Syracuse, New York, offers many destinations and outings that you can enjoy with your infant child. Since most child-targeted activities and events are interactive and best suited to those 4 years of age and older, you will do better to find fun activities that are more family-oriented and accommodating to baby strollers.
When it comes to fun activities for parents and babies, a zoo is often on the to-do list. Syracuse's Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is in the top 10 percent of zoos in the country that provide quality animal care and are responsible conservationists. The zoo, which has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1987, is spread out over 43 acres and features more than 900 animals, including Asian elephants, flamingos, penguins, snow leopards and spectacled bears. During the summertime, take in a Sunset Safari Summer Concert--attend one or all of the zoo's concert series happening every Tuesday in July from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. as of 2010. Watch the sunset and hear live bands along with the live animals. Tickets are $5 to $8, but children under 2 get in free. For an additional fee, you can choose a light dinner or gourmet picnic option and order from a cash bar as well.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park
One Conservation Place
Syracuse, NY 13204
315-435-8511
rosamondgiffordzoo.org
If you head one to two miles east of downtown Syracuse, keep the Everson Museum of Art at the top of your list. Everson, accessible to strollers and wheelchair users, features a growing permanent collection, in addition to visiting exhibits. You can take a free guided tour to see highlights or just walk around on your own to leisurely view the American paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics and sculpture that the museum houses. The museum shop or welcome desk provides free tokens if you wish to store items in a locker. While you are browsing in I.M. Pei's critically acclaimed architecture, scope out the programs and activities that will be appropriate for your infant a few years down the road, such as art classes, family workshops and Community Day celebrations.
Everson Museum of Art
401 Harrison Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-474-6064
everson.org
Downtown Syracuse offers a number of stroller-friendly businesses that will give you much to do for an enjoyable outing with your infant. The area is host to more than 100 shops where you can find clothing, toys, home furnishings, books, crafts, specialty gifts, music, flowers, shoes, jewelry, health and beauty items, antiques, gourmet food items and more. Part of your downtown experience can include a visit to the Central Library at the Galleries, also known as the Onondaga County Public Library. The library is housed in a grand, light-filled, multipurpose, multilevel facility that includes businesses, shops and an eatery. Downtownsyracuse.com details shopping, dining, events, places to go and things to do.
Less than two miles south of downtown Syracuse is Onondaga Park, a park so large it has an upper and lower park. The combined parks' features include athletic fields, playgrounds, a swimming pool for children 4 feet and taller, a lake, band gazebo, stone bridge, greenhouse, fountains, sunken gardens and a multitude of walking paths. Park benches and shaded areas abound, and there are restroom facilities available.
Travel about 2-1/2 miles northwest up Route 11 to Park Street and visit the Central New York Regional Market. This farmers' market is a perfect place to stroll around, shop, meet the vendors, chat with other market browsers, eat and enjoy the scenery. Consider picking out some farm-fresh organic produce with which to make your own baby food. You may see quilt vendors offering crib-size or decorative quilts that you can purchase for your baby's room. Sometimes the market sponsors artists, live music or visiting chefs. Keep an eye on the ilovethefingerlakes.com website for farmers' market information, including dates, times, locations, updates and special event announcements.
A few blocks west of the Central New York Regional Market is the Carousel Center Shopping Mall, said to be central New York State's largest mall. Like most malls, it is host to many stores, a food court and movie theaters, but Carousel Center's name reveals its special attraction: a 1909 renovated and restored working carousel. The 42 horses on the carousel were hand-carved by a master carver, and the carousel was the 18th one produced by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. You must accompany small children on the carousel, but you will likely enjoy the carousel even as a spectator. The mall has more than the usual number of stores catering to children's needs, including Build-a-Bear Workshop, The Children's Place, The Disney Store, Gap Kids, Gymboree, Pottery Barn Kids and Toyland.
Carousel Center Shopping Mall
9090 Carousel Center Drive
Syracuse, NY 13290
315-466-7000
carouselcenter.com
