Get ready for a busy late-February weekend in Syracuse! We've found 12 family-friendly options spanning outdoor carnivals, engaging art workshops, and deep discounts at the Zoo. Whether you're chasing winter fun in Inlet or exploring local art shows, this weekend has something for everyone.
See our top picks
Interwoven: The Art of Food Justice
Art in the Atrium
Free art exhibit downtown focusing on community impact.
The Syracuse Orchestra - Folk Music Inspired
St. Paul's Syracuse
Enjoy a cultural matinee concert Sunday afternoon.
Sugarbush Saturdays
Beaver Lake Nature Center
Outdoor exploration culminating in maple syrup tasting!
· February 28
6: Head north for a fantastic Adirondack winter carnival featuring bonfires, fireworks, and lots of outdoor games. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the last days of winter with snowy fun.This is a unique, one-day winter celebration happening only on Saturday.
: Check out this local festival happening in Tully on Saturday. We don't have many details, but winter festivals are usually packed with family activities.It’s a confirmed, one-off community winter festival taking place specifically this Saturday.
: Teens or older kids interested in art can join this two-part workshop where they translate a black-and-white collage into a painting. Great hands-on experience exploring composition.This is the first session of this specific art workshop, perfect for older kids who need a structured activity.
: Enjoy an evening concert featuring music inspired by Eastern European folk dances. While orchestras aren't always easy with little ones, this could be a nice cultured night out for families with older kids.This concert happens Saturday evening, offering a cultural outing for the weekend.
: This is the last day of the deep discounts at the zoo! Admission prices are slashed by up to 50% for everyone except toddlers (who are already free). Great deal for a big day out.It's the final day of this significant discount period, making it the best value this weekend.
: A huge annual exhibit featuring over 1,000 pieces of art by Pre-K through 12th grade students. Perfect for a low-pressure art outing for the whole family.This large-scale student art show runs throughout the weekend and is a community staple.
· March 1
1: Downtown Syracuse kicks off its Dining Weeks on Sunday, featuring fixed-price deals on lunch, dinner, and treats. Look for deals on sweets that might appeal to the kids!This promotion starts exactly on Sunday, March 1st, making it a brand new thing to try.
Also On· anytime this weekend
4FREE : This free annual exhibit features hundreds of artworks created by local K-12 students. Since the art is made by kids, it’s often very engaging for younger viewers.It's a free art show specifically focused on work made by area K-12 students.
FREE : This exhibit showcases art related to food justice over the last five years. It's free to visit and offers a unique look at community impact through visual art.It’s a free, interesting exhibition downtown running all day Saturday.
: Take a traditional twenty-minute sleigh (or wagon if snow is lacking) ride through the woods at Highland Forest. Definitely requires planning ahead to reserve your spot for Sunday.This outdoor activity, centered around the first Sunday, is a quintessential late-winter experience.
: An evening coloring club happening at Delavan Studios starting at 5:30 PM. This sounds like a relaxing, creative way to wind down the weekend.It is specifically scheduled for Sunday evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Syracuse this weekend?
The best free option this weekend is the 'Interwoven: The Art of Food Justice' exhibit at Art in the Atrium on Saturday. Also, check out the '3 Lakes Sampler' student art show at Schweinfurth ArtCenter.
Is there anything family-friendly happening outdoors on Saturday?
Yes! You can head north for the 'Inlet's Frozen Fire & Lights Winter Carnival' or stay local for 'Sugarbush Saturdays' at Beaver Lake Nature Center to learn about making maple syrup.
What's happening on Sunday, March 1st?
Sunday features the final performance of the SU Drama's 'Picnic,' a family-friendly orchestral concert matinee, the start of Downtown Dining Weeks, and the chance to book Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Highland Forest.
