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5 Indoor Places in Upstate New York That Make Cold or Rainy Days More Fun
Winter in Upstate New York can be beautiful, but snow, freezing temperatures and rainy days aren't always ideal for outdoor adventures. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor attractions where you can spend an entire day without worrying about the weather.
From a tropical indoor waterpark to world-class museums and massive entertainment centers, these five destinations offer something for families, history buffs, sports fans and anyone looking for a fun escape from the cold.
1. Escape to a Tropical Waterpark at The Kartrite
Who says you need to wait for summer to enjoy a waterpark?
Located in Monticello, The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark provides a tropical getaway in the middle of winter. The enormous indoor waterpark is kept at a balmy 84 degrees year-round, creating a striking contrast with the cold weather outside.
Visitors can enjoy water slides, a lazy river and a massive wave pool beneath the facility's huge glass roof.
And the fun doesn't stop when you leave the water. The resort also features activities such as an arcade, bowling and climbing walls, giving families plenty of ways to spend the day indoors.
2. Explore Art at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum
For a more cultural day out, head to Buffalo and explore the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.
Following a major campus transformation, the museum offers an impressive setting for its collection of modern and contemporary art. Visitors can explore works spanning multiple artistic periods, from Impressionism to contemporary installations.
The museum itself is also part of the experience, with striking architecture, spacious galleries and places to stop for food and drinks.
It's an especially good choice when the weather makes walking around Buffalo less appealing but you still want to spend the day exploring the city.
3. Discover New York's History at the New York State Museum
If you're looking for an indoor destination where you can easily spend several hours, the New York State Museum in Albany is worth a visit.
Located at the Empire State Plaza, the museum explores New York's natural and cultural history through extensive exhibits and collections.
Visitors can learn about the state's geological past, see fossils and explore exhibits covering New York's history and culture. There's even an antique carousel that visitors can ride for free.
The variety makes the museum particularly appealing for families, since there's something different around practically every corner.
4. Step Into Baseball History at the National Baseball Hall of Fame
You don't have to be attending a baseball game to enjoy America's pastime.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown gives visitors the opportunity to explore the history of baseball through artifacts, memorabilia and interactive exhibits.
One of the museum's most recognizable features is the Plaque Gallery, where visitors can see the plaques honoring members of the Hall of Fame.
With multiple floors of exhibits covering generations of baseball history, it's a destination that can appeal to serious baseball fans as well as visitors simply interested in American sports history.
5. Spend the Day Playing at Apex Entertainment
Sometimes you don't want a museum—you just want to have fun.
Apex Entertainment at Crossgates Mall in Albany is designed for exactly that. The massive indoor entertainment complex features more than 50,000 square feet of activities.
Guests can choose from bowling, multi-level laser tag, bumper cars, virtual reality experiences and a large arcade. There's also full-service dining, making it possible to turn a quick outing into an entire afternoon or evening.
For families or groups with different interests, the variety of activities means everyone can find something to do without having to brave the winter weather.
Plenty to Do When the Weather Turns
Upstate New York's winter weather doesn't have to dictate your plans. Whether you're looking for a tropical escape at an indoor waterpark, hoping to explore art and history, or simply want an action-packed afternoon with friends and family, there are plenty of indoor destinations to explore.
From Monticello to Buffalo, Albany to Cooperstown, these attractions offer very different experiences—but they all provide one important thing during a cold or rainy day: a reason to get out of the house.
