If you’re looking to start your 2026 summer with a fun, but relatively short road trip, these New York destinations should make your list.
From museums and limited-time art exhibitions to scenic hikes and World Cup watch parties, the state is full of can’t-miss experiences that would be perfect for the whole family this summer.
Here are eight New York attractions worth the drive, to ensure you make the most of your summer.
Utica Children’s Museum
Utica Children’s Museum is a perfect road trip destination for the whole family, with more than 60 exhibits that “celebrate the diverse cultures of the Mohawk Valley,” according to the museum website.
The museum includes hands-on experiences, STEM-based learning, a space for climbing, along with various exhibits that explore culture, language and art.
‘TROLLS: Save the Humans’ exhibition in Tupper Lake
The “TROLLS: Save the Humans” exhibition offers an incredibly unique experience that will only be in New York for a limited time.
The exhibition features six giant troll sculptures, ranging from 15-20 feet tall, created by artist Thomas Dambo, with a goal of inspiring visitors to “explore themes such as recycling and reusing trash, the importance of plants and gardens, art, and more,” according to The Wild Center website.
The trolls are built from reclaimed materials and are some of over 100 giant troll sculptures Dambo has created across the world.
The exhibition will run from June 1 through Oct. 31.
New York State Museum in Albany
The New York State Museum in Albany is a great way for families to explore the history of the state and the Capital Region. According to the website, the museum houses “over 20 million specimens and artists that reflect over 170 years of research in the earth science, biology and human history.”
For an added bonus, admission to the museum is free, which can help keep the road trip costs low.
Corning’s Gaffer District
Corning’s Gaffer District offers an abundance of ways people of all ages can experience the beauty of downtown Corning. The Gaffer District features plenty of different events and delicious restaurants that will make for the perfect family day out.
The Gaffer District is filled with restaurants, breweries, shops, and a farmers market for shopping local.
Catamount Mountain Resort
For those who enjoy exploring nature and the outdoors, and a little bit of adventure, a road trip to Catamount Mountain Resort would be ideal.
In the summer, the resort offers America’s longest dual zip line, an aerial adventure park, and scenic chairlift rides to embrace the beauty of upstate New York.
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower in the Catskills
A historical landmark, the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is the highest fire tower in New York, according to the Great Northern Catskills website.
The tower is located at “an elevation of 4,040 feet on the summit of Hunter Mountain in the Catskill Mountains,” so for hikers, this tower is the ultimate New York destination.
To get to the tower, there are two hiking trails — a 7-mile moderately difficult hike and a 2.35-mile moderately difficult hike. Once there, climbing to the top of the tower gives visitors a gorgeous 360-degree view of the Catskill Mountains. The website further says that, on a clear day, the Manhattan skyline is even visible.
To learn more about the tower, including where to start hiking from and the different trails, visit the Catskills Visitor Center website.
Historic carousels in Binghamton
The Greater Binghamton area is considered the “Carousel Capital of the World,” with six antique carousels located in various parks throughout the Triple Cities. Families can spend the day riding the carousels and embracing the history of the Greater Binghamton area with this great, free summer day out. Five of the area carousels are open this summer — the Ross Park carousel is undergoing restoration and moving to a new enclosure at the park. To see one, or all, of the area’s available carousels, you can find them in the following parks:
All carousels are free to ride.
Watch the FIFA World Cup in NYC
For lovers of the city and soccer, visiting New York City to watch the 2026 World Cup may be the best summer road trip option.
New York City is hosting five FIFA World Cup 2026 watch parties, according to the city’s website, which features “live match viewings, cultural programming, local businesses and interactive experiences,” for free.
According to the website, here are the details on the watch parties:
For more information, visit the NYNJ FIFA World Cup website.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: These 8 NY destinations make for a perfect summer road trip
Reporting by Sunshyne Lynch, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Sunshyne Lynch, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin | USA TODAY Network
