Ithaca is a walkable, scenic town perched above the Finger Lakes—and a surprisingly fun place to explore with kids! With hands-on museums, lakeside parks, and easy eats, there’s plenty to fill a day with the kiddos. Here’s a family-friendly itinerary that makes the most of everything Ithaca has to offer.

Start Your Day at Ithaca Children’s Garden

Begin your adventure at the Ithaca Children’s Garden, a fascinating, locally-grown, nationally-recognized park aimed at connecting kids with nature. Little ones can dig, climb, and create in the Hands-on Kids’ Kitchen, or follow winding trails that lead through wetlands, meadows, and themed gardens. The star attraction is Gaia the Turtle, a giant turtle-shaped play sculpture that doubles as a climbing structure.

Explore Hands-On Learning at the Sciencenter

After some outdoor fun, head to the Sciencenter, Ithaca’s hands-on science museum, just a short drive from the garden. Kids can experiment with physics exhibits, make music with oversized instruments, and get up close with live animals in the touch tank. The outdoor science playground encourages climbing and discovery, while younger children can enjoy dedicated toddler areas indoors. 

Family-Friendly Dining Options in Ithaca

By the afternoon, you (and the kids) will have likely worked up an appetite. Ithaca has plenty of family-friendly dining spots to choose from:

  • Moosewood Restaurant is famous for vegetarian and kid-friendly dishes, making healthy eating approachable for families.
  • Collegetown Bagels (CTB) serves up delicious sandwiches, smoothies, and baked goods with plenty of options for picky eaters.
  • Purity Ice Cream is a must-visit dessert stop, serving homemade ice cream in kid-approved flavours. The spacious seating makes it easy for families.
  • Viva Taqueria is a casual spot downtown where kids can enjoy tacos or quesadillas while parents tuck into heartier plates.

Other Kid-Approved Activities for a Fun Day in Ithaca

Here are a few more ideas to create your own itinerary, or round out your day with a final play park or wind-down activity:

  • Stewart Park: Situated on Cayuga Lake, Stewart Park has a playground, carousel (seasonal), and plenty of green space for picnics or kite-flying. The lakeside setting makes it enjoyable for adults as well.

  • Buttermilk Falls State Park: If your family is up for a short hike, the base area of Buttermilk Falls features an accessible trail and picnic spots where children can enjoy nature without a long trek.

  • Tompkins County Public Library: This local library is a calming stop for storytime sessions or simply browsing the bright, kid-friendly reading areas. Perfect if you need a quieter moment before heading home.

With play spaces, public gardens, science exhibits, and delicious dining all in one day, Ithaca is a fantastic day out for families with young children. Plan your day around these highlights, or for more inspiration, explore more things to do with kids in Ithaca.