23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Binghamton (NY)

Are you looking for fun things to do in Binghamton? Look no further.

Binghamton is a city in New York. It is famously known as the Carousal capital of the world because it houses six of the remaining antique carousels. Cool right?

Binghamton is also referred to as the Parlor City, mainly because in the 19^th century, Binghamton had a lot of massive mansions with huge parlors. Hence, people gathered to spend time together.

There were so many fancy Parlors people named the city the Parlor City, and some people still refer to the city by that name even now.

There’s a lot of fun things to do in Binghamton city before we get started on them. Apart from these places you can visit, Binghamton city also has really friendly people living in the city.

The city is 28.83km square in size with a population of 45,140 as of 2019. Now let’s get started on fun things to do in Binghamton, NY.

Things to Do in Binghamton

1. Phelps Mansion Museum

Amongst the best things to do in Binghamton, NY, for fun, is the Phelps Mansion Museum.

The Gilded Age in America lasted from 1870 to 1900. During this era, Court Street was referred to as the “Mansion Row.” Sherman D. Phelps and their home was built in 191 Court Street during the Gilded era.

This home has been preserved and is open for exhibition, tours, events, and educational programs as it is the last of its kind.

It’s a museum rich in history. It was formerly known as the Monday Afternoon Clubhouse. Sherman D. Phelps was a successful businessman and the 5th mayor of Binghamton city. For those who love a scary story, the mansion is said to be haunted.

You should consider visiting Phelps Mansion Museum.

Address:191 Court st, Binghamton, NY 13901, United States.

2. Ross Park Zoo

On the list of things to do in Binghamton, NY, is the Ross Park Zoo. This is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, and it was opened in the year 1875 and is the fifth oldest zoological institution in the country. It’s another place in Binghamton rich in history.

The zoo’s land was donated by Erastus Ross, a wealthy businessman who wanted a community Park in the City. For more than 145 years, the zoo’s main objectives have been educating the public, Conserving wildlife, and engaging the community.

The Zoo is currently known as a leader in the region in anything concerning Wildlife Conservation.

The Ross Park Center and the Discovery Center of the Southern tier have been working hand in hand for over 100 years in Binghamton.

There are over 100 unique wildlife species in the Zoo. The Zoo has an Education Program that teaches thousands of people in New York and Pennsylvania about Conserving wildlife.

Ross Park Zoo should be on your list of things to do in Binghamton, NY.

Address: 60 Morgan Road, Binghamton , NY 13903, United States.

3. The Discovery Center

The Discovery Center is known by most as the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier. This is another great place to visit in Binghamton, and it’s also one of the few Children’s museums in the City.

Actually, it is Binghamton city’s only Hands-on Children museum, and it is located just a parking lot away from the Ross Park Zoo.

The center has over 30 exhibits inside and outside the museum, with a land size of over 22,500 square ft.

As some people know it, Play is an important part of learning and exploration of the world help children discover themselves, the Discovery Center solemnly believes this. They try their best to make sure both adults and children are well informed and engaged.

Their award-winning Story Garden exhibit space was opened in 2007, and now it’s opened from dusk till dawn daily. You’ll find families playing, reading, or just enjoying nature anytime. The Story Garden Outdoor exhibit space is always open every day and any time of the day.

You should consider visiting the Discovery center of the southern tier in Binghamton, NY.

Address: 60, Morgan Road, Binghamton, NY, 13903, United States.

4. Mirabito Stadium

Do you love sports?

The Mirabito Stadium has gone by many names, like Binghamton Municipal Stadium and NYSEG Stadium. It’s another wonderful place to have fun in Binghamton. The stadium is located in the Northern section of Binghamton, New York.

The Stadium is home to the Binghamton Mets, affiliated with the New York Mets.

In April 1992, the stadium was opened, and it currently has a seating capacity of 6,012 people. In 2021, the name was changed from NYSEG to the Mirabito Stadium. The stadium is named after Mirabito Energy Products, a local business in Binghamton.

The Mirabito Stadium is a great place to have fun by watching baseball matches, and it’s safe, comfortable, and a nice environment.

Add it to your list of things to do in Binghamton, NY, for fun.

Address: 211 Henry Street, Binghamton, NY 13901, United States.

5. George F. Johnson Recreational Park Carousel

Binghamton house six Carousel, George F. Johnson Recreational Park Carousel Is one of those, and you should visit this Park Carousel. It’s fun.

The George F. Johnson Recreational Park Carousel has 60 Jumping horses, 4-abreast, chariots and the original 2-roll frame Wurlitzer Military Band Organ with bells. It was established in the year 1925.

