Family Attractions

Bringing the kids along? The whole family is sure to find entertainment at countless family-friendly attractions in New York. For family fun, let Choice Hotels help you find the perfect attraction for your next family adventure.

In New York City

Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY   10460
718-367-1010

Those seeking a world-class zoo will find a little more than that at the Bronx Zoo. In fact, they’ll find a diverse array of 6,000 animals selected from over 600 unique species. If it breathes, it’s probably at the Bronx Zoo.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum
145 Brooklyn Avenue
Brooklyn, NY   11213
718-735-4400

Vacationers enjoying the sights and sounds of thrilling New York City will want to devote a day to the kids at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, which holds the superlative title of being the first museum to ever devote itself solely to the education and enjoyment of children. 30,000 artifacts will educate the entire family on natural and human history, and other hands-on interactive exhibits will be hard to pull the children away from at closing time.

FAO Shwarz
767 5th Avenue
New York, NY   10153
212-644-9400

Experience the world’s most famous toy store, only in New York City. FAO Shwarz isn’t just a toy store; it’s a virtual playground for kids of all ages to act out their wildest dreams and biggest adventures. A unique array of mechanical and electric as well as static toys will inspire kids’ imaginations. Located on famous 5th Avenue, diagonally across from Central Park.

In Long Island

Adventureland
2245 Broadhollow Road
Farmingdale, NY   11735
631-694-6868

Adventureland Amusement Park is sure to delight guests to New York both young and old alike. Rides at the park are numerous, and cater to both young and old. A host of indoor kiddie rides is bound to invoke a smile on the tiny tot, and over 30 rides and attractions will beguile even the most jaded traveler. Attractions and delicious refreshments are some of the amenities afforded at this popular venue, in addition to a souvenir-laden gift shop and a 300-seat restaurant.

Strike
1350 Union Turnpike
New Hyde Park, NY   11040
516-354-1222

Strike gets its name from a familiar game, but there’s nothing ordinary about the bowling facilities afforded guests to Strike. With 36 lanes of glow bowling, we’re willing to call Strike one of the largest bowling alleys on the planet. In addition, guests will enjoy an electric go-kart track as they zoom to and fro will all the carelessness which you’ll have to curb once you leave the premises. After it all, cool down with some sushi at an in-attraction sushi bar.

Fun 4all, Inc.
200 Wilson Street
Port Jefferson Station, NY   11776
631-331-9000

They kids are going to have a blast at Fun 4all, Inc. After all, their fun-garnering techniques have been incorporated – it’s official! To back up their grandiose claims, Fun 4all features a sprawling indoor park for children ages 1-12. Air-conditioning keeps the mood cool as the kids venture off. Watch them slide down slides, play towers basketball, or trip around in the game room. Ball pits and a full-service snack bar make this family-oriented destination a must-do for mom, dad, and junior alike.

In Hudson Valley

Mid-Hudson Civic Center/McCann Ice Arena
14 Civic Center Plaza
Poughkeepsie, NY   12601
845-454-9800

There is a host of events and features at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center, such as multi-purpose recreation, lots of different forms of entertainment, and even a convention center whose programs range from the musical to the business-minded. But we think what’s most alluring about this New York Hudson Valley destination is the McCann Ice Arena, whose proportions are sizeable enough to deem it certifiably NHL-quality.

The Castle Family Fun Center
Route 17M
Chester, NY   10918
845-469-2116

So many options for fun-loving guests to choose from make their home here, it’s almost mystifying. But there’s something comprehensible about The Castle Family Fun Center, and there’s certainly a host of digestible attributes which make us tote it as a top family attraction in New York’s Hudson Valley: go-karting, miniature golf, two arcades, and more will provide a day of boisterous fun for the whole family.

Hyde Park Drive-In Theatre
510 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, NH   12538
845-229-4738

Just like the good old days! Show the kids what it was like to plan a night out at the movies, and never have to leave the parking lot. Nightly shows air at dusk, and the selection is broad and family-friendly. Tuesday nights yield bargain prices, and concession abound, with fresh hot snacks for the whole family to enjoy munching on.

