Full-Day Adventures with Kids in New York

We pulled these 14 full-day adventures out of our full catalog of kid-friendly spots in New York. Every listing has the ages it suits, what it costs, how long to budget, parking notes, and what to pack.

14 adventures found

Bear Mountain, NY

Bear Mountain State Park

Historic Hudson River park with trails, pool, merry-go-round, and Appalachian Trail. Paid entry. Works from toddler age.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~5h
  • Paid

Buffalo, NY

Sail Buffalo Sailing School

A nonprofit sailing school on Buffalo's Outer Harbor running week-long Lake Erie camps for kids, sorted by ability. Paid. Ages 8 to 17.

  • Sailing
  • Ages 8+
  • ~7h
  • Paid

Geneva, NY

Seneca Sailing Academy

A nonprofit school on Seneca Lake with Opti weeks for little kids and free public First Sail days off Geneva. Ages 7 and up.

  • Sailing
  • Ages 7+
  • ~7h
  • Paid

Indian Lake, NY

Snowy Mountain Trail

Challenging hike to the tallest peak in the southern Adirondacks with fire tower summit. Free. Better for ages 8 and up.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 8+
  • ~6h
  • Free

Ithaca, NY

Merrill Family Sailing Center

Cornell's public sailing center on Cayuga Lake, running youth camps, classes and family fleet access. Paid. Ages 8 to 17.

  • Sailing
  • Ages 8+
  • ~7h
  • Paid

Keene, NY

Cascade Mountain

The most popular Adirondack High Peak with stunning 360-degree summit views. Free. Better for ages 7 and up. Easily a full day.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 7+
  • ~5h
  • Free

Keene Valley, NY

Indian Head and Rainbow Falls Trail

Epic hike past a 150-foot waterfall to the iconic Ausable Lakes cliff-top view. Free. Better for ages 8 and up. Easily a full day.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 8+
  • ~7h
  • Free

Newcomb, NY

Camp Santanoni Historic Area

Carriage road hike or bike to a historic Great Camp on pristine Newcomb Lake. Free. Best from about age 5. Easily a full day.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 5+
  • ~5h
  • Free

Pilot Knob, NY

Buck Mountain Trail

Challenging summit hike with sweeping Lake George views from 2,334 feet. Free. Better for ages 7 and up. Easily a full day.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 7+
  • ~5h
  • Free

Rochester, NY

The Strong National Museum of Play

Enormous Rochester museum of play with a Sesame Street set, classic arcade, butterfly garden, carousel, and Toy Hall of Fame.

  • Indoor Play
  • Ages 1+
  • ~6h
  • Paid

Salamanca, NY

Allegany State Park

Largest state park in New York with beaches, boulder fields, and 80+ miles of trails. Paid entry. Works from toddler age.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~5h
  • Paid

Saranac Lake, NY

Ampersand Mountain

Challenging hike to a bald summit with 360-degree Adirondack panorama. Free. Better for ages 8 and up. Easily a full day.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 8+
  • ~5h
  • Free

Schroon Lake, NY

Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

Pristine wilderness lake with backcountry camping far from the crowds. Free. Better for ages 7 and up. Easily a full day.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 7+
  • ~6h
  • Free

Shandaken, NY

Slide Mountain Trail

Hike the highest peak in the Catskills at 4,180 feet. Free. Better for ages 8 and up. Easily a full day. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 8+
  • ~5h
  • Free