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Family Travel Report: New York’s Finger Lakes Region

With over 100 wineries spread out along four major lakeside trails, many think of New York’s Finger Lakes region as a wine destination.

Local Jackie Perrin argues that travelers should not overlook the Finger Lakes as a family-friendly destination.

She shares her pick of the better-known family favorites as well as some lesser-known hometown secrets.

When it comes to visiting New York’s Finger Lakes region, families can expect gorges, parks, boat tours, and interactive museums devoted to unique topics. As a native to this region, here are my family’s picks for some end of summer and early fall activities.

Make a Special Delivery



One of the best ways to see Skaneateles Lake, a historic summer retreat for everyone from the Rockefellers to Clintons, just might be on a mail boat. From July 1 to early September, Mid-Lakes Navigation Company offers three-hour tours aboard the 36-passenger Barbara S. Wiles, a working U.S. mailboat.

Mid-Lakes Mailboat Cruise

On the Mid-Lakes Mailboat Cruise. Photo credit: Mid-Lakes Navigation Company

At dockside stops, the youngest passengers can take turns doling out dog biscuits to four-legged customers, while the crew delivers the mail to area residents. Best suited to cruisers ages 6 and up, the boat departs at 10 a.m. Monday to Saturday. Pack a picnic lunch or pay extra and order a box lunch when you book.

Ditch the Parents

On Seneca Lake, there are three-hour Monday evening Teen Cruises aboard the Seneca Legacy that depart from Seneca Harbor in Watkins Glen, from late June to early September. Tickets include pizza, soft drinks and a DJ.

While the teens can dance and meet their peers, parents can enjoy a peaceful dinner on land at one of the dockside eateries. Call ahead to guarantee a space on the cruise. Walk-ups should arrive by 6:30 p.m. for 7 p.m. departure.

Corning Museum of Glass

At the Corning Museum of Glass, a child's face is seen looking through glass. Photo credit: Corning Museum of Glass

Play with Glass

A museum dedicated to breakables might seem an unlikely destination for a family excursion, but at the Corning Museum of Glass kids engage in a host of mom-approved activities.

There are hot glass shows, flameworking demonstrations and the opportunity to make your own jewelry, ornaments and picture frames in a hands-on glass workshop. Museum admission is free for those 19 and under.

Be sure to book a time for the “Make Your Own Glass” workshop in advance. Fees range from $10 to $28 and shipping charges are additional.

Climb like a Monkey

Ithaca is the self-proclaimed birthplace of the ice cream sundae and home to the renowned Cornell University, but young adventurers might be most struck by the six-story-high “tree house”  in a local nature center.

Perched next to a waterfall amid a seasonal butterfly habitat, the 50 foot high TreeTops “tree house” is billed as a small blip on the Cayuga Nature Center trail map. The 670-square-foot house is an adrenaline rush for both parents and kids, who scale a soaring network of stairs, nets and ladders.

It’s a storied stage for make-believe and an unsung attraction. Afterward, celebrate Ithaca’s frozen claim to fame at Cayuga Creamery.

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park. Photo credit: New York State Office of Parks and Historic Preservation

Explore a Gorge-ous Gorge

Watkins Glen State Park is a popular Finger Lakes area state park, located at the southern end of Seneca Lake.

An oasis for nature-loving families, the scenic glacier-carved gorge features dramatic drops.

On a hike along the gorge trail, you’ll walk along cliffs and feel the mist of the park’s 19 waterfalls that are fed from the glen stream.

For the kids, there’s a playground as well as an Olympic-size swimming pool (open seasonally).

The gorge trail is open from mid-May to early November. Guided tours are available Thursday to Sunday through Labor Day.

Swim under a Waterfall

For an even “cooler” experience in summer, head to Robert H. Treman State Park, home to 12 waterfalls, including one that empties into a natural swimming pool.

Just south of Ithaca, the park, originally named “Enfield Glen” has camping, hiking, swimming and naturalist-guided tours. The life-guarded swimming area features a diving board, a shallow area for younger swimmers and the opportunity to hug the rock face and “touch” the falls.

Swimming Robert H. Treman State Park

Swimming in Robert H. Treman State Park. Photo credit: New York State Office of Parks and Historic Preservation

Keep in mind that water temperatures rarely top the low to mid 70s, so expect to be “refreshed.” Wear water shoes to protect feet from the rock bottom.

If you have older kids, take them on a hike past 115-foot Lucifer Falls to the lower park, along the way there is some of the most inspiring scenery. The swimming area is open from mid-June to Labor Day weekend.

Stoke a Need for Speed

Got a daredevil in your crew? Visit Watkins Glen International, the site of the US Grand Prix from 1961 to 1980, to soak up their need for speed. Thunder Road Tours is a pace car-led amateur experience that includes three laps around the track in your own vehicle. Tickets can be purchased at the attraction’s official retail shop at 2 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen. Call 607-535-2338 for times and information.

Feel the Adrenaline Rush

Thrill junkies are also flocking to the new Outdoor Adventure Center at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland. In addition to a three-level aerial challenge course, a zip line tour and a Euro-Bungee, the Center features New York State’s first hybrid mountain coaster.

Greek Peak Nor'Easter

Greek Peak Nor'Easter. Photo credit: Greek Peak Mountain Resort

Part alpine slide, part roller coaster ride, the Nor’easter Mountain Coaster travels at speeds of up to 28 mph, as riders negotiate dips and turns on a winding course down the mountain. Kids as young as three can ride the coaster free with a paying adult.

Zips on the center’s four-course zip line tour range from 300 to 1,165 feet, where flyers can see the mountain coaster. For the best and most affordable experience, purchase an all-day Adventure Ticket and book the first guided tour of the day.

Glide Through the Sky

In Elmira, birthplace of space shuttle commander Eileen Collins, aspiring aviators can take to the skies on a high-flying glider tour. Kids 8 or older can take a guided glider rides at Harris Hill Soaring Center. Rides require no special skills and are around 15-20 minutes in duration.

Down the hill at Harris Hill Amusement Park, your little ones can “fly” their own airplane or sky fighter, then play pretend on of a handful of similar kiddie-sized amusement rides. Guided glider rides are available seven days a week from late June to late August, and on weekends from April to October.

By Jackie Perrin for PeterGreenberg.com. Writer Jackie Perrin has covered the best of upstate New York travel for over a decade.

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