Your Family Fun Guide to the Region

Summer is THE season for families in the Capital-Saratoga Region. Yearly events, special activities and key attractions make any family getaway unforgettable.

FULTON COUNTY

Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground – 161 County Highway 114, St. Johnsville, NY 13452 
The kids will love mining for their own “diamonds”! Spend the day in the “Herkimer Diamond” mines, then enjoy dinner at the campsite. Whether your family is more tent, RV or cabin, there’s space for everyone.

Adirondack Animal Land – 3554 State Highway 30, Gloversville, NY 12078
The family will be amazed at all of the animals. Visit with emu, fennec fox, spider monkeys, giraffe, kangaroo and more. Hand feed baby animals and drive through a safari.

 

SARATOGA COUNTY

Congress Park – 315 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Ride the antique carousel, sample some of the famous natural mineral springs, visit with the ducks, grab a picnic lunch and eat it at the park.Then, walk up Caroline Street and visit the Children’s Museum of Saratoga.

Spa State Park – Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Enjoy the trail along the scenic Avenue of Pines, go for a swim, visit the Outdoor Classroom and playground near the spouting geyser, sample the mineral springs, or check out a museum. The Saratoga Automobile Museum or the National Museum of Dance both have children’s areas.

 

RENSSELAER COUNTY

Barker Park Kids Summer Series | Every Thursday 7/6 – 8/24 at 11AM – 30 Second Street, Troy, NY 12180
Every week there is a new kid-friendly performance happening in downtown Troy. From special story hours to dance alongs, singalongs, and even art sessions, there is a little something for everyone.

Summer Sampler Series – 9 1/2 Riverside Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Summer Sampler is a week long morning program for 6-12 year olds.  Each day focuses on a different theme:  17th Century Painting, Colonial Trade, Everyday Life, Textiles & Clothing and 18th century Military. Reservations – 518-463-8738.

 

WASHINGTON COUNTY

The Covered Bridges of Washington County – 383 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828Drive, cycle or walk all 5 Covered Bridges of Washington County. Three wooden covered bridges cross the famous Battenkill in southern Washington County, one crosses the Hoosic River, and one foot bridge spanning the Owl Kill in downtown Cambridge.

Washington County Fair – August 21-27, 2017 – 392 Old Schuylerville Rd, Greenwich, NY 12834
Come and enjoy the experience of Washington County, its people, its rural character and its great agricultural traditions.

 

ALBANY COUNTY

Park Playhouse
Get ready for a toe tapping good time with summer musicals like Ragtime, The Music Man and The Lion King. Enjoy lawn seating for FREE! Bring a blanket and some snacks and settle in for a great show.

USS Slater – DE766 – Broadway and Quay, Albany, NY 12202
Step aboard a Destroyer Escort and step back in time. During WWII these ships battled Nazi U-boats and stood in line to defend in the Pacific. The USS Slater has undergone intense restoration and is open for tours and more.

 

SCHENECTADY COUNTY

Mountain Ridge Adventure Course – 300 Weatherwax Road, Schenectady, NY 12302
Featuring 6 treetop adventure courses and 9 zip lines crisscrossing a 500’ long gorge, Mountain Ridge has something for every level of adventurer. Fun is the objective, so their state-of-the-art safety technology ensures every participant is locked onto a safety cable 100% of the time.

Via Aquarium, Rotterdam – 93 W. Campbell Road, Schenectady, NY 12306
Embark on an exciting self-guided tour, visiting over 2,000 creatures of the sea. The aquarium provides an immersive experience for people of all ages, bringing you up-close with ecosystems like lakes, rivers, streams, kelp forests and coral reefs.

Our Favorite Festivals: Celebrating the Best of the Capital-Saratoga Region

The Capital-Saratoga Region celebrates everything from history and food to music and art. There’s a food festival for any kind of cuisine, an outdoor concert for any type of music genre, and a festive gathering for any holiday! Any visitor of any age will find an event worth celebrating when visiting the area.

