With so many exciting and thrilling attractions throughout the state, it’s hard to decide where to start. These dazzling destinations are popular for a reason with one-of-a-kind adventures around every corner, waiting for you to experience. We’ve put together a list of New York’s most popular attractions from award-winning Broadway shows and Bricktastic theme parks to scenic railroad rides and boat cruises that are 100% worth the hype (and the lines). 

Originally published 07/07/2023

JUMP TO: New York City | Hudson Valley | Adirondacks | Catskills | Long Island | Thousand Islands-Seaway | Finger Lakes | Greater Niagara | Capital-Saratoga | Chautauqua-AlleghenyCentral New York

New York City

Summit One Vanderbilt

A room with floor to ceiling windows and walls filled with mirrors overlooking the skyline of NYC at sunsetCredit: @jstaffordphotos on Instagram

You (and your Instagram followers) are sure to love the views from Midtown’s tallest commercial skyscraper. This jaw-dropping experience begins with an immersive elevator ride up to the 91st floor to a massive room filled with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, interactive art experiences, and amazing panoramic views of the city. If you’re feeling brave, take a step out onto the Levitation glass skybox and gaze out at Madison Avenue from 1,000 feet above, or take a ride in the Ascent glass elevator, the largest of its kind in the world. If you want something a little milder, the outdoor terrace offers breathtaking views and relaxing vibes. To beat the crowds, it’s recommended to arrive upon opening. If you’re willing to wait, a trip to Summit One just before sunset definitely won’t disappoint. General admission starts at $43 for adults (13+) and $37 for children (6-12), under 5 is free.

Central Park

Pink cherry blossoms at Central ParkCredit: @engincevik on Instagram

There really isn’t anything as magical as a stroll through the famed Central Park. No matter what season you choose to visit New York City’s 843-acre backyard, you’re bound to be amazed by its natural beauty. Stroll through bright and blooming cherry blossoms in the spring, admire the changing leaves in the fall, go ice skating in the winter, or relax in the sun on the green grass in the summer. After you take in the scenery, pay a visit to some of the park’s most popular attractions like the Central Park Zoo, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Terrace, and Wollman Lake. If you’re looking for an educational park experience, take one of the guided tours with the Central Park Conservancy like the Iconic Views Tour ($33/person) or Heart of the Park Tour ($33/person), or explore on your own with a free self-guided tour of the park’s statues and monuments. Admission to Central Park is free.

Broadway

The set for Moulin Rouge on Broadway in New York City.Photo by Anna Pakman

Broadway is one of New York City’s most iconic and memorable experiences! Where else can you witness so many entertaining award-winning shows in one city? New York’s Theatre District is home to over 40 Broadway theaters, so there’s never a shortage of talent to admire. Be sure to catch favorites like The Lion King (tickets start at $125.14), Hamilton (tickets start at $115.73), and Wicked (tickets start at $122), or catch Alicia Keys’ new musical Hell’s Kitchen (tickets start at $50.94). With so many popular shows, tickets do sell out quickly, so be sure to book in advance.

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty at night

One of the world’s most recognizable, inspiring, and historic landmarks can be found right here in New York City. This universal symbol of hope and freedom welcomes millions of visitors each year and for good reason. The trip to this monumental destination begins with a scenic ferry ride over to Liberty Island (included in general admission), where you’ll find the Statue of Liberty Museum, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and the monument itself. For a truly breathtaking experience, reserve tickets in advance and climb 10 stories up to the top of the Pedestal or take on the double-helix spiraling staircase up to the Crown. General Admission is $25 for adults, $16 for children 4-12, and $22 for seniors (62+). Access to Pedestal is $25.30 for adults, $16.30 for children 4-12, and $22.30 for seniors (62+). Crown access is $25.30 for adults, $16.30 for children 4-12, and $22.30 for seniors (62+).

Hudson Valley

Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk Mountain House - Courtesy of Jim Smith PhotographyPhoto courtesy of Jim Smith Photography

Renew your mind, body, and spirit at the charming 267-room Victorian castle resort nestled among the Hudson Valley’s peaceful Shawangunk Mountains. Unwind at the award-winning spa, explore over 85 miles of hiking trails, kayak, canoe, or swim in the glacial lake, go horseback riding, and so much more! Book a night and enjoy all-inclusive amenities including meals prepared by award-winning chefs or purchase a day pass for a memorable day full of Mohonk fun. If you’re planning to spend the day at the Mountain House, be sure to reserve your experience online in advance to guarantee availability.

