Free Things to Do in Utica NY

Utica, located in upstate New York is a city full of exciting and interesting things to do. The city has an expansive history, beautiful architecture, and plenty of outdoor activities and attractions. Whether you’re looking for something to do with the family, a romantic weekend getaway, or a group outing, Utica has something for everyone. Here are some of the best free things to do in Utica NY.

Explore the Historic Architecture

One of the best things to do in Utica is to explore the city’s stunning historic architecture. The city is home to a number of architecturally significant buildings, including the Utica City Hall, the Utica Post Office, and the Utica Public Library. All of these are free to explore, and provide a great opportunity to learn more about the city’s history. There are also a number of parks and gardens to explore, many of which are free to visit. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to take a relaxing stroll, Utica has plenty of beautiful locations to choose from.

Another great way to explore the city’s historic architecture is to take a self-guided walking tour. Utica is home to a number of historic walking tours, including the Utica Downtown Historic Walking Tour and the Utica Historic Neighborhoods Walking Tour. These tours provide a great way to learn more about the city’s history, as well as to get an up close and personal look at some of the city’s most iconic buildings.

The best part about exploring the city’s historic architecture is that it’s all free. So, if you’re looking for a unique and interesting way to spend a day in Utica, be sure to check out the city’s historic architecture.

Visit the Utica Zoo

Another great way to spend a day in Utica is to visit the Utica Zoo. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, and more. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and activities, making it the perfect place to take the kids for a fun and educational day out. Plus, admission to the zoo is free, so it’s a great way to save money while having a great time.

In addition to the animals, the zoo also offers a range of other activities, such as a carousel, a playground, and a snack bar. The zoo also hosts a number of special events throughout the year, such as Halloween and Christmas celebrations. So, if you’re looking for a fun and exciting day out, be sure to check out the Utica Zoo.

Plus, if you’re looking for something to do in the evening, the Utica Zoo hosts a number of special events each month, such as movie nights, concerts, and even outdoor classes. So, no matter what time of day you visit the Utica Zoo, there’s sure to be something fun and exciting to do.

Explore the Utica Public Market

If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, be sure to check out the Utica Public Market. The market is home to a variety of vendors selling everything from produce to crafts and antiques. Plus, the market is free to enter, so it’s a great way to save money while doing some shopping. The market is also home to a number of food vendors, so it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat.

In addition to shopping, the market also hosts a variety of events and activities, such as cooking classes, live music, and art shows. So, no matter what you’re looking for, the Utica Public Market is sure to have something to offer.

The market is open year-round, so no matter when you visit Utica, you’re sure to find something fun and interesting to do at the Utica Public Market.

Explore the Mohawk Valley

If you’re looking to get out and explore the great outdoors, Utica is home to a number of parks and trails, all of which are free to explore. The Mohawk Valley is home to a number of trails, including the Mohawk Valley Greenway, the Erie Canalway Trail, and the Old Erie Canal Trail. All of these trails provide a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the area, whether it’s a leisurely stroll or an intense hike.

The Mohawk Valley is also home to a number of parks, including the Utica Marsh, the Utica Zoo, and the Utica Zoo Nature Center. All of these parks provide a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the area, as well as to learn more about the area’s wildlife and ecology. So, if you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, be sure to check out the Mohawk Valley.

Plus, if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, the Mohawk Valley is home to a number of lakes and rivers, all of which are great for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. So, no matter what you’re looking for, the Mohawk Valley is sure to have something to offer.

Visit the Utica Children’s Museum

The Utica Children’s Museum is a great place to take the kids for a fun and educational day out. The museum is home to a variety of interactive exhibits, designed to teach children about the city’s history, science, and culture. Plus, admission to the museum is free, so it’s a great way to save money while having a great time.

In addition to the exhibits, the museum also hosts a variety of special events and activities, such as hands-on science experiments, art classes, and story time. So, no matter what you’re looking for, the Utica Children’s Museum is sure to have something to offer.

Plus, if you’re looking for something to do in the evening, the museum also hosts a variety of special events each month, such as movie nights, concerts, and outdoor classes. So, no matter what time of day you visit the Utica Children’s Museum, there’s sure to be something fun and exciting to do.

