48 hours · Family itinerary
Play Along
the Parkway
Follow Utica's Olmsted-designed corridor through parks, play, and the best family tables in town.
A note on dining: The restaurants below are our picks for family-friendly spots near the Parkway corridor — not all are directly on the route, but all are a short drive away. We've given you a few options per meal so you can pick what works best for your group.
Hours and seasonal schedules vary. Please call ahead or check each venue's website before visiting.
Arrive, Explore & Play
Morning
Utica Zoo
A century-old gem inside Roscoe Conkling Park. Easy terrain, short distances — great for little legs.
ActivityAfternoon
Val Bialis
Disc golf, pickleball & tennis in summer. Ice skating & skiing in winter. Everyone finds their game.
ActivityEvening walk
Roscoe Conkling Park
The Olmsted legacy in full view — towering canopy, open meadows. Wind down before dinner.
OutdoorsCasual & quick
Slice Pizzeria
Open 7 days a week — reliable, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser for families with picky eaters.
Tex-Mex patio
Rio Grande Tex Mex
Great outdoor patio, ideal for families who want to eat outside. Casual menu, good for all ages.
Waterfront favorite
Babe's at Harbor Point
A Utica staple with waterfront views and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for the whole family.
Local BBQ
Piggy Pat's
Laid-back BBQ with big portions and a no-fuss vibe. Kids and adults both leave happy.
Discovery Morning, Tournament Afternoon
Morning
Utica Children's Museum
Hands-on, fully accessible, and endlessly engaging. Perfect for younger kids.
ActivityMid-morning
NY Energy Zone
Interactive energy exhibits that spark curiosity. A great complement for older kids next door.
ActivityBetween stops
T.R. Proctor Park
Open fields and Olmsted-designed paths. Let the kids run before heading to lunch.
OutdoorsSandwiches
Crust Kitchen Utica
Casual, great sandwiches, easy for families on the move between games.
Pizza again? Yes.
Tony's Pizzeria
A local classic. Straightforward, satisfying, never a wrong choice with kids.
Neighborhood gem
Rooster's
Welcoming spot with a menu that works for the whole family. Great local atmosphere.
Back by popular demand
Babe's at Harbor Point
If you didn't make it on night one, don't leave without going. A true Utica experience.
Early & easy
Beef & Bird
Great for an early dinner before a late game. Hearty, casual, family-friendly.
In town for a tournament at Nexus Center? This itinerary is built for you. All stops are within minutes of the Parkway corridor — easy to drop in on between games or build a full day around. Always check ahead for seasonal hours.
