What To Do In The Finger Lakes? (7 Best Family Attractions)
Traveling with a big family across the country in our Double Decker RV means every destination needs to have plenty for everyone—from our twins who are just five to our adventure-loving ten-year-old. Our recent journey through New York’s Finger Lakes region was it: mesmerizing scenery, hands-on history, and some of the best family attractions we’ve visited yet. If you’re planning your next road trip or RV adventure, or just want to see why so many families, including ours, love this region, check out my roundup of the seven best family attractions in the Finger Lakes!
1. The Strong National Museum of Play (Rochester, NY)
Let’s be honest—sometimes you need a break from outdoorsy hikes and waterfalls, especially if it rains. That’s why The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester was a massive hit for our crew. As soon as we rolled inside, our kids were off: zooming through the National Toy Hall of Fame, giant bubbles, and the jaw-dropping, fully interactive Wegmans Super Kids Market.
Why Families Love It: The museum is truly designed for all ages. There are toddler-friendly spaces and more “grown up” play zones like the incredible pinball collection (my favorite!), plus tons of educational activities for the older ones. It can easily fill an entire day—and yes, you’ll want to come back.
👉 Learn more or plan your visit at the official museum site.
2. Watkins Glen State Park
If you ask our kids what they remember most from the Finger Lakes, they’ll say “WATERFALLS!!” (Yes, with exclamation points). There’s nowhere better to introduce kids to the beauty of gorges and waterfalls than Watkins Glen State Park. The park’s famous Gorge Trail leads you past and even under 19 waterfalls—making for those “wow” moments you’ll remember forever.
Tips for Families:
- The walk can be a little steep in some areas, so sturdy shoes are a must.
- If you’ve got littles, bring a backpack carrier—our twins got tired, but the older kids made the whole hike.
- There are plenty of picnic spots if you want to take a break and soak up the scenery.
Watkins Glen is also an awesome spot for a family picnic or just unwinding after a few days of driving in the RV. Check out the NYS Parks page for details.
3. Corning Museum of Glass (Corning, NY)
Who knew glass could be so fascinating? The Corning Museum of Glass wasn’t just a stop for us—it was an all-day event. The museum doesn’t just show glass art; it lets your family get hands-on. Our kids watched live hot glass demos (imagine lava lamps on an epic scale!), and there are kid-friendly galleries where you can touch, create, and play.
Family Favorite: The glassmaking workshops were a huge hit. Our older kids got to design their own glass pendants while the little ones tried glass-fusing under supervision. Don’t skip the awesome gift shop—great for memorable, handmade souvenirs!
If you want to learn more, here’s a helpful writeup by National Geographic Traveler on Corning Museum’s family offerings.
4. Seneca Lake Kayak & Paddleboard Adventures
Seneca Lake is the largest of the Finger Lakes and the place to try out family paddling—even if you’ve never tried it before. There are several outfitters right in Watkins Glen who make the process super easy, including everything from stable tandum kayaks to kid-sized life jackets.
For us, gliding out onto that vivid blue water was a new kind of peace—plus a splash of excitement every time a sibling decided to “help” paddle a little too hard. (Expect unexpected swims if your family is anything like ours!) It’s a gentle introduction to water sports, and the lake views—ringed by green hills and vineyards—are amazing.
Pro Traveler Tip: Early morning or late afternoon is best for calmer water and fewer crowds.
Take a look at I Love NY’s guide for up-to-date info on water fun in the Finger Lakes.
5. The Windmill Farm & Craft Market (Penn Yan, NY)
There’s something about local markets that instantly makes you feel at home, no matter how far you’ve traveled. The Windmill Farm & Craft Market is only open on Saturdays (and select holiday Fridays), but it makes a fantastic stop for snacks, crafts, and people-watching.
We let each of our kids pick out a locally made treat—favorites included fresh fudge, handspun honey, and homemade donuts. While the kids loved the petting zoo and pony rides, I couldn’t resist stocking up on local jams and handcrafted soaps for the RV.
Why It’s Great: There are more than 175 indoor and outdoor shops, food stands, and activities, so even picky eaters or shoppers will find something. It’s fun, affordable, and full of real Finger Lakes flavor.
6. Taughannock Falls State Park
Close to Ithaca, Taughannock Falls State Park is home to the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains (33 feet higher than Niagara Falls, believe it or not). The walk to the falls is super easy and flat—a big plus for families with littles or strollers.
Our kids loved scrambling on the wide, flat stones below the falls (safely, of course!) and we all snapped dozens of family photos with the incredible backdrop. The park has great picnic spots, a small lake beach for summer swimming, and even playgrounds—perfect for running off that last bit of road trip energy.
Quick Tip: Visit in the early morning for the best photos (and smallest crowds).
7. Exploring Ithaca: Sciencecenter & Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Ithaca bills itself as “gorges” for a reason! With its walkable downtown, tons of local eats, and scenic trails, Ithaca deserves a full day—or more. Our top two picks for families:
- Sciencenter: This hands-on science museum had our crew of eight totally enthralled, from the ball machine to the climbing wall and the outdoor science playground. There’s a planetarium, live animals, and enough interactive exhibits for every age (even grownups!).
- Cascadilla Gorge Trail: A perfect beginner hike, this scenic trail runs right through the heart of Ithaca, with easy access from downtown. There’s plenty of water features, stone bridges, and all the natural wonder you hope for in an educational, fun family stroll.
We loved grabbing local ice cream on the Commons after our hike—try Purity Ice Cream for some classic upstate flavors.
Tips for Planning a Finger Lakes Family Adventure
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall is ideal for all the outdoor activities, but leaf-peeping in October is magical.
- RV & Camping: Many state parks in the region have well-equipped campgrounds. Some, like Watkins Glen and Taughannock, can book up quick in peak season—reserve ahead!
- Food & Snacks: Don’t miss out on local sweet treats (hello, grape pie!) and plenty of farm stand produce. The area is also famous for wine and cider—grab a bottle for grownup relaxation after bedtime.
Travel Hack for Big Families: If you’re traveling in an RV like us, consider blending state parks and private campgrounds so you have access to both natural beauty and family-friendly amenities like pools and game rooms. We’ve found that bouncing between the two keeps everyone happy (and showered!).
Why the Finger Lakes is a Must-Visit for Families
Our months on the road have shown us so many sides of America, but the Finger Lakes strikes a rare balance: enough nature to fuel outdoor adventure, enough kid-friendly museums to turn a rainy day into a highlight, and a region-wide sense of welcome that makes even a busy family of eight feel right at home. Whether you want to hike gorges, play in museums, or just savor small-town charm and lakeside views, you’ll find your family’s favorite version of “vacation” right here.
If our Double Decker Fam can do it, so can you! Just promise me: get out on the water, eat some grape pie, and chase at least two waterfalls on your trip.
Where to next? Let me know in the comments which family destinations you want us to explore next or which Finger Lakes spot was your favorite!
Sources:
– ILoveNY: Finger Lakes Region
– Family Destinations Guide: Things To Do in Finger Lakes With Kids
Keep following our adventures: Instagram: @DoubleDeckerFam | YouTube: DoubleDeckerFam
Happy travels from our family to yours!