9 Things to do in Genesee County that are Free, Nearly Free, or under $10!

1. Visit a farm - get to know our Alpacas!  ($10 per person)

Tour Northwoods Alpaca Farm April-October for a fun and educational experience; just call ahead to schedule a visit. It lasts about an hour with a short walk around our family farm to meet the boys, the girls, and the little ones. You will also have the opportunity to pet and feed the alpacas. Bring your cameras!

• Northwoods Alpacas, Bergen: 585.494.1371

You will learn all about Alpacas and why we raise them- highlighting their much desired fleece; the history of alpacas and the current Alpaca herd in America.

The tour concludes at our Farm Boutique where you will see all types of products made from alpaca fiber.

  A 24 hr notice is needed for most tours.

• Families & Individuals; $10 per person - children 3 & under are free. $20 minimum per group
• Organized Groups of 15 or more: $7.50 per person - children 3 & under free

2. Hit the beach! ($7.00 per car, free after 5 pm)

While not known for our white, sandy beaches in Upstate, NY, we hold one of the region's “best kept secrets.” Darien Lakes State Park is home to a serene sandy beach with clear water and blue skies! Be sure to check out this never-crowded, always-relaxing hidden gem! Pack a picnic, pack a pole, and spend the day!

(Did you know you can get a FREE New York State Empire Park pass at local libraries in Genesee County?)- Try Woodward Memorial Library, and Byron Bergen Public Library. 

3. Enjoy Live Music in Jackson Square on Friday and  Saturday Nights (FREE)

Free Friday night and new in 2024, Saturday night outdoor concert series in Jackson Square, Downtown Batavia.  Jackson Square is located between Center St. and Jackson St., 7-9 pm. Come early to enjoy the many great restaurants and shops within walking distance! This event is free from 6 -9 p.m. 

4. Discover Hands-on History (Kids Free Days Thursdays) 

Visit Genesee Country Village & Museum, the largest living history museum in New York State. This 700-acre complex comprises 68 historic structures furnished with 15,000 artifacts to provide an authentic, 19th-century environment where visitors can interact with knowledgeable, third-person historic interpreters in period-appropriate dress.

Every Thursday in August, the kid's admission is FREE. 

5. Paddle through Nature (Totally Free!)

A wonderful way to experience the area's beauty is by dropping a kayak or canoe into the water.   

• The 12-acre Harlow Lake at Darien Lakes State Park has daily public access from 6 am-10 pm for non-motorized watercraft.
• Explore the primitive beauty of Oak Orchard Creek at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Canoes, kayaks and non-motorized fishing boats may access the creek between Knolesville Rd. & Rt. 63 in the town of Alabama.  
• At Kiwanis Park in Batavia, the John T. Obrien Canoe Launch has an easy drop-in channel that flows into the 90-mile Tonawanda Creek.
• East Pembroke has an unmarked launch, but it is less than 100 yards east of the fire hall. It has an easy pull-in space to paddle through forests and open fields.
• Off Munson Street at the Red Bridge Area in LeRoy, there is easy access to Oatka Creek (areas upstream and downstream from the bride). Launches are on the east side of the creek, with the upstream launch adjacent to a parking area and creek overlook.
• Dewitt Park now has Kayaks to borrow, and allows you to drop in your own kayak or canoe. Hours are 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. 115 Cedar Street, Batavia NY. 

6. Try Disc Golf this Summer (Under $10.00)

Disk Golf has also grown in popularity over the last several years.  Darien Lakes State Park is home to the Angry Apple Disc Golf Course. The course, officially established in June of 2012, rapidly draws more players to the park daily to test their disc golf skills while having fun on the 18-hole course, which weaves its way through a tranquil old apple orchard. 

Hartland Park in Bergen, NY, has a nice 9-hole, lightly wooded short course. A water-filled ditch runs down the middle, and a few baskets take advantage of the moderate elevation changes. 

Our newest course, Northgate Disc Golf, resides in the woods behind Northgate Free Methodist Church. This 9-hole course is open daily from dawn to dusk!

7. Don’t Miss the Oakfield Labor Daze Aug 31-Sept 2nd (Free festival)

The Oakfield Labor Daze returns to Triangle Park in the Village of Oakfield each year. This celebration is a family-friendly music festival with many fun-filled, alcohol-free events. There will be a variety of food vendors, craft and vendor shows, car shows, live music, and more.  See the full event schedule here.  

8. Enjoy Holland Land Office ( Family $10, Regular Admission $5) 

Located in a stone building built in 1810, the Holland Land Office Museum offers thousands of artifacts pertaining to the history of Western New York. You'll find a variety of topics and presentations going on throughout the year here.  

9. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center ( Free) 

New York State's largest wildlife refuge! Filled with well-maintained trails and offering many classes, the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge is a haven for animals. It sits in the migratory path of many birds, such as swans and geese.

The refuge is open yearly for various activities, including hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. They offer monthly programs, which are listed here. 

For more fun things to see and do in and around Genesee County stop by our office for free visitor guides - 8276 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020 - 585-344-4152.