Things To Do in Syracuse, New York

Onondaga County Parks Oncenter Complex Stars Youth Hockey Rosamond Gifford Zoo Turning Stone Casino Cathedral Liverpool Christian Church

Be our guest and you’ll be free to explore the plethora of phenomenally fun things to do in our activity-rich neighborhood. Enjoy everything from the natural beauty of Onondaga County Parks to incredible athletic events hosted by the Carrier Dome to one-of-a-kind cultural experiences found only at the Oncenter Complex. Read on and discover the best of what’s going on in Syracuse and surrounding areas.

Onondaga County Parks. Onondaga County Parks feature sandy beaches with safe swimming areas and family-friendly picnic spots at Jamesville Beach Park and Oneida Shores Park. Jamesville, home of the Coors Light Balloon Fest, also features boat rentals while Oneida Shores offers a public boat launch to Oneida Lake. Onondaga Lake Park features seven miles of lakeside paved trails, Wegmans Playground-Central New York’s largest playground-Wegmans Good Dog Park and the Onondaga Lake Skatepark, a concrete haven for skateboards, in-line and BMX. Otisco Lake Park, offers a great opportunity to fish or picnic on scenic Otisco Lake. For more information, visit http://onondagacountyparks.com.

Carrier Dome. The Carrier Dome is a 50,000-seat sports stadium located on the campus of Syracuse University (SU). It is the only domed stadium in the Northeast and is the largest structure of its kind on a U.S. college campus. Since its opening in 1980, the facility has hosted a wide variety of sporting and musical events. Currently, the “Dome” serves as the home of SU football and men’s basketball along with men’s and women’s lacrosse. For more information, visit http://carrierdome.syr.edu.  [Top]

Oncenter Complex. The Oncenter Complex is a multi-venue exhibition, convention, and entertainment facility. Three separate venues feature many eclectic events including college fairs, a variety of professional expositions and tours of Broadway shows such as “Mamma Mia.” For more information, visit www.oncenter.org.

Carousel Center. Situated just three miles from downtown Syracuse, the Carousel Center is Central New York’s premier shopping and entertainment destination and the region’s number one tourist attraction. Experience an impressive selection of retail stores, services and restaurants to make your shopping experience a truly exceptional one. For more information, visit www.carouselcenter.com.  [Top]

Syracuse Stars Youth Hockey. Syracuse Stars hockey is the competitive division of the Mid-State Youth Hockey Association (MYHA) and has developed into one of the strongest hockey programs in the United States-with AAA teams at all levels. The Stars have won many Tier I State Championships, National Championships and a World Championship in Quebec in 1995. Dozens of Stars players have been members of USA Hockey Select teams, both at the State and National level. For more information, visit http://midstatehockey.com/xoops/html/modules/news/index.php?storytopic=3.

New York State Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds are home to the annual New York State Fair, a 12-day summer showcase of the best of the state’s agriculture, entertainment, education, industry, and technology. More than 375 acres of animals, exhibits and displays abound. In 2006, nearly one million visitors witnessed live performances from the biggest names in entertainment, enjoyed Midway rides and games of skill and savored mountains of mouthwatering food. Next year’s Fair will run from August 23 through September 3. For more information, visit www.nysfair.org.  [Top]

Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Biodiversity is an integral part of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, which is demonstrated via the extensive animal and plant collection. The zoo features 63 animals of 20 different species that reside on a one-half mile outdoor trail plus many species of aquatic birds that live together in the pond community. Several animals thrive in groups-from creepy crawlers and leaping lemurs to swinging primates and brightly colored macaws. For more information, visit www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Cicero Twin Ice Skating Center. Double your pleasure at the Cicero Twin Ice Skating Center. Actually, you can more than double it as the Center features everything from skating and hockey matches to game rooms for kids and a lounge for adults. In addition, you can partake of the weight and cycle room. For more information, visit www.ciceroicerink.com.  [Top]

Turning Stone Casino. This expansive full-service casino offers round-the-clock gaming excitement. Tempt Lady Luck at more than 80 table games and 2,400 Instant Multi-Games machines. Match wits with friendly competitors at a hot game of poker in the spacious new poker room. Play one of America’s favorite games in New York’s largest bingo hall or catch a game of Keno in the comfortable Keno lounge. No matter what your game, you’ll find it at Turning Stone. For more information, visit www.turningstone.com.

Syracuse Chiefs. Minor League baseball is an event worth catching. And you can catch one of the most exciting International League teams at Alliance Bank Stadium-the Syracuse SkyChiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the American League Toronto Blue Jays. Step up to the plate and see future big leaguers in action. For more information, visit www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/index.jsp?sid=t552.  [Top]

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception|. Originally constructed in 1874 as Saint Mary’s Church, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. In addition to offering daily masses, the Cathedral provides many emergency services, including a food pantry, free furniture and clothing, as well diapers and formula for infants. The Cathedral also hosts many local musicals and concerts.  Call (315) 422-4177 for more info.

Calvary Baptist Church. A warm, welcoming and loving environment permeates Calvary Baptist Church, which offers Sunday school and worship that is centered on the word of God. Located in nearby Brewerton, the church features ministries to meet the spiritual needs of every age.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Begun in 1940 in the home of a local Liverpool, NY, couple, St. Matthew’s Church has thrived in its mission to welcome everyone and to minister under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The original church building was destroyed by fire in 1954 and was rebuilt the following year. Thirty-two years later, a new wing on the Parish House more than doubled the area for church school and meetings.  Call (315) 457-4633 for more info.  [Top]

Liverpool Christian Church. For more than 50 years, Liverpool Christian Church has ministered to the spiritual needs of the community. Served by a ministerial team, the church is a non-denominational fellowship of believers associated with Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. Their mission is to practice simple, New Testament Christianity in a relevant, 21st century setting.  Call (315) 457-7204 for more info.

Foxfire Golf Course. Host of the New York State Women’s Amateur in 1980 and the annual Babe Zaharias Tournament since 1976, Foxfire Golf Course boasts a well-trapped layout with water hazards lurking around many corners. This beautiful 18-hole, par 72 course in Baldwinsville, NY, encompasses 6,900 yards from the championship tees and is a challenge for golfers of all stripes and handicaps. For more information, visit http://www.foxfire247.com. [Top]