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family fun in the finger lakes
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items families of all types, look no further! this will get ya started on planning a quick weekend getaway or a lakeside escape with your fam. things to do for littles and bigs alike to all have fun together.
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geneva, penn yan
watkins glen, ithaca
canandaigua, naples
geneva, penn yan
sure to please all - grands to babes alike. delicious fried chicken, tasty salads and homemade sauces that are all super fresh. homemade custard never disappoint and there's a huge seating area with grassy spots for kids to run
American Restaurant and Ice Cream Shop | Seneca Farms | Penn Yan, NY
go for the java, stay for the vibes. women owned and operated, amity is unparalleled! the coffees are roasted on site and the baked goods are sublime. there's an area in the back with bigger tables and a toy basket for kids to play
AmityCoffeeCo
SPLASH PAD!!!! so great for littles and bigs alike in the summer months. once you pay your state park fee, there are tons of free grills with shade. but hack: pop kids in the stroller or on bikes and walk in from the welcome center. free entry!
Seneca Lake State Park
kick ass playground at the lakefront! you can get some a/c inside and grab a bite. the farmer's market is here on seasonal saturdays. hack: park here and pop kids in the stroller or on a bike and walk into the state park. bring a cooler for a free da...
Finger Lakes Welcome Center
did you know you can get dole whip outside of disney world?! me either! love you, mr. twistee's! be prepared for a long line on summer nights. the playground proves good distraction while kids wait
Mr. Twistee's
locally roasted beans and a killer vibe. don't skip on the breakfast banh mi. it's bonkers good
Monaco's Coffee
great spot for basics you might need in a lake house rental without any plastic waste + locally made, sustainable goods. woman-owned and operated!
Marilla's Mindful Supplies
intergenerational family fun. i've spent hours here with my toddler, my parents, and my grandmother all enjoying the vintage pinball and nostalgic toys. woman-owned and operated!
Total Recall
wine slushie for you, home made soda for kiddo. soft pretzels for everyone! it's a match made in heaven. pro tip: three bros does a non-alc tasting flight so sober folks feel super welcome here!
Three Brothers Wineries and Estates
watkins glen, ithaca
hands down the best sweet wines in the usa. catawba will blow your socks off. food trucks usually there on the weekends so you can relax and feed the fam while enjoying a flight.
Lakewood Vineyards
mouthwatering as i write this. i longed for these subs while pregnant. the line can be a little long and there is no seating. take this to go for a lakeside lunch
Shortstop Deli
be aware: this is not for toddlers. there is a bit of a climb down some rocks to reach this spot and the flats are covered in slow running water. super beautiful, super fun - but best for 5 years+
Flat Rock Ithaca
check for guided nature walks, story hours, and workshops that are all designed for children. you can also walk the grounds on your own but their events are excellent.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
tons of options for dietary needs and great seating, including a little indoor spot that is climate controlled
Glen Dairy Bar
this place made me a hilton girlie. the lobby/restaurant is *so* good, and the pizza slaps. trust me, i'm a pizza snob. this is the best i've had in FLX. the staff is excellent and accommodating. the rooms are compact but perfect for family travel. w...
Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown, NY Hotel
canandaigua, naples
if the lake house up the road is too swanky, bring the fam here! still has the elegant vibe but with a fraction of the cost
Hotel Canandaigua, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
ok weird travel tip - but this hippy church has *awesome* kids events. check their facebook and feel welcome to join even as a tourist
Unitarian Universalist Church of Canandaigua
staying here may be cost prohibitive for many families, but you can enjoy the grounds for a meal! there are fire pits with adirondack chairs and lawn games for kids while you lounge during happy hour
Sand Bar
the most family friendly brewery in the area. huge open fields for running and playing lawn games, tons of fire pits, and often live music. awesome bbq food joint inside, too!
Star Cider
no longer selling seeds, this farm often hosts community events during the spring and summer months to educate about FLX agriculture. check their social media, our kiddo loves to run around their u-pick flower fields and squash tomatoes for seed coll...
Fruition Seeds
incredible trails and excellent educators on staff here. open all year, in the winter you can rent snow shoes and take a powdery walk through the hills
RMSC Cumming Nature Center