In Central Leatherstocking

Barnyard Swing
4750 State Highway 28
Milford, NY   13807
607-547-8330

In Central Leatherstocking, the Barnyard Swing awaits you and your entire amusement-seeking family. Spend a day miniature golfing on 18 fabulous and fun-filled holes, or if you’re feeling the need for something a bit more unusual head down to the gem panning site, where you never know exactly what precious stone you might find. Ice cream, a farmer’s market, and a comprehensive gift shop complete this New York family experience.

El Rancho Drive-In Theatre
518-883-5735

Where can you find 400 parked cars and good old-fashioned movie fun? At the El Rancho Drive-In Theatre, guests can park their vehicles and not even reach for the handle. A perfect opportunity for those who are known to lock their keys inside the vehicle, but also for parents who want to show their kids the way popular culture was once disseminated.

Utica Zoo
99 Steele Hill Road
Utica, NY   13501
315-738-0472

Guests to Utica Zoo will be pleased with the amusing array of animal life they will have at their viewing disposal. Upon entering the zoo’s gates, families will have unhindered access to live exhibits including bears, sea lions, snow leopards, tigers, and gibbons – along with countless other endangered species who find a welcome home within its zoological walls.

In Capital-Saratoga

Adirondack Animal Land
State highway Route 30
Broadalbin, NY   12025
518-883-5748

Who wouldn’t want to experience the full spectrum of the animal world in one of its most glorious displays? Found in the Capital-Saratoga region of New York State, Adirondack Animal Land is one of the largest collections of animals in the entire state of New York. 500 curious and unique animals grace its locale, which include dazzling birds and ferocious tigers and bears. Available is an open safari ride on which you will witness the natural antics of over 100 animals which run wild through this New York paradise.

Hoffman’s Playland
608 Loudon Road
Latham, NY   12110
518-785-3842

Established in 1952, this park has been serving the public family-filled fun for over 50 years. Now they bring their experience to you, the vacationing traveler seeking a day of amusement and wondrous enjoyment for a gamut of ages and interests. With 16 rides, a fully stocked arcade, a picnic area, and even delightful food service, there’s something to be found for everyone at Hoffman’s Playland.

In Greater Niagara

Brown’s Berry Patch
14264 Roosevelet Highway
Waterport, NY   14571
585-682-5569

Want to educate the whole family on the merits of a fruitful life? Well, there’s no better place in New York to do just that than at Brown’s Berry Patch, where educational and recreational activities that kids and adults will enjoy abound. Pick berries, apples, pumpkins, and other fresh farm fruit and vegetables, and learn about the cultivation processes behind some of America’s favorite ingredients.

Jell-O Gallery Museum
23 E. Main Street
Le Roy, NY   14482
585-768-7433

While in Greater Niagara, bring the family down to the Jell-O Gallery Museum, where kids and adults alike can learn about the history of their favorite household gelatin treat through interactive tours and exhibits.

Buffalo Zoological Gardens
300 Parkside Avenue
Buffalo, NY   14214
716-837-3900

Buffalo is one of New York State’s most interesting cities, and as such it sports its very own zoo and zoological gardens. The gardens are allotted 23 acres of natural setting over which they provide a unique and valuable insight into the workings of exotic and domestic animals from around the world.

In Finger Lakes

Greater Canandiagua Civic Center
250 North Bloomfield Road
Canandaigua, NY   14424
585-682-5569

The Greater Canandiagua Civic Center wouldn’t be listed as a family attraction if it weren’t for the fact that it turns into something better once a year. That’s right, every fall through winter season, the center magically becomes a community ice skating facility, with a capacity of 700 and 17,000 square feet of dazzling views.

Seneca Park Zoo
2222 Saint Paul Street
Rochester, NY   14621
585-336-7200

Kids and their parents will want to mosey on over to the Seneca Park Zoo, located in the city of Rochester, where they’ll find a host of attractions which will entertain the little and big alike. 250 animals are displays in virtual recreations of their natural habitats, from seals and polar bears to African elephants and orangutans.

Tipperary Hills
Syracuse W.
Syracuse, NY   13209
315-470-1910

This is one of the most unique neighborhoods of New York State, located on the west side of Syracuse. What can be found here to delight the whole family? Well, its main attraction is the world’s only upside-down traffic signal – the green light is on the top and the red is on the bottom. After seeing that, treat the family to a dinner of delicious authentic Irish cuisine.

