No place does summer quite like the Empire State! With new attractions, restaurants, exhibits, and hotels opening in all corners of the state, summer 2025 is sure to be one to remember. Maybe you’ll find yourself paddling along New York’s newest water trail, hitting high speeds on the world’s longest multi-level go-kart track, or chilling out in your own private tiny house in the Catskills! No matter what you choose, be sure to add these amazing new openings to your summer bucket list. Photo Credit: Thomas John Agoglia.

JUMP TO: New Fun for the Family | New Things to See & Do | New Places to Stay | New Exhibits | New Places to Eat | New Places to Sip | New Events & Festivals

New Fun for the Family

LEGO® DUPLO® Peppa Pig Playground at LEGOLAND® New York Resort (Hudson Valley)

Credit: @kathybuccio on Instagram

LEGOLAND New York Resort in Goshen is getting even more awesome this summer with the all-new LEGO DUPLO Peppa Pig Playground! Located along Nature Way, this bright and colorful space specifically designed for preschoolers, feels like stepping into a giant LEGO DUPLO toy box, where little ones can climb, slide, build, and explore alongside Peppa. Be sure to catch Peppa & George’s Puppet Show before you go!

Utica Children’s Museum (Central New York)

Credit: @uticakidsmuseum on Instagram

Let imagination run wild at Utica’s brand-new Children’s Museum! After closing in 2020, the museum has a newly-reimagined home in the Parkway District, featuring 60+ play-based exhibits, created with young explorers and curious thinkers in mind. Little ones can take a trip around the world in the World Market, experiment with STEAM-based challenges, and more.

New Go-Kart Track at RPM Raceway (Long Island)

Credit: RPM Raceway

Got a need for speed? Start your engines for a lap around the world’s longest multi-level go-kart track at RPM Raceway in Farmingdale! Designed by top European track developers and measuring 3,515.7 feet, this high-speed, LED track features spiraling ramps, sudden dips, drops, underpasses, and lightning-fast straights, making it a must-do for go-kart enthusiasts and casual drivers.

New Go-Kart Track at The Castle Fun Center (Hudson Valley)

Photo Courtesy of the Castle Fun Center

Get ready to race! A brand-new three story spiral go-kart track is coming to The Castle Fun Center in Chester this summer. Encourage some family-friendly competition on this adrenaline-pumping track and be sure to check out the rest of the Castle’s attractions which includes an inflatable park, a rock wall, rollercoaster, laser tag, zip line, and more!

New Things to See and Do

New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail (Central New York)

Credit: @dougtone on Instagram

Calling all paddlers! Get ready to kayak, row, or canoe on New York’s newest water trail! Following 190 miles of the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers, the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail offers the perfect way to explore the natural beauty, history, and river communities along New York’s waterways from Cooperstown to Corning. Plus, the trail offers spectacular birding, fishing, and camping; there’s something for everyone!

Finger Lakes Rail Experience (Finger Lakes)

Embark on a nostalgic journey through New York State aboard the new Finger Lakes Rail Experience! Departing from Canandaigua, Geneva, and Seneca Falls, you’ll get to admire the scenic countryside aboard a 1940s-era passenger car from the Golden Era of railroading. Themed rides are also available like the wine excursion, family train ride, and brunch express, so there’s something for everyone. Finger Lakes Rail Experience officially opens Independence Day weekend and tickets go on sale June 6.

New Spaces at Storm King Art Center (Hudson Valley)

Storm King Art Center is getting even more amazing this summer! For more than 60 years, this outdoor art center has been showcasing a groundbreaking vision of art, nature, and people, inspiring visitors and artists to rethink what a museum can be. Stop by this summer to check out Storm King’s newest additions including new visitor welcome pavilions with consolidated parking and accessible amenities, the center’s first dedicated conservation, fabrication, and maintenance building, and a holistic approach to landscape stewardship and environmental sustainability.

