Things to do

Top 10 Things To Do In Binghamton NY This Weekend

Aerial view captured of the Binghamton NY City
Source : tripadvisor

Things to do in Binghamton New York include exploring historical museums and sighting the largest observatory. The local foods here are equally good.

Surrounded by rolling hills, Binghamton is located on the southern tier of the state of New York. It is an ideal vacation spot that fosters exploration and creativity.

Not just the family person or sole traveler, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers will get something exciting here to do. Whether that can be hiking on numerous trails or delighting in professional baseball matches, a few-day trip will not be sufficient.

Planning to experience the best possible New York's scenic countryside on your next vacation? Here we have a list of attractions and activities you better not miss during your stay at Binghamton.

1. Stroll Around Cutler Botanic Garden

Things to do near Binghamton NY that too without paying a cent is strolling around the Cutler Botanic Garden. The admission charge is zero.

The botanical garden is named after Miss Frances Cutler, who donated the land to Cornell University. The garden began construction in 1978 and welcomed the public the following year.

Rain or shine, the garden is open to the public from nine in the morning to late night every day.

Beautiful blooms inside Cutler Botanic Garden
Source : facebook

It has since become an excellent outdoor classroom to learn about greenhouse plant cultivation and environmentalism. July-August can be the best time to visit NY's 3.5-acre garden for beautiful summer displays and plantings.

From roses to pumpkins, beautiful flowers to trees and grass, the peaceful oasis will provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of noisy city life. Hours may pass even without noticing.

No need to worry about a place to rest if you stay in the garden till late. There are Fairfield by Marriott Binghamton, Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, and  Red Roof Inn Binghamton North, even less than a mile from the garden.

Location: 840 Upper Front Street

2. Chuckle and Chortle At The Comedy Of Errors

Thinking about things to do in Binghamton NY this weekend? How about laughing out loud until your cheeks and jawline get pain over laughing?

The Comedy of Errors is a madcap romp appearing two sets of twins, mistaken identities all over the place, and tons of verbal and physical comedy. The performances first started on July 20 for four days.

The second event is scheduled for July 26 to 30 at Robert H. Treman State Park. Each day, the show will begin at 6 in the evening.

Get ready to kick your stress away on July 26 with The Comedy of Errors
Source : eventbrite

Organizers suggest buying the tickets all line to make check-in quicker and easier. However, they are still available at the entrance as well.

Location: Robert H. Treman State Park, Upper Entrance, 129 Upper Park Road

Admission: Upto $23.18 

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

P.S. Wednesday is a discount night, so all tickets are just $10.

3. Eat Delicious Food At Local Restaurants

Wondering what to do Binghamton NY. Consider trying local mouth-watering dishes from five-star or local fast-food hubs.

Along with the locally-produced and invented food items, eateries here feature international dishes inspired by Asian, Thai, Italian, and Spanish cuisine.

For instance, the 1994-opened Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge for creatively plated American Cuisine. Their Rigatoni Ala Vodka is famous all over the state.

Newly introduced Esquite Bowl full of roasted corn, cojita cheese topped with fried tortilla crisps
Source : facebook

Similarly, Little Venice Restaurant has some luscious must-eat food in New York for the first timers. Established in 1946, the eatery has been focusing on Italian grub to the locals ever since.

What the visitors admire about them is their plentiful portions. A single plate can make your tummy full. Make sure to taste meat logs with their house-made lasagna and iconic sauce.

Some other must-try restaurants around are:

  • Michelangelo's Pizzeria & Ristorabte
  • Chris' Diner
  • Cortese Restaurants INC
  • Water Street Brewing Co.
  • Thai Time Restaurant

4. Plan A Date At Chuckster's Family Entertainment Center

Something unique yet romantic things to do in Binghamton NY can be ziplining and Mini golf. It is best if you want something adventurous than a dinner date.

Chuckster's Family Entertainment Center is at your service, welcoming with games like mini golf, batting Cages, and Zipling. Established in 2010, Deb and Hoe are the co-owners of the center.

Not just the games, the house plates handmade Gelato, Ice Cream, and Sorbet using fresh ingredients to make your day or night even more refreshing. For foodaholic couples, they have hamburgers, chicken tenders, pulled pork, onion rings, and many more foods.

Mini-golf court at Chuckster's Family Entertainment Center
Source : yelp

Their handmade chocolate and vanilla waffle cones are a must-try. All the foods here are at a reasonable price. Thus, you won't need to mind about the cost even if you spend a whole day here.

Returning to the sports sector, the Chuckster family claims to have the world's longest hole for mini golf. You will have to make a visit to decide if it's true or not.

Location: 1915 Vestal Parkway West Vestal

5. Be Friends With Wonderful Animals At Ross Park Zoo

Things to do Binghamton weekend include a tour around the fifth oldest zoo in the United States. It was inaugurated in 1875.

