Binghamton, NY: Discover Family-Friendly Attractions, Gardens and More

• What is the Phelps Mansion Museum?
  • The Phelps Mansion Museum is a three-story brick and stone mansion located on Court Street in Binghamton.
  • It was formerly known as The Monday Afternoon Clubhouse and once served as the private residence of Sherman D. Phelps.
• Who designed the Phelps Mansion?
  • The mansion was designed by Isaac G. Perry, the chief architect of the New York State Capitol.
  • It was originally built in 1870.
• When did the Phelps Mansion become a museum?
  • The mansion changed ownership multiple times over the decades.
  • In 2005, it was opened to the public as a museum.
• Is the Phelps Mansion a national historic landmark?
  • Yes, the Phelps Mansion was declared a national historic landmark in 1973.
• What are some notable features of the Phelps Mansion?
  • The mansion showcases exquisite interiors with intricate detailing.
  • Highlights include:
  • A beautiful Baccarat crystal chandelier from 1890.
  • Rare Victorian-era light fittings.
  • An exterior featuring a mansard roof and cresting.

191 Court Street Binghamton, NY 13901, Phone: 607-722-4873

• What is The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier?
  • The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier is an educational center designed for children of all ages.
  • It offers hands-on participatory exhibits and programs that engage the senses, challenge the mind, and encourage interest in the arts, sciences, and humanities.
• What exhibits are featured at The Discovery Center?
  • The 22,500 square-foot interactive children’s museum features 30 themed exhibits that promote learning through play.
  • Some popular exhibits include:
  • ‘Santa’s Workshop’
  • ‘Haunted Hallows’
  • ‘A, B, C Bank’
  • ‘Take Flight’
  • Additionally, the museum includes an outdoor Story Garden.
• What is the Story Garden?
  • The Story Garden is an outdoor exhibit space designed to spark visitors’ imagination.
  • It provides interactive experiences inspired by favorite children’s books in a comfortable outdoor setting.
• What educational programs and activities are offered?
  • The Discovery Center offers a variety of educational programs, including:
  • Family workshops
  • Art expression sessions
  • School programs
  • Summer camps
• What facilities are available at The Discovery Center?
  • Visitors have access to several convenient facilities, including:
  • Indoor and outdoor picnic areas
  • Restrooms and changing facilities
  • Free parking

60 Morgan Rd, Binghamton, NY 13903, Phone: 607-773-8661

• What is Mirabito Stadium?
  • The Mirabito Stadium is the home stadium of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
  • The team plays in the Double-A Eastern League and is a Double-A franchise for the New York Mets.
• Where is Mirabito Stadium located?
  • Mirabito Stadium is located on Henry Street in Binghamton, New York.
• Why is the stadium named Mirabito Stadium?
  • The stadium is named after Mirabito Energy Products, which acquired the naming rights.
  • It was formerly known as NYSEG Stadium, named for New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG).
• How many fans can Mirabito Stadium accommodate?
  • The stadium has a seating capacity of 6,012 fans.
• What features does Mirabito Stadium offer?
  • The stadium includes several amenities for fans, including:
  • Six luxury boxes located at the top of the seating bowl.
  • Tunnel access to the seating area.
  • A group picnic area known as ‘Lupo’s Dugout’.

211 Henry St, Binghamton, NY 13901, Phone: 607-722-3866

• What is the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park?
  • The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is Binghamton’s central zoo and animal conservation center.
  • It is located on Park Avenue in Binghamton.
• How old is the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park?
  • The zoo was built in 1875, making it one of the oldest zoos in the country.
• When is the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park open?
  • The zoo is open seasonally from April through November.
• What animal exhibits can be found at the zoo?
  • The zoo features several animal exhibits and rare species, including:
  • Amur leopards
  • Snow leopards
  • Wallabies
  • Red wolves
  • Lemurs
• What other attractions are available at the zoo?
  • A massive aviary houses numerous species of birds.
  • A large pavilion provides an ideal place for a picnic lunch.
  • The Discovery Center features a hands-on children's museum.
• Does the zoo offer interactive experiences?
  • Yes, the zoo offers a variety of education-based programs and personal animal experiences.
  • One of the most popular programs is Wild Encounters, where visitors can get up close with individual residents of the zoo.

185 Park Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13903, Phone: 607-724-5461

• What is the Recreation Park Carousel?
  • The Recreation Park Carousel, also known as the George F. Johnson Recreation Park Carousel, is a historic, beautifully preserved carousel.
  • It is located in the George F. Johnson Recreation Park.
• When was the carousel installed?
  • The carousel was installed in 1925 along with the pavilion on which it is based.
• What is the design of the carousel pavilion?
  • The carousel is housed in a single-story, 16-sided wooden pavilion.
  • The pavilion is topped with a cupola.
• What features does the Recreation Park Carousel have?
  • The carousel includes:
  • 60 ‘jumping’ horses arranged four-abreast.
  • Two chariots for riders.
  • An original Wurlitzer Military Band Organ with bells.
• Is the Recreation Park Carousel a historic landmark?
  • Yes, the carousel is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
• What other park facilities surround the carousel?
  • The carousel is surrounded by a variety of park facilities, including:
  • Bandshell concerts
  • Playgrounds and ballfields
  • Swimming pools and a bathhouse
  • Tennis courts
  • A reflective pond
  • A statue of George F. Johnson