Rainbow Air Tourism Center (Greater Niagara)

Credit: @portcityheights on Instagram

Get ready for an all-new experience in Niagara Falls! Stop by the brand new Rainbow Air Tourism Center just a mile from downtown Niagara Falls, featuring the “Flight Deck,” a multi-sensory virtual reality parasailing experience, where you’ll control your path as you virtually parasail over the Falls. Plus, this summer you’ll also get the chance to ride in Rainbow Air’s new Airbus H130 helicopters and go into Canadian airspace for the full panoramic view of the Falls, no passport required!

Westchester Soccer Club (WSC) (Hudson Valley)

Score a goal on summer fun and watch Westchester County’s first professional soccer team kick off their inaugural season! Competing in the USL League One at the newly-renovated Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, a Westchester Soccer Club match promises an action-packed night for the whole family. Games take place throughout the summer.

New Places to Stay

Windham NY Escape (Catskills)

Credit: Windham NY Escape

Inhale the fresh mountain air from your own private tiny house! Opening just in time for summer getaways, Windham NY Escapes’ quiet 40-acre property promises the ultimate mountain vacation, combining the seclusion of nature with homey comforts. These surprisingly spacious tiny homes are just two miles from Windham Mountain Club, feature fully-equipped kitchens and can sleep up to eight guests, offering an ideal escape for couples, families, and groups of friends. 

Hampton Inn Cooperstown (Central New York)

A new Cooperstown hotel is opening just 10 minutes from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum! Home to 96 comfortable guest rooms, the brand new Hampton Inn Cooperstown features everything you need for a delightful getaway, including complimentary breakfast, a heated indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and more.

The Tryst Fire Island (Long Island)

Credit: Tryst Hospitality

A new addition is coming to the Fire Island Pines this summer! Tryst Hospitality will be adding a Fire Island location to its lineup of luxury gay boutique hotels, offering a one-of-a-kind stay where you can experience your best self. The new hotel (taking over the former Botel) will feature 30 new guest rooms, each with their own ensuite bathroom, a vibrant pool deck that hosts parties and events, and a reimagined social hub called The Waterfront, home to The Blue Whale and The Pavilion

The Perch Hotel (Catskills)

Credit: Greg Navarro

The mountains are calling! Escape to The Perch Hotel in East Windham, perched atop the historic Mohican Trail near the Five State Lookout, where you can see as far as five states on a clear day. This charming getaway blends classic Catskills charm with modern comforts, featuring cozy rooms, inviting common areas, easy access to nearby hiking, skiing, and dining. 

Offshore Montauk (Long Island)

A new boutique hotel is coming to Montauk this summer! Offshore Montauk is perfect for those looking to add a little luxury to their next trip out to Long Island’s East End. Set to open in June, this intimate hideaway is just steps away from the beach, and features 43 rooms and suites, many featuring private balconies, a resort-style pool, and on-site spa offering cold plunges, infrared saunas, red light therapy, and more.

AC Hotel Saratoga Springs (Capital-Saratoga)

The AC Hotel experience is coming to Saratoga Springs! Located on the city’s vibrant downtown, enjoy modern design and simple elegance throughout the hotel’s 120 comfortable guest rooms, kick back at the indoor pool, or get a workout in at the fitness center. Be sure to stop by the AC Kitchen for European-inspired breakfasts or end the night with a cocktail and tapas-style plate. 

Three Ducks Westhampton (Long Island)

After a day exploring the luxurious Hamptons, tuck in for the night at the new Three Ducks Westhampton Hotel. This nature-inspired escape is the perfect place to unwind with spacious guest rooms, featuring vaulted ceilings and garden views, luxurious amenities, in-room spa treatments, and more. Plus, Three Ducks is open year-round for a tranquil retreat in any season.