LEGOLAND

The entrance to LEGOLAND New YorkCredit: @kathybuccio on Instagram

Climb, build, and adventure through the ultimate destination of fun for children 2-12 at the largest LEGOLAND theme park in the world! This 150-acre park is jam-packed with all things LEGO, sporting dozens of rides, shows, and attractions scattered throughout seven LEGO-themed lands. Splish, splash, and cool off at the Water Playground with awesome waterslides and a cascading splash. Kids (and parents) will love to stay and play at the LEGOLAND hotel with immersive themed rooms, kid-friendly accommodations, and a resort-style pool. During the busier months over the summer, wait times tend to be longer. Buying tickets online in advance and downloading the LEGOLAND app to view ride wait times and show start times can help expedite your trip. One-day theme park tickets start at $54 online and $94 at the gate.

Storm King Art Center

Storm King Art CenterCredit: @itsmelettie on Instagram

Discover the harmonious relationship of art and nature at the 500-acre Storm King Art Center. This outdoor sculpture garden displays over 100 monumental large-scale sculptures among the hills, meadows, and forests of the Hudson Valley under the wide open sky. This renowned sculpture garden features rotating exhibitions from some of the industry’s best like Arlene Shechet whose work Girl Group is set to be on display through November 10, 2024. Open April-December. Purchasing timed-entry tickets online is strongly recommended to guarantee entry at preferred time. General admission ranges from $15-$25/person.

Catskill Mountain Railroad

Catskill Mountain Railroad

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life on a scenic ride through mountain vistas, peaceful wildlife, winding river valleys, and more on the Catskill Mountain Railroad. The former Catskill Mountain branch of the New York Central Railroad will take you on a one-of-a-kind journey up Hurley Mountain from Kingston ending in Highmount. Depending on the season, you can travel via themed rides like the Spring/Summertime Catskill Flyer, Catskill Foliage Adventure Ride, Easter Bunny Express, Ice Cream Sundays, Polar Express Ride, and more. Prices vary by season and ride.

Adirondacks

High Falls Gorge

High Falls Gorge

Breathe in the fresh mountain air and feel the mist from four spectacular waterfalls on your face along the base of Whiteface Mountain at High Falls Gorge. This 22-acre privately-owned park is full of exciting year-round adventures like exploring “The Ancient Valley of Foaming Water,” touching a 1.5 billion-year-old rock, one of the oldest in the world, looking down at the mighty AuSable River from a glass platform in the summer, admiring breathtaking ice formations alongside granite cliffs in the winter, and so much more. Tickets are $18 for adults (13+) and $14 for kids (4-12). Kids under 3 are free.

Ausable Chasm

A girl walks on a suspended walkway over the Ausable Chasm on the Ausable Chasm Adventure Trail

The “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks” is a must-visit for your travel bucket list. Ausable Chasm is one of North America’s oldest attractions and in its 153-year history, it has amazed nearly 11 million visitors. This adventure is full of natural wonders for you to explore like 500 million-year-old, naturally-formed sandstone, beautiful and historic nature trails, and scenic vistas and waterfalls you can only find in the Adirondacks. Get your adrenaline pumping while you rappel down a 200-foot traverse over the Ausable River, rock climb alongside the water with an experienced guide, or ride Ausable Chasm rapids in a raft on a Float Tour (you can’t make reservations so plan to arrive early to beat the lines). For something on the milder side, try a Lantern Tour and discover the beauty of the Chasm at night or get up close and personal with the river on a Riverwalk Tour (plan to arrive early to avoid the crowds). Basic “trails only” admission is $19.95 for adults 13+, $11.95 for kids (5-12), and free for children under 5. Prices for additional tours and experiences vary.

Lake George Steamboat Tour

The Lake George Steamboat Company's Minne-Ha-Ha docked along the pristine Lake GeorgeCredit: @scenic_spontaneity on Instagram

Hop aboard a sightseeing cruise of the pristine, dazzling waters of the “Queen of American Lakes” and take in the unrivaled beauty of the Adirondacks. Set sail on various water adventures like the Paddlewheel cruise, where you’ll travel aboard the Minne Ha Ha, an authentic sternwheel steamboat, or the motor vessel Mohican cruise which will guide you through the lake’s southern basin. If you’re feeling luxurious, try one of the company’s specialty cruises like the Sunday Champagne Brunch cruise or Midday Luncheon cruise. Open May-October. Prices vary by cruise. Advanced online ticket purchases are recommended.