103 Laurel Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13905, Phone: 607-722-9166

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

• What is the Roberson Museum and Science Center?
  • The Roberson Museum and Science Center is Binghamton's primary destination for interactive exhibitions, engaging educational programs, and community events.
  • It focuses on art, natural history, and the sciences.
• What is the centerpiece of the museum?
  • The 1904 Edward Vosbury-designed Roberson Mansion serves as the museum's centerpiece.
  • It is surrounded by extensive exhibit spaces, a planetarium, and collection vaults.
• What types of exhibits does the Roberson Museum feature?
  • The museum hosts permanent and changing exhibits throughout the year.
  • One of its standout features is a model train layout that reflects the local landscapes of the area in the mid-1950s.
• What special events are hosted at the Roberson Museum?
  • The Roberson Museum and Science Center hosts a variety of annual special events, including:
  • A food and wine festival
  • Science fiction conventions
  • Decorating the Roberson Mansion for the Christmas holidays
  • A model train and doll fair
  • Many other community-focused activities

30 Front St, Binghamton, NY 13905, Phone: 607-772-0660

• What is the Bundy Museum of History and Art?
  • The Bundy Museum of History and Art, also known as the Harlow E. Bundy House, is a historic home and museum located in Binghamton, Broome County, New York.
• When was the Bundy Museum built?
  • The museum was built in 1893 in a Queen Anne style.
• What is the historical significance of the Bundy Museum?
  • The museum tells the story of the Bundy brothers, who founded a time recording clock company in downtown Binghamton.
  • This company later became the foundation for IBM.
• What exhibits can be found at the Bundy Museum?
  • The museum features a variety of permanent exhibits, including:
  • A display of early time clocks and an exploration of the origins of IBM.
  • Changing exhibits showcasing local art.
  • An African art gallery.
  • A vintage barbershop exhibit.
• What makes the Bundy Museum unique?
  • The museum is housed in a Victorian-era building, preserving the beauty and grandeur of the time.
  • It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • The Bundy House honors local entrepreneurs and artists while recognizing the cultures that influenced them.

129 Main St, Binghamton, NY 13905, Phone: 607-772-9179

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

• What is the Cutler Botanic Garden?
  • The Cutler Botanic Garden is a seasonal botanical garden located on Front Street.
  • It serves as a center for teaching horticulture and environmental issues.
• Who established the Cutler Botanic Garden?
  • The garden was established by Miss Frances Cutler in 1978.
• What makes the Cutler Botanic Garden unique?
  • It is one of 360 gardens in the United States that display only flora endemic to the U.S..
  • The garden acts as an outdoor classroom for local students to study the plant kingdom.
• When is the Cutler Botanic Garden open?
  • The garden is open seasonally from dawn to dusk.
• What activities and programs does the garden offer?
  • The garden provides a variety of educational opportunities, including:
  • Guided tours for visitors.
  • Educational workshops on horticulture and environmental topics.
  • Adult classes focused on plant sciences and gardening.
• Does the Cutler Botanic Garden charge an admission fee?
  • No, the garden offers free admission to all visitors.

840 Upper Front St, Binghamton, NY 13905, Phone: 607-772-8954

• What is the Broome County Forum Theatre?
  • The Broome County Forum Theatre is a historic 1,500-seat theater located in Binghamton.
  • It serves as the home performing venue for the Binghamton Philharmonic and the Tri-Cities Opera.
• What are the other names of the Broome County Forum Theatre?
  • The theater is also known as:
  • The Capri Theatre
  • The Forum
  • The Broome Center for the Performing Arts
• What is the architectural composition of the theater?
  • The theater is comprised of two main parts:
  • A main theater block built in 1919.
  • An entrance and lobby added in 1981.
  • It is constructed using brick and cast stone.
• Is the Broome County Forum Theatre historically significant?
  • Yes, the theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

236 Washington St, Binghamton, NY 13901, Phone: 607-778-2480

• What is the history of the Broome County Public Library?
  • The library originally opened in 1904 as the Binghamton Public Library.
  • It was a gift from Andrew Carnegie to the community.
  • It was later renamed the Broome County Public Library.
• What was the purpose of the Broome County Public Library?
  • The library was designed to serve as both a community center and a public library.
• What does the first floor of the library contain?
  • The first floor houses a collection of 14,000 books.
  • The collection includes:
  • Fiction and non-fiction books
  • Audiobooks
  • eBooks
  • Audio-visual titles
• What is located on the second floor of the library?
  • The second floor contains:
  • An auditorium for events and gatherings.
  • The Broome County Historical Society, which preserves local history.
  • The Binghamton Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing art collections.

185 Court St, Binghamton, NY 13901, Phone: 607-778-6400