY

Play Space ABC Cayuga

Interactive indoor play center designed for young children with hands-on exhibits and creative play areas.

4.9 (262)$$Auburn, NY

💬 1 local tip

Ringwood Raceway

Outdoor go-kart track offering racing fun for older kids and adults.

4.7 (187)$$Freeville, NY

The Rink

Local ice rink providing public skating and hockey programs.

4.3 (143)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

The Yard FLX

Family entertainment center featuring arcade games and activities.

4.5 (100)$$Watkins Glen, NY

Helen Newman Bowling Center

University-affiliated bowling center open to the public for recreational play.

4.2 (82)$Ithaca, NY

Cayuga Climbs

Indoor rock climbing gym with routes suitable for various skill levels.

4.8 (80)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 3 local tips

INFINITY ITHACA

Gymnastics and tumbling center offering classes and open gym sessions for children.

5.0 (71)$$Ithaca, NY

Cortland Miniature Golf Course

Outdoor miniature golf course for family fun.

4.8 (67)$Cortland, NY

Stewart Park

Lakefront park with a playground, carousel, athletic fields, and a seasonal spray pool.

4.7 (2232)FreeIthaca, NY

💬 12 local tips

Clute Memorial Park

Lakeside park with a playground, beach, and walking paths.

4.5 (805)FreeWatkins Glen, NY

Ithaca Children's Garden

A three-acre public garden designed for children to explore nature, play, and learn through hands-on activities.

4.7 (495)FreeIthaca, NY

💬 12 local tips

Allan H. Treman State Marine Park

Lakeside park with boat launches, picnic areas, and marina access.

4.7 (292)FreeIthaca, NY

East Shore Park

A quiet waterfront park along Cayuga Lake.

4.6 (251)FreeIthaca, NY

Ludlowville Park

Local park featuring a waterfall and space for outdoor recreation.

4.5 (213)FreeLansing, NY

Dewitt Park

Small downtown park with a playground, benches, and open green space for a quick break.

4.3 (176)FreeIthaca, NY

Sunset Park

Neighborhood park featuring a playground and open space for kids to run around.

4.7 (155)FreeIthaca, NY

Myers Park

Large lakeside park with a beach, playground, picnic areas, and boat launch.

4.7 (154)FreeLansing, NY

💬 5 local tips

Triangle Park

Small neighborhood park with basic playground equipment.

4.4 (77)FreeIthaca, NY

Donald and Marian Hartill Park

Quiet neighborhood park with a playground and green space.

4.8 (51)FreeIthaca, NY

Tutelo Park

Community park with athletic fields and a playground.

4.6 (40)FreeIthaca, NY

Watkins Glen State Park

Iconic state park featuring a dramatic gorge trail with 19 waterfalls and scenic rim views.

4.8 (23292)FreeWatkins Glen, NY

Taughannock Falls State Park

Large state park with a massive waterfall, hiking trails, swimming beach, and picnic areas.

4.8 (10551)FreeTrumansburg, NY

💬 11 local tips

Buttermilk Falls State Park

State park with scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural swimming areas.

4.7 (6077)$Ithaca, NY

💬 5 local tips

Robert H. Treman State Park

State park featuring a gorge, waterfalls, and a popular stream-fed swimming hole.

4.8 (4314)$Ithaca, NY

💬 6 local tips

Ithaca Falls Natural Area

Impressive 150-foot waterfall with accessible viewing areas.

4.8 (2986)FreeIthaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Shequaga Falls Park

Small park with a scenic waterfall and easy viewing area, perfect for a quick family photo stop.

4.7 (2385)FreeMontour Falls, NY

Cornell Botanic Gardens

Expansive botanical gardens and arboretum with diverse plant collections, walking paths, and educational displays.

4.8 (1943)FreeIthaca, NY

💬 4 local tips

Taughannock Falls State Park

Iconic state park featuring a massive waterfall, gorge trails, and a swimming beach on Cayuga Lake.

4.9 (1662)FreeTrumansburg, NY

Cascadilla Gorge Trail

Scenic urban gorge trail connecting downtown Ithaca to Cornell University with multiple waterfalls.

4.8 (1289)FreeIthaca, NY

Fillmore Glen State Park

Scenic state park featuring a gorge, hiking trails, a stream-fed swimming pool, and camping areas.

4.6 (1223)FreeMoravia, NY

💬 1 local tip

Ithaca Falls Trail

Short, accessible path leading to the base of a massive, impressive waterfall in the heart of the city.

4.8 (1124)FreeIthaca, NY

Taughannock Falls

Iconic state park featuring a massive waterfall and accessible gorge trails.

