Things to Do

Group Activities

Blueberry Picking at Apples Hills (July)

BUPC invites graduate students with families to join them for a morning of blueberry picking at Apple Hills, 131 Brooks Rd, Binghamton, NY 13905. Bring your own bucket (or get one there) to fill up and take home fresh blueberries and raspberries while meeting other BU grad students with children.

Bring some cash for your purchases but BUPC will subsidize part of your purchase (depends on # of families who come). Faculty/staff and friends may attend at their own cost. If you choose, bring money and enjoy breakfast beforehand or lunch afterwards at their restaurant.

Apple Picking at Apple Hills  (September)

BUPC invites graduate students with families and those who are expecting to join them for a morning of apple picking at Apple Hills. Bring your own bag to fill up and take home several pounds of fresh NYS apples while meeting other BU grad students with children.

Bring some cash for your purchases but BUPC will subsidize part of your purchase (depends on # of families who come).  Faculty/staff and friends may attend at their own cost. If you choose, bring money and enjoy breakfast beforehand or lunch afterwards at their restaurant.

Halloween Trick or Treating (October)

Join us for an evening of Trick or Treating in a nearby Vestal neighborhood just east of the BU campus. Dress the kids in costume and coats/mittens (adults can dress in costume too), bring your treat bag and meet over at our house. We'll start walking up the street at 6:15pm until we are cold and/or tired or our bags are too full! 

Gym Play Date (TBD)

All graduate students with children are invited to join us for a group party at the at Southern Tier Gymnastics Academy in Endicott. There will be gymnastics, magical inflatables and time for food.

Trike, Trot and Roll (TBD)

All graduate students with children are invited to join us for a group party at Skate Estate in Vestal.  Run, walk, skate or ride your favorite toy, scooter or bike with training wheels on our skate floor (bring your own toy/scooter/bike; roller skates are available at the rink).  Use the Skate Mates to help balance and learn how to skate.  Walk around the rink with your baby in a stroller.  We will enjoy pizza and drinks. 

Other Low Cost Activities

Group Membership to the Discovery Center and Ross Park Zoo

BUPC has a group membership to the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier in Binghamton .  Go on your own or contact another family and enjoy the exhibits at this interactive children's museum.  The Discovery Center is open almost everyday of the year and is perfect during the cooler months.

There is also the award winning Story Garden, a Children's Interactive Garden containing 13 interactive areas focusing on children's literature themes, outside the museum which is free.

During the warmer months (mid-April through mid-October), visit the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park.  Exhibits on mammals, birds and reptiles will delight the entire family.

You must be on our membership list to use our group membership.

Playground Playdates

Meet up with friends at one of the family friendly playgrounds and parks in our area.  Favorite locations are Arnold Park in Vestal and Otsiningo Park in Binghamton.  Stair Park is the closest one to the university. During the summer months, you'll be able to cool off a the spray park in C. Fred Johnson Park in Johnson City or visit the beach at Cole Park, Greenwood Park or Dorchester Park.

Ride the Carousel Circuit

Broome County is home to 6 free carousels that are open from Memorial Day (late May) until Labor Day (early September).

Public Libraries

Broome County has several public libraries with special programs and sections for children of all ages. Library cards are free and the downtown Binghamton library has a large, comfortable children's section with some toys and puzzles to enjoy.

Enjoy Autumn

September and October are some of the best months to enjoy the harvest season in upstate New York.  Favorite places to visit include The Cider Mill in Endicott, Jackson's Pumpkin Farm in Endicott, Iron Kettle Farm in Candor, and Russell Farms in Brackney, PA.

University Events

Keep your eyes open for many events here on campus. Some of our favorites that also cater to families include:

Day Trips for Families

Looking to get out of town? Here are some recommendations of fun places to go with your family.