Family Vacations to Finger Lakes

Why Go on Vacation to the Finger Lakes

Known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, food and wine, the Finger Lakes are perfect for a family vacation on the water.

Formed by glaciers, these stone bottom lakes are filled with some of the clearest water you can find.

From west to east the Finger Lakes include: Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles and Otisco.

Families will find each lake has its own distinct character.

What to Do

The striking lakes themselves are the main draw here. Long summer days filled with swimming, sailing, fishing and kayaking await the ambitious. Kids are drawn to the inviting water like bears to honey. Rent a cottage on the lake and gather the family, or even the extended family for a reunion, and enjoy the clear, cool water.

Wine and Culinary

The Finger Lakes are the largest wine producing region in the US outside of California. Vineyards line the hills and the lakes help moderate the temperature for the delicate vines. There are over 100 different wineries in the region and wine-tasting is certainly a big activity in the area. Adults can enjoy a night of relaxation at one of the four lakes with official wine trails to follow: Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka and Canandaigua. The New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua is a non-profit institution to educate visitors about food made with New York sourced ingredients, wine, cider and craft beers. The center houses a restaurant, demonstration kitchen and a number of workshops throughout the year. Of course you can’t have wine without grapes. Naples, NY hosts a grape festival each September where families can sample the unique grape pie.

Outdoors

Besides the water, there are plenty of other beautiful outdoor recreational activities. Letchworth State Park, on the western end of the region, features the “Grand Canyon of the East” as the Genesee River cuts through a gorge on its northern route to Lake Ontario. Watkins Glen State Park near Seneca Lake features 19 roaring waterfalls plummeting off 200-foot high cliffs. Families can find plenty of hiking trails of all levels surrounding the Finger Lakes as well.

Museums

Need a rainy day activity? The Finger Lakes truly have world-class museums and cultural opportunities. In Rochester, NY kids can have an immersive interactive experience at The Strong National Museum of Play or explore George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography and film archive. In the southern Finger Lakes region is the Corning Museum of Glass, a fascinating space dedicated to the art, history and science of glass – their hot glass show is not to be missed, and you’ll find plenty of hands-on activities for kids. Ithaca boasts a Discovery Trail with eight museums and sites such as the Sciencenter, Museum of the Earth and Cornell Lab of Ornithology all within an easy drive from each other.

Getting Around

A car is definitely required to get around the Finger Lakes region, or, once you’ve reached your lakefront cottage, a bike. There are not many public transportation options travelling between the Finger Lakes, so your own or a rental car is necessary. You can find tour companies offering guided (and driven) wine tasting tours to prevent drinking and driving.