A growing blog and calendar for family-friendly events, festivals, competitions, learning opportunities and experiences in Central New York, across New York State and around the country.
Browse upcoming family-friendly events in Syracuse and Central New York, plus selected events across New York State and the United States, organized by month from September 2026 through January 2027.
Updated August 24, 2026. Events are organized by month to help families find things to do in Syracuse, Central New York, across New York State and at selected major U.S. family events.
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
One of New York State’s largest family events, with rides, animals, concerts, competitions, food, educational exhibits, demonstrations, and children’s activities.
Website: nysfair.ny.gov
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
A live family musical inspired by the popular children’s series, combining entertainment, science, and learning.
Website: nysfair.ny.gov
Syracuse, NY
A community event bringing together children, families, organizations, and resources supporting people with autism.
Website: autismspeaks.org
Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool, NY
A family-oriented community walk supporting children affected by childhood apraxia of speech and their families.
Website: apraxia-kids.org
Captree State Park, Long Island, NY
A free waterfront family festival with pirate shows, mermaids, pony rides, magic, boating activities, and children’s entertainment.
Website: parks.ny.gov
Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville, NY
A traditional fall family festival featuring crafts, nature activities, games, music, food, and outdoor experiences.
Website: onondagacountyparks.com
Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool, NY
A cultural family festival centered on traditional lacrosse, Haudenosaunee culture, demonstrations, activities, and educational programming.
Website: visitsyracuse.com
Glens Falls and Queensbury, NY
A major free family festival featuring hot-air-balloon launches, special-shaped balloons, entertainment, food, and community activities.
Website: adirondackballoonfest.org
Downtown Syracuse, NY
A community festival celebrating Italian culture through food, music, entertainment, vendors, and family activities.
Website: festaitalianasyracuse.org
Croton-on-Hudson, NY
An immersive fall attraction featuring more than 7,000 illuminated carved pumpkins arranged into elaborate themed installations.
Website: hudsonvalley.org
Farms throughout Onondaga County, NY
A free countywide family event featuring farm tours, animals, agricultural education, wagon rides, demonstrations, food, and children’s activities.
Website: cceonondaga.org
Thornden Park, Syracuse, NY
A free community music and arts festival featuring live performances, artists, vendors, food, and family-friendly activities.
Website: barerootsfestival.com
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar, NY
A free environmental family festival featuring live animals, nature activities, crafts, games, demonstrations, and outdoor education.
Website: dec.ny.gov
Westchester County, NY
A living-history family event with historical demonstrations, traditional games, hands-on activities, and educational programming.
Website: parks.ny.gov
Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, NY
A hands-on STEAM event connecting children with science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, colleges, businesses, and future careers.
Website: rosamondgiffordzoo.org
Vallejo, California
A major innovation and maker festival featuring robotics, inventions, science, engineering, technology, art, workshops, and hands-on activities for children and families.
Website: makerfaire.com
Dallas, Texas
One of America’s largest state fairs, with rides, shows, food, agriculture, educational exhibits, games, and more than 100 attractions.
Website: bigtex.com
The Oncenter, Syracuse, NY
A family-oriented live show combining magic, comedy, audience participation, and entertainment for multiple generations.
Website: oncenter.org
Baldwinsville, NY
A community food festival with restaurants, entertainment, face painting, bubbles, and children’s activities.
Website: visitsyracuse.com
Westcott Neighborhood, Syracuse, NY
A major neighborhood festival with a parade, music, arts, food, local organizations, vendors, and activities for children and families.
Website: westcottstreetfair.org
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
A free festival featuring food, cooking demonstrations, education, vendors, music, and a dedicated children’s area.
Website: nysfairgrounds.ny.gov
The Oncenter, Syracuse, NY
A major gaming convention featuring video games, tabletop games, collectibles, competitions, cosplay, panels, and vendors.
Website: retrogamecon.com
Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, NY
A seasonal family festival with fall games, vendors, activities, animals, demonstrations, and special zoo programming.
Website: rosamondgiffordzoo.org
Albuquerque, New Mexico
One of the world’s largest balloon events, featuring hundreds of balloons, mass ascensions, special shapes, and evening balloon glows.
Website: balloonfiesta.com
Lorenzo State Historic Site, Cazenovia, NY
A family fall event featuring miniature horses, costumes, wagon rides, seasonal activities, and historic-site experiences.
Website: parks.ny.gov
Javits Center, New York City
One of the country’s largest pop-culture conventions, featuring comics, games, toys, cosplay, entertainment, celebrity appearances, and experiences for teens and families.
Website: newyorkcomiccon.com
LaFayette, NY
One of Central New York’s best-known fall family festivals, with entertainment, crafts, food, activities, rides, and apple-themed experiences.
Website: lafayetteapplefest.org
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
A Pokémon-focused event featuring trading cards, collectibles, toys, games, vendors, and activities popular with children and families.
Website: nysfairgrounds.ny.gov
October 17–18 and October 24–25, 2026
Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, NY
A family Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating, costumes, games, animal encounters, activities, and a costume parade.
