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When is the Solar Eclipse 2024

On April 8, 2024, the total solar eclipse cuts a 124-mile path across the Empire State dubbed the path of totality. Areas within the path of totality could experience total darkness for up to 4 minutes. The eclipse begins in western New York shortly after 2pm. Depending on your location, the full eclipse is set to begin around 3:15pm and end around 3:30pm.

While the greatest effects of the solar eclipse 2024 will be seen in the path of totality, a partial eclipse will be visible to viewers in the New York metro area. In NYC, for example, the partial eclipse blocks 91 percent of the sun.

Viewing the Solar Eclipse 2024 Safely

Whether you plan to view the solar eclipse in the path of totality or beyond, be forewarned: Eclipse glasses are necessary to avoid serious eye damage. While some of the events below will hand out solar eclipse glasses, we suggest ordering your own in advance. Amazon offers several options, but order now or risk missing out.

Where to Watch the Solar Eclipse 2024 in the Adirondacks

1. Totality Festival at the Wild Center – Tupper Lake

To celebrate this rare celestial occurrence, The Wild Center is opening its doors and 115-acre outdoor campus from Friday, April 5-Monday, April 8 for a weekend of solar and eclipse-themed activities including a solar-powered silent disco, food trucks, and make-your-own pinhole viewers.

2. Glow for The Gold at the Olympic Speed Skating Oval – Lake Placid

Celebrate the eclipse like a true Olympian. The Oval offers an open south-by-southwest facing view of the Adirondack high peaks and opens at 1pm to allow families to set up for the big event, which begins at the site around 2:13pm.

3. Solar Eclipse at Gore Mountain – North Creek

Ski into the eclipse at Gore Mountain’s party on the sun deck at its Base Area. Pink Floyd’s "Dark Side of the Moon" will blast from the mountain's speakers. Complimentary eclipse glasses are provided while supplies last.

4. Solar Eclipse Viewing Event at Ausable Chasm – Ausable Chasm

Enjoy treats from a food truck, hike 5 miles of trails, and while away the day with the adventure and scenic beauty of Ausable Chasm. Complementary eclipse-viewing glasses are included in the price of admission.

More Fun Things To Do in the Adirondacks

Leading up to the big day, spend time hiking, boating, and even bobsledding in the Adirondack Mountains. Immerse yourself in history at Fort Ticonderoga, learn about the Olympics at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, or check out the view from the top of Whiteface Mountain; the Adirondack Mountains are a dreamy destination for a memorable family vacation.

Where to Stay

Bluebird Lake Placid – Lake Placid

The Bluebird offers a variety of room configurations to meet your family’s needs. This centralized location provides a great jumping-off point for all your adventures.

RELATED: Guide to Family Travel in the Catskills and Adirondacks

Solar glasses are a must to see the total solar eclipse 2024 in New York state. Photo by Ally Noel

Where to Watch the Solar Eclipse 2024 near Niagara Falls

5. Eclipse Fest at Buffalo State University – Buffalo

Your family’s experience will be guided by Buffalo State experts at this excitement-filled event. Guests can spend the day enjoying food trucks, entertainment, and eclipse-related activities.

6. Total Solar Eclipse at the Buffalo Zoo – Buffalo

Have you ever wondered how animals react during a total solar eclipse? Now’s your chance to get a first-hand glimpse into the natural world at the Buffalo Zoo. The zoo offers a wide, open space, perfect for observing the sky without obstructions to block your view, plus plenty of animals to observe. Eclipse glasses are distributed daily on a first-come, first-served basis to visitors from Saturday, April 6-Monday, April 8, with 500 pairs available each day.

7. Solar Eclipse at Niagara Falls – Niagara Falls

NASA astronauts and subject experts descend upon Niagara Falls for a four-day festival of solar eclipse programming throughout Niagara Falls’ cultural destinations. All events are FREE and open to the public. The fun-filled weekend closes with a fireworks display following the eclipse on Monday night in downtown.

