20 Fun Things To Do In Utica, New York

1. Explore The Utica Zoo

Utica Zoo has both indoor and outdoor animal habitats which makes it family-friendly, and suitable for both animal and nature lovers. Exhibits of different amusements with foreign and domestic animals are available for patrons as well.

The zoo also has a petting zoo as well where kids can have fun and play with tamed animals as well as nature walks. More facilities like picnic spots and fun zones make the experience even more enjoyable.

Hence, the most appropriate time to go to the zoo is from spring all the way to fall since the animals are more active and the weather is also perfect.

2. Catch A Show At The Stanley Theatre

Stanley Theatre is a beautiful historical venue suitable for live performances, concerts, and other events. The architectural design, lavish decor, and spectacular sound make this place a must-visit for theater enthusiasts and even for families.

Do you plan to watch a movie in your next holidays? This theater could provide the perfect experience for you. Whatever it may be, from Broadway productions to romantic evenings with old films, there is always something for everybody.

For more information on the schedule of events and tickets, please visit the official website of Stanley Theatre.

3. Tour St. Joseph St. Patrick Church

St. Joseph St. Patrick Church, a historical Catholic church, is an amazing place to visit. Its exterior design, beautiful stained glass, and elaborate interiors are perfect for anyone interested in arts, history, or worshiping places.

The church organizes mass and community activities, tours, and events which makes it appropriate even for kids, tourists, or anyone indulging in searching for a religion.

Thus, the deep cultural and religious heritage enhances any trip to Utica by offering a unique blend of spiritual and even more tourist educational experiences.

4. Attend A Show At Players Of Utica

The Players of Utica, a community theatre is supremely entertaining for audiences of all ages who enjoy theatrics. Being located in Utica, it is also one of the oldest continually running community theatres in the U.S.

It has a wide array of shows, ranging from targeted plays, and musicals, to comedies, and produced by the locals. This particular place creates a warm sense of belonging to its visitors, and therefore it can be enjoyed by families, couples, or any individual who is keen on engaging with the culture of the area.

Hence, it allows for the appreciation of local talent while partaking in the local arts.

5. Hang Out At 1888 Biergarten

As an outdoor beer garden, 1888 Biergarten is one of the ideal things to do with family, friends, and those who are interested in beer. They offer a nice variety of local and imported beer, as well as seasonal beverages, and simple cuisine including burgers and pretzels.

There is casual seating with a few musical performances and other factors; making it fun things to do for hanging out and for simple parties as well.

It even allows pets, making it more appealing to people with pets. Whether you want to have a drink after work or on holiday, this place is a better option to include on your list.

6. Spend Time At Bagg's Square Brewing Company

The Bagg's Square Brewing Company is a warm craft brewery ideal for people who are fans of beer as well as normal visitors. Situated in the historic Bagg's Square area, this establishment has a changing menu of limited-edition craft beers brewed in-house, most of which are influenced by local culture.

However, their services come with an indoor seating area and an outdoor patio. In addition to serving great beer, they also tend to have live music performances and food trucks which makes it one of the best things to do in Utica NY.

7. Delve Into The Utica Children's Museum

The Utica Children's Museum is a great place for kids with its interactive displays which focus on the region's Mohawk Valley- its people, industries, and way of life. Being targeted at toddlers and families, it is primarily an active learning and exploration environment.

The rotation of new exhibits in the museum will be based on the culture and ecology of this region and will be aimed at children in a constructive and pleasurable manner.

The center focuses on community and the arts, making it important for the region's knowledge economy by encouraging a love for learning and a connection to local heritage.

8. Wander Through Chancellor Park

Chancellor Park is a lovely city park inviting both residents and guests to enjoy the fresh air.

It is family-friendly, suitable for individuals or any type of people looking for an outdoor relaxing space, and consists of nicely arranged walkways, rest chairs, and vegetation.

It is an open space that can be easily turned into a picnic area, a walk around the yard, or a sit-down in peace. This small park may not be so big but its tranquil interiors are a sure escape from city life. Further, this is for the people who do not want to move that far, but want a bit of nature instead.

9. Enjoy A Day At Valley View Golf Course

Valley View Golf Course is a dream come true venue for golfers. It consists of a publicly open 18-hole course with perfectly manicured greens and tree-lined fairways, some hilly areas that offer fun but at the same time some toughness.

Robert Trent Jones Sr. was the designer of this course and it incorporates some elements of serious play for the advanced golfers and some play for the leisure ones. When done with the game, guests are invited to the clubhouse where they can take in the sights of the surroundings.

Whether perfecting your swing or simply having fun, Valley View ensures you have a wonderful day at the golf grounds.

10. Browse The Offerings At Oneida County Public Market

The Oneida County Public Market is the center of attention for food lovers and for small business owners to market their products. It is open every Saturday all year round and exhibits fresh vegetables, baked products, meat cuts, and artisan products from local suppliers.

Guests are encouraged to check out the interesting stalls and try out the tasty treats while assisting the enterprises. The market has been known to host seasonal events and family-oriented activities, therefore it serves as a community hub as well.

It is the perfect destination to relish the culinary delights of the area, interact with the local farmers, and have a glorified indoor shopping experience.