4.8 (909)FreeTrumansburg, NY

Long Point State Park

Scenic park on Cayuga Lake with swimming, hiking, and picnic areas.

4.7 (472)FreeAurora, NY

Cascades Indoor Waterpark

Indoor waterpark featuring slides, a lazy river, and a splash zone for younger children.

4.1 (120)$$$Cortland, NY

Second Dam

A popular local swimming hole and natural area.

4.6 (120)FreeIthaca, NY

Flat Rock

A natural rock formation along the creek used for swimming and wading.

4.7 (94)FreeIthaca, NY

Watkins Glen Beach

Public beach area on the shores of Seneca Lake, suitable for swimming and relaxing by the water.

4.5 (74)FreeWatkins Glen, NY

💬 2 local tips

North Point

A scenic point on Cayuga Lake offering access to the water and beautiful views.

4.6 (74)FreeTrumansburg, NY

Watkins Glen State Park Outdoor Pool

Public outdoor swimming pool located within the state park.

4.6 (70)$Watkins Glen, NY

Robert H. Treman State Park Pool

A unique stream-fed swimming pool located within a scenic state park.

4.7 (65)$Ithaca, NY

Ithaca Swim Club

Private community swim club with pool and tennis facilities.

4.7 (49)$$Ithaca, NY

Alex Haley Pool

Public municipal swimming pool.

4.4 (43)$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Paddle-N-More at Stewart Park

Seasonal rental service for kayaks and paddleboards at Stewart Park.

4.6 (27)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Taughannock Beach

Lakeside beach area at Taughannock Falls State Park, perfect for swimming and picnicking.

4.6 (18)FreeTrumansburg, NY

Indian Creek Farm

U-pick farm offering seasonal fruits and vegetables.

4.7 (402)$Ithaca, NY

💬 2 local tips

Lively Run Goat Dairy

Working goat farm offering tours, cheese tastings, and animal interactions.

4.7 (307)$$Interlaken, NY

💬 1 local tip

Grisamore Farms

Family-owned farm offering seasonal u-pick berries, apples, and pumpkins, plus a farm store.

4.8 (190)$$Locke, NY

Littletree Orchards

Family-run orchard offering seasonal fruit picking and farm activities.

4.5 (85)$$Newfield, NY

💬 1 local tip

Side Hill Acres Goat Farm

Family-run goat farm offering farm tours, goat milk products, and opportunities to see the animals.

4.7 (66)$Candor, NY

Silver Queen Farm

Local farm known for u-pick strawberries and sweet corn in a scenic setting.

4.8 (64)$$Trumansburg, NY

Black Diamond Farm and Cider

Orchard specializing in heirloom apples and hard cider with seasonal u-pick opportunities.

5.0 (57)$$Trumansburg, NY

Daisy Hollow Farm

Small farm focused on sustainable agriculture and farm products; check ahead for visitor availability.

4.6 (47)$Dryden, NY

💬 1 local tip

Mangus Farms

Small-scale farm offering seasonal u-pick produce and fresh local goods.

4.9 (36)$$Burdett, NY

Glenhaven Farm

Family farm providing seasonal u-pick berries and fresh produce.

4.6 (19)$$Trumansburg, NY

The Cheerful Cherry Farm

Seasonal farm specializing in u-pick cherries and other orchard fruits.

4.8 (19)$$Hector, NY

Laughing Goat Fiber

Small farm focused on fiber animals; check for public visiting hours.

4.9 (11)$Ithaca, NY

Corning Museum of Glass

World-class museum featuring glass art, live demonstrations, and hands-on workshops for families.

4.8 (5334)$$$Corning, NY

💬 4 local tips

Sciencenter

Hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits, an outdoor science park, and mini-golf.

4.7 (1531)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 11 local tips

Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art

Art museum on the Cornell campus with diverse collections and great views.

4.7 (745)FreeIthaca, NY

💬 5 local tips

Museum of the Earth

Natural history museum featuring fossils, a mastodon skeleton, and interactive exhibits for kids.

4.6 (620)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 12 local tips

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Large community book sale event held periodically, great for finding children's books.

4.8 (245)$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Tompkins County Public Library

Public library with a dedicated children's section, story times, and family events.

4.6 (173)FreeIthaca, NY

💬 5 local tips

Southworth Library

Local community library offering children's programs and reading resources.

5.0 (34)FreeDryden, NY

Groton Public Library

Small-town public library with children's books and community programming.

5.0 (28)FreeGroton, NY

International Motor Racing Research Center

Archive and museum dedicated to the history of motor racing, featuring exhibits and historical documents.

