Conesus Lake is nestled in the westernmost section of New York’s Finger Lakes region. The area is a scenic wonderland known for its incredible vineyards, flourishing woodlands, and abundance of freshwater activities. Conesus Lake vacation rentals are often situated close to nature, providing a one-stop spot for outdoor activities, such as hiking, canoeing, skiing, fishing, and boating. The area is steeped in history, and the local attractions will take you off the beaten path, and closer to upstate New York culture. Make room on your itinerary for these exciting Conesus Lake activities for families with children.
1. Climb Into a Treehouse Village
Give young children the ultimate space to exercise their imaginations at Tree Creations, a growing installment of whimsical treehouses in Geneseo. Rope bridges link playful structures, such as the Castle, Wizard’s Den, and Tea Room, while the Auto de Triumph lets your child pretend to fly on air inside a real vintage car. A local resident created this popular attraction on his family’s private grounds, so admission is free. However, you’ll need to make an appointment, so be sure to call early.
2. Go Camping
If you like staying close to the water, rent a spot for a tent or trailer at Conesus Lake Campground. An onsite playground and jump pad give children plenty of ways to burn energy, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the campsite for teens who want to post live videos of themselves having fun. Take a break from lake activities to swim in the indoor pool during the summer, and check the event calendar for special activities, such as cookouts, tournaments, and mobile gaming rides.
3. Play Games at Minnehan’s Fun Center
When you can’t decide what to do, head over to Minnehan’s Fun Center in Lakeville, which offers fun activities for adults and kids of all ages. A discovery zone with slides and ball pits can keep young children entertained while you play classic arcade games or outdoor laser tag with your older kids. Stop by the onsite restaurant for burgers and ice cream after a go kart race or a round of mini golf.
4. Tour an Alpaca Farm
Few kids can resist feeding or petting adorably cute and furry alpacas. For an off-beat trip, visit the Lazy Acres Alpaca Farm in Bloomfield to tour the beautiful 180-acre grounds and learn why it’s so rewarding to raise alpacas. When you’re done mingling with these friendly creatures, pick out cozy alpaca wool clothing, teddy bears, and home decor from the on-site souvenir shop.
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5. Hike to Waterfalls
A gem of the famous Finger Lakes, Conesus is surrounded by stunning waterfalls, rocky gorges, and picturesque glens. Just west of Conesus Lake lies Letchworth State Park, a photo-worthy woodland featuring a 22-mile stretch of the Genesee River and a variety of trails to suit your hiking ability. One popular trail along a gorge offers captivating views of the upper, middle, and lower falls, and you can stop for snacks at a park venue to recharge after a challenging hike.
6. Enjoy a Zip Lining Adventure
Soaring hundreds of feet above the ground is one of the most exciting ways to admire the local scenery. Embrace the thrill of zooming above the trees on a zip line, racing past craggy cliffs and wooded trails with the open air all around you. Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures in nearby Canandaigua offers zip lining canopy tours for an exciting challenge and fun aerial obstacles, such as tightrope walks and suspended bridges, to get your adrenaline pumping. Children as young as four can enjoy beginner obstacle courses in the kids’ aerial park.
7. Explore a Historic Village
Give the history buffs in your group a glimpse of the past at Genesee Country Village and Museum. Imagine walking through a living timeline of old-world settlements, ranging from 18th-century pioneer homes to a post-Civil War town on the verge of industrial life. Costumed performers bring the historic environment to life, and you can even book a skills class or weekend stay to get immersed in the pioneer experience. When you’re ready to come back to the 21st century, visit the nature center for a scavenger hunt through 175 acres of woodland, or admire the sporting and wildlife art at the John L. Wehle Gallery.
8. Take a Balloon Ride
Letchworth State Park is even more beautiful from above, with the lush treetops, a rushing river, and majestic cliffs laid out in full view. Remind your teens to appreciate nature with a breathtaking balloon ride over the park. Balloons Over Letchworth takes passengers about 2,000 feet into the air for an experience of a lifetime you’re sure to brag about long after your vacation is over.
9. Go Tubing in Water or Snow
No matter what time of year you visit, you can always find a place to go tubing. Soak in the sunlight and admire the towering gorges while you float down Genesee River in warm weather, or pile on your winter clothes and race down a sparkling white hillside after a good snowfall.
10. See a Drive-In Movie
Hop in the car, head over to the drive-in theater, and prepare to enjoy a newly released film right from your vehicle. Families love to gather at the Vintage Drive-In for an old-school experience that’s entertaining and budget-friendly. Whether you whip up a picnic lunch at your vacation rental or order pizza, burgers, and wings from the onsite restaurant, you can chow down without missing a moment of your movie.
11. Go Snowmobiling
If you’re visiting Conesus Lake in winter, rent snowmobiles for a thrilling scenic ride along the wooded hills of Letchworth State Park. With parents in attendance, teens over 13 can operate a snowmobile on their own, and you can bring younger children over age six as passengers. Just remember to hang on tight as you go roaring down steep terrain and navigating around snowy obstacles.
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