Have you been looking for something to do as a family and going to the movies doesn't count?

I have an idea for you to try with family. The state of New York has a huge amount of waterfalls to see as part of a day trip. The grand daddy of all falls is right here in the great state of New York. You'd be surprised just how many locals have never seen Niagara Falls in person.

It's just 4 hours down the road, depending on traffic. Take the time with the family and see the falls. Ride the Maid of The Mist and see the falls from its base, it's a boat ride you won't soon forget.

How about a drive to the Eternal Flame Falls? This falls isn't the biggest in the state but certainly the most unusual.  Look right through the falls and you'll see a small flame. To get to the falls you'll have to hike a rather difficult 1.5 mile-mile trail but the hike is well worth the effort. The drive is pretty easy. I-90 to Route 219 and go South 11 miles to Shale Creek Preserve in Western New York.. Roughly 3 hours each way, depending on traffic.

I think without a doubt this next trip you'll want to take especially during the fall foliage. This location has been dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the East". You'll find 3 major falls on the Genesee River and the best one is Middle Falls. Your best bet is to hike to Inspiration Point. You'll be able to see far up the canyon and view (and hear) the mighty waterfall. This is a trip to see the fall colors. Take I90 West to 390, 390 South to 20A, South on 20A to Portageville.

The next stop is Rainbow Falls in Watkins Glen State Park. The best falls, in my opinion.  Visitors can walk behind the falls as they work their way to a bridge. There are 19 waterfalls in the park and all of this just over 2 hours from Utica.

One final excursion is Taughannock Falls. It's a 215-foot waterfall that towers nearly 400 feet above the gorge. This is the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. You won't believe this waterfall until you see it with your own eyes. This is huge, and only 2 hours and 10 minutes from Utica. I90 West to I81, I81 South to 13, take 13 to Ithaca, take 96 North from Ithaca to 143 then 143 to the park. Your GPS knows the way.

These are all trips the family would enjoy and it gets the family out of the house and not in front of a computer.

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