4.7 (25)FreeWatkins Glen, NY

Ithaca Generator

Community makerspace with tools and workshops for creative projects.

4.9 (23)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Watkins Glen Public Library

Local public library offering children's story times, community resources, and a quiet space for families.

4.6 (23)FreeWatkins Glen, NY

Lansing Community Library

Community library with a dedicated children's section, reading programs, and family-friendly events.

5.0 (22)FreeLansing, NY

Hickey's Music Center

Long-standing local music store offering instrument sales, rentals, and private music lessons.

4.6 (240)$$Ithaca, NY

Ithaca Guitar Works

Local music shop specializing in guitars with options for repairs and lessons.

4.8 (190)$$Ithaca, NY

Gourdlandia

Unique art studio and gallery featuring creative gourd crafts and workshops.

4.9 (102)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Centerline Martial Arts

Martial arts school offering structured classes for children and youth.

4.9 (64)$$Ithaca, NY

Corazon Martial Arts LLC

Martial arts studio offering classes for various ages and skill levels.

5.0 (54)$$Ithaca, NY

Cayuga Lake Seido Karate

Traditional karate school with classes suitable for children and families.

5.0 (44)$$Lansing, NY

Salsa Ithaca

Dance studio offering various Latin dance classes and social dance events.

5.0 (39)$$Ithaca, NY

Ivy Creative Designs

Art studio offering creative workshops and classes for various skill levels.

4.9 (36)$$Ithaca, NY

Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts

Community arts center offering dance, music, and theater classes for youth and adults.

4.7 (31)$$Trumansburg, NY

Breeze Dance Company

Local dance studio providing instruction in various styles for children and teens.

4.4 (29)$$Dryden, NY

Armstrong School of Dance

Established dance school offering a range of dance disciplines for students of all ages.

4.4 (27)$$Ithaca, NY

Kylie B. Music Lessons

Private music instruction and entertainment services for children and families.

5.0 (21)$$Ithaca, NY

Regal Ithaca Mall

Standard multiplex cinema showing new release films with comfortable seating.

4.3 (1097)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 3 local tips

Cinemapolis

Independent downtown theater showing art-house, indie, and local films.

4.8 (500)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 4 local tips

Great Escape Adventures - Ithaca

Themed escape rooms designed for groups to solve puzzles and find clues within a time limit.

4.5 (156)$$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Cornell Cinema

University-based theater featuring classic, foreign, and modern films.

4.6 (81)$$Ithaca, NY

The Quandary Escape Room

Immersive escape room experience with puzzles designed for groups and families.

5.0 (50)$$$Trumansburg, NY

Jerlando's Ristorante & Pizza Co.

Family-friendly Italian restaurant and pizzeria with a casual atmosphere.

4.5 (3568)$$Watkins Glen, NY

💬 1 local tip

Ithaca Farmers Market

Weekend market with local produce, crafts, and prepared food.

4.7 (3303)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 6 local tips

Purity Ice Cream Co.

Iconic local ice cream parlor serving generous scoops and baked goods in a retro setting.

4.5 (2943)$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Ithaca Bakery

Popular local spot for bagels, sandwiches, and pastries with a casual atmosphere.

4.4 (2633)$$Ithaca, NY

Ciao

Casual Italian eatery featuring wood-fired pizzas and a welcoming environment for families.

4.4 (1566)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

The State Diner

Classic diner serving all-day breakfast and a wide variety of American, Greek, and Italian comfort food.

4.2 (1454)$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Collegetown Bagels

Iconic local bagel shop and cafe, a staple for quick family meals.

4.3 (1373)$Ithaca, NY

Glenwood Pines

Classic family-friendly restaurant known for burgers and lake views.

4.4 (1085)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 2 local tips

Ithaca Beer Co

Brewery with a large outdoor space and family-friendly dining.

4.2 (971)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 3 local tips

Antlers Restaurant

Quaint restaurant serving surf 'n' turf and pasta in a warm, family-welcoming setting.

4.5 (944)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Sumo Japanese Sushi And Hibachi Grill

Japanese restaurant offering hibachi grills which provide an entertaining dining experience for kids.

4.3 (901)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Ithaca Bakery

Second location of the popular local bakery offering sandwiches and coffee.

4.3 (880)$$Ithaca, NY

Barnes & Noble

Large bookstore with a dedicated children's section, toys, and an in-store cafe.

4.5 (961)$$Ithaca, NY

The Dewitt Mall

Historic downtown mall with local shops, cafes, and a bookstore.

