Location: Ithaca
Top Things to do in Ithaca
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Ithaca That You Shouldn't Miss
"Ithaca is gorges" can be read on proud t-shirts across New York State, and there is definitely truth in advertising. Sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, the hilly town of Ithaca is surrounded by dense forests, towering waterfalls, and many gorges. The natural beauty has a distinctly academic feel, as local universities have filled the woods with museums and education centers like The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which features a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary.
Restaurants in Ithaca
1. Southern Tier Balloon Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 261 reviews
Offering daily hot air balloon rides in the Ithaca, NY region of Tompkins county, Southern Tier Balloon Tours is the perfect way to see the entire finger lakes region of Ithaca, NY from the air. Flights are 45-70 minutes in duration with the whole experience being around 3 hrs from start to finish and conclude with a celebratory Champagne toast for all guests.
2. Finger Lakes Sailing Charter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Operating out of Cayuga Lake in the Southern Inlet in Ithaca, we are the premiere provider of private customizable sailing charters and sailing instruction in the Finger Lakes. In addition to providing daily sailboat charters, wine tours, sunset cruises, and sailing instruction, we are passionate about improving the Ithaca waterfront and revitalizing Ithaca's lakeside community.
3. In-Depth Fishing Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
We provide fishing charters, boat tours, and sightseeing tours on Lake Cayuga. We fish for Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout and Rainbow Trout. The boat we use is a 30 Foot Proline equipped with a cabin, restroom, and the best fishing electronics. Captain Mark is a a United States Coast Guard licensed Captain, and is also licensed as a New York State Fishing Guide. Max 6 people/trip. ** No Skunk Guarantee** See Website for details
4. Sciencenter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
The Sciencenter inspires excitement for science through interactive exhibits and programs that engage, educate and empower. The hands-on museum offers visitors of all ages more than 250 exhibits, educational programs, a gift shop, an outdoor science park and a seasonal miniature golf course. Look, touch, listen & discover at the Sciencenter. The Sciencenter is open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm. Open Mondays in July and August and holiday Mondays. The Sciencenter is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Reviewed By CayugaCarolyn - Ithaca, United States
My grandchildren love this place. There are so many things to do and learn. The area for toddlers and preschoolers keeps the little ones busy, and the older ones (up to age 9 or 10) can explore hands-on exhibits that are really fun.
5. Cayuga Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
One of the largest of New York's Finger Lakes, this area is used for swimming, boating, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities.
Reviewed By L8945JQdavidd - Philadelphia, United States
Spend an afternoon at Sheldrake and Luca Vineyards on lake Cayuga. Beautiful drive and beautiful scenery
6. Cornell University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 712 reviews
Reviewed By wanderlucky7
Visited and toured because my daughter is starting graduate school in the fall. What a spectacular campus!!! If you are driving through and want to see beautiful buildings, pretty views this is the place. Wow, make sure you see the Arts Quad!
7. Museum of the Earth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
The Museum of the Earth was established in 2003 to provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore our world through a mix of natural history displays, interactive science features, and art exhibitions. The museum's 8,000-square-foot permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey through 4.5 billion years of history, from the Earth's origin to the present day. Through hands-on, visual exhibitions and outreach, the Museum of the Earth encourages critical thinking about life on Earth in the past and today, and how our species is affecting the natural world.
Reviewed By BillK455 - Spencerport, United States
Been wanting to go here for a few years and finally made it happen. We arrived early and I liked the design of the building as well as some of the outside art. We walked in to see a skeleton of a North Atlantic Right Whale which was amazing. We checked out the gift shop which had some nice items ad then walked downstairs and started with the current exhibit on bees. I thought it was a nice exhibit but I was here for dinosaurs. The lay out of the fossils and dinosaurs displays was really done well and I really enjoyed the diversity of fossils on display. If you love paleontology, this is a must do museum that everyone should enjoy. Lot of nice photo ops with the Stegosaurus model and Mastodon skeleton among others. Make the trip
8. Robert Treman State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,301 reviews
Reviewed By Passenger527561
This park was convenient to town and had great walking trails to the magnificent water falls.We spent a good part of our hiking to Lucifer Falls and encountered many families both coming and going along the trail.The Park is a true treasure for the area.
9. Cornell Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
Cornell Botanic Gardens inspires people - through the cultivation of 150 acres of specialty gardens, conservation of plants and 3400 acres of natural areas, and the education of lifelong learners - to understand, appreciate, and nurture plants and the cultures they sustain. The botanic gardens are located at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and are open year-round, dawn to dusk, free of charge. The Nevin Welcome Center and Gift Shop is open Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, and Sun 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. Fri - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Reviewed By jinxminx888 - Takoma Park, United States
This is one of the reasons it's worth spending a day on the Cornell campus. There's no conservatory associated with the gardens, but there is one on campus in the agriculture program. The gardens are beautiful. We didn't go to the arboretum or the wildflower garden. Usually I would be all over a wildflower garden but this is basically a forested spring one, and we were there in August. Also, we looked at all the steps down, and thought about all the steps back up - we'd already done some hiking in the area and we weren't feeling it. If it was spring I probably would have gone for it. The lilies were a standout - they had a lot of really tall ones that smelled amazing. The gardens outside the visitor center are pretty compact and then you can strike out on the trails through the arboretum and wildflower garden. There are a lot of stairs, it didn't seem very wheelchair accessible. There are little nooks with benches, shade and sun. There was also a new sculpture by UK blacksmith artist Jenny Pickford in steel and glass which was pretty special. It had just been installed a month or two before so I felt pretty lucky about that. The gift shop was nice - a little pricey but we bought some good gifts there. Honestly I wish we had more time and better hiking legs.
10. Ithaca Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
The Ithaca Farmers Market is an owner–operated cooperative market with over 160 members, who grow or produce their wares within 30 miles of the pavilion. You’ll find a full spread at the market with something for everyone — hot prepared foods, a full spread of vegetables, fruit, cheese, pastured meat, wine, cider, eggs, bakeries, and exceptionally crafted artisanal gifts for your loved ones.
Reviewed By TACOB0B
We visited on a Saturday morning. There is plenty of parking, just wear appropriate footwear as the parking lot is wet and muddy. About 85% of the vendors were there when we went. Everything from fresh vegetables to wines, ciders, local crafts, honey, prepared foods, and coffee. We tried a couple of empanadas which were phenomenal and our only regret was we didn't buy more. Highly recommend.
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