Think there’s little to do in the Finger Lakes during the winter, if you’re not into skiing? Think again! And if your budget’s tight after the holidays, here’s a list of suggestions that will fit, not only your wallet, but also your taste for fun! We’ve listed some of the best wintertime activities in the Finger Lakes that would cost $25 or less for a family of four (for Family-friendly activities) or $25 or less for a couple (for activities that are best for adults), listed alphabetically by community. You’ll find those that cover multiple locations at the bottom.
- Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center in Auburn – View exhibits by local and regional artists in the multi arts facility. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Closed on major holidays and between exhibitions, so please check schedule. Suggested admission $6, children under 12 Free. (Better for adults, but Family-friendly if your child enjoys art).
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Visit the MacKenzie-Childs Farmhouse and Studio
MacKenzie-Childs in Aurora – Spend the day visiting a Victorian farmhouse with its 15 rooms, the studio and store overlooking Cayuga Lake that is home to the world-famous MacKenzie-Childs Design studio. Open daily, 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Free. (Better for adults).
- Rockwell Museum of Western Art in Corning – See some of the finest examples of western and Native American art in the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibits. Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Adults (20-54) $6.50, Age 55+ $5.50, Students with ID $5.50, AAA with Card $5.50, Kids & Teens (19 & under). Free admission on Sundays between November 2011 and April 2012. (Family-friendly).
- The National Soaring Museum in Elmira – Experience the history and heritage of motorless flight. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7 days a week March through Dec. Closed Saturdays and Sundays January and February.Adults $7.50, Youth (age 7-18) $4.50, Child (age 6 and under)Free, Senior (age 60+) $6, Family (2 adults, 2 youth) $20. (Family-Friendly).
- Lollypop Farm in Fairport – Visit one of the region’s best-known animal shelters and petting zoos. Adoption Center open Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Saturday – Monday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Petting Zoo open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. Closed major holidays. Free. (Family-friendly).
- Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport – Explore the early days of transportation in this museum that’s a tribute to “the Fastest Man in the World” and leader in motorcycle and aviation development. Open November 1 – April 1, open daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Adults $7.50, Seniors (65+) $6, Students (7-18) $4.5, Children (6 & under) Free, Family rate $20, Members Free. For more on the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, check out our post and slide video. (Family-friendly)
- Golden Oak Alpaca Farm in Honeoye - Get up close and personal with the gentle, sweet alpaca that is raised for its fleece. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During February, also open Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. (Family-friendly)
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Raptors in residence at Wild Wings Birds of Prey Facility in Mendon Ponds Park
Wild Wings in Mendon Ponds Park in Honeoye Falls - Wild Wings is a non-profit that cares for raptors and one bobcat that have been injured. In the park, there are also ten trails on which you can hike or cross country ski. Wild Wings is open 10 a.m – 2 p.m. every day but Wed. and Thurs., Park open daily 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.) Note: in very cold weather, call to see if birds will be out. Free, but donations or store purchases are appreciated. (Family-friendly)
- Cornell Plantations in Ithaca - Visit the renowned arboretum and botanical gardens with its new Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center that serves as interpretive and educational center, on the grounds of Cornell University. The grounds and gardens are open year-round, dawn to dusk. Welcome center is open Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m, and Sunday 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Free. (Family-friendly)
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca – Learn more about birds at the Visitors Center, then take a birdwatching hike through their Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary.Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.– 4 p.m.,Saturday 9:30 a.m.– 4 p.m., Sunday 11a.m.– 4 p.m. Free, but donations are appreciated. (Family-friendly).
- Museum of the Earth in Ithaca – Winter Hours: Monday, Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.), Sunday 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.). Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday except during Winter Break and Holiday Week programming. Adult $8, College Student w/ID $5. Senior w/ID $5, Youth (ages 4-17) $3, Child (3 and under) Free, Members Free. (Family-friendly).
- Sciencenter in Ithaca- Enjoy over 150 exhibits covering everything from astrology to zoology. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 12 Noon – 5 p.m. Adults (18+) $7, Seniors (65+) $6, Children (ages 3-17) $5,Members & Children under 3 Free. (Family-friendly).
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Catch free performances by Eastman School of Music's Stars of Tomorrow
Eastman School of Music Concerts in Rochester – Listen to music – from jazz and opera to symphonic, chamber and world music – performed by tomorrow’s stars-in-the-making and Eastman School of Music Faculty. Full concert schedule most weeks. Free, unless fee is indicated. (Better for adults, but family-friendly, if your child enjoys classical music).
- Rochester Public Market in Rochester – Rochester’s public market is over 100 years old and abounds with produce, flowers, ethnic delicacies, specialty items and more. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round and Saturdays, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. year-round. Free. (Family-Friendly).
- Women’s Rights National Historic Museum in Seneca Falls – Visit the museum that commemorates the birthplace of the women’s rights movement. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. (Family-friendly, but probably better for kids over 4th grade).
- Snow Leapord Days at Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park in Syracuse – Winter is a great time to visit the zoo! The crowds are smaller and most of the animals are still in residence. Open 362 days a year from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. January and February admission: Adults (19-61) $4, Seniors (62+) $2.50, Youth (3-18) $2, Children 2 & under free. (Family-friendly).
- Finger Lakes Cheese Trail, throughout Finger Lakes region – Tour a number of creameries and farms and taste the goodness of farm fresh artisanal cheeses. During the winter, 7 of the 13 farms on the cheese trail are open, so be sure to check the schedule. Visitors are also advised to call in advance to confirm hours. Most farms offer free visits and tastings. (Better for adults).
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You can enjoy indoor and outdoor skating throughout the Finger Lakes
Ice Skating, throughout the region – Enjoy Gliding across the ice at these rinks: Clinton Square in Syracuse ($3 includes skate rental) Manhattan Square Park in Rochester (Adults $5, Age 17 and under $2, Families $14, Skate rental $3) Casey Park in Auburn (City of Auburn Resident $1, Adult Non-resident $5, Under age 17 non-resident $3, skate rental $2) Lunch Hour Skate at Alumni Arena at SUNY Cortland (Jan. 19 – Feb. 24. Free admission, $2 skate rental), Lynah Rink in Ithaca ( Admission $3, skate rental $2). Note: We’ve included only those facilities where admission and rental for a family of 4 would be no more than $26, but you can find more listings at I Love the Finger Lakes. (Family-friendly).
- Visit a Finger Lakes Region State Park – Enjoy the pristine quiet of nature at a Finger Lakes State Park. Most State Parks in the Finger Lakes are open year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching and some allow snowmobiling and ice skating. Most admissions fees range between $7-$8 per vehicle, but fees are sometimes waived during winter. Be sure to consult schedule for individual park. (Family-friendly).
- Polar Passport for the Seneca Lake Wine Trail – Visit 20+ participating wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and enjoy a free flight of wines, chat with winemakers and enjoy personalized off-season attention. Pass is valid through March 31. $12/adult plus 8% tax. Purchase pass online, in advance or at participating wineries. See individual wineries for schedules. (Best for Adults).
If you have other suggestions to add, we’d love to hear from you. Please email or share your suggestions in the comments section.
If this article was helpful, you may also want to visit our Travel Tips & Trips Calendar, that lists top Finger Lakes activities each month.
MacKenzie-Childs photo courtesy of Kathy H. Porter, author of Healing Rescue Dogs.
Photos of Eastman Students courtesy of Eastman School of Music.