Lake Placid Olympic Experience

Audience watches hockey players gathered in a line under spotlights on the ice at the Lake Placid Olympic CenterCredit: Olympic Regional Development Authority

Relive the Olympic glory of the 1932 and 1980 Lake Placid games with the Lake Placid Olympic Experience. Learn about some of the country’s most significant Olympic moments at four historic venues: the Olympic Center, the Olympic Jumping Complex, Mt Van Hoevenberg, and Whiteface Mountain. The museum, found at the Olympic Center, is home to video highlights, equipment, uniforms, and memorabilia from the games for you to explore. Skate through Lake Placid history yourself at the Olympic Oval; it’s open in the winter for ice skating and in the summer for inline skating. At the Olympic Jumping Complex, you and the family can hop on the Skyride Gondola (May-October) and admire a bird’s eye view of the landing hill. For a thrilling adventure, try the Cliffside Coaster (May-October) or Bobsled Experience (June-August) at Mt Van Hoevenberg. Soar through the Adirondack sky on a Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride (June-October) at Whiteface Mountain or go for gold on a hike up to the top. Prices vary based on location and experience.

Wild Center and Wild Walk

A family looks out at the Adirondacks from a human-sized bird's nest

A full day of untamed outdoor adventure awaits at the 115-acre Wild Center and Wild Walk. Walk along the treetops on more than 1,000 feet of bridges and platforms that look out over the sprawling Adirondack forest. There are all kinds of things to explore like a four-story treehouse, swinging bridges, a human-sized spider web, and a giant bald eagle’s nest you can climb into! Be sure to stop by educational exhibits like Climate Solutions, Forest Music, and Patrick Dougherty’s Stickwork, that’ll teach you about the nature of the Adirondacks. In winter months, wander through an enchanting wild winter wonderland at the annual Wild Lights event. The Wild Walk will be illuminated with thousands of glowing lights to bask in after dark and Forest Music is decked out with immersive music and lights. Admission is $23 for adults, $21 for active military and seniors, $13 for youth (5-17), and free for kids under 4.

Catskills

The Museum at Bethel Woods

A sixties counterculture themed van and posters on display at the museum at Bethel Woods Center for the ArtsCredit: @bethelwoodscenter on Instagram

If you’ve always dreamed of standing in the footprints where Hendrix made history among a crowd of 500,000, now’s your chance! Travel back in music history on the grounds of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival at the Museum at Bethel Woods (open April-December). Stroll through immersive and interactive exhibits dedicated to preserving the culture of the ‘60s and the festival itself. The main exhibit ​​features 20 films, five interactive productions, and more. You can even listen to the music of the era and watch real footage of the three-day celebration from the perspective of fans and performers. In the summer, pair your musical museum visit with out-of-this-world live music from Bethel’s summer concert series. This year’s lineup includes Alanis Morisette, Luke Bryan, Hozier, Santana & Counting Crows, Train & REO Speedwagon, and more. In the winter, take a drive through holiday wonderland at the annual Peace, Love, & Lights festival. Museum tickets are adults: $20 advance/$22.69 day of, seniors (65+):$18 advance/$20 day of, and youth (6-18): $5 advance/$5 day of. 

Long Island

Montauk

Montauk Point Lighthouse seen at dawn as the sky glows orangeCredit: @roydotschneider on Instagram

For a luxurious Long Island beach getaway that’s a little more low-key than the Hamptons, plan a trip to Montauk. This destination is full of chic hotels, gorgeous sandy beaches, picturesque views, and some of the world’s best surf fishing. A trip to “The End,” of Long Island’s easternmost tip isn’t complete without stopping at the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse. Not only is it the oldest in New York State, but it’s also the fourth-oldest working lighthouse in the country, offering breathtaking 360-degree oceanside views of the Block Island Sound meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Experience the area’s fresh local seafood at the Lobster Roll Restaurant, the Clam Bar at Napeague, or Gosman’s Dock, unwind at lush hotels like Gurney's Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa or Hero Beach Club, or explore the famed Long Island Wine Country on a Tapped Enterprises wine tour.

