NEWSLETTER
94 Days of Summer Fun in New York State
Sun’s out, fun’s out! June 20 marks the official start of summer, meaning there’s 94 days of fun to be had in New York State before fall begins. From thrilling amusement parks and scenic beaches to adventures in nature and fascinating historic sites, we've curated a list brimming with ideas for every single day of the summer season. (Photo credit: @rjwphoto on Instagram)
Written by Marta Zielinska
1. Take in sweeping views of Lake Champlain and experience Revolutionary War history through weapons demonstrations, boat tours, and battle reenactments at Fort Ticonderoga.
2. Go for gold at Lake Placid Legacy Sites featuring one of the world’s largest collections of Winter Olympic memorabilia, thrilling zipline at the Olympic Jumping Complex, scenic rides on the Cliffside Coaster, and more.
3. Visit the John Brown Farm and learn about the life and work of this famed abolitionist.
4. Make a splash at Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge, the Six Flags Indoor Water Park in Queensbury, or at Plattsburgh City Beach, one of the largest freshwater beaches in America.
5. Putt Around the World in Lake George at one of the oldest mini golf courses in the United States.
6. Head to the races at the historic Saratoga Race Course.
7. Meet the Cohoes Mastodon at the New York State Museum, climb aboard the USS Slater, catch a show at The Egg, visit the New York State Capitol, or go sightseeing from the water with Dutch Apple Cruises & Tours on a tour of Albany.
8. Get a taste of New York at the Troy Farmers Market where nearly 100 vendors sell everything from baked goods, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables to candles, glassware, and folk art at this open-air market that also features live music and a view of the Hudson River.
9. Cycle the Erie Canal making pit stops at The Arkell Museum at Canajoharie for art and Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook for views.
10. Explore art in nature at the sprawling Cary Hill Sculpture Park and make a trek up the hilltop for amazing views of the Green Mountains.
11. Twist, turn, plunge, slide, splash, wind, float and relax in a beautiful mountain setting at Zoom Flume Water Park or soak up some fun at the Kartite Resort and Indoor Waterpark.
12. See a concert on the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival and spend the night at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in a brand new one-of-a-kind camping experience.
13. Step back in time and catch a vintage baseball game where local teams pay tribute to the history of the game by donning the uniform, rules and baseball philosophy of the 19th century.
14. Chase waterfalls on a hike along the 1.7-mile out-and-back Vernooy Kill Falls Trail or venture out to Sam’s Point and Verkeerderkill Falls on a more challenging trail better suited for experienced hikers.
15. Pitch your tent at the biggest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve at North-South Lake or choose your glamping adventure in a vintage camper at Boheme Retreats or Airstream suite at AutoCamp Catskills.
16. Meet gray wolves, coyotes, and gray and arctic foxes at the Wolf Mountain Nature Center and even spend the night.
17. Tap into your wild side at Animal Adventure Park, The Wild Animal Park, and Utica Zoo.
18. Cover all the bases with a visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Doubleday Field at the birthplace of America's pastime.
19. Experience village life in New York State circa 1845 at the Farmers’ Museum.
20. Find your flavor along the Brew Central Trail, Central New York Cheese Trail and Madison County Ice Cream Trail.
21. Move outside the gallery walls and explore art in nature at Griffis Sculpture Park in East Otto.
22. Have some old school family fun at Midway State Park in Bemus Point filled with vintage kiddie rides, arcade games, mini golf, go-karts and more.
23. Meet all your adventuring needs at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville complete with a thrilling Mountain Coaster, Sky High Adventure Park, mountain bike trails and kayaking on Spruce Lake.
24. Once known as the capital of cheese, explore the history of this favorite dairy delicacy at the Cuba Cheese Museum and bring some cheesy treats home from the Cuba Cheese Shoppe.
25. Follow the Amish Trail to farmstands and shops with hand-crafted furniture, quilts, and tasty specialties.
26. Visit the “Soaring Capital of America” to see an impressive collection of gliders at the National Soaring Museum and experience the joy of motorless flight at Harris Hill Soaring Center.
27. Follow in the footsteps of Harriet Tubman and explore her legacy at the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, the Equal Rights Heritage Center, and other sites in Auburn.
