As a parent of Elementary School age children, I know how lucky we are to have so many fun and educational things to do FOR FREE in and around Utica. 

  • 1

    Hike Bald Mountain in the Adirondacks

    This is a great, EASY hike near Old Forge.  There's easy parking access and the whole hike is just under a mile.  There are some pretty tricky steep sections, but I was amazed at how easy it was for my 3 and 5 year old daughters!  The views are absolutely breathtaking, and it's a fun family activity that's free.

    CJ/TSM Utica
    CJ/TSM Utica
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  • 2

    Visit Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute

    There are always new exhibits (some of them do cost an extra fee) and lots of neat stuff for kids to see.  It's especially fun for the whole family during the summer festival - sidewalk art exhibits, live music and the car show.  This year's festival is June 30 through July 5.

    CJ/TSM Utica
    CJ/TSM Utica
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  • 3

    Visit the Oriskany Battlefield

    There's a lot of history in the Mohawk Valley!  And fortunately we have quite a few sites that are free to visit.  The Oriskany Battlefield and Monument are operated by the National Park Service and you will usually run into someone for Fort Stanwix who can fill you in on some of the history.  Make it an educational afternoon, but pack a picnic and have some family fun on the beautiful grounds

  • 4

    Visit Fort Stanwix National Monument

    I'll admit, I remember touring Fort Stanwix many times as a kid but haven't brought my kids yet.  To my surprise, it is FREE to visit and tour the fort!  Again, such an incredibly historic and educational resource in our area and it's FREE!

  • 5

    Visit Herkimer's Historic Four Corners

    Heading east to Herkimer County, there's another educational and historic gem.  The Historic Four Corners consists of the 1884 Suiter Building Museum, the 1834 Herkimer County Jail, the 1873 Herkimer County Courthouse and the 1834 Herkimer Reformed Church, and they're all free to visit.  There are lots of artifacts from recent archaeological digs and kids will really love the stories in the Courthouse and the Jail.

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