Family Travel in Upstate NY

Find out more at http://www.lvrrhs.org/

Phone: 585-289-9149

The Seneca Park Zoo is open year round. Home to roughly 300 animals and aquatic life, the zoo will be a treat for kids of all ages. During the month of October, bring the kids in costume for a trick-or-treat event called “Zoo Boo,” where your children can take photos with costumed mascots and larger-than-life lions, watch sea lions play with pumpkins, and ask for treats at assigned locations. Collect all the stamps from every location, and your child will receive a special prize to remember the visit by.

Complete with a playground in the center of the zoo, snacks and lunch areas (where you can bring a picnic or purchase food at the zoo), the Seneca Park Zoo is a great way to spend an autumn day.

Find out more at http://www.senecaparkzoo.org/

Phone: 585-336-7200

The National Museum of Play at the Strong is a museum not to be missed by any family – or any kid at heart. While it is most certainly a museum, it is like none other. Fully hands on – and sometimes feet, head, or voice – your child will not have an amazing time playing, but will learn about the toys they love while doing so. Home to extensive collections of historic toys, as well as the Toy Hall of Fame (soon to induct another toy in November), the museum also features a Butterfly Garden, outdoor Discovery Garden, Comic Book Heroes interactive superhero center (where kids can not only dress up, but become part of their favorite comic books and shows), a carousel and more. Schedule this as an all-day activity – it cannot be covered in two or three hours, and will be a day the whole family will thoroughly enjoy.

Find out more at http://www.museumofplay.org/

Phone: 585-263-2700

Lazy Acre Alpacas, a local alpaca farm in Bloomfield, N.Y., is home to more than 90 alpacas and two new babies on a scenic 180-acre farm. Owner Mark Gilbride gives a wonderful tour, and is passionate about his animals. Two other furry friends will accompany you on your tour (the family dogs), which will delight your younger children, as they are very playful. Surprisingly soft and gentle around children, the alpacas are bred for their fleece, which is warmer and sturdier then wool. You can shop for alpaca merchandise on site if you would like, with the products (everything from socks to sweaters to teddy bears) being made from the fleece of the alpacas you just met. The farm and its animals are sure to be a memorable part of your vacation, and one that your children will talk about for a long time.

Find out more at http://www.lazyacrealpacas.com/ Phone: 585- 455-1203

After a long day of family fun, your crew is sure to be hungry. Stop by Simply Crepes, where they offer a palate-pleasing menu for mom, dad and teens, as well as kid-favorites with a twist for the smallest travelers. Crepes will bring to mind romance, French cuisine and a warm ambiance, all of which you will find at Simply Crepes. Seated by a fireplace, order from a mouth-watering menu with varieties like seafood, berry gulee, turkey and smoked gouda, or the interesting buffalo chicken crepe. For little ones, try the peanut butter and jelly crepes with sliced bananas on the side. The prices are all about what you would see at a restaurant chain (entrees up to $13.99), but with more fun and flair.

Find out more at http://simplycrepes.com

Phone: 585-394-9090