Binghamton, New York offers an abundance of exciting activities for visitors. Whether you’re here as a student, newlywed, or with your family and friends, there’s sure to be something that suits everyone’s interests.
One of the top attractions in Binghamton is the Roberson Museum Science and Center. Here, you’ll find stunning pieces from science, art and local history as well as a planetarium where you can admire twinkling stars no matter the weather.
1. Roberson Museum and Science Center
The Roberson Museum and Science Center is an art, history, and natural history museum located in Binghamton. It boasts changing exhibits, a model train layout, and thousands of artifacts. Furthermore, they host special events like Christmas holiday decorating contests or food and wine festivals.
This museum, accredited by the Association of Science-Technology Centers, is housed in a historic mansion. It boasts a digital planetarium, science learning center and largest public model train display in the region – plus it’s an official Path Through History site!
For nearly 50 years, Roberson Hall has been the go-to venue for community events and captivating education programs in art, history, and science. It is a must-visit attraction for visitors to Binghamton and beyond.
Roberson Museum and Science Center is situated at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers in downtown Binghamton, New York. Here, it showcases local talent through exhibitions, programs, and family events that promote art, history, and science education.
Admission prices differ based on age group and discounts are available. Visit the museum website for more details regarding admission costs, prices, and tickets.
Guests may rent the venue for private parties and events. The historic Roberson Mansion provides a picturesque backdrop to weddings, receptions, bridal showers, baby showers, graduation parties, and other celebrations.
This museum, designated a New York State Heritage Area, provides classes in drawing, painting, ceramics, computer design and photography. It also houses the Kopernick Observatory, science learning center and several galleries – plus it’s the only place in the region with a digital planetarium! Open Monday through Friday from 10AM to 4 PM.
2. Cutler Botanic Garden
The 3.5 acre Cutler Botanic Garden is a hub for teaching about horticulture and environmental concerns. Established by Miss Frances Cutler, who donated the land to Cornell University Cooperative Extension, the garden fosters an awareness of nature’s value through educational activities.
The garden is divided into 13 themed areas that showcase propagation, hemerocallis, composting and rain barrel demonstrations. Other attractions include the Shade Garden with perennials, heath and heathers; rock garden; native habitats with ornamental grasses, herbs, roses and vegetables; as well as several annual flower beds.
One of the delights of visiting this garden is that you can actually see tomatoes growing in the ground! That’s because the garden is maintained by Master Gardeners from Broome County Cornell Cooperative Extension, who volunteer their services free of charge to visitors.
On Tuesdays, they come together to collectively maintain this three-and-a-half acre property. It’s a lot of work, but they do it with a smile on their faces.
The Cutler Botanic Garden in Binghamton is open year-round for self-guided tours that last from dawn until dusk. Be sure to ask about guided tours for first-timers or use our Binghamton trip planner to personalize your experience and find the ideal time of day to go. Besides visiting this family-friendly garden, visitors can also enjoy exciting sporting events and shopping in nearby NYSEG Stadium and The Forum Theater – two top attractions!
3. Southern Tier Balloon Tour
For an unforgettable way to explore Binghamton, New York, Southern Tier Balloon Tour offers hot air balloon rides year-round that are weather permitting in Upstate New York.
The company provides visitors with a range of attractions and activities. These include visits to breweries, wineries and other businesses; in addition, some provide tours of landmarks and historical sites.
Additionally, the company offers a scenic flight along the Finger Lakes. Departures take place twice daily: early in the morning and shortly after sunset.
In wintertime, they offer flights over Switzerland’s snow-covered slopes. This is an ideal activity for visitors who want to take in the majestic beauty of the mountains.
Fly over Letchworth State Park for some stunning aerial views of 20 waterfalls and deep gorges that rise up to 600 feet. These views are especially popular during September and October when the foliage is at its most vibrant.
Another excellent option is Adirondack Balloon Flights, which offer romantic private hot air balloon rides over the Adirondacks, Lake George and Saratoga Springs areas. Enjoy panoramic views of small communities, rolling farmland, wildlife and Vermont’s Green Mountain during your ride.
The company’s website provides details about their various packages. Furthermore, they can customize a ride for any special occasion or event.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride for an unforgettable memory that will last a lifetime! Whether traveling with friends, family or on an unforgettable romantic vacation, taking this type of travel can be expensive so do your due diligence and research the various companies and their prices before booking anything.
4. Bundy Museum of History & Art
The Bundy Museum of History & Art is a Binghamton destination that preserves and displays local history, encourages local art, celebrates local culture, and encourages others to do the same. Housed in a National Register-listed 1892 Queen Anne Victorian mansion once owned by Harlow E. Bundy–founder of Bundy Manufacturing Company–the museum serves as an inspiration to visitors throughout Central New York.
In addition to art galleries and displays, the Bundy Museum offers guided tours of its historic Bundy House, a time-clock exhibit detailing IBM’s beginnings in Binghamton, Rod Serling Archive material, a community darkroom, as well as other events like Halloween festivals and concerts.
The museum, owned by the Bundy family, seeks to preserve and promote local art and culture while honoring the Bundy House and its story. It features both temporary and permanent exhibits as well as a vintage barber shop exhibit, African art gallery, and life-size recreation of Bundy Manufacturing Company’s 1893 World’s Fair booth.
On our visit to the museum, we learned that a ghost is believed to haunt its halls. Thomas Bezek – curator and historian at the facility – told 12 News it’s believed that Julia Bundy’s spirit roams its halls.
We enjoyed touring the museum and were captivated by its collections – antique clocks, radios, TVs and more! Plus we couldn’t help but admire their Twilight Zone exhibit!
If you want to learn more about the Bundy Museum, make sure you visit their website. It provides detailed information about the institution as well as a calendar of events and links to their online store. Furthermore, they are an active participant in Binghamton’s First Friday Art Walk.
5. Robot City Games and Arcade
For an unforgettable video gaming experience that is both nostalgic and enjoyable, Robot City Games and Arcade is your destination. This vintage store houses thousands of classic video games from the early days of video gaming, plus it boasts New York State’s largest arcade.
This store’s selection of games encompasses classic consoles as well as titles for modern systems like PS4 and Xbox One. But the real drawcard is its game room, featuring 125 video games and 31 pinball machines.
At this retro arcade, there’s no hourly fee – a great deal for nostalgic gaming enthusiasts who visit. Instead, you purchase tokens to use in the games at just 25 cents each.
Another great aspect of this arcade is its family-friendly atmosphere. The staff are welcoming and helpful, while prices for kids to play at are competitively low. Owner Sean Dibble emphasizes his desire to bring people together by providing a space where families can have an enjoyable time without breaking the bank.
At Robot City Games and Arcade in Binghamton, I was delighted by their selection of games. From classic console titles to those I’d never seen before, there was something for everyone here!
At this store you could find an impressive selection of classic arcade and pinball machines from Atari and Crystal Castles – many period-accurate! Plus you’ll find unique accessories for your consoles that won’t be found elsewhere.
