Looking for a way to spend the day? 10 of the best free things to do in Broome County

Emily Barnes, Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
·3 min read

Looking for a way to spend the summer days without breaking the bank?

Whether it's hiking or movie watching, Broome County has something for everyone, including dozens of public parks, hand-painted murals and free summer concerts.

Here are 11 free family-friendly summer activities to do in Broome County:

Bike, walk or run along Vestal Rail Trail

The east end of the trail is 2.1 miles long and runs between North Main Street and African Road and is located just north of and parallel to the Vestal Parkway (Rt. 434). The west end, which runs between Castle Gardens Road and Main Street, is 1.75 miles long.

And check out free concerts at the Coal House on Saturdays throughout the summer.

Live summer music: Where to find free concerts in Broome County

Catch an outdoor movie

Stop by Otsiningo Park to watch "Super Mario Bros." on Aug. 18 as part of Broome County Parks' Movies in the Park series. Nathanial Cole Park in Harpursville will be showing "Mean Girls" on July 14.

Seating starts at 8 p.m. with movies beginning at dusk. For more information, visit gobroomecounty.com.

Or bring your blankets for a night under the stars on the Mirabito Stadium field for the Visions/Binghamton Rumble Ponies Summer Movie Series. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., movies start at 7:30 p.m. and admission and parking are free for the three remaining dates.

What's playing:

  • Aug. 12 - "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish"

  • Oct. 13 - "The Haunted Mansion"

More info: milb.com/binghamton

Artist Steven Teller completed a mural on the side of 265 Main St. in Johnson City as part of the iDistrict mural program.
Artist Steven Teller completed a mural on the side of 265 Main St. in Johnson City as part of the iDistrict mural program.

Check out public art

Take a drive or walk through Binghamton, Johnson City, Endicott and all of Broome County to admire hand-painted murals and mosaics with the help of our public art map.

Read about one of the most recent additions to the city of Binghamton here.

Explore Broome County parks

Spend the day picnicking, swimming or walking at any of Broome County's parks, including Nathanial Cole in Harpursville, Greenwood in Lisle, Otsiningo in Binghamton, Chenango Valley State Park in Chenango Forks, Dorchester in Whitney Point and Grippen or Roundtop Picnic Area in Endicott.

The city of Binghamton also has around 36 parks, fields and natural areas to visit, including Cheri A. Lindsey Memorial Park on the North Side, Recreation Park on the West Side and MacArthur Park on the South Side.

Summer fun: These Broome County camps promise STEM, sports and fun for your kids

A marsh at the Binghamton University Nature Preserve.
A marsh at the Binghamton University Nature Preserve.

Hike through a nature trail

Spend your day surrounded by nature in Binghamton University's Nature Preserve, Jones Park in Vestal or Hawkins Pond Nature Area in Windsor.

All these locations and more are included in the Go All Out Broome County's Broome County Dozen Hiking Challenge.

The Broome County Regional Farmers Market is located on 840 Upper Front St. in Binghamton.
The Broome County Regional Farmers Market is located on 840 Upper Front St. in Binghamton.

Peruse local farmers markets

Vestal Farmers Market

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday

Where: The upper lot next to the Vestal Public Library, 320 Vestal Parkway East

Broome County Regional Farmers Market

When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

Where: 840 Upper Front St., Binghamton

Read books at the library

Register for summer reading challenges at the Vestal Public Library.

Join a summer reading program at the Broome County Public Library in Binghamton or George F. Johnson Memorial Library in Endicott or visit any local library to spend some time reading a book or two.

The carousel at Recreation Park.
The carousel at Recreation Park.

Ride a carousel

See how many of Broome County's carousels you can check off your summer bucket list:

  • C. Fred Johnson Park, Johnson City

  • George W. Johnson Park, Endicott

  • West Endicott Park, Endicott

  • Recreation Park, Binghamton

  • Highland Park, Endwell

The carousel located within the Ross Park Zoo is closed for renovations.

Binghamton Porchfest will return for a fifth year on Sunday.
Binghamton Porchfest will return for a fifth year on Sunday.

Stop by Binghamton Porchfest

Support local artists at this year's eighth annual Binghamton Porchfest held in the Abel Bennett Historic Tract on Aug. 27 from noon to 7 p.m.

And find more free summer concerts being held throughout the area here.

Stroll along Binghamton's River Walk Trail

Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride down the 1.5-mile paved trail, which runs along the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers between Confluence and Cheri Lindsey parks.

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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: 10 family-friendly, free things to do in Binghamton area this summer