Baldwinsville, a charming village located about 20 minutes north of Syracuse, offers families an easy escape filled with outdoor fun, local flavor and historic small-town charm. Whether you’re exploring wetlands, picking fresh berries or catching a concert by the river, Baldwinsville offers a variety of activities that appeal to kids and adults alike.
Parks and Nature Centers
Beaver Lake Nature Center
Beaver Lake Nature Center’s nine trails wind through wetlands, meadows, a bog and more (and they are open year-round).
📍 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY
Community Park
Community Park’s newest addition, an accessible playground, opened in the fall. Families can also take a walk on one of its nature trails or spend some time on the water (there is a kayak launch at the park).
📍 Lions Parkway, Baldwinsville, NY
Lysander Park
Lysander Park’s grounds include pickleball courts (rental equipment is available), a playground, a 0.75-mile trail, a life-size checkerboard, and a spray park, which has 24 features.
📍 Smokey Hollow Road, Baldwinsville, NY
Farms
Abbott Farms
During a visit to Abbott Farms, families can pick their own strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, apples and pumpkins (depending on the time of year) or attend one of its family-friendly festivals.
📍 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville, NY
Reeves Farms
Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Reeves Farms offers u-pick strawberries and blueberries during the summer months.
📍 1220 W. Genesee Road, Baldwinsville, NY
Sports
Hickory Hill Golf Center
Families can play a round of mini golf (the course includes water and a cave), then grab some homemade ice cream.
📍 3451 State Route 31, Baldwinsville, NY
Three Rivers Athletic Complex
Three Rivers Athletic Complex offers open skate sessions – and it houses a pro shop and the Overtime Sports Bar & Grill.
📍 2725 W. Entry Road, Baldwinsville, NY
Museums and Historical Sites
Erie Canal and Lock 24
A trip to Baldwinsville wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Erie Canal and Lock 24 (the latter opened in 1910 and is still operational today).
📍Water St., Baldwinsville, NY
Shacksboro Schoolhouse Museum
Are you interested in history? Learn more about Baldwinsville at the Shacksboro Schoolhouse Museum (fun fact: the building dates back to 1879).
📍 46 Canton St., Baldwinsville, NY
Entertainment
Paper Mill Island
The outdoor amphitheater hosts numerous concerts and festivals. Upcoming events include: Seneca River Days (June 12 & 13, 2026), Island Takeover (June-September 2026) and Taste of Bville (September 26, 2026).
📍 136 Spensieri Ave., Baldwinsville, NY
The Painting Cafe
Looking for a place to be creative? Register for an art class or other creative experiences for kids, teens, and adults.
📍 41 Oswego Street, Suite #130, Baldwinsville, NY
Syracuse Boat Tours
Offers relaxing and family-friendly cruises along the Seneca River, Erie Canal, and Onondaga Lake, with themed experiences designed for guests of all ages. From scavenger hunts and princess cruises to narrated historical tours and sunset rides, Syracuse Boat Tours provides a new, fun way to explore Central New York on the water.
📍7439 Hillside Road, Baldwinsville, NY
For more family-friendly activities in Central New York, click here.