This Recreational Park Carousel is housed in the George F. Johnson Recreational Park. The facilities in the park are diverse, like a statue of George F. Johnson, Tennis Court, Ballfields Pools and Bathhouse Playground, Rod Sterling Memorial Plaque, Reflective Pond, Bandshell Concerts, and many others.

The total land area is 3,642 meters square. It’s another great place to have fun in Binghamton, NY.

Address: Carousel, Jefferson Ave, Binghamton, New York 13905, United States.

6. Roberson Museum and Science Center

This is another place to have fun in Binghamton, NY. This museum was first named the Roberson Museum and Science Center before being changed to the Roberson Museum and Science Center. It’s a museum with many exhibits on Art, History, ecology, innovation, and many others.

The Roberson Museum and Science Center was built with three floors filled with art exhibitions, history, science, a gilded age Mansion, and a dome Planetarium. It is a cool place to visit for fun in Binghamton, NY.

It is known locally, Regionally, and Nationally for its outstanding art, Science education, and wholesome history. Like I said earlier, the Roberson Museum and Science Center is a great place to have fun. Add it to your lists of fun things to do in Binghamton, NY.

Address: 30 Front street, Binghamton, NY 13905, United States.

7. Bundy Museum of History and Art

If you were wondering, yeah, Binghamton is rich in Museums with fun history. Harlow E. Bundy owns the Bundy Museum of History and Art, and it’s a two-and-a-half-story building. It is also Registered in the U.S National Register of Historic Places.

The Bundy Museum of History and Art is filled with fun, art, and history like you’ve never seen. Many fun art and history exhibits are available; you can also see the Rod Sterling Archive Room, Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame, a Vintage Barbershop,, and much more.

The fun has no end here, with Photography gallery, Community darkroom, Photo laboratory, and Community Radio also available at the Museum

The museum has a lot of history, which is fun to learn. You can learn of the Bundy Manufacturing Company and how it evolved.

It’s fun, so add it to your list of things to do in Binghamton, NY.

Address: 129 Main Street, Binghamton, NY 13905, United States.

8. Apple Hill

You’re probably thinking Apples!!!!! But it’s not just apples, and there are strawberries and much more. The Apple Hill Farm is another fun place to visit in Binghamton, NY.

The Apple Hill is a 300-acre hilltop filled with apples, strawberries, blueberries, and different fruit and vegetables, The Apple Hill has been around for over 150 years, and it’s a family business. You also get to enjoy it with the breathtaking view of the Hill.

The farm also organizes market sales which are operational round the year, with different fruit and vegetables, like, Cider, Apples, a wide selection of baked goods made on Premises, Cheese, Jams, Syrup and many others available for sale. It’s another place worth visiting in Binghamton, NY.

Address: 131 Brooks Rd, Binghamton, NY 13905, United States.

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9. Cutler Botanical Garden

Cutler Botanical Garden is a center for teaching horticulture and environmental issues. Of course, it’s located in Binghamton, NY, so this is another fun place to visit.

Miss Frances Cutler established the Cutler Botanical Garden, and it was opened to the public in 1979.

Cutler Botanical Garden is one of the 360(more or less) gardens in the United States designated as a display garden of All America Selections.

The garden is free to the public for self-guided tours and is also open from dusk till dawn year-round. This is another addition to your list of fun things to do in Binghamton, NY.

Address: 840 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905, United States.

10. Broome County Forum Theatre

The Broome County Forum Theatre, was built in 1919, and some know it by either the Forum, the Capri Theatre, or the Broome Center for the Performing Arts.

And it sure is another place in Binghamton, NY, to have fun.

The Broome County Forum Theatre houses the largest Seeking display in town. In 2008, the theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It is the home Performing theatre for the Broadway in Binghamton, the Binghamton Philharmonic, and the Tri-Cities opera. The theatre will seat 1,522 with a Pit Orchestra and 1,553 without a Pit Orchestra. The area of the theatre is 3,642 m².

I hope you’ve added the Broome County Forum Theatre to your list of fun things to do in Binghamton, NY.

Address: 236 Washington Street, Binghamton, NY 13901, United States.

11. Ross Park Carousel

Another Carousel? Yes, it is. The Ross Park Carousel is set in the heart of the Binghamton Zoo, so you will enjoy both sounds from live animals and also sound from an Original 51 Key Wurlitzer Military Band Organ. That’s super cool.

George F. Johnson purchased the Carousel in 1920. It was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in the year 1992, and it also has a land area of 3,642m².

The Carousel is situated in a wooden, one-story, 16 sided, Pavilion. It has 60 jumping horses standing four abreast, two chariots, and let’s not forget the 51 key Wurlitzer Military Band Organ.

