The Erie Canal is not just a historic waterway—it’s also a fantastic destination for family-friendly fun. Whether you’re looking for hands-on museum exhibits, kid-friendly boat tours, scenic cycling paths, or engaging educational programs, the Erie Canal offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a family outing, here are some of the best activities and attractions to explore along the canal.
Interactive Museums and Historical Sites
For families who love history and learning, the Erie Canal has several interactive museums that bring the past to life:
- Erie Canal Museum (Syracuse, NY): Housed in the only remaining weighlock building in the United States, this museum offers hands-on exhibits and a life-size canal boat display, giving kids a chance to experience what life was like on the canal.
- Medina Railroad Museum (Medina, NY): A must-visit for train lovers, this museum features one of the largest model train layouts in New York, along with exhibits about the canal’s impact on the railroad industry.
- Women’s Rights National Historical Park (Seneca Falls, NY): An educational stop that teaches families about the fight for women’s rights and how the Erie Canal played a role in the movement.
Kid-Friendly Boat Tours
A boat tour is one of the best ways to experience the Erie Canal, allowing families to see the locks in action and enjoy the scenic beauty of the waterway. Some great options include:
- Erie Canal Adventures (Macedon, NY): Offers houseboat rentals that allow families to captain their own vessel and explore the canal at their own pace.
- Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises (Lockport, NY): A narrated tour through the famous Flight of Five locks, where kids can watch boats being raised and lowered.
- Mid-Lakes Navigation (Skaneateles & Baldwinsville, NY): Provides sightseeing cruises and narrated history tours that entertain and educate passengers of all ages.
Cycling and Walking Trails
The Erie Canalway Trail is a multi-use path that stretches across New York State, offering family-friendly cycling and walking opportunities:
- Pittsford to Fairport Trail: A scenic and relatively flat route that’s perfect for families with young children, with picnic areas and canal-side cafes along the way.
- Lockport’s Canalway Trail: A shorter path with beautiful views of the canal and access to historic Lockport attractions.
- Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail: A peaceful, less-crowded trail that offers plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities and great spots for a family picnic.
Hands-On Educational Programs
Several sites along the Erie Canal offer special programs designed to engage young minds:
- Erie Canal Discovery Center (Lockport, NY): Features interactive exhibits where kids can learn how locks work and try their hand at moving water through a working canal model.
- Seneca Falls Visitor Center: Offers educational exhibits about the town’s role in the Erie Canal’s history and its impact on American industry.
- Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum (Chittenango, NY): A living history museum where families can explore reconstructed canal boats, blacksmith shops, and participate in educational workshops.
Wildlife and Outdoor Adventures
For nature-loving families, the Erie Canal is surrounded by parks and wildlife areas that offer outdoor adventure:
- Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (Montezuma, NY): A prime birdwatching location where families can spot eagles, herons, and other waterfowl.
- Spencerport’s Canal Park: A quiet spot with green space, playgrounds, and picnic areas along the canal.
- Holley Canal Falls (Holley, NY): A hidden gem featuring a beautiful waterfall, walking trails, and a perfect spot for family photos.
Final Thoughts
The Erie Canal is a perfect destination for a fun and educational family adventure. Whether your kids love history, boats, biking, or exploring the outdoors, there are countless activities to enjoy. Plan your trip today and discover the rich heritage and natural beauty of the Erie Canal together!