11. Take In A Game At Donovan Stadium At Murnane Field

Donovan Stadium at Murnane Field is an attractive sports venue situated in Utica New York that is ranked highly for baseball games. This historically significant stadium has always been the home of the Utica Unicorns and other local events making it affordable and convenient for families having kids.

The live-action of the Sports is complemented by takeaways from the time-honored ballpark cuisine. The location of the stadium allows one to easily visit other parks and attractions afterward as well.

12. Visit Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area is one of the beautiful areas in Utica New York that attracts any enthusiasts of wildlife and nature. The extensive wetland area is over 213 acres offering features including bird watching, walking, and wildlife.

Here, visitors can enjoy walking on picturesque pathways that go around the moist areas that contain wildlife such as migratory birds, deer, and other animals. This region also offers the chance to capture attractive sights, especially during autumn.

Be it a simple nature walk, or an opportunity to interact with nature, Utica Marsh has something to offer for everyone who loves the great outdoors.

13. Learn About Heritage At The Oneida County History Center

Oneida County History Center provides visitors with a captivating outlook on the history of the area. This interesting museum has a vast responsibility to educate one and the subsequent generations about the historical background of Oneida County.

Here, visitors to the center will find displays containing memorabilia, writing, and narratives that show the history of the region as well. The center aims to ensure that this important history is made available to families, researchers, and students to enhance their comprehension of the local traditions and cultures.

Therefore, Oneida County History Center is suitable for people of all ages regardless of whether they are aficionados of history or not.

14. Uncover The Flavors Of Adirondack Distilling Company

The Adirondack Distilling Company is about creating a lot of spirits, whiskey, Gin, vodka, and many other sorts of spirits from locally available ingredients. Interestingly, guests can explore different sections of the distillery.

They provide information on how the company distills spirits and its commitment to protecting the environment. The company's friendly services also include some offering of their drinks for customers to taste the distinctiveness of their products.

This kind of atmosphere lets you relax and enjoy great drinks that show off local craftsmanship, right in the heart of the Adirondacks.

15. Ride The Adirondack Railroad

The Adirondack Railroad provides a wonderful experience of riding through the beautiful landscape of the Adirondacks in the New York state's region, which begins at the historic Utica New York train station.

This beautiful ride takes you next to clear rivers, thick forests, and over-friendly little towns. Furthermore, travelers can enjoy appropriate excursions and other trips outside the tourist season.

The vintage trains create a sense of nostalgia, and the attentive staff recounts the many stories about the area's rich history, thus, making Utica a unique place for any tourist.

16. Dine At The Tailor And The Cook

The Tailor and The Cook is a notable restaurant because its cuisine is intentionally implemented and carefully crafted, making sure there are active relationships with regional farmers and producers.

The restaurant remains open every day of the week between 3 PM and 11 PM, making provision for adequate street parking and a well-lit parking lot. 

The impressive food followed by service guests says that the restaurant without any doubt should be visited by all those who need such experience.

17. Unwind At Woodland Farm Brewery

Woodland Farm Brewery places great emphasis on the brewing of classic beer styles, especially with a focus on lagers and barrel-aged styles.

The extensive and eclectic tap list has a beer for every palate with session-able European style lagers, hoppy IPAs, and big malty alcohol-content beers. The cozy warm environment makes it an ideal place to unwind and spend time with friends.

Alongside beer here at Woodland Farm Brewery, you can enjoy some local snacks or when the weather's nice, you can even sit outside, making it a perfect spot for fun things to do in New York City at night.

18. Stop By The Celtic Harp Restaurant And Pub

The Celtic Harp Restaurant and Pub is fun, energetic, and mostly ideal for eating out with family and friends.

It is an Irish Pub with an American theme serving traditional meals such as fish, chips, shepherd's pie, casseroles, good beers, whiskies, and spirituous beverages as well as cocktail drinks.

With regular offerings of live music, trivia games, and other events, the pub is quite a busy joint for both locals and tourists. Its cozy interior, warm reception by the personnel, as well as the outside seating, contribute towards the craving to relax, eat well, and embrace the atmosphere of the pub more.

19. Tour Matt Brewing Company

Based in Utica, NY, the Matt Brewing Company is a family-centered business that has the provision of brewing beer. Interestingly, it has ranked as the fourth oldest family-owned brewery in the USA.

It focuses on the popular Saranac beers line which not only features several ales but even seasonal beers as well. The brewery has a tasting room where visitors can come around to take the brewery tours and taste different brewed craft beers.

They also make fermented beverages such as; root beers and ginger beers. Hence, visiting this company is a chance to appreciate the centuries-old tradition, with tasting sessions held in friendly surroundings.

20. Check Out 4 Elements Studio

4 Elements Studio is a community arts center involved in the provision of artistic experiences to the people. The studio provides spaces for workshops, gallery space, exhibits, and studio rental to the local artists and the general public even the physically challenged people.

It is a conducive environment to nurture one's creative abilities or appreciate the works of others - in this case, one can go and learn new skills or even display their artistic work.

The focus of 4 Elements Studio is to provide a creative atmosphere for everyone no matter their age or occupation whether they want to take part in a workshop, look at an exhibition, or make their own art.