New Exhibits

Dinosaur Safari at the Bronx Zoo (NYC)

Dinosaurs are coming to the Bronx this summer! Head to the Bronx Zoo for the opening of their new Dinosaur Safari exhibit, 66 million years in the making. Follow along with your expert guide as you get up-close with more than 60 life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs and pterosaurs and learn about what they have in common with animals today. Afterward, climb giant fossils, walk through a massive dino rib cage, snap a pic with a dino egg, and more. Sensory-friendly hours are also available, where all dinosaur movement, sounds, and effects are turned off. Open now until November 5.

Dino Discovery at the Utica Zoo (Central New York)

Credit: Zac Zegarelli

Travel back in time to when dinosaurs walked the earth at the  Utica Zoo! Embark on a prehistoric adventure through the new Dino Discovery exhibit, where you’ll get to see more than a dozen life-sized, animatronic dinos throughout the zoo. Be sure to catch one of the daily dino presentations and check the schedule for sensory-friendly days, where all dinosaur movement, sounds, and effects will be turned off. Open now through October 19.

The Fight to Preserve Niagara at Niagara Falls State Park (Greater Niagara)

Credit: @alexandralucero on Instagram

2025 marks Niagara Falls State Park’s 140th anniversary! If you’ve been meaning to cross this wonder off your bucket list, there’s no better time to visit. After experiencing all that the falls have to offer, stop over at The Fight to Preserve Niagara exhibit, which explores the Free Niagara Movement and the creation of the state’s first state park, showcasing items like drawings, lithographs, historic documents, and more. Open 11am-3pm daily. 

The Past is Present at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (Capital-Saratoga)

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is celebrating 75 years this summer! Since 1950, this museum has been taking visitors on a journey through horse racing history. In honor of this monumental anniversary, you can visit a brand new exhibit titled, The Past is Present: 75 Years of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, exploring the history of the museum, archival material, and more celebrating 75 years. Signature events and other programming will be available throughout the summer as well. Open now through December 28.

New Places to Eat

Gigi’s Montauk at Gurney’s Montauk Resort (Long Island)

Credit: Thomas John Agoglia

A brand new flagship restaurant is coming to Gurney’s Montauk Resort this summer in Montauk! After hitting the spa and soaking up the sun, stop for a bite at Gigi’s for new-American fare inspired by the rhythms of the sea. The menu will be a vibrant celebration of bold flavors and refined comfort, incorporating the freshest local ingredients. 

Outlaw Saloon (Adirondacks)

If you’re hitting the STLC Multi-Use Trail this season, be sure to stop in at Outlaw Saloon in Winthrop. This new restaurant and event venue is the perfect place to refuel for trail travelers, where you can sip on handcrafted cocktails, savor tasty fry-fresh fare, and jam out to local live music.  

The Waystone Restaurant & Trading Post (Finger Lakes)

Get a taste of Southern cooking in the Finger Lakes! Located in Avon, just 30 minutes outside of Rochester, Waystone is popular for its homestyle breakfast and lunch, think fluffy stacks of buttermilk pancakes, warm biscuits with bacon jam, and hearty smash burgers. Don’t forget to stop into the Trading Post on your way out for house-made sauces and spice blends, baked goods, games, books, collectables, and more! 

Chiltepin Mexican Grill (Finger Lakes)

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at Chiltepin in Elmira! This newly-opened, family-owned restaurant is the place to be for tacos, burritos, mulitas, tortas, churros, and more. A vegetarian menu is also available featuring veggie taco bowls, flautas, and burritos.  

PDT Maison (Capital-Saratoga)

If you’re heading to Saratoga Race Course this summer, be sure to add a visit to PDT Maison to your itinerary! Founded on a love for food, this eclectic cafe serves up high-quality, homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches, inspired by world travel and family recipes. 

Perro & Poni (Greater Niagara)

A new addition to Buffalo’s Outer Harboris opening this summer at the newly-renovated Wilkeson Pointe. From the group behind South Buffalo’s popular Dog & Pony Saloon, at Perro & Poni, expect bold, Tex-Mex favorites served alongside stunning lakeside views. With quick bites and a full bar serving refreshing cocktails, frozen drinks, and a rotating selection of local brews. 