Lavender by the Bay

A purple Adirondack chair looks out into a field of bright purple lavender in front of a sign that says "Lavender" and a pavilion are in the background.Credit: @andrewj_brooks on Instagram

Soothe your mind, body, and soul with the scent of fresh lavender at one of the country’s largest (and most Instagrammable) lavender farms right on Long Island. Lavender by the Bay boasts two heavenly locations in East Marion and Calverton each with over 80,000 lavender plants that begin to bloom mid-June. Stop at the gift shop to purchase freshly-picked bunches of lavender, essential oils, honey, soaps, and other products. Be sure to claim your tickets to Lavender by the Bay in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. Prices vary by location, variety, and season and include a 1.5-hour time slot to the farm. 

Thousand Islands-Seaway

Boldt Castle

An aerial view of Boldt Castle and the river at sunsetCredit: @kevinwojcik on Instagram

Explore the elegant ​​120-room Rhineland-style castle and yacht house built at the turn of the century on a majestic guided boat tour with Uncle Sam Boat Tours or Clayton Island Tours. The grand six-story castle along the St. Lawrence River is one of the Thousand Islands’ most revered treasures. This magical tour will show you the beauty of Heart Island and guide you through the grounds and much of the castle’s interior including rooms such as the ballroom, grand hallway, and library. Open May - October. Tickets for the Boldt Castle tour are $13 for adults (13+), $9.00 for children (5-12), and free for children four and under.

Singer Castle

The exterior of Singer Castle on Dark Island from the water surrounded by green trees with a few clouds in the skyCredit: @rbbramlett on Instagram

Stroll through a gorgeous 28-room Scottish-inspired castle originally owned by the president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Take an awe-inspiring 45-minute guided tour of the castle on Dark Island, built between 1900 and 1905, where you’ll get to explore seven acres of grounds featuring the five-story clock tower, rose garden, and the castle itself with four floors of grand rooms. You can even stay overnight in the one-bedroom suite and live like royalty! Open April - October. Singer Castle tours are $14.75 for adults, $7.75 for children 4 and up, $12.75 for military adults, and $6.75 for military children, children under four are free.

Finger Lakes

Tour a World-Class Wine Region

A glass of white wine from Atwater vineyards sits on a wooden table in front of a view of Seneca LakeCredit: @senecalakewine on Instagram

Explore internationally-acclaimed wines from world-class wineries and vineyards alongside jaw-dropping lakeside views at the ​​USA Today 10Best Readers Choice 2018 winner of best wine region in the country! Get to know the historic Finger Lakes region as you float on the sparkling waters of Cayuga Lake aboard a spacious pontoon boat on a four-hour Wineries by Water tour ($99) with Bianconi Tours. If traveling by land is more your style, hit the road through the Cayuga, Keuka, and Seneca Lake wine trails by bus with Fitz Gerald Brothers or Crush Beer and Wine Tours.

Strong National Museum of Play

Strong Museum of Play

 

The world’s only collection-based museum focused on play is a 100% must-visit for kids (and kids at heart). The Strong National Museum of Play houses some of the world’s most comprehensive collections of dolls, toys, and play-focused objects, and the Toy Hall of Fame. There are tons of hands-on exhibits to explore, antique pinball machines and classic arcade games to play, and even a carousel and train to ride. The newly-opened 90,000-square-foot play-filled expansion, called the Neighborhood of Play, is filled with even more fun. It’s got interactive toy technology exhibits, an outdoor board game-themed garden, a brewery, gaming-themed restaurant, hotel, the world’s largest playable Donkey Kong arcade game, and even houses the new World Video Game Hall of Fame! Museum admission is $24 online and $25 in person.

Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen International NASCAR

Racing buffs: start your engines for a thrilling world-class racing experience. Throughout the summer at Watkins Glen International you can catch exciting racing events like Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen in June, Go Bowling at the Glen Weekend in September (the only NASCAR race in New York State), Hilliard Vintage Grand Prix Weekend in August, as well as other unique events. Have you always dreamed of driving on a world-renowned track? Now’s your chance! On public Drive the Glen days, visitors can drive their own vehicles for three laps around the 3.4-mile Grand Prix circuit for the ultimate Watkins Glen International experience. Ticket prices vary by event.

New York State Fair

Neon lights from various midway rides glow at night at the Great New York State FairCredit: @dennis.inbliss on Instagram

The Great New York State Fair is one of the state’s most beloved events of the year. This amazing 13-day celebration brings millions from all across the Empire State and the country. With tons of delicious fair cuisine like fried Oreos, sausage and peppers, and wine slushies, adorable animals, exciting midway rides, live music from world-class musicians like TLC, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Chapel Hart, and more, you’re bound to have a great time! August 21 - September 2, 2024, $8 daily admission for adults, seniors, and children 12 and under, free. Advanced online ticket purchase is required.

