Kid-Friendly Outdoor Attractions in Upstate New York

Are you looking for kid-friendly outdoor activities in Upstate New York? Does the thought of braving another noisy, overcrowded amusement park make you cringe? This year, take the family on a fun and educational journey to one of these unique attractions and experience the natural beauty and history of rural New York.

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Upstate New York #1: Howe Caverns, Howes Cave, NY

Go below the surface of the earth to explore the wonders at Howe Caverns in Howes Cave, NY.

These limestone caves, located about 30 miles from Albany, NY, are 160 to 200 feet below the surface. Visitors to Howe Caverns embark on an 80 minute guided tour of the cavern, which includes a walking tour through a portion of the cavern and a boat ride on the underground Lake of Venus. After completing the tour, wander over to the Howe Caverns Visitor Center to learn more about the history of the caverns and the mining industry. Purchase a bag of mining rough and try your hand at panning for mineral and fossil treasures. Any gemstones or fossils found at the water sluice are yours to take home!

Since Howe Caverns is a natural New York wonder, the cavern walkways aren't conducive with wheelchairs or strollers, so please take that into consideration before going. However, the walking tour is simple enough to be completed with young, sure-footed children or infants carried in a front pack.

If you're traveling with older, more adventurous teenagers or young adults, Howe Caverns also offers Lantern Tours and Adventure Tours. The Lantern Tour, a lantern-lit exploration of the caverns, is reserved only for individuals 16 years or older. The Adventure Tour, a 2 hour off-trail tour, is available for anyone 18 years or older.

Howe Caverns is a year round attraction, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Traditional tour rates for Howe Caverns are $18 for adults (ages 16- 64), $15 for seniors (over age 65), $15 for juniors (ages 12-15 years), $10 for children (ages 5-12 years), and free for children 4 years old and under.

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Upstate New York #2: The Farmers' Museum, Cooperstown, NY

Travel back to the 19^th century and experience early country living at The Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown, NY.

Stroll through the historic village and witness authentic buildings and practices common to Upstate New York during the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries. A visit to the Lippitt Farmstead will portray a living model of farm operations in the mid-19^th century, such as harvesting crops, shearing sheep and preparing wool, and caring for the farm animals. Children also have the opportunity to pet and feed the young farm animals in the Children's Barnyard. Then head over to The Farmer's Museum Country Fair and get involved in a friendly game of lawn bowling, try your hand at milking a cow, ride the Empire State Carousel, or sit for a portrait in period attire. Close out your visit to The Farmer's Museum with a stop at the Main Barn for the historical exhibition, Ice Cream: Our Cool Obsession. There you'll learn fun and interesting facts about ice cream and find a retro ice cream parlor where the family can enjoy a delicious ice cream treat.

The Farmer's Museum is fully operational from May 13^th to October 13^th. Daily rates are $11 for adults, $5 for children ages 7-12, and free for children under the age of 7. Discounts are offered for senior citizens, active and retired military members, and college students. Combination tickets are also available for individuals planning to visit The Farmer's Museum and The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum while in Cooperstown, NY.

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Upstate New York #3: Circle B Ranch, Chestertown, NY

Go on a rugged, equestrian adventure and enjoy over 500 acres of breathtaking pastures, woodlands, and mountain trails at Circle B Ranch in Chestertown, NY.

See the Adirondack Mountains on horseback by signing your family up for a group trail ride. The one hour guided trail ride includes basic riding instructions and orientation for beginning riders. For the more experienced group, Circle B also offers 1 ½, 2, and 3 hour trail rides. And, never fear, the littlest cowpokes are forgotten either. Pony rides are also available for small children.

Circle B Ranch offers year round family entertainment. For the adventurous family, they provide springtime raft and ride package that pairs horseback riding with whitewater rafting. In the summer months, the ranch has various riding lessons, trail rides, pony rides, and hayrides. When fall comes around, horse-drawn hayrides, campfires, and Fall Foliage trail rides are available. When the winter snow arrives, Circle B Ranch offers group and couple horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Average rates for trail rides are $27 for a 1 hour ride, $42 for a 1 ½ hour ride, $56 for a 2 hour ride, and $99 for a 3 hour ride. Rates are figured per horse and children over the age of 7 may ride their own horse. For children under the age of 7, pony rides are available for $7.

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Upstate New York #4: Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, Pottersville, NY

Relive the cavemen days and experience a remarkable New York sight when visiting Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in Pottersville, NY.

Situated in the Adirondack Mountains, this natural attraction features rock formations over a billion years old and a huge stone bridge arch made from the entrance of the largest marble cave in the east. Visitors can explore the mostly above-ground, nature trail on a self-guided tour. Along the natural stone path are many beautiful features such as waterfalls, dark pools, and grottos. For the more adventurous family, Natural Stone Bridge and Caves also offers a guided Adventure Tour, which includes a cave crawl and ends with a cave float through a water-filled cave. This tour is only available to children over 13 years old.

Tours at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves involve climbing up and down stairs, so strollers and wheelchairs are not advised. Backpacks or front pack carriers are recommended for small children accompanying family members.

In addition to the tours, Natural Stone Bridge and Caves has many other kid-friendly park activities. Children can have their own mining and digging experiences at features like the Gold Rush Mine, Dino Dig, and Crystal Quest Mine. Family members have the opportunity to test their caveman skills and stretch their climbing muscles on the Caveman Challenge Bouldering Wall or the Cavekid Challenge Bouldering Wall. After an eventful day of exploring, unwind with the family at the park's picnic and playground area, snack bar or head down the road for a nice meal at the Stone Bride Café and Ice Cream Shop.

Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is open to the public from the end of May until Columbus Day. Rates for the Standard Tour (includes park activities) are $12.50 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12 years old, and free for kids under 5 years old. Rate for the Adventure Tour is $64.20 for all individuals over the age of 13 years old. This includes tax and a deposit on the provided caving suit and equipment.

Upstate New York is overflowing with beautiful scenery, natural wonders, and historical attractions. Instead of planning another typical family trip this year, reward your children and yourself with an exciting and educational adventure to one of these amazing upstate New York attractions.

Resources:

http://www.farmersmuseum.org/

http://www.howecaverns.com/

http://www.circlebranch.net/

http://www.stonebridgeandcave.com/