Spending the summer in Syracuse? In June, when the weather turns warm and we finally get some sunshine in CNY, there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy the outdoors. Although Syracuse may be your home during the school year, it has just as much to offer in the summer months when you’re out of class. Whether you’re here taking classes for the summer or just spending a summer away from home, it’s good to get away from campus and try some new activities!
Syracuse Mets
Syracuse is home to the Syracuse Mets minor league baseball team. With games happening nearly every day and fun deals on food and drinks, you can’t pick a bad day to go! Enjoy the fun atmosphere of a baseball game and grab a hot dog to enjoy while you watch.
St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
Want to see some live music? The St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview has great concerts all summer long. With a fun outdoor venue and views of Onondaga Lake, you can’t beat a concert experience like this one. Enjoy artists from Tim McGraw, to John Mulaney, to the Syracuse Opera. This concert venue has something for everyone, and makes for a fun night out with some friends!
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Syracuse is home to its very own zoo with every animal you can imagine! Stop by and see the tigers, or check out the aquariums with all kinds of aquatic life. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo has so many attractions to offer and makes for a great day of exploration.
Green Lakes State Park
Although many already know about this special spot, Green Lakes State Park is the perfect place to take a swim or go for a walk. During the summer months, the beach at Green Lakes opens and there is so much fun to be had. If you’re not into swimming, you can rent a rowboat or kayak and explore the lake while staying dry. Or, if you’re feeling really ambitious, you can plan an overnight camping trip with some friends to immerse yourselves in the outdoors.
Drumlins Country Club
If you don’t want to stray too far from campus, Drumlins Country Club has a full 18-hole course, tennis courts, a pool and a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat after. 1926 Bistro has a great menu to choose from with everything from salads to pasta to burgers.
(P.S. Drumlins offers free tennis and golfing on their West course to SU and ESF students during the academic year!)
Crazy Daisies
Just a short drive away, you can find everything from greenhouse gardens, to delicious pizza, to live music. Crazy Daisies offers a fun environment to relax, spend time with friends and maybe even buy some plants to spice up your home for the summer!
Big Don’s
Want to challenge some friends to a little friendly competition of mini-golf? Big Don’s has 18 holes to practice your swing, as well as mazes, a climbing wall, outdoor laser tag, and so much more.
Big Dip Ice Cream
The best way to cool off in the hot summer sun is with some cold ice cream. The Big Dip is a homemade, family-run ice cream shop just a few minutes away from the Syracuse campus. It’s not too bad for a quick photo-op with your friends either!
Finger Lakes Drive-in
Want to go to the movies but don’t want to be cooped up in a movie theater when the weather is so nice? Finger Lakes Drive-In lets you watch a movie from the comfort of your car. You can buy some snacks, set up some blankets and cozy up to your favorite movie with friends.
Whatever your interests are, Syracuse has so many fun activities to offer, even in the summer when school is out.
Written By Sophie Gomprecht ’22, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This list is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.