Kids in Utica, New York, need not be left in front of the TV. The city, located in the heart of the Mohawk Valley, provides a range of indoor and outdoor activities that enables kids to learn more about the region, express themselves creatively, engage with animals or discover what the sciences study.
Located on Main Street, the Children's Museum boasts hundreds of interactive activities, including Space Exploration and Science programs taught on the museum's fourth floor, for children of all ages. There is also a reading room, a puppet theater and an arts and crafts area. The museum hosts birthday parties in a designated room. Groups of 25 or more can pre-book their visit with or without a guided tour and educational program that includes the price of admission. With the exception of some federal holidays, the museum is open Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Children's Museum of History, Natural History, Science & Technology
311 Main St.
Utica, NY 13501
315-724-6129
museum4kids.net
Located in Roscoe-Conkling Park, the Utica Zoo boasts more than 200 animals, including a Siberian tiger, American alligator, Eurasian wild boar, Golden-lion Tamarin and California sea lions. Once a month, the zoo hosts Zoo Adventures, a program for toddlers, preschoolers and their guardian to share an educational story, produce arts and crafts, and interact with animals. Also once a month, the zoo hosts Home School Classes, which teach children of all ages about the animals in the zoo and provide some interaction. The zoo also coordinates seasonal kid-friendly events, including an Easter Egg Hunt and a Halloween celebration. Classes and special events cost less for families who are zoo members. Membership includes unlimited free access to the zoo, a subscription to "ZooNews," and a discount at the zoo gift shop.
Utica Zoo
99 Steele Hill Rd.
Utica, NY 13501
315-738-0472
uticazoo.org
The Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute hosts "For Kids and Families" presentations each Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sign language interpretation is available at the 1 p.m. performances. The shows include musicals, sing-alongs, ventriloquists, plays based on children's stories like "Peter Pan," and 3-D laser shows. Tickets for shows can be purchased individually or as part of a subscription. Those who subscribe have access to the best seats before single tickets are available for purchase. The School of Art at the Institute offers two art classes for children: "Mini Monet" for ages 4 and 5, and "Artbox I & II" for ages 6 through 12. Artbox classes are divided into two 7-week sessions. All classes take place on Saturday mornings.
Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute Museum of Art
310 Genesee St.
Utica, NY 13502
315-797-0000
mwpai.org
