Looking for fun things to do with the kids? Check out these kid-friendly activities in Southern Tier, NY for some inspiration!
My family lives along the PA/NY border in an incredibly rural town. We are surrounded by hills and mountains which is why our area has been dubbed, “The Endless Mountains”. Coming from the hustle and bustle of South Florida, where everything is practically in your backyard, it can be very difficult for me to find things to do with my daughter that don’t require driving long distances; I’m used to flatland and you don’t find that here. That being said, if you’re ever thinking about making a trip to Central New York or North-Central, PA, here are 5 kid-friendly activities you can enjoy with your family:
5 Kid-Friendly Activities in the Southern Tier
The Cider Mill & Cidermill Stage
What better way to celebrate Fall than pictures in a pumpkin patch? The Cider Mill, located in Endicott, NY, is a landmark in the Twin Tiers and provides seasonal produce, candy apples, doughnuts and, of course, apple cider. You could take pictures of the kids among the gourds outside or you could tour the mill and witness the cider in production. The walls are covered in informational text on the mill’s history and process. Season begins the first Thursday in August and runs through December 1st but they also host theater productions all year long at the Cidermill Stage. This can even be a great date spot 😉
Farmland Animal Park:
As the warmth of Spring arises, what better way to get out and enjoy the fresh, farm air than visiting your favorite farm animals. Farmland Animal Park is located in Chemung, NY just over the PA/NY border. Families get to pet the animals, take wagon rides and use the paddle boats. There is also a covered patio with picnic tables for a perfect spot to eat lunch (you can bring your own food) or host birthday parties. My daughter Aubrey and her cousin loved hanging out with the “moo-moos” and you can see the horse liked the snacks she was hiding in her stroller 🙂
A Binghamton Rumble Ponies Game
If you’re a fan of the NY Mets, a fan of baseball itself or, just a fan of ballpark food; the Binghamton Rumble Ponies are for you! This team is part of the NY Mets minor league and they are located right in our backyard; well, essentially. Aubrey got the chance to go in 2019 with her grandparents and aunts when they were visiting from Florida and even got to see Tim Tebow (#15); though that was his last season. Make sure to load up on sunscreen, glasses and hats and get out there to watch these boys play ball!
Watkin’s Glen State Park:
Watkins Glen is one of my all-time favorite places to visit throughout the year. Generally, it’s fairly busy during mid-late May through the end of Summer; this is when the Gorge Trail is open. While it is beautiful, people flock to the park at this time and it can be quite slippery; wear good shoes. There’s also a pool that the family can cool down in after the hike (obviously this is not open year-round). However, the other trails are open all year and can make for some beautiful photos overlooking the gorge. We typically visit in June, and it is HOT, however, the picture above is from a visit in late Fall when it was just beginning to snow. Gorge trails closed but still fantastic!
Molyneaux Plantation and Tree Farm:
We have decided that, every year we are home for Christmas, we will cut down our own Christmas tree. Being up north, there are several tree farms in the Southern Tier. Our favorite, is Molyneaux Plantation and Tree Farm in Endicott, NY. Reasonably priced, usually $40-$45 for U-cut, and they provide the saws on site. There are several varieties of trees to choose from. If cutting down your own isn’t in the cards for the day; you can browse many more pre-cut trees as well. The staff is incredible and very friendly. They’ll even bundle the tree and help you load it onto your vehicle for no extra cost. It is one of our favorite holiday traditions!
What do you like to do with your family throughout the year? Let me know some of your favorite places to visit with kids in your area; maybe one day we will get to check them out!
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