These days, spending a day out with family can get pricey.
There are plenty of local spots that can get you out of the house and won’t break the bank, or even graze it.
Here are some free, family-friendly summer activities to do in Broome County.
Spend a day at local parks
Broome County is plentiful when it comes to scenic parks. Otsiningo Park has trails along the Chenango River for walking or biking, pavilions for a family picnic and a dog park if you want to bring your furry friends.
Location: 1 Otsiningo Park, Town of Dickinson.
Dorchester Park in Whitney Point is another park with gorgeous scenery, trails along Whitney Point Lake and swimming opportunities.
Location: 5469 state Route 26, Whitney Point.
Both parks offer free admission.
Visit Cutler Botanic Garden
The Cutler Botanic Garden is another great way to get outside, enjoy the weather and learn a little something while you’re doing it.
The garden has 14 themed areas that teach visitors about horticulture and environmental issues while viewing the beautiful scenery.
The garden is open from dawn to dusk daily with free admission.
Location: 840 Upper Front St., Town of Dickinson.
Catch live music at Binghamton Porchfest
Binghamton Porchfest began in 2015 and is a “free, collaborative celebration of music and community,” hosted on the West Side of Binghamton, according to its website.
Held in the Abel Bennett Historic Tract, the all-day event takes place on the last Sunday in August and is perfect for families, as it has plenty of activities for all ages. From crafts and music for children to farmers markets and artisan markets for adults, this event is ideal for a fun-filled day.
When: Noon to 7 p.m. Aug. 31. The Porchest Kids Village will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Take a walk at the Vestal Rail Trail
If you like to walk, run or bike, the Vestal Rail Trail is a great way to get outdoors for some exercise. At 3.85 miles long, there is a paved trail for bicyclists, walkers or joggers, perfect for a walk with family or a lone stroll on a nice day.
The trail is open a half hour before sunrise and closes a half hour after sunset. Pets are welcome.
Parking for the trail is available near Castle Gardens in Vestal — in the grassy area visible upon entering the neighborhood from state Route 434 — on Stage Road in Vestal and in the Shoppes at Vestal lot.
Explore the Binghamton University Nature Preserve
Spend your day surrounded by nature in Binghamton University’s Nature Preserve. The preserve offers 190 acres of land with 20 acres of wetland, and is perfect for viewing various species like deer, beavers, and porcupines.
The nature preserve is open dawn to dusk daily. Parking is free from 4 p.m. Friday to Monday morning at Binghamton University.
Location: 4400 Vestal Parkway E., Binghamton.
Visit local farmers markets
The Binghamton area has multiple farmers markets throughout the summer and sometimes even just perusing all of the local items can make for a relaxing, fun day. Here’s a list of local farmers markets:
Learn about local history on the downtown Binghamton Freedom Trail
If you’re looking for a little bit of exercise and a lot of history, the Freedom Trail in downtown Binghamton is ideal. There are 13 stops on the trail, a “dedication to influential locations and people within the Binghamton Community who were essential pieces in the abolition of slavery and securing civil rights,” according to the trail’s website.
The trail begins with the Harriet Tubman statue at 77 Water St. in Binghamton and ends with the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on Wall Street.
Completing the trail takes around an hour. To view the trail map and follow along with each stop, visit the Binghamton University website.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Looking for outdoor activities in Binghamton? Here are 7 things to do for free this summer
Reporting by Sunshyne Lynch, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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