I have lived in New York State for over 40 years and I am still finding new places to explore every single season. There are so many things to do in New York state and today I am sharing our favorite attractions and destinations that we love visiting, and think your family will too.
We are based in Rochester and have spent years exploring everything within a day’s drive and beyond. Most people do not realize- New York is so much more than New York City. From the thundering falls at Niagara to the gorges of the Finger Lakes, the wild trails of the Adirondacks, charming small towns scattered across the Southern Tier, and the beach towns of Long Island, New York State is a diverse state with so much to see.
Whether you are a New York resident looking for your next weekend getaway or a visitor planning your first trip to the Empire State, this guide covers the best attractions in New York state that you want to include in your next visit.
- Best Things to Do in New York State
- Map of Attractions in New York State
- Rochester, NY: Top Attractions & Family Favorites
- Niagara Falls & Buffalo: Top Attractions
- National Comedy Center
- Finger Lakes
- Central New York & Adirondacks
- New York City
- Theme Parks & Amusement Parks in New York State
- Best Things to do in NY State- Recap
Best Things to Do in New York State
These are my favorite places to visit in New York State that I recommend to anyone planning a visit. You can combine big-city excitement, dramatic natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and small-town charm all in one trip or pick one and plan a day trip.
Quick Guide to New York State Attractions
Niagara Falls ā All ages, plan a full day, bring your passport for the Canadian side
The Strong Museum of Play ā Best for ages 2ā10, plan 3ā4 hours, Rochester
Watkins Glen State Park ā Best for ages 5+, arrive early in summer, Finger Lakes
The Wild Center ā All ages, perfect for non-hikers, Adirondacks
Corning Museum of Glass ā All ages, plan 2ā3 hours, Finger Lakes
Baseball Hall of Fame ā All ages especially baseball fans, Cooperstown
LEGOLAND New York ā Best for ages 2ā12, Hudson Valley
National Comedy Center ā All ages, Jamestown
Letchworth State Park ā All ages, “Grand Canyon of the East,” Western NY
New York City ā 2ā4 days, focus on one neighborhood per day
Map of Attractions in New York State
If you are new to visiting New York state and need a visual of where everything is, use the map below. It takes around 8 hours to drive from Niagara Falls to New York City.
Rochester, NY: Top Attractions & Family Favorites
Rochester is one of our favorite places to explore in New York State. Located along Lake Ontario, the city has family-friendly museums, beautiful parks, and plenty of activities for kids and teens. We live in the Rochester area and have spent years exploring its attractions.
The Strong National Museum of Play
The Strong National Museum of Play is one of the best family attractions in Rochester, especially for families with younger children. The museum has interactive exhibits, a butterfly garden, and plenty of hands-on activities that make it easy to spend several hours exploring.
Highland Park
Highland Park is a beautiful place to visit in Rochester, especially during spring when the lilacs are blooming. It’s a great option for families who want to spend time outdoors, enjoy a walk, or explore one of Rochester’s most popular parks.
Seabreeze Amusement Park
Seabreeze Amusement Park is a fun summer destination along Lake Ontario, with a combination of traditional amusement park rides and water attractions. It’s a great choice for families looking for a full day of summer fun in Rochester.
If you’re planning a visit, check out our guide to things to do in Rochester with kids for more attractions and planning tips. Are you local? I also have a list of the best Rochester day trips and weekend getaways from Rochester
Niagara Falls & Buffalo: Top Attractions
Niagara Falls and Buffalo can be done in one trip because of their close proximity to each other.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in North America and the fact that it sits just over an hour from Rochester means we have visited multiple times across every season. Most families plan to see both the American side and the Canadian side, if you are crossing the border make sure to pack your passport.
The Maid of the Mist boat tour is the defining Niagara Falls experience. It is absolutely worth doing and completely different from any viewpoint on land. A winter visit to Niagara Falls is especially underrated, with fewer crowds and dramatic ice formations that transform the entire landscape.
Buffalo
Buffalo is a city that has changed dramatically over the last decade and is worth a dedicated weekend. Great food, walkable neighborhoods, and some genuinely fun family attractions make it an easy yes for anyone in driving distance.
We planned a 2-night weekend in Buffalo itinerary that included the Buffalo Zoo, Explore and More Children’s Museum, and finding the best chicken wings.
National Comedy Center
The National Comedy Center is located in Jamestown, NY and is was an unexpected hit with my family. We visited during a weekend trip to Jamestown and to be honest the entire trip was a surprise. I didn’t know what to really expect but the National Comedy Center is interactive and fun for all ages. It is worth a visit!
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region is one of New York State’s best kept secrets for family travel. Eleven long, narrow glacially-carved lakes stretch across the center of the state, surrounded by waterfalls, gorges, wine trails, and charming small towns.
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is my personal favorite hike in all of New York State, the gorge trail passing 16 waterfalls is absolutely incredible. If you can time it to see the fall foliage you will be in for a treat. Pictures do not do it justice and is a must to see in person.
Corning Museum of Glass
Corning Museum of Glass has so much to see. Explore the museum for unique art work with glass, watch a glass blowing demonstration or sign up for a class. I suggest making a day of it and having lunch at the on site dining hall, the food is delicious.
Central New York & Adirondacks
The Adirondacks is the largest park in the United States, it covers one fifth of New York State and is three times the size of Yellowstone. It encompasses dozens of small villages and towns, endless hiking and paddling, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northeast. We have visited for several different trips, always in the off-season, and each one has offered a completely different experience.
The Wild Center
The Wild Center is perfect for someone like me who isn’t super outdoorsy but likes to appreciate the beauty of nature and spend time outside. The Wild Center has indoor and outdoor exhibits that educate guests on the wildlife and nature in the area. The treetop Wild Walk is one of the best outdoor family experiences in all of New York State.
Baseball Hall of Fame
The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is a great weekend getaway stop. I especially liked learning about the history of baseball as well as the women in baseball exhibit. This is worth a stop even if you are not a big baseball fan to see how the sport contributed to American history.
New York City
While many families associate New York State with nature and small towns, New York City deserves its own section. It is one of the most popular family travel destinations in the world, and easy to do with kids when you plan around a few priorities rather than trying to see everything.
Whenever we visit we plan to see a Broadway show and try to experience something new. It is not difficult to find new things to discover because there is so much to do in New York. If you are planning a visit start with my NYC Itinerary. This post has multiple itinerary examples to help you plan a visit.
Theme Parks & Amusement Parks in New York State
If you have read my blog before you know I love visiting theme parks during our trips. New York State has a solid lineup of theme parks and amusement parks worth knowing about, from major regional parks to beloved local institutions.
- LEGOLAND New York– Located in the Hudson Valley, designed specifically for families with kids ages 2ā12. One of the best young-kids theme parks in the Northeast.
- Seabreeze Amusement Park– Rochester’s historic amusement park, home to the Jack Rabbit- the oldest continuously running roller coaster in North America.
- Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Mall– Located in New Jersey, just outside NYC
Best Things to do in NY State- Recap
New York State is a year-round destination and one I genuinely never get tired of exploring. Having lived here for over 40 years I am still adding places to visit to my list. There is always something new to discover whether you are visiting for the first time or have been exploring the state your whole life.
If you are planning a New York State road trip I always recommend mixing regions rather than staying in one area. A trip that combines Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes, and the Adirondacks gives your family a completely different experience in each stop and covers some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northeast in a single trip.
No matter where your trip starts in NY you will find attractions that are fun for the entire family.
Planning a New York State road trip? Check out this guide to the best stops from NYC to Niagara Falls.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.