The best things to do in Cortland

Park Center brings together Holsten Pool, Alumni Arena, Woods Fitness Center, dance rooms and athletic training under one roof. It’s a major hub for recreation and athletics in Cortland, and a useful local name to know when campus activity is on your radar.

Osmica at Spring Trail Farm brings rustic-elegant barn vibes to the Finger Lakes with a net-zero energy footprint and a lovingly restored 1790s farmhouse.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 15, 2026

Ithaca Paintball has straightforward $45 packages that cover the field pass, 500 paintballs, a marker, safety gear, and unlimited air, so you can focus on friendly rivalries and paint-splattered bragging rights. Good for groups or a last-minute weekend plan when Cortland cabin fever hits.

From the Cortland newsletter, October 14, 2026

Helen Newman Bowling Center has new machines, disco-light sessions on request, and that just-right mix of leagues, open play, claw games and a jukebox vibe that feels wonderfully unpretentious. Bring your own snacks, rally a team for Wednesday leagues, or let the kids bumper-bowl while you chase a personal best.

From the Ithaca newsletter, October 15, 2026

When the weather refuses to cooperate, Eastlake Recreation Center keeps the fun rolling with a multi-level playground and huge ball pit, new pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art golf simulator, a game simulator with pirate-zombie dodgeball, and The Knight’s Den for axe throwing. Parties welcome.

From the Cortland newsletter, October 6, 2026

Whether you’re chasing a crisp skate-n-shoot, sharpening your edges for figure sessions, or curious about curling, The Rink keeps the ice busy with camps, clinics, and hockey programs. Bonus points for birthday parties and Sparx skate sharpening so you roll in and glide out.

From the Cortland newsletter, October 30, 2026

When you want quality golf without fuss, Robert Trent Jones Golf Course at Cornell offers tee-time booking, a practice range, and memberships or student passes to keep you playing. Finish with a post-round bite at McCormick's at Moakley House and call it a day.

From the Cortland newsletter, October 3, 2026

From black and white classics to modern gems, Cornell Cinema keeps your watchlist lively, plus they roll out an outdoor summer series when the weather behaves. Repertoire deep cuts, festival shorts, and the occasional big-crowd favorite mean there’s always something better than scrolling at home.

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 29, 2026

Locally owned and refreshingly no-frills, Crown City Cinemas runs crisp digital projection with punchy sound, 3D when it counts, and a rotating lineup that updates weekly, plus online tickets, gift cards, and a rentable private event room... perfect when the group chat says “something easy” and you just want popcorn.

From the Homer newsletter, November 1, 2026

Hi-Lanes is the go-to hometown bowling spot when the group chat needs a no-fuss plan, with friendly service and that laid-back vibe locals want after work or on a rainy Saturday. Regulars mention the recent changes look great, so if it’s been a while, lace up and see if your spare game still shows up.

From the Cortland newsletter, October 24, 2026

Hillendale Golf Course is the local, public 18-hole track in the Finger Lakes with a proper driving range to get loose and a pavilion for post-round hangs. Online tee times, leagues, lessons, a pro shop and an on-site restaurant make it easy to play, practice, then linger like you meant to.

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 22, 2026

Squeeze in a satisfying loop at Newman Municipal Golf Course, a classic 9-hole par 36 built in 1935 right along Cayuga Lake. Flat, walkable fairways, four sets of tees, smooth greens, and sailboat-and-hill panoramas... it’s the kind of after-work golf that keeps your swing happy.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 22, 2026

Craving smart indies, festival finds, and the occasional local filmmaker premiere your friends keep whispering about? Cinemapolis reliably programs the good stuff, the weird stuff, and the conversation-starters, making it an easy yes when you're dodging franchises and want something that actually sticks with you.

From the Ithaca newsletter, October 29, 2026

Shipwreck Amusements serves up a pirate-themed 18-hole outdoor course capped by the World’s Longest Mini-Golf Hole, plus glow-in-the-dark blacklight golf year-round and an arcade with lots of new games.

From the Cortland newsletter, October 18, 2026