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Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse, New York, in evening light.

Family

Things to do in Syracuse with kids

7 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.

See the ideasEvents

Family-friendly ideas around Syracuse, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.

Playgrounds

33 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.

  • Forman Park0.3 mi from downtown
  • Roesler Park0.5 mi from downtown
  • Performance Park0.6 mi from downtown
See all 33 →

Libraries

Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.

  • Onondaga County Public LibraryThe Galleries, 447 S. Salina St.
  • Northeast Community Center Library716 Hawley Ave
  • White Branch Library763 Butternut Street
See all 10 →

Picnic spots

Day-use areas for a family picnic.

  • Harriet Tubman National Historical Park23 mi southwest
  • Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge31 mi west
  • Fort Stanwix National Monument37 mi east
See all 13 →

Wildlife and nature

Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.

  • Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge31 mi west
  • Whitney Point39 mi south
  • Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests49 mi southwest
See all 14 →

Around town

Onondaga County War Memorial, Montgomery Street and Madison Street, Syracuse, NY
Onondaga County War Memorial, Montgomery Street and Madison Street, Syracuse, NY (54416780235)Warren LeMay from Chicago, IL, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0
Physics Building Syracuse University
Physics Building Syracuse UniversityKiran891 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Center for Science and Technology, Sims Hall, Slocum Hall as seen from the Shaw Quad (Syracuse University)
Center for Science and Technology, Sims Hall, Slocum Hall as seen from the Shaw Quad (Syracuse University)Idawriter · CC BY-SA 3.0

Get a feel for the city

Questions

What is there to do in Syracuse with kids?

Playgrounds (33), Indoor fun (18), Libraries (10), Bakeries (8), Book Stores (4), Picnic spots (13), Wildlife and nature (14). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.

What can kids do in Syracuse for free?

Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.

What can families do in Syracuse when it rains or it’s hot?

Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.

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