In Adirondacks

Cartoon Museum
132 Montcalm Street
Ticonderoga, NY   12883
518-585-8824

There’s something to be said for a museum that houses over 700 comics and editorial cartoons within its walls. Special exhibits by famous cartoonists abound in the Cartoon Museum, and fans of cartoons will delight in the cartoon memorabilia found behind the glass at this Adirondacks destination which is sure to please the whole family.

Bailey’s Horses
Route 9N
Lake Luzerne, NY   12846
518-696-4541

We know that kids love horses. These creatures are stunning displays of nature which will amaze and astound anyone with their grace and beauty. Take advantage of the situation as you grant the family a horseback trip down trails and alongside beautiful streams in this gorgeous Adirondacks setting.

Dr. Morbid’s Haunted House
115 Canada Street
Lake George, NY   12845
518-668-3077

Come to Dr. Morbid’s Haunted House to find out exactly why it’s been called one of the creepier places in New York State. Located in the beautiful Adirondacks region, the Haunted House will scare and delight guests of all sizes and ages who want an interesting experience away from the woods.

In Thousand Islands

New York State Zoo at Thompson Park
One Thompson Park
Watertown, NY   13601
315-782-6180

This Zoo finds its purpose in the preservation and exhibition of the animal life and wild settings of New York State. Black bears, wolverines, and other native animals are among those that will captivate visitors both young and old alike to visit the zoo, which also contains a real Adirondack Fire Tower.

A & J Riding Stable
342 County Route 1
Hammon, NY   13646
315-324-6042

Why not treat the whole family to a day of experiencing the beauty of New York State from a less familiar vehicle than the sedan? Horseback riding is offered at A & J Riding Stable as that alternative vehicle, and the experts here will guide the guests of your family over four miles of horseback trails, as well as hay rides.

Sci-Tech Center
154 Stone Street
Watertown, NY   13601
315-788-1340

The Sci-Tech Center’s offerings are impressive, and we know the kids are going to delight in the interactive exhibits which abound at the center. Frequently a host of school tours, birthday parties, and home school meeting rooms, the museum offers specialty art classes and activities in addition to its broad range of scientific exhibits.

In Chautauqua-Allegheny

Sugar Shack Vinewood Acres
7904 Route 5
Westfield, NY   14787
716-326-3351

Treat the family to a glimpse into how some of America’s favorite products end up on your table at a real working maple and grape farm. See from seed and sapling to syrup and juice exactly how farmers turn raw ingredients into edible form. Afterwards, visit the syrup shop and experience the vast selection of 24 fruit and maple syrups and maple products available.

Wellsville Creative Art Center
124 N. Main Street
Wellsville, NY   14895
585-593-3000

Bring the kids to enjoy a class in whatever their fancy pleases at the Wellsville Creative Art Center. Classes on everything from painting, drawing and ceramics to the fine points of cooking are offered, and the interior is sure to delight the family with its antique charm. Also available on-premises are a coffee house with live entertainment.

LadySong Farm
2723 Bunker Hill Road
Randolph, NY   14772
716-354-6355

At LadySong Farm, one of the first things you’ll find is a beautiful setting for a beautiful activity which has been the bedrock of virtually every civilization – that of farming. Here, an unparalleled farm experience sets you amidst gentle alpacas, gorgeous flowers in full bloom, and more natural wonders that the whole family will enjoy exploring.

In Catskills

Oasis Fun Center
575 Route 17B
Monticello, NY   12701
845-796-6012

There are several activities you’ll want to explore at the Oasis Fun Center, where a fun-filled day of energetic opportunities awaits the entire family. Come here for 12-hole Frisbee obstacle golf, which will challenge the golfer to a new medium and will challenge the Frisbee-player to a new setting.

Belleayre Mountain Interactive Center
Route 28
Highmount, NY   12441
845-254-5600

We strongly encourage families to bring the children to the Belleayre Mountain Interactive Center, where kids and adults alike will become sufficiently educated on the ins and outs of nature through exciting and sensitive interactive exhibits. Eat like a bird, touch the fur of an exotic animal, or watch fish as they play about in a simulated stream.

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