The best things to do in Finger Lakes

Digital projection & surround sound in 10 theaters at this locally owned cinema.

Plays, concerts, stand-up & films offered in a multi-venue center with a theater, cinema & studio.

Theater dating to 1947 runs back-to-back weekend movies with a snack bar & car-side delivery.

Seneca Falls Skatepark gives local skaters and bikers a place to practice, try new tricks, and get moving. With street-style obstacles added as part of recent community recreation improvements, it’s worth checking out if your idea of a good afternoon involves wheels and a little friendly competition.

From the Seneca Falls newsletter, November 9, 2026

Lakeside Country Club pairs an 18-hole course that welcomes golfers of all skill levels with panoramic Keuka Lake scenery, practice facilities, and a friendly, semi-private club atmosphere. For a change of pace, there’s pickleball, too, and The Vines Restaurant is open to the public.

Crispin Hill pairs sweeping Keuka Lake scenery with a dedicated team and a food-focused experience led by CIA-trained executive chef Heather Tompkins. Menus feature seasonal ingredients from regional purveyors, making this Penn Yan venue worth a look for couples planning a celebration with a strong sense of place.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, November 13, 2026

New York Kitchen pairs hands-on cooking and beverage classes with a Tasting Room pouring New York State wines, craft beers, ciders, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks.

From the Canandaigua newsletter, November 12, 2026

Small, locally owned theater screens 1st-run & fully digital movies in 2 auditoriums.

Long-standing 8-screen movie house highlighting first-run showings in a pared down setting.

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 Homer newsletter, November 8, 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

For an easy night out that feels bigger than your living room, Canandaigua Theatres runs 10 digital screens with surround sound and 3D when you want it. They keep a steady mix of new releases and the occasional throwback re-release, so you can just show up and enjoy.

From the Canandaigua newsletter, October 31, 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 Ithaca newsletter, November 12, 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

Whether the weather's throwing a fit or you just want to groove your swing after work, Tee-Ed Off serves up state-of-the-art simulators, a dedicated putting setup, leagues starting November 9, 2026, and coaching from Curtis Evanicki. Six private bays, 800 courses, and friendly competition keep it fun.

From the Canandaigua newsletter, October 30, 2026

Whether you’re lining up weekend rounds or plotting a family celebration, Canandaigua Country Club has a course, a proper golf shop, and catering for events. Locals dig the reciprocal-course perks and easy signups for golf events, which keep the calendar lively.

From the Canandaigua newsletter, October 27, 2026

Roseland Bowl is Canandaigua’s indoor playground, packing 34 traditional lanes, 8 VIP lanes with a party room, a full arcade, a laser tag arena, and bumper cars. When the group chat needs an easy win, this 56,000 square foot spot keeps everyone entertained without anyone having to host.

From the Canandaigua newsletter, October 24, 2026

From weeknight spare-chasing to league nights, Sunset Bowl in Geneva/Waterloo lines up open bowling, leagues for every vibe, kids leagues, glow-soaked Cosmic Bowling and Unreal Bowling, a real-deal pro shop, plus a lounge menu that makes hanging out between frames the best part.

From the Seneca Falls newsletter, October 24, 2026

Silver Creek Golf Club is a public 18 in the Finger Lakes region, right here in Waterloo, that’s easygoing for casual rounds yet keeps things interesting when you’re feeling competitive. Cap it off at their famous Dungeon Pub for a post-round bite or beverage, where staff and regulars make you feel like family.

From the Seneca Falls newsletter, October 18, 2026

Seneca County Fair is Waterloo’s hometown hangout where agriculture takes center stage, kids stay busy with daily entertainment, and you can wander from craft and project displays to live music before catching the demolition derby and local animal shows. It’s low-key wholesome, the good kind.

From the Seneca Falls newsletter, October 13, 2026

Smith Opera House is the kind of hometown venue that keeps Geneva interesting, mixing touring concerts, dance, community events and big-screen movie nights in a lovingly preserved 1894 theater. Go for the star-lit ceiling and Moorish flair, stay because the calendar never runs dry.

