SUNY college road trip: Family-friendly activities near Buffalo, Albany and Binghamton

Summer and fall are busy times for families with rising juniors and seniors. College visits, which give students a taste of collegiate life, are often on the agenda. But college life is more than just what happens on campus. Here are fun options near three of the most-visited and attended State University of New York (SUNY) campuses: The University at Albany, Binghamton University, and the University at Buffalo.

University at Buffalo — SUNY

12 Capen Hall

More than 45,000 people apply to SUNY Buffalo each year, but many don’t realize the size and scope of the city, the second largest in New York State behind Manhattan. Sitting at the crossroads of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, there’s plenty to do and see around town. 

For instance, get a free bird’s-eye view of the city by checking out the Buffalo City Hall observation deck. From there, head to Bird Island Pier — also free — where you can walk the 2.2-mile path and see the Buffalo skyline as well as views of Lake Erie, the Niagara River and the Peace Bridge.

If you have children in tow, check out the Buffalo Museum of Science ($19, $17 ages 17 and under) and Explore & More — The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Children's Museum ($11 weekdays, $15 weekends). Both places offer frequent special events and interactive programs for the entire family. The Buffalo Zoo ($22.50, $16.50 ages 12 and under), the third-oldest zoo in America, is celebrating its 150th anniversary and is another option for antsy siblings. A 15-minute drive from campus, see endangered animals and participate in one of its many fun events, such as 5ks and wine and food samplings.

SUNY Buffalo is also a quick 25-minute drive to Niagara Falls State Park (parking is $10 during the week, $15 on weekends). Viewing the Falls is free unless you want to take a boat ride to get a little closer. Silo City, a 14-acre area with bars, housing, and art installations, is another offbeat option with its indoor and outdoor performance spaces, walking tours and focus on ecology.

There are 1,500 hotel rooms in the city, and Airbnb and Vrbo operate here, too. Suppose you want to stick close to campus, check out Fairfield Inn and Suites or Staybridge Suites Amherst. Both are across the street from campus and feature indoor pools, fitness centers, and family rooms. Families that want something a bit more upscale or need to bring their pet, Reikart House, Buffalo, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is only a six-minute drive to campus.

Buffalo, like New York City, is recognized as a top foodie destination. Make sure you eat some eponymous Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar, which is family friendly despite its name. Other Buffalo-style options include pizza — Good Guys Pizza is a campus favorite — and beef on weck. Students love Schwabl’s for weck since it does takeout.

Binghamton University

4400 Vestal Pkwy.

About four hours  from Long Island, Binghamton is known as a public Ivy. With a thriving arts scene and beautiful Victorian architecture, the city is brimming with things to do and see.

Kids will get a kick out of Recreation Park, less than 10 minutes from campus. Ride the old-fashioned wood-carved carousel, which turns 100 this year, and stick around for the bandstand featured in "The Twilight Zone" as well as an expansive playground.

Science is big in this small city. About 20 minutes from campus, the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center ($6) is open Friday evenings, but interested families can tour the facility and use its telescopes, computers and labs any time during the week by calling ahead. The Roberson Museum and Science Center ($8; Wednesdays through Sundays) melds art, history, and science, allotting an entire floor of its historic mansion to each. In addition, it houses the area's only planetarium. Another science-filled attraction is the Animal Adventure Park & Preserve ($21.99 for 12 and up, $18.99 ages 3-11), which features two parts: a walk-through zoo and a 100-acre drive-through safari. Open April through December, there are plenty of options to get up close and personal with more than 100 species. A second zoo — the Ross Park Zoo ($7 for 13 and over, $5 for ages 3-12) — is close to campus, too.

Binghamton University has its own 182-acre nature preserve with 14 trails. If you’re looking for more strenuous activities, The Pad Climbing (admission ranges from $15 to $24, not including optional equipment) is a nonprofit bouldering gym where experts and newbies to climbing can visit any time, day or night. Guests can also climb at CK'Sters Fun Park (prices vary) and play mini golf, laser tag, and an escape room, as well as jump on a zip line or jump — literally — on a bungee. Looking for something lower-impact? Robot City Games and Arcade has more than 125 video games and pinball machines.

When it comes to lodging, members of Binghamton parents groups speak highly of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel downtown, citing its in-house restaurant and proximity to another fun, trendy restaurant, The Lost Dog Café, which is known for its rigatoni ala vodka. Other more casual dining options in the area include Craft Bar and Kitchen, which features an assortment of sliders, milkshakes, and craft beers and The Spiedie and Rib Pit. There, find multiple varieties of sandwiches made with marinated cubes of meat (called spiedies) as well as burgers, salads and chicken spiedie nuggets.

University at Albany

1400 Washington Ave.

Going to see The University at Albany takes families into the heart of New York State’s capital. Once you’re finished touring the 560-acre campus, make a stop at the Capitol Building less than 5 miles away. Take the free guided tour where visitors can access hidden chambers and take photos in front of the Great Western Staircase — the Million Dollar Staircase, carved with faces and nature. The Empire State Plaza also boasts the Nelson Rockefeller Modern Art Collection (free).

Another historical site is the USS Slater. Docked on the Hudson River, the World War II-era destroyer escort is now a museum ($10 for children, $14 for adults) open Wednesday through Sunday between April and November. Fans of Broadway’s Hamilton may want to tour the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site ($5) Angelica, Eliza and Peggy, who feature prominently in the show.

There’s more to Albany than history. See the area’s landscape from land and sea. Dutch Apple Cruises (prices start at $29.99 per person) take visitors out on a riverboat tour. Trips are available from April through October and feature a full bar and concessions. Some cruises feature live music, too. About an hour away, find the Catskill Mountain Railroad (prices start at $13), which has themed 90-minute rides on weekends. Sit inside or in an open-air flat car while taking the tour. More modern fare can be found inside Crossgates Mall. Two options — 5 Wits Albany ($24 and up), a live-action adventure game and Billy Beez (prices starting at $17.95), a 20,000-square-foot play park — are fun for the whole family.

Students spend plenty of time walking and biking around the area, and hitting Lark Street’s stores and restaurants. El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant is a favorite spot. Fresh n' Pressed, open for breakfast and lunch, garners rave reviews, too. Visitors craving seafood can join the locals at Ted’s Fish Fry. Lunch and dinner specials at this 76-year-old spot are $13.50 and $20.40, respectively. Families staying overnight, consider Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham for its special college visit rate and pet friendliness, or Courtyard Albany Thruway, directly across the street from campus.

Correction: The USS Slater is a destroyer escort. An earlier version of this story misstated its classification.