8. NT's Blackout Bash – North Tonawanda

The city of North Tonawanda is hosting a giant party in Gratwick Riverside Park from noon-6pm. Expect food vendors, beer and wine, music, entertainment, games, and activities. While the event is FREE, those driving to the event must pay for parking. Plan in advance and nab family parking complete with a shuttle ride to the event on an antique fire truck!

More Fun near Niagara Falls

As the second largest city in the Empire State, Buffalo is not short on attractions. You can easily turn your “eclipse day” into a whole week of fun by adding on a trip to Niagara Falls

Where To Stay

Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls – Niagara Falls

Located in downtown Niagara Falls, this hotel has a heated indoor pool, offers complimentary hot breakfast, and is within walking distance of the American Falls.

Where to Watch the Solar Eclipse 2024 near Rochester and the Finger Lakes

9. Roc The Eclipse Festival at Rochester Museum & Science Center – Rochester

The Rochester Museum & Science Center is gearing up for three days of eclipse excitement! This is so much more than a viewing party; visitors can enjoy planetarium shows, live stage entertainment, a post-eclipse concert, a silent disco, food trucks, and so much more.

10. Embrace the Dark – Geneva

This three-day festival has a little something for everyone. The event includes offerings all over the city, including local vendors, music and movies, astronomy art exhibits, historical and astronomical tours, lectures, and events for kids.

11. Solar Eclipse Programming at Sciencenter – Ithaca

While the Sciencenter is not open on the day of the eclipse, the weekend is packed with special programming and hands-on activities related to the solar eclipse and sun science. On the day of the solar eclipse, the Sciencenter will be closed. However, you can join the New York State Office of Parks for a day-long viewing event at Fair Haven Beach State Park and experience the eclipse with hands-on activities, telescope sunspot observations, and crafts for all ages.

More Fun Things To Do in the Finger Lakes

Rochester is widely known as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region. Set right outside the banks of Lake Ontario, this region is also full of natural beauty and family-friendly museums. The Strong National Museum of Play is fresh off an expansion and filled with interactive exhibits. The nearby Genesee Valley Park is a great place to hike, bike, and play.

Where To Stay

Courtyard by Marriott Rochester Downtown – Rochester

Clean and comfy, this Courtyard Marriott in downtown Rochester has many of the amenities traveling families are looking for: a 24-hour market, laundry services, and free parking. It's also located within walking distance of some of the Rochester Arts District's most popular restaurants.

Where to Watch the Solar Eclipse 2024 near Syracuse

12. Total Eclipse of the Park at NBT Bank Stadium – Syracuse

Sing it with me, nothing I can say a total eclipse of the park! That’s right, you can celebrate the eclipse at the local minor league baseball park. The gates open at 2:30pm for fans to view the total solar eclipse, and the first 10,000 fans through the gates receive commemorative eclipse glasses upon entry. Stick around after the eclipse to cheer for the home team as the Syracuse Mets take on the Worcester Red Sox.

13. Solar Eclipse Festival at the MOST Museum – Syracuse

The indoor exhibits at the MOST Museum are closed on Monday, April 8, but the public is invited to gather for a FREE outdoor festival. No registration or membership is required to attend. Lawn chairs are not permitted at this event; please bring a blanket or beach towel instead!

14. Eclipse Party at the Beaver Lake Nature Center – Baldwinsville

On Monday, April 8, enjoy family-friendly crafts, games, educational stations, commemorative photo-ops, food vendors, music, and so much more in honor of the solar eclipse 2024! Park admission is $5 per vehicle. RSVP online to reserve your FREE solar viewing glasses!

More Fun Things To Do in Syracuse

For indoor fun, head to Destiny USA, a huge entertainment and shopping destination. Kids go crazy for the hands-on exhibits at WonderWorks, where 40,000 square feet of hands-on, educational experiences await. Prefer to be outside? Spend a day at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo meeting more than 700 animals from 216 species.

Where To Stay

Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA – Syracuse

Just steps away from the aforementioned Destiny USA, choose from studio or one-bedroom suites with sofa beds, flat-screen TVs, wet bars, refrigerators, microwaves, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an indoor heated pool.

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