Looking for family fun? Rain or shine, Ithaca is the place to be!

As the world's first community-built science museum, the Sciencenter features over 250 hands-on exhibits indoors and out, sure to engage and delight visitors of all ages. Explore the ever-changing traveling exhibition galleries, get your hands wet in the regions' only marine animal touch tank, play a round of Galaxy Golf (seasonal) or explore the solar system on the outdoor Sagan Planet Walk. The Sciencenter is open 7 days a week during July & August and closed Mondays the rest of the year.

Hungry after all that fun, visit nearby Ithaca Bakery for a snack or meal located on Route 13.

Next, visit The Ithaca Commons, where younger children will enjoy Alphabet Soup. Also visit Cat's Pajamas located in Dewitt Mall just off The Commons. These local children's stores feature fun educational toys and cool kids' clothes.

Looking for a good story? All the bookstores in the downtown area have expansive children's sections as well as something for Mom and Dad. Stop by the Tompkins County Public Library for storytelling hour or to check out a book or video.

While downtown, venture over to The History Center in Tompkins County. Learn all the things that make the Ithaca and Tompkins County area unique. Immerse yourself in the 1890s: children can play in a large-scale replica of the Eight Square Schoolhouse, exhange replica merchandise for imitation money, and use an authentic 19th-century cash register at a country store and sales counter.

Does your family enjoy ice cream? If so, we have several local ice cream shops. Purity Ice Cream offers all home-made products made from fresh milk delivered to their store three times a week. Or, if you are near Cornell University, visit Trillium Express located in Kennedy Hall for Cornell Dairy's premium ice cream.