Website: rosamondgiffordzoo.org
Landmark Theatre, Syracuse, NY
A live astronomy and science presentation suitable particularly for older children, teenagers, and families interested in STEM.
Website: landmarktheatre.org
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
A large touring dinosaur experience featuring life-size dinosaurs, educational displays, children’s attractions, and interactive activities.
Website: jurassicquest.com
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
An animal-centered event where families can see alpacas, competitions, demonstrations, vendors, and agricultural activities.
Website: nysfairgrounds.ny.gov
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
One of America’s best-known holiday productions, featuring the Rockettes, elaborate sets, music, dance, and theatrical effects.
Website: rockettes.com
Orlando, Florida
A large hands-on family innovation festival featuring robotics, science, technology, engineering, art, crafts, and inventions.
Website: makerfaireorlando.com
Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
A major holiday family event with Christmas entertainment, characters, parades, fireworks, seasonal food, and attractions.
Website: disneyworld.disney.go.com
Syracuse, NY
A seasonal marketplace combining holiday shopping with entertainment, community activities, music, and family programming.
Website: syracuse.jl.org
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
A large model railway event with more than 25 train layouts, hundreds of exhibitor tables, demonstrations, and a miniature train ride for children.
Website: nysfairgrounds.ny.gov
Syracuse, NY
Theatrical programming created for young audiences and families, introducing children to live performance and storytelling.
Website: syracusestage.org
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
A celebrated family exhibition featuring model trains traveling through miniature recreations of nearly 200 New York landmarks made from natural materials.
Website: nybg.org
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
A large seasonal antiques and collectibles marketplace with free admission traditionally offered for children 16 and under.
Website: nysfairgrounds.ny.gov
Manhattan, New York City
The historic 100th edition of the famous family parade featuring giant balloons, floats, marching bands, performers, characters, and Santa Claus.
Website: macys.com/s/parade
November 27–29; December 5–6, 12–13, 19–20; and December 24, 2026
Skaneateles, NY
A popular Central New York holiday tradition with Victorian characters, Father Christmas, Mother Goose, music, street performances, and family entertainment.
Website: skaneateles.com
Rochester, NY
A large holiday festival with ice skating, Santa, shopping, crafts, entertainment, food, and family activities.
Website: rocholidayvillage.com
Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, NY
A holiday family experience featuring illuminated displays, Santa, fire pits, hot chocolate, s’mores, entertainment, and a Holiday Village.
Website: rosamondgiffordzoo.org
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
A collectibles show with toys, comics, Pokémon cards, memorabilia, and more than 175 tables.
Website: nysfairgrounds.ny.gov
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
A large holiday shopping event featuring crafts, gifts, seasonal products, vendors, and family-oriented holiday experiences.
Website: nysfairgrounds.ny.gov
Destiny USA, Southeast Entertainment Wing, Syracuse, NY
A two-day family event featuring the Children’s Business Fair, educational programs, activities, exhibitors, family services, products, and interactive experiences.
Website: nyfamilyexpo.com
Landmark Theatre, Syracuse, NY
An all-ages holiday production featuring professional dancers, elaborate costumes, scenery, and theatrical entertainment.
Website: landmarktheatre.org
Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, NY
A New Year celebration specifically for children featuring music, dancing, party hats, horns, ginger ale, and a noon countdown and ball drop.
Website: rosamondgiffordzoo.org
Pasadena, California
One of America’s best-known New Year events, featuring elaborate floral floats, marching bands, equestrian groups, and large family audiences.
Website: tournamentofroses.com
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
A major outdoor recreation exhibition featuring fishing, outdoor products, demonstrations, activities, and attractions for outdoor-oriented families.
Website: newyorksportsmansexpo.com
The Oncenter, Syracuse, NY
A theatrical circus production inspired by Alice in Wonderland, combining acrobatics, visual effects, movement, and family entertainment.
Website: oncenter.org
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY
A major indoor winter family festival featuring rides, games, food, entertainment, vendors, demonstrations, ice sculptures, and activities.
Website: nyswinterfair.com
NY Family EXPO brings families, young entrepreneurs, community programs and partners together at Destiny USA's Southeast Entertainment Wing on December 12–13, 2026.
Reserve free tickets, explore exhibitor participation and follow event updates.
Participate → 02Young entrepreneurs can create, present and learn from real customers‒free this year.
Explore the Business Fair → 03Showcase programs, products and services or build a larger partnership around a family experience.
Partnerships →Alongside the event calendar, we share research and practical writing about play, family experiences, destinations and the future of family entertainment.
Why movement, exploration, challenge and repetition are such powerful parts of children's experiences.
Read publicationHow family-focused amenities and experiences can strengthen the overall hospitality experience.
Read publicationExplore the wider collection of blog posts, research papers and publication projects connected with family experiences.
Open publicationsSchools, clubs, museums, businesses, performers, sports organizations, educators and community groups are invited to propose additional activities for NY Family EXPO.