Plan a perfect family-friendly winter weekend getaway in the Ithaca-Cortland region.
Start Your New York Weekend Winter Getaway
After an easy car ride, stretch your legs and check out Ithaca’s Sciencecenter, a hands-on science museum that’s fun for all ages with interactive exhibits to explore, connect, and create through science.
Check into the Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Ithaca, where families will love the spacious, modern rooms the walkability to attractions and restaurants, and kids will delight in their indoor pool. Have dinner at Viva Taqueria on the Ithaca Commons, a family-friendly restaurant serving authentic Mexican food in a lively atmosphere.
Check Out Ski Resorts Near Ithaca, NY
Take a short drive to Greek Peak Mountain Resort, the largest ski resort in central New York, where the whole family can learn to ski or snowboard with Greek Peak’s low-cost learn-to-ski package. The $59 package includes equipment rentals, a lesson, and a lift ticket. After a day on the slopes, families will love splashing around in Greek Peak’s Cascades Indoor Waterpark, which is 84 degrees inside all year round.
If everyone is up for another adventure, the resort also offers snow tubing—a thrilling race downhill on groomed trails. The best part? You don't need to trek up the hill with your tube—just take a lift! End the day with dinner at the resort’s Trax Pub & Grill, which offers a cozy and boisterous atmosphere, kid-friendly menu options, and slopeside dining, where you can watch all of the action comfortably inside or on the outdoor deck.
Enjoy the Ithaca, NY Winter Scenery
Grab a family-friendly breakfast at Ithaca Bakery. They’ve been baking bread, bagels, cakes, and other delicious treats daily since 1910! With full bellies, take an easy but breathtakingly beautiful hike to Taughannock Falls. The falls are the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, and during the winter, the frozen falls are so stunning, even the kids will be impressed.
Fun Ithaca Winter Activities for the Whole Family
Wander through the Dewitt Mall and browse the books at Buffalo Street Books, Ithaca’s cooperatively-owned independent bookstore. Before heading out of town, share an ice cream sundae at Purity Ice Cream Co. — Fun fact: the ice cream sundae was rumored to have been invented in Ithaca in 1892!