14 day itinerary
Finger Lakes
Personalized with:Family Friendly
Itinerary
The Finger Lakes region of New York is a fantastic destination for families, with its stunning lakes, beautiful parks, and charming towns. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 14-day itinerary that balances outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Ithaca
- Morning: Arrive in Ithaca, check into your family-friendly hotel or rental.
- Afternoon: Explore the , a pedestrian mall with shops, eateries, and street performers. Grab lunch at a local café.
- Evening: Head to for a short hike and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls. Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like Moosewood Restaurant.
Day 2: Ithaca Waterfalls and Parks
- Morning: Visit for a morning hike. The trails are manageable for kids, and the views are stunning!
- Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch at the park. Afterward, visit for some fun and interactive play.
- Evening: Dinner at , which has a great atmosphere and kid-friendly options.
Day 3: and Science Center
- Morning: Tour ’s campus. Don’t miss the .
- Afternoon: Visit the , a hands-on science museum that’s perfect for kids.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at for some delicious local ice cream!
Day 4: and Watkins Glen
- Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes). Hike the gorge trail to see the stunning waterfalls.
- Afternoon: Have lunch in Watkins Glen, then take a scenic drive along . Stop at a winery for a quick tasting (some have grape juice for the kids!).
- Evening: Dinner at with a view of the lake.
Day 5: Explore
- Morning: Head to and visit the for a tour if available.
- Afternoon: Explore and have a picnic. Rent paddle boats for some fun on the water!
- Evening: Dinner at , known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
Day 6: and the Glass Museum
- Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes). Visit the where you can watch glassblowing demonstrations.
- Afternoon: Have lunch in , then explore the for some shopping and local art.
- Evening: Dinner at , a cozy spot with a great menu.
Day 7: and
- Morning: Head to (about 30 minutes). Visit the to learn about aviation history.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch in , then take a boat tour on .
- Evening: Dinner at with beautiful lake views.
Day 8:
- Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). Explore the park’s trails and see the stunning waterfalls.
- Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch in the park. Consider renting bikes for a family ride.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation and have a relaxed dinner.
Day 9:
- Morning: Drive to (about 1 hour). Stroll through the charming village and visit local shops.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a lakeside café, then take a boat tour of .
- Evening: Dinner at , a historic spot with a family-friendly menu.
Day 10:
- Morning: Visit . The falls are taller than Niagara, and the trails are great for families.
- Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch at the park. Spend the afternoon exploring the visitor center and trails.
- Evening: Dinner at for a casual family meal.
Day 11: Outdoor Adventures
- Morning: Go for a family-friendly hike at . The trails are beautiful and not too strenuous.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local diner, then head to for some swimming or beach time.
- Evening: Dinner at on .
Day 12: Day Trip
- Morning: Take a day trip to (about 1.5 hours). Visit the , which is a hit with kids.
- Afternoon: Have lunch in , then explore the or the .
- Evening: Return to the Finger Lakes and have dinner at a local favorite.
Day 13: Relaxation Day
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax at your accommodation. Maybe do some light shopping or visit a local farmer’s market.
- Afternoon: Spend the day at a local beach or park, letting the kids play while you unwind.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps for a special treat.
Day 14: Departure
- Morning: Pack up and enjoy a final breakfast at a local café.
- Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, you might squeeze in a last visit to a favorite spot or do some last-minute shopping.
- Evening: Head home with wonderful memories of your Finger Lakes adventure!
I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable family trip to the Finger Lakes! Enjoy the beautiful scenery, the fun activities, and the quality time together. Safe travels! 🌊🏞️🍇