Greater Niagara

Niagara Falls State Park

Waters race down Niagara Falls at sunsetCredit: @roddypittman on Instagram

Take in one of the most famous and breathtaking waterfall views, 400 acres of lush, scenic terrain, an array of exciting attractions, and much more at the United States’ oldest state park. Admire the beauty of the falls from a new angle on a Maid of the Mist boat cruise (operates spring-fall), that takes you to the base of the American and Horseshoe Falls. Tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat cruise can be purchased online or at the booth and used on any day, and are handled on a first come first serve basis but don’t guarantee a specific time slot. It’s recommended to arrive early in the day to secure a spot. Cave of the Winds is also an unforgettable adventure where you descend 175 feet down the Niagara Gorge to the Hurricane Deck. You’ll want to put on your raincoat because you’re about to get up close and personal with the falls in the splash zone. For Cave of the Winds, tickets can only be purchased at the booth, so make sure to arrive early in the day before times sell out. Tickets to Maid of the Mist cost $28.25 for adults and $17.75 for kids 6-12. Tickets to Cave of the Winds cost $21 for adults and $17 for kids.

Canalside

Canalside BufflaoCredit: @terra.nova.photography on Instagram

Experience the legacy of Buffalo as you stroll through 21 historic waterfront acres hosting hundreds of events year-round. This lively area has something for everyone to enjoy from outdoor yoga and weekly live music in the summer to ice skating on the 35,000-square-foot ice rink in the winter. Walk through America’s largest inland naval park, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park (open March-early November), relax in the food and beer garden, take in breathtaking views of the city and Canada from the Erie Basin Marina Observation Tower, snap a photo with Shark Girl, or admire the historic Buffalo Lighthouse as it welcomes you to the city.

Anchor Bar 

Buffalo wingsCredit: @_lionelm on Instagram

There’s only one place you can visit to get an original, authentic Buffalo wing, and that’s in Buffalo, of course! A trip to Frank and Teresa’s Anchor Bar, where the first Buffalo wing was invented in 1964, is one that you won’t regret. Their menu offers all things wings with your choice of nine sauces ranging from mild to extreme heat (if you’re feeling brave) as well as classic bar favorites. Great wings can be found throughout the Buffalo area, so be sure to follow the Buffalo Wing Trail for all things wings!

Capital-Saratoga

Empire State Plaza

Empire State Plaza

The Empire State Plaza itself is jam-packed with many of Albany and New York’s must-see stops. The New York State Capitol (free) boasts stunning examples of 19th-century architecture with intricate and elaborate carvings and a unique blend of Renaissance, Romanesque, and French Renaissance Revival styles. The Egg is also a must-visit, presenting some of the best dance, music, and theater performances in the region and unique architecture. If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and history of New York State, be sure to stop at the New York State Museum (free). You’ll find a variety of exhibits to explore including Adirondack Wilderness, Native Peoples of New York, and the World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, and Response. Take a tour ($8-$12/person) of the only WWII-era destroyer escort still afloat and with its original battle armament, the USS Slater DE766. The Slater was launched in 1944, saw service in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during WWII, and is the last floating survivor of 563 sister ships in the US. You won’t regret the views from the 42-floor observation deck at Corning Tower (free). It’s the tallest building in the state outside of New York City, offering overhead views of the city, Empire State Plaza, the Hudson River Valley, the foothills of the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the Berkshires of western Massachusetts.

Saratoga Race Course

A group of jockeys riding horses at the Saratoga Race TrackCredit: @antelizjr on Instagram

Witness horse-racing history at one of the world's top 10 oldest organized sporting venues and the third oldest racetrack in the country. Watch some of the world’s best thoroughbreds zoom down the dirt track and compete in famous races like the Travers Stakes happening on August 24, 2024. Plus, Saratoga is the host of the Belmont Stakes for 2024 (June 8) and 2025. Be sure to check out delicious local food, live music, tours of the facility, and fun seasonal events like the fanciest hat competition. Daily general admission is $10. Travers Day admission is $30. Belmont Stakes admission is $50 (sold out for 2024).

