Summer and fall are busy times for families with rising juniors and seniors. College visits, which give students a taste of collegiate life, are often on the agenda. But college life is more than just what happens on campus. Here are fun options near three of the most-visited and attended State University of New York (SUNY) campuses: The University at Albany, Binghamton University, and the University at Buffalo.

12 Capen Hall

More than 45,000 people apply to SUNY Buffalo each year, but many don’t realize the size and scope of the city, the second largest in New York State behind Manhattan. Sitting at the crossroads of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, there’s plenty to do and see around town. 

For instance, get a free bird’s-eye view of the city by checking out the observation deck. From there, head to — also free — where you can walk the 2.2-mile path and see the Buffalo skyline as well as views of Lake Erie, the Niagara River and the Peace Bridge.

If you have children in tow, check out the ($19, $17 ages 17 and under) and ($11 weekdays, $15 weekends). Both places offer frequent special events and interactive programs for the entire family. The ($22.50, $16.50 ages 12 and under), the third-oldest zoo in America, is celebrating its 150th anniversary and is another option for antsy siblings. A 15-minute drive from campus, see endangered animals and participate in one of its many fun events, such as 5ks and wine and food samplings.

SUNY Buffalo is also a quick 25-minute drive to (parking is $10 during the week, $15 on weekends). Viewing the Falls is free unless you want to take a boat ride to get a little closer. , a 14-acre area with bars, housing, and art installations, is another offbeat option with its indoor and outdoor performance spaces, walking tours and focus on ecology.

There are 1,500 hotel rooms in the city, and Airbnb and Vrbo operate here, too. Suppose you want to stick close to campus, check out or . Both are across the street from campus and feature indoor pools, fitness centers, and family rooms. Families that want something a bit more upscale or need to bring their pet, , is only a six-minute drive to campus.

Buffalo, like New York City, is recognized as a top foodie destination. Make sure you eat some eponymous Buffalo wings at , which is family friendly despite its name. Other Buffalo-style options include pizza — is a campus favorite — and beef on weck. Students love for weck since it does takeout.

4400 Vestal Pkwy.

About four hours  from Long Island, Binghamton is known as a public Ivy. With a thriving arts scene and beautiful Victorian architecture, the city is brimming with things to do and see.

Kids will get a kick out of , less than 10 minutes from campus. Ride the old-fashioned wood-carved carousel, which turns 100 this year, and stick around for the bandstand featured in "The Twilight Zone" as well as an expansive playground.

Science is big in this small city. About 20 minutes from campus, the  ($6) is open Friday evenings, but interested families can tour the facility and use its telescopes, computers and labs any time during the week by calling ahead. ($8; Wednesdays through Sundays) melds art, history, and science, allotting an entire floor of its historic mansion to each. In addition, it houses the area's only planetarium. Another science-filled attraction is the ($21.99 for 12 and up, $18.99 ages 3-11), which features two parts: a walk-through zoo and a 100-acre drive-through safari. Open April through December, there are plenty of options to get up close and personal with more than 100 species. A second zoo — the ($7 for 13 and over, $5 for ages 3-12) — is close to campus, too.

Binghamton University has its own 182-acre nature preserve with 14 trails. If you’re looking for more strenuous activities,  (admission ranges from $15 to $24, not including optional equipment) is a nonprofit bouldering gym where experts and newbies to climbing can visit any time, day or night. Guests can also climb at (prices vary) and play mini golf, laser tag, and an escape room, as well as jump on a zip line or jump — literally — on a bungee. Looking for something lower-impact?  has more than 125 video games and pinball machines.

When it comes to lodging, members of Binghamton parents groups speak highly of the downtown, citing its in-house restaurant and proximity to another fun, trendy restaurant, , which is known for its rigatoni ala vodka. Other more casual dining options in the area include , which features an assortment of sliders, milkshakes, and craft beers and . There, find multiple varieties of sandwiches made with marinated cubes of meat (called spiedies) as well as burgers, salads and chicken spiedie nuggets.

1400 Washington Ave.

Going to see The University at Albany takes families into the heart of New York State’s capital. Once you’re finished touring the 560-acre campus, make a stop at the less than 5 miles away. Take the free guided tour where visitors can access hidden chambers and take photos in front of the Great Western Staircase — the Million Dollar Staircase, carved with faces and nature. also boasts the Nelson Rockefeller Modern Art Collection (free).

Another historical site is the . Docked on the Hudson River, the World War II-era destroyer is now a museum ($10 for children, $14 for adults) open Wednesday through Sunday between April and November. Fans of Broadway’s Hamilton may want to tour the ($5) Angelica, Eliza and Peggy, who feature prominently in the show.

There’s more to Albany than history. See the area’s landscape from land and sea. (prices start at $29.99 per person) take visitors out on a riverboat tour. Trips are available from April through October and feature a full bar and concessions. Some cruises feature live music, too. About an hour away, find the (prices start at $13), which has themed 90-minute rides on weekends. Sit inside or in an open-air flat car while taking the tour. More modern fare can be found inside . Two options — ($24 and up), a live-action adventure game and Billy Beez (prices starting at $17.95), a 20,000-square-foot play park — are fun for the whole family.

Students spend plenty of time walking and biking around the area, and hitting  stores and restaurants. is a favorite spot. , open for breakfast and lunch, garners rave reviews, too. Visitors craving seafood can join the locals at . Lunch and dinner specials at this 76-year-old spot are $13.50 and $20.40, respectively. Families staying overnight, consider for its special college visit rate and pet friendliness, or , directly across the street from campus.