Summer Fun in Utica and Oneida County: Your People First Guide to Local Adventures

Ready to make the most of summer? Living at one of our residences puts you at the center of our area's summer fun and activities to create lasting memories.

Utica Summer Events and Attractions

Visit the Utica Children’s Museum!

Take the family to explore the brand new Utica Children’s Museum on the Parkway. Visit the exhibits, engage with your kids in hands-on activities and learning, dive into your imagination, and play! The events and spaces are both fun and educational, offering an interactive experience.

Utica Zoo Summer Activities

Head right down the road from the Children’s Museum and visit the 200+ animals at the Utica Zoo! Summer admission for adults and kids is under $10 to see red pandas, lions, white-handed gibbons, miniature donkeys, and more! You can also sign your kids up for Zoo Camp to collaborate with other campers on STEM activities and participate in crafts and animal meet-and-greets.

Run and Celebrate the Boilermaker 15K Road Race

Take part in the world’s best 15K road race – the Boilermaker! There’s also a 5K race, Wheelchair 15K, Boilermaker Walk, and Kids’ Run! And if you’d rather lace up your running shoes another day, come out and cheer the 17,000+ participants and celebrate at the finish line at The Saranac Post Race Party at F.X. Matt Brewing Company.

Outdoor Summer Activities in Oneida County

Walk and Bike the Erie Canalway Trail

There are miles of flat, paved paths to cruise or break a sweat.

Explore Utica’s Parks and Green Spaces

With Utica’s 600 acres of park systems, walk the trails, have a picnic, organize games on the courts and fields, and explore the open green spaces for some fresh air and peace of mind.

Day Trip Adventures from Utica

While the city has many activities for a variety of interests for both kids and adults, there are many other adventures to be had beyond the city, including:

Spring Creek Lavender Farm in Remsen

Pick your own flowers, meet the farm animals, and join craft activities.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame

Cooperstown is a short, scenic drive from Utica and is a historic village worth visiting in its own right. At the Hall of Fame, there are new, fascinating exhibits and weekly events for you to take part in the magic of America’s favorite pastime.

The Adirondacks

Just one hour north, the mountains, trails, and lakes of the Adirondacks await. Explore the towns, hike one of the 46 peaks, take a dip in the lake, and build a campfire. What’s more “summer” than fresh mountain air, sunshine, and a clear night sky full of stars?

Choose Your Summer Fun

This summer, you don't need to travel far or spend much to create amazing memories in and around Utica. Our area offers many affordable family attractions and fun opportunities to create worthwhile summer adventures. And remember, People First’s Youth Programs offer enjoyable summer activities, too!