FULTON COUNTY

Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend (July) – Northville, NY
Northville Rotary’s Eighth Annual Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend features more than 60 accomplished artists from this area and beyond. Woodworkers, jewelers, weavers, potters, photographers, painters, and many others artists display and sell their artwork.

Eagle Mills Craft Fair (mid – to late – September) – Broadalbin, NY
The Eagle Mills Art and Craft Show features one of the largest displays of handcrafted items in this part of the northeast, with over 150 exhibitors and 15,000 spectators in attendance on each weekend. There’s music, entertainment, plenty of food and lots of fun for the whole family!

SARATOGA COUNTY

Chowderfest (February) – Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga’s Annual Chowderfest is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Family-friendly, fun and utterly delicious, Chowderfest features more than 80 vendors—including Saratoga County’s best restaurants and caterers—who open their doors to the public and serve hot bowls of chowder to event goers.

Freihofer’s Jazz Fest Friday – Saratoga Springs, NY
This kickoff to the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival at SPAC presents live music at venues in and around Saratoga Springs. Jazz lovers in town for the main event will have an opportunity to enjoy even more music while supporting the local community.

Saratoga’s All-American Celebration – Saratoga Springs, NY
Named one of the Top 10 Small Town July 4th celebrations in the US by ABC News, thousands flock to downtown Saratoga Springs to enjoy this special July 4th celebration. Events include the Firecracker 4 Road Race, a live reading of the Declaration of Independence and a spectacular fireworks show!

RENSSELAER COUNTY

Goold Orchard’s Annual Apple Festival & Craft Show (Columbus Day Weekend) – Castleton, NY
This celebration of the arts, crafts and agriculture of the Capital Region offers fresh food, pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, live entertainment, craft vendors, horse drawn wagon rides, face painting, live music and more!

Victorian Stroll (December) – Troy, NY
Celebrate the holidays with family and friends at the Annual Troy Victorian Stroll, the Northeast’s largest free holiday festival with more than 100 live performances throughout the day! More than 35 clothing, jewelry and gift boutiques throughout downtown are set up. Visitors will also enjoy top-of-the-line cuisine at dozens of cafes, restaurants and food vendors in Monument Square.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Washington County Cheese Tour (September) – Various locations
The Annual Washington County Cheese Tour with Wine and Beer will delight palates and enthrall cheese lovers of every age. On a self-guided tour, visitors can drive through lush, rolling hills and bucolic countryside. Relax and enjoy visiting the farmers and cheesemakers to learn what makes their cheese so unique.

Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival (September) – Washington County Fairgrounds, 92 Old Schuylerville Road Greenwich, NY
Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival is a two-day event being held in late September at the Washington County Fairgrounds in East Greenwich, United States Of America. This event showcases products from 120 vendors, including fleece, yarn, roving, Demos & Workshops, and more!

ALBANY COUNTY

Tulip Festival (May) – Washington Park, Albany, NY
Tulip Fest is by far the biggest festival in Albany County. This annual celebration includes live music, craft vendors, kids activities and 150,000 tulips in bloom in our crown jewel of a park, Washington Park.

Alive at Five – Downtown, Albany
Alive at Five, a Thursday evening concert series that takes place at Jennings Landing on the river, is another really popular Albany County event. There’s always a great lineup of musicians, and you can’t beat the setting, an outdoor amphitheater on the Hudson riverbank.

SCHENECTADY COUNTY

Downtown Schenectady Wing Walk
Stroll around Downtown Schenectady and sample unique chicken wing recipes at a variety of restaurants.

Downtown Schenectady Soup Stroll
Downtown Schenectady Restaurants will open their doors to serve a variety of hot soup to event attendees as they stroll around downtown.

Plan your festive trip to the Festival Capital today!

