Syracuse has an inexpensive zoo and a science museum built for hands-on kids, which matters during long winters.
The places we go back to all year. Where to eat with a toddler, where to burn off energy when it rains, where to splash, what’s worth the admission, and where to spend a night without going far.
For rainy mornings, cold afternoons and anyone who needs to run in circles for an hour.
Free storytimes most weeks, including Books ’n Babies at Central and Family Storytime at Soule.
Pools, fountains, zoos and theme parks: the big all-day outings.
An affordable zoo that’s open every day except three winter holidays. Under 3 is free.
County park along the lake with playgrounds, trails and bike rentals. It’s also home to Lights on the Lake in winter.
Museums, animals and farm days that hold a little one’s attention.
35,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, including the Science Playhouse for little ones. Outside food is allowed.
The 1850 Weighlock Building, with a canal boat to walk through. Admission is pay what you wish.
These don’t change week to week. Last checked . Hours and prices change, so check the place’s own site before you go. Know a spot we missed? Tell us at hello@littlesweekly.com.
Where a family can go in Syracuse without paying for admission. For free days, free events and this week’s free outings, see every free thing to do in Syracuse.
Free or cheap for babies and toddlers, and easy with a stroller.
Recurring and free. Times change by branch, so check the calendar.
Weekday mornings at several branchesFree baby and family storytimes.
Schedule ↗Baby storytimes, places where babies get in free, and where to change and feed. For zero-cost ideas, see free things to do.
Fri Oct 30 at 10:30am this week · Central LibraryLapsit storytime for birth to 2 with books, songs and bounces. Walk-ins welcome.
Storytime calendar ↗
2 and under
Admission page ↗Under 2
Admission page ↗Santa visits and Christmas lights only run part of the year, so they have their own pages with this season’s dates and prices. For holiday and indoor rinks with season dates, prices and skate aids, see ice skating with kids in Syracuse.
The guide is the evergreen list. Here’s what’s happening in Syracuse right now.
Yes. The zoo is cheap and kids 2 and under are free, and the MOST has a Science Playhouse.
Library storytimes and family events at the Onondaga County libraries.
Go indoors: Onondaga County Public Libraries. They’re all under one roof, and most work for a short visit around nap time.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo: Kids 2 and under get in free. Free for the littlest: MOST, Museum of Science & Technology (Under 2). See best for under 3s.
Onondaga County Public Libraries: Weekday mornings at several branches. Library storytimes don’t need a ticket, but times change by branch, so check the calendar first. See library storytimes, and this week’s dated sessions are on the Syracuse weekly list.
Every one of the 5 places is somewhere we’d take a baby, toddler or preschooler, with a note on who it suits and when to skip it. Prices, hours and menus come from each place’s own site, and 2 of them have checked admission or menu prices. The guide was last checked Oct 30, 2026. How we choose and check.
2 and under; kids 3–17: $5; adults: $9. We checked this on its official site on Oct 30, 2026. Prices change, so confirm before you go.
One short email every Thursday evening with the five things we’d leave the house for in Syracuse.
