The motto for the city of Binghamton is "restoring the pride." Well they certainly should be proud of the way they look after their youngest citizens. Binghamton is a wonderful place to raise a toddler with fantastic things to do year round. Some are absolutely free and some cost a couple of dollars but all are guaranteed to put a smile on your wee one's face.
1. Absolutely Free
Carousel Circuit
Any proud Binghamton toddler should own a Carousel Collector's Button. You get one of these by riding each of the six carousels at various parks throughout the city. The price of riding one is to pick up one piece of trash. Talk about value. Check their website for locations and hours of operation.
West Endicott Park
A must for every busy toddler and even busier toddler parent. The giant sandbox and wading pool keep the kids happy for hours.
Highland Park
Terrific playgrounds and great picnic areas makes this a perfect location for a Mommy group meet-up or a family picnic. There is a pool on the grounds, which requires an entry free. They are also reported to have some of the best Fourth of July fireworks in the state.
A great rainy day destination offering crafts, toys, and the occasional free lunch. It is a chance for toddlers to interact with their own age group. A great outing when the toys at home are getting boring.
Johnny Only
This talented DJ gets the kids up singing, dancing and laughing. You can find him playing outdoors in the parks in the summer and in gyms in the winter. Be sure to check his website for his schedule. If you are in Binghamton and have a toddler, you do not want to miss this guy.
2. Almost Free
The roller skating rink is opens for the pre-schoolers to ride bikes, roller skate, walk or just ride in a stroller. A great place for both mom's and tot to get exercise in the winter. Fun place to go and hang out with friends. You can also get a punch card so the fifth visit is free.
Schnurbush Park
Just outside of Binghamton in Conklin you will find this wonderful park. The pool requires a small fee but it is money well spent. The pool is great for learning to swim and there is a splash pool for the little ones to enjoy. You will also find picnic areas, ball fields, a walking track, a playground and huge grassy areas to just run and play.
3. Worth the Money
The Binghamton Zoo
The fifth oldest zoo in the nation, you will find not only a wide variety of animals but a butterfly park and a botanical garden. Get a membership and you can enter the zoo all season for free. Check their website for special theme days and discount days.
One of the coolest placest to take a toddler. Ther is a real working grocery store just their size, a "bike room", an ambulance, a hair salon, a bank, etc. There are a tons of places to run, tons of rooms to explore and tons of things to do to tire out even the most active tot.
Binghamton really does have fantastic facilities for the under five crowd, far more than are listed here. There are wonderful festivals and fairs almost every weekend; terrific sports teams, (The Binghamton Senators, The Binghamton Mets) and great community groups. Be sure to check out the city's informative website for more information about local attractions and events.
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