4.3 (508)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Autumn Leaves Books

Independent bookstore with a wide selection of used and new books in a cozy setting.

4.5 (480)$$Ithaca, NY

Target

Large department store with toy, clothing, and home goods sections.

4.2 (461)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Found In Ithaca

Local boutique shop featuring unique home goods and gifts.

4.5 (304)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Cayuga ReUse Center

Community thrift store with a large selection of used toys, books, and household items.

4.3 (277)$Ithaca, NY

The Brain Shoppe

Local shop specializing in educational toys, games, and puzzles for all ages.

5.0 (234)$$Ithaca, NY

Buffalo Street Books

Community-owned independent bookstore with a curated selection and children's corner.

4.7 (173)$$Ithaca, NY

Five Below

Retail store with affordable toys, games, and snacks popular with older kids.

4.3 (165)$Ithaca, NY

Angry Mom Records

Independent record store with a unique selection of vinyl and music memorabilia.

4.6 (158)$$Ithaca, NY

Ithaca ReUse Center

Community thrift store with a wide variety of donated goods, furniture, and building materials.

4.2 (124)$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Odyssey Bookstore

Independent bookstore offering a thoughtful selection of books and community events.

4.9 (122)$$Ithaca, NY

Cass Park

Large municipal park with an ice rink, swimming pool, and playground.

4.5 (495)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 4 local tips

Barton Hall

Large indoor athletic facility on Cornell campus used for recreation.

4.4 (285)FreeIthaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County

Community center with a swimming pool, gym, and various youth recreational programs.

4.3 (92)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 5 local tips

Helen Newman Hall

Cornell University facility with recreational sports courts and pool access.

4.2 (73)$$Ithaca, NY

Cass Park

Large municipal park with sports fields, an ice rink, and a swimming pool.

4.7 (64)$Ithaca, NY

Cass Park, Rink, and Pool

Municipal complex featuring an ice rink, swimming pool, and sports fields.

4.4 (56)$Ithaca, NY

Eastlake Recreation Center

Multi-use recreation facility with indoor sports and play areas.

4.4 (49)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Greater Ithaca Activities Center

Community center offering youth programs, sports, and recreational activities.

4.6 (41)$Ithaca, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County

Educational center offering community workshops, gardening resources, and youth programs.

4.8 (35)FreeIthaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Coddington Road Community Center

Community hub providing childcare, youth programs, and recreational space.

4.9 (28)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Varna Community Association

Local community center hosting neighborhood events and public gatherings.

4.8 (21)FreeIthaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Brooktondale Community Center

Local community hub offering space for neighborhood activities and youth programs.

4.4 (20)FreeBrooktondale, NY

💬 1 local tip

Greek Peak Mountain Resort

Year-round resort with skiing, indoor water park, and adventure activities.

4.4 (1832)$$$Cortland, NY

💬 1 local tip

Skaneateles Lake

Scenic Finger Lake offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.

4.8 (196)FreeNY

💬 1 local tip

Hangar Theatre

Professional theater hosting plays, concerts, and children's performances.

4.7 (393)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 4 local tips

Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance

Annual multi-day music and dance festival with family activities.

4.7 (211)$$$Trumansburg, NY

💬 2 local tips

Firelight Camps

Glamping-style camping experience with fire pits and nature access.

4.5 (178)$$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

McGraw Tower

Iconic university clock tower with daily chimes, great for a campus walk.

4.9 (162)FreeIthaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Dickman Farms

Large garden center and nursery with seasonal displays, plants, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

4.5 (145)$$Auburn, NY

💬 1 local tip

Handwork, Ithaca's Artisan Cooperative

Artisan shop featuring local crafts; interesting for older children to browse.

4.9 (112)$$Ithaca, NY

Cornell Outdoor Education

Resource for outdoor gear rentals and information on local recreational activities.

4.8 (70)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Circus Culture

Circus arts school offering classes in aerial silks, acrobatics, and juggling for kids and teens.

4.8 (60)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 2 local tips

Hidden Valley 4-H Camp

Traditional summer camp offering outdoor programs and youth development activities.

4.9 (42)$$$Watkins Glen, NY

💬 1 local tip

Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways Camp Comstock

Outdoor camp facility providing youth programs and seasonal activities.

4.8 (37)$$Ithaca, NY

💬 2 local tips

ACORN Nature School

Nature-based educational program for young children focusing on outdoor exploration.

5.0 (26)$$$Ithaca, NY

💬 1 local tip

Camp Gregory

Rustic camp and event venue offering outdoor space and cabin rentals for groups.

4.5 (24)$$Aurora, NY

💬 1 local tip