Chautauqua-Allegheny

National Comedy Center 

Images of Lucille Ball on two screens on the exterior of the National Comedy Center in JamestownCredit: National Comedy Center

This gem of the Chautauqua-Allegheny region is the nation’s first museum and cultural institution devoted entirely to the art of comedy. The center itself is located in Jamestown, the hometown of comedy legend Lucille Ball and is filled with over 50 immersive and interactive exhibits that are bound to put a smile on your face. There’s tons of fun with activities like Comedy Karaoke, Make a Meme, Hologram Theater, and the Stand-Up Lounge. Stop by for the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival which takes place each year in early August. This comedy extravaganza features more than 50 events spread across five days and in the past, has welcomed some of comedy’s biggest stars like Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, Trevor Noah, Lily Tomlin, and Jay Leno. Regular admission costs $35.50 for adults, $33.50 for seniors (60+), $30.50 for college students, $28.50 for youth (13-17), and $22.50 for children (6-12). Get the full comedy experience with dual admission to the Lucy Desi Museum and National Comedy Center.

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

Orange building for Desilu Studios with a photo of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz on the sideCredit: @tourchautauqua on Instagram

Celebrate the legacy, lives, and careers of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. Here, you’ll unlock the ultimate fan experience with memorabilia, videos, and photographs from the lives and film and television work of the comedic couple as well as original costumes, props, scripts, Emmy awards, and exact re-creations of the I Love Lucy sets. Discover a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the TV series and even an opportunity to star in your own Vitameatavegamin commercial! Regular admission costs $23 for adults, $22 for seniors (60+), $20 for college students and youth (13-17), and $18 for children (6-12). Get the full comedy experience with dual admission to the Lucy Desi Museum and National Comedy Center.

Panama Rocks

Autumn-colored trees stand amid the towering rock walls of Panama Rocks Scenic ParkCredit: @panamarockspark on Instagram

You’ll be enchanted as you walk through a world filled with towering rocks, deep crevices and passageways, cool cavernous dens, and small caves with rock formations dating back more than 300 million years. Venture down the main mile long hiking trail that guides you through Panama Rocks’ magical landscape. If you’re looking for extra adventure, try out the Panama Rocks Ax Throwing range, where you can safely test your ax-throwing abilities alongside a group of “axperts.” Open May-October. General admission is $10 for adults and $7 for kids (6-12).

Central New York

National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum

An American flag waves in front of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in CooperstownCredit: @wandergenic on Instagram

Spend some time learning the history of America’s favorite pastime at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. Discover the stories and experiences of baseball pioneers and hall of famers like Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, and Babe Ruth. Travel through time as you stroll alongside a lifesize baseball timeline filled with interesting artifacts and documents that highlight the game’s biggest heroes and teams. There are tons of exciting exhibits for all types of fans from Shoebox Treasures, which is dedicated to telling the history of baseball cards, to Viva Baseball!, which explores the story of baseball in Caribbean Basin countries, to Sacred Ground that’ll bring back all your childhood ballpark nostalgia, and more. Admission is $30 for adults (13-64), $24 for seniors (65+), $21 for children (7-12), $20 for veterans, and free for children under 6 and active military.

Howe Caverns

Howe Caverns - Photo Courtesy of Howe CavernsPhoto courtesy of Howe Caverns

One of the largest caverns in the Northeast can be found right here in Central New York! Travel 156 feet below the earth’s surface on a tour where you’ll see amazing rock formations and the underground river that carved them. There really is fun for the whole family with all kinds of specialty tours including the 2.5-hour Signature Rock Discovery Tour that reveals portions of the cavern that have not been open to the public in over 100 years, or the 2-hour Family Flashlight Tour where you get to adventure through the caves using only the light in your hand. Traditional tours are $29.50 for adults (13-64), $26.50 for seniors (65+), $19.50 for kids (5-12), and free for kids under 4. Prices for additional tours vary.

Herkimer Diamond Mines

A man holds a handful of quartz crystals from the Herkimer Diamond MinesCredit: @derekthediscoverer on Instagram

Sifting for real 500 million-year-old double-terminated quartz crystals will definitely be the crown jewel of your next day of family fun. The Herkimer Diamond Mines are home to an abundance of one of nature’s most dazzling gemstones and they’re ready for you to discover! Grab your hammer and mine for crystals hidden in the rocks in the above-ground mines, or screen away debris at the Sluice Mining Station to reveal your treasures. Everything you find is yours to keep! Afterward, bring your loot over to the Artisan Center and create custom jewelry to show off your hard work. Open April-October. Admission is $18 for adults (13+), $14 for kids (5-12), and free for kids under four, and includes an all-day prospecting ticket, gem collection bags, and use of a rock hammer. An additional $2 is added to tickets for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday admission.


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