After a long winter, the sun is finally shining in Syracuse! (Well, at least some of the time!) Make the most of the nice weather before you leave for summer break and spend some time outdoors. Here are some fun outdoor excursions that you can take before the school year comes to a close!
Embark on a Barnes Center Hiking Trip
The Barnes Center at The Arch offers multiple opportunities to go on hikes or backpacking trips around Central New York throughout the spring season through their Outdoor Adventure program. This is the perfect opportunity to get outside and explore the nature of CNY if you don’t have a car on campus! They offer beginner, intermediate and advanced level hikes, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for some fresh air! Upcoming trips include Clark Reservation State Park, Fillmore Glen, Green Lakes State Park and Pratts Falls. Trips generally cost $5-$10 for students and can be booked online through the Wellness Portal.
Try the Outdoor Challenge Course
Located on South Campus, the Outdoor Education Center and Challenge Course provides a unique opportunity for students to test their physical and mental strength in a fun way. The challenge course is a series of wooden obstacles also using ropes and cables to create a fun way to build balance, coordination and agility.
To make a group reservation at the Challenge Course, you need at least 15 people in your group, as the course is designed to build communication and strength bonds within your team. Make sure to fill out the Challenge Course Reservation Request Form to schedule a date for your group to head over! And while it’s great to get some fresh air this time of year, there is also an indoor Challenge Course located in Flanagan Gym on main campus that’s available year-round for group reservations.
If you’re more interested in trying the Outdoor Challenge Course out as a fun experience for yourself or with a handful of friends rather than as a group bonding activity, the Barnes Center will also occasionally open the high elements course and the zip line for individual reservations late in the spring semester and early in the fall semester while the weather is nice. Keep an eye on the University Events Calendar to see when these opportunities are available!
Have a Picnic in Thornden Park
What better way to enjoy the outdoors than a picnic in the park? Grabbing your friends and putting together a spread in the park is a great way to close out the semester. Thornden Park has plenty of green areas and places to lay out a blanket, and is a beautiful spot on the edge of campus to enjoy some food with friends. Alternatively, for those living on South Campus, take advantage of the huge yards and fire pits and have a nice picnic there! This is an easy, chill way to enjoy the sunshine without having to go far.
Catch a Syracuse Mets Game
If you’re looking for a spring staple with friends in Syracuse, definitely consider catching a Syracuse Mets game. In addition to seeing a baseball game, you can also enjoy special event nights like Taco Tuesdays and Dollar Thursdays, which includes $1 fountain drinks and $2 hot dogs—what’s better than a $2 ballpark dog? Check the season schedule and book your tickets! Whether you’re a diehard sports fan or just here for the vibes, this is a perfect spring outing to enjoy the sunshine off campus with friends.
Take advantage of great weather and soak up the sunshine in Syracuse! The sunny days are rare here, so find ways to enjoy it, whether you’re on campus or off it. Happy spring, Syracuse!
Written By Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.