Top Winter Activities In Syracuse, NY

It’s no secret that Syracuse experiences all seasons to the extreme. But the winter snow doesn’t stop us from enjoying our city. Both indoors and out, there are lots of winter activities in Syracuse. Discover some of our favorite things to do over the winter months.

1. Onondaga County Parks

The Syracuse region is in close proximity to several county parks. Bring your own snowshoes for a trek at Beaver Lake Nature Center or search for critters on a nature walk at Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Looking for a more lowkey outdoor experience, make a reservation for a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride at Highland Forest. This is the perfect opportunity to get the kids outside even in the colder months.

2. The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (The MOST)

Head to The MOST for a day so fun that your kids won't even notice they're learning. Catch a show in their new live animal exhibit, Wonderful World of Butterflies, learn about fossils and geography or star gaze in the planetarium and brand new digital theater. If you haven't visited in a while, the kiddos will amazed by the permanent Dino Zone! exhibit, featuring life-sized and lifelike dinosaurs. We promise they won't want to leave!

3. Rosamond Gifford Zoo

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo gives you the option to visit with animals indoors or step outside to see those that thrive in the cold climate. Highlights include the Asian elephant exhibit, a wing of primates and an enclosure home to winter loving snow leopards. You won't be disappointed no matter what time of year you visit. Need to keep the family occupied throughout the Winter Break? Stay up to date with the School Break Zoo Camps that give kids the opportunities to explore the zoo, play games, make craft projects and so much more.

4. Hit the Slopes

Check out Labrador Mountain or Song Mountain for all your skiing and snowboarding needs. Both of these mountains offer a variety of trails for all levels and lessons for those who are new to the sport. Not your speed? Take to Four Seasons Golf & Ski or Camillus Ski Park for a day full of tubing!

5. Museums

Syracuse offers a variety of museums that cater to a variety of interests and ages. Delve into local history and step on a canal boat replica at the Erie Canal Museum or check out the regions' ties to the Underground Railroad at the Onondaga Historical Association. If you have an art fan on your hands then the Everson Museum of Art is the place to be.

6. City Activities

There's still family fun happening every day in Syracuse! Get outside for some ice skating at Clinton Square Ice Rink or head inside for some skate time at Sunnycrest Ice Rink. Be sure to check out the Parks & Rec Facebook page for the weekly schedule of pop-up snowshoe rental events, spread out across various city parks each week.

7. Destiny USA

Check out a variety of options available at Destiny USA. Take the kids through an escape room at Escape the Mystery Room, test your balance on the world's largest indoor suspended ropes course at the Canyon Climb, race around an indoor track at RPM or immerse yourself in a live-action adventure at 5 Wits.

Now that you have so many choices for winter activities in Syracuse, what will you choose to do first? Don’t forget to tag #VisitSyr in your photos on social media to share your adventures!