Throughout the year, the zoo has been improved and restored several times, making sure to accommodate the visitors better each year. It plays a significant role in the wildlife conservation of Binghamton.

Flock of African Penguins near the New World Tropics Building of Ross Park Zoo
Source : instagram

Choose a month from April through December, as the 90-acre zoo is open for visitors these nine months. In the lushly wooded environment, there are growing numbers of animal exhibits like red wolves, snow leopards, penguins, red pandas, and many more.

Except that, the zoo hosts annual events like Howloween at the Zoo, Ice Cream Safari, Feast with the Beasts, and a few more. For the visitors, there are well-maintained walkways and small parks for some fresh air.

Dedicated incredibly for the kids, Ross Park boasts roller coasters, wings, a miniature train, and a carousel. Make sure to take your kids along.

Location: 60 Morgan Road

6. Participate In The Spiedie Fest And Balloon Rally

Unmissable things to do in August while in Binghamton comprise having fun at Spiedie Fest. Have you ever watched over 25 hot air balloons in the sky at once?

If not, Spiedie Fest will make the dream come true as more than twenty-five hot air balloons will be in the sky at once during the fest. Every year, one of the New York attractions events is organized at Otisiningo Park.

Hot Air Balloons on the air and set to fly during the Spiedie Fest at Otsiningo Park
Source : facebook

The local story narrates the annual fest started in 1983 as a friendly competition to decide who has the best spiedie recipe. For those, who don't know, spiedies are marinated meat cubes cooked on a skewer and served in a long roll.

The event usually starts in the first week of August and concludes in roughly four days. This year, the 39th annual event will start from the 4th through the 6th of August.

Apart from popular food celebrations, there are musical performances, sports tournaments, and kid games. 

7. Pick Fruits Yourself At Apple Hills

Only a few may know fruit-picking can actually be one of the best fun things to do in Binghamton. Apple Hills Farms is at your service!

Located near Airport Road, Apple Hills Farms features a scenic view of the rolling hill surrounding Binghamton. They offer blueberry and raspberry picking throughout the summer and apple picking around the fall.

Fresh blueberries at Apple Hills Cafe waiting the guest for U-picking
Source : facebook

You will have to pay $3.25/lb and can join the blueberry picking on July 24 (9 to 4) and July 25 (9 to 7). The family-owned farm site has followed "Pick Fresh and Eat Fresh " since 1848.

Besides that, The Apple Dumpling Cafe serves amazing breakfast and lunch. For kids, they offer a wide array of entertainment, like fossil-finding games and interactions with in-house animals.

Location: 131 Brooks Road

Contact: +1 607-729-2683

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

8. Shop Fresh Food At Broome County Regional Farmers Market

One of the things to do in Binghamton near me is shopping at a local farmer's market. Broome County Regional Farmers Market takes place once a week.

The market is open year-round on Saturdays, starting from 9 in the morning till 1:00 PM. It sports a wide range of food products, flowers, and other items. Moreover, the visitors can meet with the contributing farmers in the stalls.

Location: 840 Upper Front Street (next to Applebees)

Freshly picked vegetables with their price at the Farmer's Market
Source : facebook

The next popular farmers market around Binghamton is Russell Farms. They sell soil and fruit trees, mulch, and an assortment of flowers. It is located behind Lowes in Vestal.

These farmers' markets offer fresh fruits and food and become an excellent option for supporting local businesses and communities.

9. Explore Magnificent Craftsmanship At Phelps Mansion Museum

Historic things in Binghamton New York to explore consists of Phelps Mansion. The three-story mansion is set on Court Street since 1870.

The brick and stone abode belonged to Sherman D. Phelps until a women's civic organization bought it in 1905. The Monday Afternoon Club used the mansion for weekly meetings that continues to this day.

Million Dollar Staicase, the Great Western Staircase of Phelps Mansion
Source : instagram

They constructed a large ballroom for the meeting. The New York State Board of Regents stated Phelps Mansions as a museum in 2005.

Visitors can learn about one of the free museums in New York through guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays. The last tour begins at 4:30 pm with enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides.

Here, you will witness some genuinely stunning Victorian architecture designed back then by Isaac G. Perry. The design boasts rare kinds of wood, metal, and glass.

Location: 191 Court Street

10. Try Video Games At One Of The Biggest Arcade In New York State

Things to do in Binghamton today include trying games from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Robot City Arcade has all these under the same roof.

It has over 90 arcade games and 16 small pinballs in a fantastic atmosphere. Moreover, there is also a video game store where gifts can make a purchase on any kind of game.

Huge collection of games and accessories at Robot City Games and Arcade
Source : facebook

From Atari and Nintendo to today's generation systems, Robot City Games and Arcade cover your back. The kid-friendly store offers a reasonable price for thousands of video games and accessories.

The store is open seven days a week from 11 am to 8 pm. Bundy Museum and Phelps Mansion are around 0.3 to 1.1 miles from the store.

Location: 174 Clinton Street

Call: 607-217-7400