The Erie Canal Museum traces history back to the mid-1800s when “weigh-lock” buildings were located along the length of the canal, and used to determine the toll that passing boats had to pay to get through the area between Albany and Buffalo. This museum is a National Register Landmark weigh lock building that features several interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations as well as actual artifacts that all tell the detailed story of how tolls were originally calculated.
Syracuse's Thornden Park offers a little something for everyone. If you are ready to either watch or be a part of the big football game, the park features an impressive multipurpose athletic field that's perfectly suited for football, soccer or lacrosse. There are also four tennis courts and a swimming pool. The smaller kids will love the more traditional swings, slides, seesaws and climbing bars. Or, if you prefer, you can just sit outdoors and admire the beautifully maintained rose garden.
Fans of all different tastes convene in Syracuse to treat their taste buds to a truly unforgettable experience with the Taste of Syracuse. This is the largest downtown festival in Central New York as it draws over 150,000 people who are searching for something with which to please their palate. This is a two day event that features great live entertainment, a family zone that the kids will love, and of course, some of the best food from local, area and national restaurants and food vendors. This tasteful confab is scheduled every year in the early summer.
You may have memories of your kids' first drawings or finger-paintings when you take them to the Museum of Young Art. This is a gallery that highly encourages the creative process in the children who visit. The kids get to choose the medium in which they would like to work and, along with input from their teacher or guardian, they can create their masterpiece that is either inspired by a specific lesson or whatever muse may strike them after wandering through the various exhibits and attractions. All the lessons are planned by a certified art teacher and approved by the executive director.