Try these rainy-day activities for the whole family
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Rainy days don’t have to spoil your quest for family fun. Try these ideas for a family-friendly outing.
■ The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology in Syracuse encourages hands-on engagement through its STEM-oriented exhibits. Check the website for the planetarium and movie schedules and other special events.
■ Children’s Museum of Oswego and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum in Buffalo welcome young children to play and learn among interactive exhibits and playgrounds.
■ The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester not only chronicles humanity’s toys and games but also involves visitors in play. In addition, explore the butterfly garden, climb the high ropes or low ropes course, ride the zipline and create in the play lab.
■ AJ Read Science Discovery Center in Oneonta is on a SUNY campus, but it is open to the public. With exhibits geared towards grades 3-5, the center offers 80 interactive experiences.
https://suny.oneonta.edu/science-outreach-activities/science-discovery-center
■ The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown) chronicles America’s pastime through artifacts and exhibits from baseball’s beginnings through current times.
■ Jell-O Museum in Le Roy is as quirky and irresistible as the gelatin dessert itself. Learn all about Jell-O lore in the museum and pick up a few branded items from the gift shop. Downstairs, there’s also “On the Road,” a transportation exhibit.
■ The All Things Oz Museum in Chittenango features about 1,400 artifacts from The Wizard of Oz, including film props and costumes.
■ The Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural & Country Living Museum in Auburn is perhaps not the best for very young children. However, its copious artifacts and displays and free admission make it a good choice.
https://wardwoharaagriculturalmuseum.org
■ Destiny USA in Syracuse offers 17 family fun venues. Find ways to jump, hop and move for young children through teens and adults, including Billy Beez, 5 Wits, Amazing Mirror Maze, WonderWorks, Laser Tag, Escape the Mystery Room and Zero Latency.
More Rainy-Day Options
Going to the movies is always a safe bet for a rainy day. However, why not explore a historic, non-chain, community theater?
Try Ohmann Theatre, Manlius Theatre, Strand Theatre, Colonia Theatre, Palace Theatre, Callicoon Theatre, Hamilton Theatre, Palace Theatre, North Park Theatre, and Aurora Theatre.
An oldie but a goodie, bowling at a local bowling alley can provide an afternoon of entertainment.
Ask about bumper bowling for any little kids in your party to avoid the frustration of perpetual gutter balls.
Check out Lakeview Lanes, The Village Lanes, Rainbow Lanes, Star Lite Lanes, Ideal Bowling Center, Tonawanda Bowling Center, Wolcott Lanes, Doug Kent’s Rose Bowl Lanes, Sunset Bowl, Flamingo Lanes, and Sunset Lanes.