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Experience Saratoga Chowderfest

Saratoga Chowderfest is one of the most popular events in the Capital-Saratoga Region, and it’s easy to understand why: delicious food, great atmosphere, and fun for all ages! Whether you’re on a couples’ getaway or looking for a family-friendly event, Chowderfest has something for everyone. Here’s a look at all the fun from this year’s festivities, just a little inspiration to mark your calendar for 2021!

 

Serving Up Saratoga’s Finest

With over 80 vendors, there’s no shortage of fantastic chowders available throughout downtown Saratoga. Whether you enjoy the classics like seafood chowder and corn chowder, or something a little out of the ordinary like Philly Cheesesteak Chowder (offered this year by the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs), there’s a variety of delicious options to choose from. You can even find vegan chowders! Chowder’s not the only game in town, though; some vendors offer beverages, and dessert options, too, like Ben & Jerry’s and Sweet Mimi’s Cafe & Bakery. Of course, you’ll want to keep track of your favorites throughout the day so you can cast your vote when you’re done sampling!

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Beyond Chowder

Had your fill of chowder? Don’t worry; there’s still plenty left to explore in Saratoga! Enjoy a stroll through Congress Park, with its famous mineral springs. Take some time to browse the many stores along Broadway, whether you’re in the market for some new clothes or interested in a little light reading. Need to warm up for a bit? Sit down and relax with a cup of tea at Saratoga Tea & Honey, or check out Saratoga’s craft beverage scene at Druthers Brewing Company

With so much incredible food, dinner might be the last thing on your mind. Make sure you make a dinner reservation for later in the evening, just in case any hangry feelings start to take hold! Hamlet & Ghost is a great choice to cap off your day with some delicious snack and small plate options (Duck Fat French Fries and Calamari, anyone?) from their dinner menu and a cocktail.

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Before You Leave…

Parting can be such sweet sorrow, especially when saying goodbye to a vibrant place like Saratoga Springs! Before heading out the next morning, enjoy some pastries at Mrs. London’s Bakery. What better way to cap off your flavorful weekend than with a little sugar?!

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While you’ll have to wait a whole year to experience Saratoga Chowderfest firsthand, it’ll definitely be worth your while. Start planning your getaway today!

A Dutch Stroll in Albany

The Albany Dutch are more than just tulips and wooden shoes!  Echoes of Albany’s Dutch roots can be felt throughout the City, from our street names to our architectural gems. A Dutch Stroll is a guided walking tour within the original perimeter of Beverwyck.  Learn how the tenacious Dutch adapted to the New World, formed relationships with the Native Americans and adjusted to English rule before the Revolution.

First Night Saratoga

First Night Saratoga is one of the oldest and largest celebrations of its kind in the country. Now in its 23 year, First Night Saratoga, is a Saratoga Springs tradition.  Every year, Saratoga Arts teams up with 30 partner venues, over 40 sponsors, 300+ artists, and 150 volunteers to present the largest New Year’s Eve celebration between New York City and Montreal.  First Night Saratoga has something for everybody – music in all genres, magic, mind arts, and more!

Tulip Festival

Submerge yourself in a sea of more than 150,000 tulips at Albany’s historic Washington Park this Mother’s Day weekend for Albany’s Annual Tulip Festival. Historic events celebrating Albany’s rich, Dutch heritage combined with multiple stages of acclaimed live music, craft vendors, a fine arts show, children’s activities, and great food to make Tulip Festival a free, one-of-a-kind event for the whole family.

Empire State Plaza Tree Lighting

Glory in the grandeur of the lighting of the official New York State Holiday Tree, December 2, at the Empire State Plaza Tree Lighting and Fireworks Display. Taste of NY Holiday Market at New York State Museum and the Great Train Extravaganza are the same day. This is a full day of fun holiday-themed events that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

Troy Restaurant & Craft Beer Week

Unlike a traditional restaurant week, downtown Troy pairs with Craft Beer week each year to offer a wide selection of events, programs, discounts, course meals, dinner pairings, and more. There’s something for everyone so make your way downtown and enjoy troy!