There are many fun things to do in Binghamton, NY, and this is definitely one of them, so consider visiting and enjoying the experience.

Address: 44, Morgan Road, Binghamton, NY 13903, United States.

12. Broome County Public Library

The Broome County Public Library is a library that opened in the year 1904, and it was first called the Binghamton Public Library.

The library was made to serve as a public library and as a community center, and it was a gift from Andrew Carnegie.

The Broome County Public library is one of the South Central Regional Library. The library has a children’s library separate from the main one in the same building. Their staff is nice, very polite and professionals at their Jobs.

As I said earlier, the building was designed to serve as a public library and a community center. On the first floor was a collection of books of over 14,000 books. The second floor housed the library’s auditorium, the Binghamton museum of fine arts (which has now been moved), and the Broome County Historical Society.

Binghamton is a place full of interesting history, and as you can see, this is another one of the places to have fun in Binghamton, NY.

Address: 185 Court Street, Binghamton, NY 13901, United States.

13. Jonas M. Kilmer Mansion

Another fun place to visit in Binghamton is Jonas M. Kilmer Mansion, also known as Temple Concord.

I said earlier that Binghamton had a lot of mansions in the 19th century; this is one of them. The mansion was constructed in 1898 and is a large three-and-a-half-story building.

It is the only one remaining of the Four Original mansions and is home to one of the last grand Parlors of Binghamton.

Different gables and turrets design Jonas M. Kilmer Mansion, all surmounted by a high-hipped roof clad in asbestos shingles.

It was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places back in 2006. From the roaring lions on the exterior to the gargoyle peeking out from beneath the eaves and also the dragon guarding the entrance, you’re going to enjoy the unique beauty of this historic treasure.

Address: 9, Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905, United States.

14. KNOW Theatre

Next on our list is the KNOW Theatre in Binghamton, NY. The theatre was founded by actors who had a common goal: to provide theatrical performances of quality and substance. The theatre was founded in the year 1993 and was made as a, not for profit infrastructure in the year 2006.

It is unique in different ways, one of which is that it’s the only theatre in downtown Binghamton NY.

The KNOW Theatre, in the year 2006, rented space in the former central Firehouse of Binghamton, NY, now known as the Binghamton City stage, Home of KNOW Theatre.

The rented space was converted into a black box, and the theatre seats up to 86 individuals, with permanent theatre conference room seats installed on raised platforms to seat 76. The KNOW Theatre produces Plays that range from drama to comedy, classic to contemporary, farce to fantasy, and every other type of plays.

The KNOW Theatre should be one of your stops to have fun in Binghamton, NY.

Address: 74 Carroll street, Binghamton, NY 13901, United States.

15. Tri Cities Opera

The Tri Cities opera, commonly known as TCO, was founded by Peyton Hibbitt and Carmen Savoca in the year 1949 in Binghamton, NY.

The Tri Cities opera has been the Cultural centerpiece of the Southern Tier for about 67 years. It is known for its relentless artist training program, and it is very organized and focused as a training company for upcoming artists.

The tri cities opera annually stages four full-scale operas per season, usually from October to May. One of the great artists studied and performed at TCO includes the well-known Plácido Domingo and many other well-known opera performers.

They mainly use the Broome County Forum Theatre for full-scale performances, which seats 1,500.

Address: 315 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY 13905, United States.

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16. Greater Binghamton Sports Complex

The Greater Binghamton Sports Complex is an air-supported dome in an enclosed area, measuring over 125,00 square feet.

It is not only the largest air-supported dome in the United States, but it is also the largest indoor sports dome in the US, and it’s right in Binghamton, NY. The structure was created to house its full-size soccer field.

The Greater Binghamton sports complex contains two offices, a restaurant, a cafeteria, a party room, a driving range, and many other interesting facilities.

The sports complex can host multiple events all at once, and it’s a great place to have fun in Binghamton, NY.

Address: 1500 Airport Road, Binghamton, NY 13905, United States.

17. Lost Dog Café and lounge

The Lost Dog Café was founded in October 1994 by Marie McKenna and Elizabeth Hughes. It used an Old Garage on Main Street when it started.

The Café was named after Elizabeth Chihuahua dog named Clarese, and it was a wayward dog who had gotten lost on several occasions during her visit to Binghamton. Their main mission was to create a comfortable atmosphere where people could hang out, eat and drink varieties.

The café moved to a much larger space in an old cigar factory on water street in April 1997 because of their need for space. The café was turning into a full restaurant, and they needed space for many things, including Band performances, so they had to move.

