Six warm weather activities in Syracuse
Six warm weather activities in Syracuse
The ultimate guide to making the most of Syracuse’s sunny days.
With warm weather finally on the horizon in Syracuse, it’s important to spend some time outside after months of freezing temperatures.
Here’s a list of activities and spots that students can take advantage of as the weather starts to warm up.
Heid’s of Liverpool
Heid’s of Liverpool is a classic hot dog joint with an old school feel and plenty of outdoor seating. The restaurant has been open since 1917 and sells over 250,000 hot dogs each year. Offering shakes and ice cream at their Sweet Treats Ice Cream Parlor in the warmer months, this is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat outside. It’s also located just minutes away from Onondaga Lake Park, so you can pick up some food after a tiring game of pickleball.
Heid’s of Liverpool is located on 305 Oswego St. They are open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ice Cream
Big Dip Ice Cream is a family-run ice cream shop located in North Syracuse. The shop is adored by local Syracuse community members and families, and serves ice cream, fun drinks and other treats. The shop is closed in the winter season, so its springtime opening is much anticipated. It is worth visiting as the semester comes to a close, and they offer unique soft serve flavors and sundaes.
Big Dip is located on 216 N Main St. They are open Sunday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Outdoor Activities
Onondaga Lake Park, located only 15 minutes away from campus in Liverpool, just opened pickleball courts last summer. Pickleball, America’s fastest growing sport, is easy to pick up, social and great exercise. The park has recently built state-of-the-art pickleball courts, and it’s super easy to sign up for a time and go with friends.
Onondaga Lake Park is located on 106 Lake Dr.
Onondaga County Parks also offers horseback riding at the Highland Forest Park. Syracuse University has offered horseback riding excursions through the park, and they allow individuals to sign up. There are also different types of horseback riding experiences in the Syracuse area depending on time and skill level. Highland Forest Park also has other scenic outdoor activities to explore.
Highland Forest Park is located on 1254 Highland Park Rd. They are open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fairmount Glen Mini Golf opens back up for the season during the first week of April. This course has been rated the Best Miniature Golf Course in Syracuse for many years by the Syracuse New Times and has been in the area for 77 years. It’s a family favorite and the perfect activity to get outside and try something new in Syracuse.
Fairmount Glen Mini Golf is located on 210 Onondaga Rd.
Tinker Falls Trail, located in Tully, is only 30 minutes from Syracuse. Tinker Falls is a 50-foot waterfall accessible by this short trail. It’s the perfect place for a hike, and the falls are best seen “during the spring thaw,” as well as after a rainstorm, according to the CNY Hiking website. The waterfall is accompanied by a natural rock amphitheater allowing for a gorgeous view.
Tinker Falls Trail is located south of Labrador Crossing Road, just north of the Onondaga/Cortland County line on the west side of the road.
Though we are only blessed with a few weeks of warm weather at the end of the spring semester, there are many opportunities to experience this time to the fullest in the Syracuse area.
is a digital producer for The NewsHouse.
is a photographer for The NewsHouse.