Fall Getaways in the Capital-Saratoga Region

While summer is a great time for a getaway to the Capital-Saratoga Region, fall is truly something special. Between all the changing leaves, fall festivals, fresh cider, and seasonal craft beverages, there’s little chance of boredom. Because it would be impossible to see and do everything we’ve put together some of the most intriguing places to stay, things to do, and stuff to taste for fall!

Where to Stay


Inn at the Bridge | Northville, New York | info

Stay in old-fashioned Victorian luxury on the shores of Sacandaga Lake. The Inn at the Bridge maintains all the well-appointed details of Victorian life but has adapted to include modern amenities like flat screen televisions, wireless internet, and climate control. And one of the best reasons to stay here – the breakfast! Enjoy quiche, pastries, granola, artisan baguette, organic eggs and more, all fresh from their own farm.

Gardner Farm Inn | Troy, New York | info

Get a truly personalized bed and breakfast experience at Gardner Farm Inn. This beautiful property dates back to the 1700s and historic charm frames every room, with most believing it was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. With five stately rooms, you’ll feel right at home here with daily breakfast made with local ingredients and fresh dairy from Sycaway Creamery.

 

What to Do

 

John Boyd Thacher State Park | Voorheesville, New York | info

Hike John Boyd Thacher State Park trails for some beautiful fall foliage and panoramic views of the region. The park is a mecca for hikers, campers and photographers, who come to hike miles of paths and are rewarded with stunning views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. In the fall, visitors are treated to a colorful tapestry of fall foliage, which spreads out as far as the eye can see.

Saratoga Spa State Park | Saratoga Springs, New York | info

Take in the beautiful fall foliage, rent bikes, and browse acres of trails. There is no shortage of activities at the park, with two golf courses, Saratoga Auto Museum, National Museum of Dance and plenty of places to play. Take a tour of the mineral springs or enjoy a soothing soak at Roosevelt Baths & Spa – all in the same day. And for the kids: a haunted house, face painting, pumpkin painting, clowns, bounces & slides, kids-on-the-go fitness center, and pony rides.

Downtown Saratoga | Saratoga Springs, New York | info

Stroll downtown Saratoga Springs to take in the quaint charm and stunning Victorian architecture. There’s plenty of great shops and restaurants, and the whole thing is pet friendly and walkable. Be sure to stop at Saratoga Olive Oil to sample seasonal oils and vinegars or at Uncommon Grounds for lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up coffee.

Fall Foliage Festival | Mabee Farm | info

This is one of the biggest fall festivals and happens every year! All are welcome and admission is free. The list of fun family activities is long; live music, hay rides, pony rides, petting zoo, hot cider by Lakeside Farms and Bowman Orchards, dog herding, live birds of prey, alpacas, hiking, pumpkin painting, craft fair, hot donuts, beer and so much more!

 

Where to Taste

 

Rare Form Brewing Company | Troy, New York | info

You will always find something new in the tap room, with several rotating and experimental beers. Rare Form doesn’t have a kitchen but they do have selected charcuterie to pair with their beer to accentuate flavor notes found in their beer. They are usually hosting food pop-ups in the taproom, so the trip can be a two in one with the chance to sample from both Rare Form as well as other talented chefs from the area.

Plumb Oyster Bar | Troy, New York | info

For those who enjoy oysters this gem is love at first sight, but it is far from only for oyster lovers. The oyster menu spans both coasts, but they also serve scrumptious small plates, entrees and brunch on Saturdays.

Wine and Roses | Broadalbin, New York | info

Almost everything here is made from scratch, including the ketchup. With a selection of classic favorites, you’ll find both small and large plates that fit a variety of tastes. Using fresh ingredients, natural flavors shine through and leave diners raving over the food at this lovely little restaurant.  

 

It’s easy to put together your own fall getaway itinerary – just browse the insider’s guide on our site for any sort of activity. The Capital-Saratoga Region is steeped in history, agritourism, craft beverage destinations, small and large festivals, and outdoor adventure.