Grandkids Daytrips

Where to go in the area to entertain the grandkids

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Summer is still weeks away, but the CNY area offers plenty of fun things to do and places to go with your grandchildren while the weather’s still cold.

Children’s Museum of Oswego

Check out the Children’s Museum of Oswego for interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and special events tailored to children through age 12. The museum offers sensory-friendly hours. Adults $10; children $11; children younger than 1 and members, free.

More info: www.cmoo.org

Milton J. Rubenstein Museum

Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, aka “The MOST,” in Syracuse. The numerous interactive exhibits involve children in learning about the science and technology that intersects with their daily lives. Tickets for adults are $12; youth 2-15, $12; children 2 and younger, free; EBT (electronic benefit transfer)  adult $2; ETB youth 2-15 and seniors 65-plus $1; veterans, active military, NYS pre-K-12 teachers, first responders, free with ID; personal aides, free; college students, employees of nonprofits, discount with ID.

More info: www.most.org

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

You may think of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse as a summertime outing; however, it is open year-round with thinner crowds during the late winter and early spring. Check the zoo website for special events that may interest your grandchildren. Adults $9; youth 3-17 $5; children 2 and younger, seniors 62+ $5; veterans and active military free.

More info: www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org

Corning Museum of Glass

Although a glass museum, Corning Museum of Glass in Corning offers many hands-on activities for kids to dig into and learn about glassmaking, such as the Make Your Own Glass experience, with seasonal objects to create. The hands-on exhibits and technology displays also capture the attention of inquisitive children. In addition, Corning Glass offers hot glassmaking demonstrations and the world’s largest display of glass, both historic and contemporary. Adults $22; AAA/CAA, military, college student, and 62+ receive a 15% discount ($18.70); Children 17 and younger, free.

More info: www.cmog.org

Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural and Country Living Museum

Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural and Country Living Museum in Auburn is home to artifacts of rural and agricultural living in the mid-1900s. Check the website for the museum’s calendar of events such as special presentations. Admission is free.

More info: https://wardwoharaagriculturalmuseum.org

The Fairgrounds in Syracuse

The Fairgrounds in Syracuse are more than just for the 15 days of the fair at the end of summer. Check out the events page of the fair website to see what’s going on year-round. From animal competitions to car shows to collector events, the Fairgrounds offer new events each week, many of which are kid-friendly and with low admission.

More info: https://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov

The Everson Museum of Art

The Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse offers children’s programming, along with plenty of modern and contemporary art to see with a regular admission. The permanent collection includes 11,000 works: paintings, ceramics, sculpture, videos, photographs, works on paper and decorative arts. The museum’s core collections include ceramics and video art. Adults $14; seniors 65+ $10; children 6-12 $5; EBT $2; Everson members, children 5 and younger and military with ID free. Wednesdays and every third Thursday, pay what you wish.

More info: https://everson.org/visit

Harriet Tubman Home

Harriet Tubman Home offers a glimpse into the life and home of one of the most remarkable women in history. Check the website for hours and to book an appointment-only tour.

More info: www.harriettubmanhome.com

Destiny USA in Syracuse

If you want get out all day without going outside a lot, head over to Destiny USA in Syracuse. With a 5 Wits escape room, Billy Beez playground for smaller children, Amazing Mirror Maze, Glowgolf, Lasertag, Wonderworks, Zero Latency virtual adventure and more, you’ll find stuff to keep tots through teens busy all day. Oh, and you could also go shopping.

More info: www.destinyusa.com