Visit the Utica Memorial Auditorium

The Utica Memorial Auditorium is a great place to visit for a variety of events, including concerts, sporting events, and theatrical performances. Plus, admission to many of the events is free, so it’s a great way to save money while having a great time. The auditorium also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as the annual Utica Music Festival and the Utica Christmas Festival.

In addition to the events, the auditorium also hosts a number of special activities, such as art classes, educational lectures, and movie nights. So, no matter what you’re looking for, the Utica Memorial Auditorium is sure to have something to offer.

Plus, if you’re looking for something to do in the evening, the auditorium also hosts a number of special events each month, such as movie nights, concerts, and outdoor classes. So, no matter what time of day you visit the Utica Memorial Auditorium, there’s sure to be something fun and exciting to do.

Visit the Utica Firefighters Museum

If you’re looking for a unique and interesting way to spend a day in Utica, be sure to check out the Utica Firefighters Museum. The museum is dedicated to the city’s firefighters, and is home to a variety of exhibits and artifacts, including fire engines, uniforms, and other memorabilia. Plus, admission to the museum is free, so it’s a great way to save money while having a great time.

In addition to the exhibits, the museum also hosts a variety of special events and activities, such as lectures, tours, and children’s activities. So, no matter what you’re looking for, the Utica Firefighters Museum is sure to have something to offer.

Plus, if you’re looking for something to do in the evening, the museum also hosts a number of special events each month, such as movie nights, concerts, and outdoor classes. So, no matter what time of day you visit the Utica Firefighters Museum, there’s sure to be something fun and exciting to do.

Visit the Utica Breweries

If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to spend a day in Utica, be sure to check out the city’s breweries. Utica is home to a number of craft breweries, all of which offer unique beers and ales. Plus, many of the breweries offer free tours and tastings, so it’s a great way to save money while having a great time.

In addition to the breweries, the city also has a number of bars and pubs, all of which offer a variety of drinks and snacks. So, no matter what you’re looking for, Utica is sure to have something to offer.

Plus, if you’re looking for something to do in the evening, the city also hosts a number of special events each month, such as movie nights, concerts, and outdoor classes. So, no matter what time of day you visit the city’s breweries, there’s sure to be something fun and exciting to do.

Visit the Utica Coffee Roasting Company

If you’re looking for a unique and interesting way to spend a day in Utica, be sure to check out the Utica Coffee Roasting Company. The company is home to a variety of coffee blends, all of which are hand-roasted and brewed in small batches. Plus, the company offers free tours and tastings, so it’s a great way to save money while having a great time.

In addition to the coffee, the company also offers a variety of coffee-related items, such as mugs, t-shirts, and other souvenirs. So, no matter what you’re looking for, the Utica Coffee Roasting Company is sure to have something to offer.

Plus, if you’re looking for something to do in the evening, the company also hosts a number of special events each month, such as movie nights, concerts, and outdoor classes. So, no matter what time of day you visit the Utica Coffee Roasting Company, there’s sure to be something fun and exciting to do.

Visit the Utica Comets

If you’re looking for something to do in the evening, be sure to check out the Utica Comets. The Comets are the city’s professional hockey team, and they offer a variety of exciting games throughout the season. Plus, admission to many of the games is free, so it’s a great way to save money while having a great time.

In addition to the games, the Comets also host a variety of special events and activities, such as autograph sessions, meet and greets, and post-game parties. So, no matter what you’re looking for, the Utica Comets are sure to have something to offer.

Plus, if you’re looking for something to do in the evening, the Comets also host a number of special events each month, such as movie nights, concerts, and outdoor classes. So, no matter what time of day you visit the Utica Comets, there’s sure to be something fun and exciting to do.

Conclusion

Utica is a city full of exciting and interesting things to do. From exploring the city’s historic architecture to visiting the Utica Zoo, there are a variety of free activities and attractions to enjoy. So, if you’re looking for something to do in Utica, be sure to check out some of these great free activities.