kid-friendly

If the thought of visiting an art gallery brings to mind standing in front of stodgy old paintings with your hands in your pockets while quietly murmuring contemplations, think again.  The Dowd Gallery has turned art on its ear with the recent installation of the (re)Play Exhibit.  David B. Smith's collection of textiles, objects, installations and sculptures encourages the viewer to interact,…

The Cortland County Historical Society has created a new, interactive children's exhibit! The grand opening of Then & Now Children's Room is August 27, from 1-3 pm at The Suggett House Museum (25 Homer Ave, Cortland). The Then & Now Children's room emulates an old-fashioned town, with a general store, barn, and cabin in the woods. Hands-on activities and historically accurate reproductions…

Summer always brings back childhood memories of melting ice cream cones, fishing poles, camping trips, parades, and adventures in the sun. It's not too late to recapture those carefree days. We have just the itinerary, whether you're young or young at heart, to create lasting summer memories, you'll treasure for years to come. LODGING Book your stay at the Yellow Lantern Kampground for the…

The unofficial start to summer means burgers fresh from the grill, patriotic displays, and friendly cornhole games with the ones you love.  We’re here to help you plan a fun-packed weekend for you and your family. Keep reading for a list of family-friendly activities, Cortland County escapes, and tasty BBQ for your three-day weekend.  MEMORIAL DAY PARADES Who doesn't love a…

Experience Cortland is rounding up unique Airbnbs across Cortland County. Stay tuned throughout the year as we highlight accommodations and their nearby attractions to ensure guests have an inspiring experience. Please note, locations and their amenities grow and change throughout the year. Contact the host directly through Airbnb if you have any questions. The heady scent of horseflesh and sweet…

In celebration of the Bee's Knees Event, Ms. Nel's sixth-grade art class has filled the Visitors Center with spring-themed artwork. Working in oils and watercolors, the vivid gallery fills the walls and windows with bees, honey, and flowers. We asked Ms. Nels' budding artists if they would take a moment from their busy school day to answer a few questions about their work.  Join us at the…

Join us on May 14, 10 am- 2 pm, at the Cortland County Visitors Center. Celebrate the sweetness of spring with us at the Cortland County Visitors Center's Bee's Knees Event. We are honoring the unsung hero of gardens across the county, the humble bee, with local children's art, garden art, spring plants, garden necessities, and of course, honey tasting. Several local beekeepers will be present to…

Cortland County is home to beautiful, historic libraries, each filled with a world of books and their own unique charm. From February 21-26, they invite you to map your own literary adventure, explore five of them, discovering the best reading nooks and creative corners. Cortland County is hosting its first-ever Library Crawl! Pack up the whole family and stop by any of the participating libraries…

The kids are all home for winter break. The skies are grey. The temps are low. Cabin Fever is real. No worries, Cortland County has just the cure for the winter blues! Here is a list of our seven places to play when winter is at its worst.  THE BIG SCREEN Everyone loves a good movie, but did you know you could combat boredom by bringing your favorite game system to Crown City Cinemas? Watch your…

Freshly fallen snow on bluebird days just begs us to get outside and play. Whether you are an avid outdoorsman or new to cold-weather adventures, Lime Hollow Nature Center offers two ways everyone in the family can explore the woods in winter. Lime Hollow's Nordic Center provides cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals. Let a knowledgeable staff member help you to choose the right size equipment…

  It's holiday break, the house is in chaos and the kids are bored. Now what? Have no fear, we've compiled a list of what to do and where to go, to get your kids out of the house and out of your hair. Come play in Cortland County, we've got just what you're looking for.  CASCADES INDOOR WATER PARK2177 Clute Rd., Cortland(607) 835-6300 At a balmy 84 degrees, this waterpark is a little…

Standing under the only stop light in town, you'll often hear a distant clip clop as an Amish horse and buggy makes it's way down Main Street. Comprised of a patchwork of buildings, both historic and new, hemmed in by the Tioughnioga River, Marathon is radiating quintessential small town charm, perfect for a wandering day trip. FIRST STOP BREAKFAST Reilly's Cafe It's been said that breakfast is…

Marathon New York is beginning what they hope grows to an annual tradition. Sponsored by the CNY Maple Festival, the Marathon Community Fall Fair promises to be a day full of food, shopping and fun.  Keep reading for all the details.  WHEN IS IT HAPPENING? This community wide event will take place November 6th, from 9 a.m.- 4p.m. Parking will be available at the Marathon Civic Center, located at…

It's that time of year, when the weather begins to drive us indoors. Early evenings leave us curled around the fire or stirring soup over the stove, contemplating feathering our nest. Whether you're a budding artist or just appreciate locally crafted goods, Cortland County is full of everything you need to make you feel inspired to create or simply create a more cozy space this fall. POTTERY WORKS…

Navigating your way through a corn maze is an essential fall activity for families, and Trinity Valley Dairy Farm has pulled out all the stops once again to create a fresh, challenging maze for their visitors! Everyone - not just kids - can enjoy a fun-filled, fall trip to Family Fun Days & Corn Maze starting Saturday, September 18.  Enjoy acres of outdoor family activities in the fresh country…

Whether you're looking for heart pumping, adrenaline rushing scares, or kid-friendly fall fun, there are endless ways to celebrate Halloween in Cortland County.  For more details, and plenty more great events, check out the Experience Cortland events calendar. TRINITY VALLEY CORN MAZE Thursday- Saturday Sept. 18- Oct. 31 |10-4p.m.| Trinity Valley Dairy| $7 Thursday & Friday / $9 Saturday & Sunday…

While Cortland County is known as a winter destination with its three ski resorts, there's much more to the county than its snowy slopes.  Whether you need a break from the powder or just aren't that into skiing, here are eight other awesome things to do on your winter vacation in Cortland County. 1. STRAP ON SNOWSHOES There are plenty of alternatives to skiing and snowboarding that offer…

This Saturday, the US celebrates National Scavenger Hunt Day, and Experience Cortland has a high-tech twist on this classic game.  Grab your Smartphone and your sense of wanderlust, and embark on the Experience Cortland GeoTour.  This tour will take you along the byways of Cortland County to the secret and not-so-secret hideaways where we have stashed our caches for you to discover.…

The cooler fall temperatures inspired me to start checking off a few seasonal bucket list activities and adventures, and I made headway on my list this past weekend at Trinity Valley Dairy Farm, a fourth-generation family farm in the East Homer.There's no denying the main attraction at the moment is the 7-acre corn maze, but it certainly was not the only reason to swing by. From delectable…

Hollenbeck's Cider Mill celebrates its 86th cider season this fall. A trip to see the cider press, or to enjoy a freshly made donut is a fall must do in Cortland County. Check out the video below. Share your Cortland County adventures with us for a chance to be featured! Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.