The café currently has a lot of sumptuous dishes and drinks and is open for eat-in, takeaway, and delivery. It’s definitely worth a visit, trust me you’ll have a lot of fun there.

Address: 222 Water Street, Binghamton, NY 13901, United States.

18. Robot city games and arcade

Robot city games and arcade is another place to have fun in Binghamton NY, the place has a lot of games, and you’ll feel the nostalgia when playing games from the ’70s, 80’s, 90’s and more.

The arcade is behind a giant video game store that features games and accessories for any video game system you can imagine. With the video game stores and many games arranged on shelves, you can find almost any game you need.

Unlike other retro arcades, there is no hourly charge at the Robot city games and arcades.

The arcade has been in the community for over 10 years and prides itself as the biggest arcade in New York. They had a total of 125 games and 31 pinballs at the time this article was written.

They have Real authentic games ranging from 1974 to the present day, and you can find your favorite games there, e.g., TMNT.

Add the Robot City games and arcade to your list of places to visit in Binghamton for endless fun.

Address: 126, Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY 13905, United States.

19. Thirsty’s Tavern

Thirsty’s tavern Is a southside institution that has been serving the needs of both the thirsty and the hungry for over 45 years with the finest and freshest Sandwiches, Burgers and Brews, and much more.

The tavern is a great place to have fun as they often host events, they are 15 wall-mounted TV’s and many more interesting things in Thirsty’s Tavern.

You can eat in, take out or even order for food to be delivered, and they have lots of varieties on their menu, starting from common food like Wings, Burgers to others like Pulled Pork and Texas-style Brisket.

It also has outdoor seating to enjoy the weather. They have Bands playing at times like most restaurants, and it is a fun experience.

Address: 46 S. Washington Street, Binghamton, NY 13903, United States.

20. Otsiningo Park

Otsiningo Park is a nice park in Binghamton, NY, that offers several activity options and is accessible year-round. The park is a 1.8 kilometers moderately trafficked trail that features a river.

It’s a great park you can take your children and/or pets to have fun. You can also go alone.

Otsiningo Park is a great park for walking dogs. It’s filled with trails, playgrounds, picnic tables, and wonderful views and sights.

The park has resident geese that the dogs would love to chase for those who take their dogs. It has community gardens and hosts Farmer’s markets seasonally.

Address: 1, Otsiningo Park, Binghamton, NY 13905, United States.

21. Regal Binghamton

Regal Cinemas is a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group. They operate one of the largest and most geographically diverse theatre circuits in the United States, consisting of 6,885 Screens in 514 Theatres in 42 States ( one of them is the Regal Binghamton).

The Regal Binghamton has very comfy seats, good and very affordable snacks.

They offer amenities like Digital Projection, Game room, Listening Devices, mobile tickets, party room, print at home tickets, and many others.

It’s a nice theatre complex with multiple screens featuring newly released films, nice seating, and a Concession stand. You can have fun at the Regal Cinemas.

Address: 900 Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905, United States.

22. Uncorked Creations

Uncorked creations is an art school and painting studio which offers a lesson in different types of paintings like Acrylic Painting, Watercolor, DIY wood signs, Pottery and Ceramics, and many more. Uncorked Creations is a painting studio that brings people, art, and wine together. It opened in 2012 and is the first original paint and sip studio in the Broome County area.

Uncorked Creations offers classes for not only grown-ups but also for kids and teenagers. Since 2012 they’ve provided guests with a four-story building with several different art lofts to enjoy, explore and create in.

Uncorked Creations is a fun place to either learn painting or express yourself through art, and they also have talented guides who will help you.

Address: 205 State Street, 2^nd and 3^rd floors, Binghamton, NY 13901, United States.

23. Amici Pizzeria

The Amici Pizzeria is a nice casual, laid-back Italian Pub offering Italian fare, beer, wine, and more.

Amici Pizzeria was opened in 2011 with the idea of creating a comfortable atmosphere for the customers. They currently have both takeaways and dine-in service options available.

The Amici Pizzeria currently contains a 30-foot long granite bar, a beautiful back bar, 3 HD TV and seating throughout the bar.

They have 16 beers on tap and 29 bottled beers, and they have one of the best selections of beer you can find in the area.

They have 16 Specialty Pizzas in which you definitely will love at least one of them, and if you can’t find the one you like, you can build yours with their always fresh toppings.

Address: 126½ Henry Street, Binghamton, NY 13901, United States.

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Plan a Trip to Binghamton

Are you bored? There are many fun things to do in Binghamton, NY why not plan your trip there today and enjoy many fun activities and places.

Pin this guide as you go on your vacation, and take to explore the items on this list for a fun Binghamton vacation.