From the Seneca Falls newsletter, November 4, 2026

Mac's Dairy Bar Mini Golf is an 18-hole course that leans tricky in the best way, with playful obstacles and greens that keep the trash talk honest. Settle your rivalry, then celebrate or console with ice cream afterward, local-style bragging rights included.

From the Penn Yan newsletter, October 16, 2026

Lilac City Tournament brings over 50 years of amateur bowling competition to Roseland Bowl, running team, doubles, and singles squads with a track record of paying out millions in prize money. If you’ve got a league bag in the trunk, keep tabs for the next schedule and take a run at the money.

From the Ontario County newsletter, November 11, 2026

Sometimes you just need a night where the scoreboard decides things and dinner comes sliced. Brock's Bowl & Pizzeria is the easy local call for lane time plus hot pies, a place to rally the crew, burn off energy, and still make it home before the group chat spirals.

From the Penn Yan newsletter, October 21, 2026

Big Oak Golf Course delivers a scenic 18-hole round in the heart of the Finger Lakes, with a layout for all, a front nine and a back nine with a different feel that fits it well. Carts and club rentals, course improvements, plus a casual bar and kitchen with course views.

From the Seneca Falls newsletter, October 19, 2026

The Cracker Factory is a renovated early-1900s industrial space with original hardwood floors, whitewashed columns and big windows that make art shows, concerts and weddings feel extra special.

From the Geneva newsletter, November 1, 2026

If your weekend routine could use a little upgrade, Elmira Country Club pairs a classic, 1897-rooted course with racquet courts, a pool, and a legit spot to refuel afterward. Member-owned means familiar faces, steady events, and spaces that feel like home right here in the Twin Tiers.

From the Chemung County newsletter, October 22, 2026

DJ's Golf Center / Bethies Place is the low-key combo we all need: a friendly driving range to shake off the rust, then burgers, pizza, wings, and soft-serve that hit the spot. Easy place to unwind with friends after work or sneak in a bucket between errands.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 3, 2026

Box Office is your easy way to lock in a spot at Elmira Drive-In, with Coyote vs. Acme paired with Super Troopers 3 on deck. Pack blankets, hit the snack bar, and enjoy that Chemung County rite of passage under the stars.

From the Chemung County newsletter, October 15, 2026

Scenic state-run golf course featuring sand bunkers and undulating greens, plus friendly staff.

Roseland Mini Golf in Canandaigua packs 18 quirky holes, playful obstacles, and scenic vibes for an easy weeknight win. Grab the crew this week for friendly smack talk, then celebrate or stress-eat with Seneca Farms ice cream on-site for simple, silly fun that never gets old.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 4, 2026

Elmira Drive-In Theatre is the right call for an easy, two-flick night with a snack bar that keeps the intermission cravings happy. This week Screen 1 is rolling Spider-Man: Brand New Day with Young Washington, so scoop your crew and make an evening of it under the stars.

From the Chemung County newsletter, October 29, 2026

Ravenwood Golf Club brings that "heaven in the heart of the Finger Lakes" energy with an award-winning 18 that feels both fair and feisty, plus a practice facility, golf simulators for rainy days, and the 929 Bar & Grill when you need a victory burger this week.

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, October 28, 2026

From kid-size rides to zippy go-karts, a legit 18-hole mini-golf course, batting cages, an arcade, and even a driving range, Harris Hill Amusement Park is the low-stress, high-smiles spot to rally the crew this week, burn energy, and make a few inside jokes.

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 26, 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

Familiar ice cream shop and eatery, plus a mini golf course for families.

Mark Twain Golf Course is the kind of local layout that rewards patient swings and keeps the short game honest. Call a friend, chase a couple birdies, and let a walk between shots clear your head before the rest of the week ramps back up.

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 22, 2026