Family-friendly activities to add to your end-of-summer bucket list.
Summer is winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to soak up the sunshine and make a few more memories before the school year begins. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip, a fun afternoon in the park, or a family-friendly event, Central New York has no shortage of options to close out the season on a high note.
Here’s your go-to guide for end-of-summer activities the whole family will enjoy.
Splash into Late-Summer
Cool off and enjoy one more splash before the bathing suits are packed away!
- Boating Adventures: Try renting a kayak or paddleboard at Beaver Lake Nature Center or Green Lakes State Park. It’s a fun and easy way to get on the water as a family.
- Water Parks & Road Trips: Have a free day? Plan a spontaneous visit to Roseland Waterpark in Canandaigua, or Water Safari in Old Forge for waterslides, lazy rivers, and all-day excitement — or venture out to Sylvan Beach for boardwalk fun at the historic amusement park!
- Local Swimming and Beach Areas: Soak up the sun and sand at some of CNY’s favorite swimming spots. Jamesville Beach Park and Green Lakes offer sandy shorelines and swim areas. Sandy Island Beach State Park in Pulaski offers a peaceful, family-friendly spot for swimming and plenty of space to relax on the shore of Lake Ontario.
Explore Nature Before Fall
Take advantage of the warm weather and get outside before cooler temps roll in.
- Hit the Trails: Clark Reservation, Highland Forest, and Camillus Erie Canal Park all have kid-friendly hikes with beautiful scenery and plenty of spots to stop for a snack or snap a photo.
- Pick-Your-Own Fun: August is prime time for sunflowers and fruit picking. Visit local farms like Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville or Critz Farms in Cazenovia for fields of flowers and fresh seasonal produce.
- Pack a Picnic: Enjoy dinner outside and head to Onondaga Lake Park or Green Lakes. It’s a peaceful way to wind down after a busy summer day. Are the kids still full of energy? Have them play it out before bedtime on the playground each location features!
Find Festivals, Fairs & Outdoor Events
Late summer is packed with events that celebrate the season and the community!
- End-of-Summer Festivals: Check out our CNY Events Calendar for upcoming festivals, cultural celebrations, and outdoor markets. Don’t miss the Sunflower Festival at Abbott Farms on August 23rd! And of course, The Great New York State Fair is always a highlight, and takes place from August 20th to September 1st!
- Movies Under the Stars: Many parks and libraries host outdoor movie nights during August. Bring a blanket, popcorn, and enjoy a family favorite on the big screen. Or watch a movie from the comfort of your own car at one of the local drive-in movie theaters like the Midway Drive-In movie theater in Fulton or the Finger Lakes Drive-In in Auburn.
- Food Trucks & Fireworks: Hit up a food truck event like the Crazy ‘Cuse Food Trucks event at Crazy Daisies from August 22nd to 24th, catch live music in a local park, or end the night with fireworks — many communities still have events lined up before Labor Day. It’s also not too late to enjoy a Syracuse Mets game at NBT Bank Stadium. Catch a fireworks display after the game on Friday, August 22nd or bring your four-legged family member to the game on August 24th for Bark in the Park!
Plan Indoor Fun for Rainy Days
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s still plenty to do inside.
- Hands-On Museums: The MOST in downtown Syracuse and WonderWorks at Destiny USA offer interactive exhibits perfect for kids of all ages. The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester also makes for a worthwhile day trip!
- Art & Creativity: Sign up for a kids art class at The Liverpool Arts Center or join one of the workshops offered through Right Mind Syracuse.
- Library Happenings: Libraries are a great resource for free programming. Check your local branch or our CNY Events Calendar for crafts, end-of-summer reading celebrations, or storytimes near you.
Go on a Mini Getaway
You don’t need a full vacation to feel like you’ve had a break!
- Quick Day Trips: Take a drive to Old Forge for water rides and scenic views, head to Cooperstown for baseball and history, or explore the Thousand Islands for boat tours and family fun.
- Camp One More Time: Local campgrounds may still have availability for a last-minute overnight. Green Lakes, Verona Beach, or even a backyard campout can do the trick.
- Staycation Ideas: Not up for traveling? Plan a themed weekend at home —bring the water park to your backyard and break out the slip-n-slide, host a water balloon olympics, or have a movie marathon complete with homemade snacks.
Savor the Season
The last days of summer don’t have to be packed — just intentional. Pick a couple of activities that fit your family’s pace and make the most of the sunshine while it lasts.
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Have a favorite end-of-summer tradition or last-minute event to share? Tag us on Facebook or Instagram @familytimescny or use #CNYFamilyFun to show us how you’re wrapping up the season!