28. Experience the thrill of summer at Greek Peak home to an indoor water park and outdoor adventure center featuring zip lines, aerial ropes course, and mountain coaster.
29. Paddle away in a crystal kayak at Green Lakes, follow the Tioga Paddle Trail, and find even more ways to get out on the water at Seneca, Cayuga, and Skaneateles lakes with our guide to picturesque places to paddle
30. Rest and relax with a luxurious lakeside stay at Belhurst Castle, the Inn at Miles Wine Cellars, The Lake House on Canandaigua, and Inns of Aurora.
31. Feel the rush of Niagara Falls on a Maid of the Mist boat ride and Cave of the Winds tour.
32. Witness a historic reenactment at Old Fort Niagara.
33. Ride the tallest and fastest roller coaster in New York State and catch a concert at Six Flags Darien Lake.
34. Visit Letchworth State Park, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” featuring the first-of-its-find Autism Nature Trail, waterfalls, balloon rides, and more!
35. Step back in time aboard a vintage World War ll-era diesel train on the Arcade & Attica Railroad. Themed rides include the Superhero Train, Swiftie Train, and Murder Mystery Dinner.
36. Enjoy a family adventure at Playland in Rye, known for its historic rides, beachside setting and captivating Art Deco architecture, or LegoLand New York Resort in Goshen.
37. Discover hidden treasures on an antiquing trip to Beacon.
38. Explore art in the outdoors at Storm King and Art Omi.
39. Visit the earliest days of aviation at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum and Air Show featuring antique airplanes of WWI. Book a biplane ride for spectacular views.
40. Step inside the historic halls of the Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home, Eleanor Roosevelt’s cottage, Vanderbilt Mansion, and the Boscobel House.
41. Tee off where the pros golf at Bethpage State Park’s famed Black Course, host of the 2025 Ryder Cup.
42. Walk the boardwalk, catch a concert, test your limits at WildPlay, lay in the sand and more all at Jones Beach.
43. Enjoy gourmet Italian food or some Frosé at Del Vino Vineyards in Northport or savor live music with a wine tasting at Pindar Vineyards in Peconic at you explore Long Island Wine Country.
44. Calling all daredevils! Experience the Shark Dive at The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, where you’ll be placed inside a cage in the depths of the 120,000-gallon Lost City of Atlantis Shark Habitat as sharks and schools of fish swirl and swim around you.
45. Scale an iconic lighthouse in Montauk and Fire Island.
46. Watch movies under the stars at stellar sites across the city from Bryant Park to Brooklyn Bridge Park. The best part: it’s free!
47. Eat your way around the globe at the Queens Night Market.
48. Learn to surf at Rockaway Beach.
49. See an outdoor concert from Met Opera performances across the five boroughs to a free SummerStage old school hip-hop concert in the Bronx.
50. Get your steps in walking the High Line or the Brooklyn Bridge.
51. Row a skiff, take a speedboat ride, and admire over 300 unique and beautifully-preserved vessels at the Antique Boat Museum.
52. Walk the path through history at Fort Ontario and Sackets Harbor Battlefield.
53. Fill your need for speed at the Fulton Speedway or on New York’s longest go-kart track at Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts.
54. Take a boat ride to Boldt and Singer castles.
55. Cast a line in the St. Lawrence River – Bassmater’s favorite bass lake in the Northeast.
56. Test your nerves at a high-ropes or adventure park, such as Adirondack Extreme in Bolton Landing (the first aerial adventure course in the country, Adirondack Adventure Center in Lake Luzerne or West Mountain’s Aerial Adventure Park in Queensbury.
57. “Wine down” at Tug Hill Estate on a casual evening out with friends and family connecting over locally-produced wine and live music.
58. Hike, float, or climb amidst the primeval Adirondack forest at one of the United States’ oldest natural attractions, Ausable Chasm.
59. Take a Wild Walk above the Adirondack forest as you cross swing bridges, dip in and out of treehouses, play on a giant rope spider web and more at the immersive indoor-outdoor Wild Center.
60. Go back millions of years to a land ruled by giants at Dinos Live Alive: An Immersive Experience at Schenectady’s Armory Studios.
61. Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and catch a concert or a ballet under the stars at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, aka SPAC, or catch a free performance by a diverse lineup of artists at Albany’s Alive at Five summer concert series.
62. Root for the home team at a Tri-City ValleyCats minor league baseball game featuring post-game fireworks, 50-cent hot dog nights, and other fun promotions and giveaways.
63. Spend the night in a luxury safari-style tent and enjoy stellar stargazing near Great Sacandaga Lake at Glampful.
64. Celebrate the heritage and legacy of the birthplace of American dry fly fishing at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum.
65. Travel alongside Esopus Creek through the beautiful woods of the Catskill Mountains on a pedal-powered Rail Explorers rail bike.
66. Enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson Valley along the Hudson River Skywalk connecting the homes of two famed Hudson River School painters, Thomas Cole and Frederic Church.
67. Head 156-feet underground to explore impressive caves and rock formations illuminated by colorful lights at Howe Caverns.
68. Join in on the ultimate celebration of Binghamton’s signature dish at the 40th annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally.
69. Experience the thrill of being raised and lowered 20 feet inside a lock with Erie Canal Cruises.
70. Experience arts, education, concerts, and lectures during the 150th season at Chautauqua Institution.
71. Wander through geological spectacles at Panama Rocks Park and Rock City Park.
72. Laugh out loud at the National Comedy Center, Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, and the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.
73. Visit the world’s largest glass museum in Corning, discover the world’s largest toy collection at The Strong, experience living history at Genesee Country Village & Museum, and learn more about Native American culture at Ganondagan State Historic Site.
74. Sip your way through the Finger Lakes along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Keuka Lake Wine Trail, Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, and Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
75. Ride the rides, eat fun foods, see a concert, and more at the Great New York State Fair, the country’s oldest state fair
76. From the waterfalls of Watkins Glen to the dramatic landscape of the Chimney Bluffs to the refreshing swimming hole at Robert H. Treman—experience the natural joys of New York’s state parks.
77. Get out and explore Buffalo’s waterfront firsthand: rent a kayak, paddleboard or waterbike or reserve a seat aboard the Spirit of Buffalo or a cycleboat.
78. Get hooked on fishing! Book a Lake Ontario fishing charter.
79. Soak up summer vibes at Olcott Beach exploring the nostalgic carrousel park (where all rides are 25-cents) and colorful boardwalk.
80. Celebrate Labor Day weekend at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in the home of the Buffalo wing.
81. Book an all-inclusive summer retreat at Mohonk Mountain House.
82. Test your hiking skills at Bear Mountain, Hudson Highlands, Harriman State Park, and Mount Beacon.
83. Discover breathtaking Hudson Valley views from the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world's longest pedestrian bridge.
84. Plan a spa day at Mirbeau Inn in Rhinebeck.
85. Live out your Great Gatsby dreams at must-see Gold Coast mansions including Old Westbury Gardens, Sands Point Preserve, Coe Hall at Planting Fields Arboretum, and Vanderbilt Museum.
86. Fresh seafood by the sea? Yes, please! Get your fill of lobster, oysters, and other oceanic delicacies at Claudio’s in Greenport staple, Duryea’s in Montauk, and Lily’s Seaside at Silly Lily Fishing Station in East Moriches.
87. Stroll through a purple paradise at Lavender by the Bay and check out Waterdrinker Family Farm’s Lavender Lane.
88. Summers were made for rooftops. Enjoy drinks with a view at Overstory, Panorama Room, Daintree, Bar Blondeau, just to name a few.
89. Go island hopping: Governors, Roosevelt, Randalls, City Island, and Little Island are prime for exploring.
90. Find peace and serenity within the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden — one of only two authentic classical outdoor Chinese gardens in the U.S.
91. Catch some thrills in Coney Island at Luna Park on the world-famous Cyclone and other rides.
92. No boat, no problem! Pick your waterfront homebase and set up camp at DeWolf Point State Park, Robert G. Wehle State Park, or Southwick Beach State Park.
93. Get the family together for a night out at the Bay Drive-In Theatre.
94. Feel the rush of whitewater rafting in the Black River near Watertown.