The Refinery Kitchen (Finger Lakes)

Craft your own deliciousness in the Finger Lakes! At The Refinery Kitchen in Lima, you’ll be able to build your own custom bowls, arepas, or tacos. Choose from fresh, quality ingredients like grilled steak, braised pork, wild rice, greens, and flavorful sauces for a personalized dining experience. Be sure to save room for dessert of creamy soft serve and must-try croffle.

Phōs (Catskills)

A new delicious dining experience has arrived in Catskill! Phōs offers up a menu of light dishes and inventive small plates, inspired by Chef Stephanie Skiadas’ Greek heritage, bringing a fresh, seasonal take on Greek-American cuisine to the Catskills. Delight in familiar favorites like gyros and spanakopita alongside unique creations like kataifi with poached quince and saffron crème fraîche. 

Crazy Pizza (Long Island)

The festive SoHo pizza spot that debuted in 2024 is coming to East Hampton this June. At Crazy Pizza, you’ll get more than just a delicious slice of their hand-tossed, super thin crust pizza and authentic Italian dishes. Dinner also includes a show from Crazy Pizza’s signature spinning chefs, who literally hand toss pies right before your eyes! 

New Places to Sip

Dear Native Grapes (Catskills)

Credit: Jason Martin

Something exciting is uncorking in the Catskills this summer! Since 2020, Dear Native Grapes has been on a mission to bring New York’s long lost heirloom grape varieties back to life, once nearly erased during Prohibition, and turn them into bold, expressive wines that tell the rich, forgotten history of the region. In late June/early July, you’ll be able to sample Dear Native Grapes wines alongside stunning vineyard views from their brand new tasting room. 

Falls Brewery (Greater Niagara)

Credit: @buffalobeerleague on Instagram

On your next trip to Niagara Falls, be sure to add Falls Brewery to your itinerary! This family-friendly brewery has something for everyone with refreshing beers made from their five-tank brewing system for adults, a restaurant serving up wood fired pizza, wings, and other pub classics, two mini-bowling lanes, and two full swing golf simulators. 

Silk (Central New York)

A night of indulgence awaits at Utica’s new dessert and cocktail lounge, Silk. This chic new hangout spot is the perfect place to gather with friends, serving up craft cocktails, mocktails, over-the-top shakes, and all kinds of sweet treats from churro fries to sorbet to classic chocolate cake.

Bent Beam Brewery (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

A brand new brewery is coming to Canton this summer! Opening in July/August, Bent Beam Brewery will feature a full lineup of house brews, pub style food, and tasting area.

In-Law Brewery (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

What once started as a mobile tap truck, In-Law Brewing is launching their first brick-and-mortar location in Chase Mills! Stop by this family-owned business, run by a brother-in-law team, serving up tasty brews from raspberry cream ales to New England IPAs.

Tree House Brewing (Capital-Saratoga)

Long-awaited Tree House Brewing has officially opened a tap room in Saratoga Springs! Located just across the street from Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), it’s the perfect spot to grab a bite and a brew before a concert or live performance, offering draft beer, cocktails, seltzers, mocktails, and pizza by the slice.

New Events and Festivals

First Annual Renaissance Festival at No BS Brew Company (Finger Lakes)

Step back in time at the first annual Renaissance Festival at No BS Brewing Company in Livonia! Feast on a smoked turkey leg, drink No BS Brewing’s own Renaissance Ale, and shop at the vendor tables. The festival also features four aerial performances held throughout the day, a fortune teller, petting zoo, magician, and more. June 14.

CannaBLISS in the Catskills (Catskills)

Celebrate the Catskills’ growing cannabis community at the first annual CannaBLISS in the Catskills festival! Set against the stunning backdrop of Maple Shade Farm in Delhi, this event is for the canna-curious and seasoned canna-isseur, bringing together local dispensaries, cannabis enthusiasts, experts, consumers, and cultivators for immersive exhibits, lifestyle workshops, food, and live music. July 26-27. 

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