As parents, it can be tough to find fresh and fun activities to entertain the kids. Thankfully, Albany is a city that has a wealth of kid friendly attractions, as well as new family friendly events each month. If you're stumped on what to do next, or just want to get out and about, look no further. We'll break down all Albany has to offer your family!
Albany's rich history as the Capital City provides the area with many historical resources, like all the historical homes and sites in the region. If you've never visited any of our sites like Crailo Historic Site, Schuyler Mansion, Historic Cherry Hill or the Shaker Heritage Society, each of these locations offer family friendly activities oftentimes including re-enactments and historically accurate family activities. It's a lot of fun, and while they may not realize it, the kids are learning some history at the same time!
We couldn't talk about Albany history without mentioning our museums! The New York State Museum is a hot spot for families to visit, and it's hard for a child not to have a good time when they get to see dinosaur bones AND woolly mammoths on the same day. The New York State Museum also has many events tailored specifically with kids in mind,such as craft projects, storytelling, and much more, in addition to all their ongoing exhibits and kids section!
The Albany Institute of History & Art also has a creative program made just for kids called 'Tute for Tots, which allows parents and kids to explore the galleries and create some art themselves. Be sure to check out the different projet themes! We also can't talk about museums without mentioning the Children's Museum of Science and Technology in nearby Troy. This science center is the perfect place for parents and children to explore the world of science together with many exciting hands on exhibits!
You can also pay us a visit at the Albany Visitors Center, and explore our exhibit on the history of Albany, which explores our Dutch heritage and how Albany became the city we all know it as today. Or head to the Henry Hudson Planetarium and enjoy one of the star shows offered.
If you're looking for something more active, Albany has many beautiful parks and nature preserves to explore. Washington Park is a great place to bring the family pet to make some friends, or just have the kids play on one of the playgrounds. Or maybe consider taking the family out for a bike ride on the Mohawk Hudson Bike trail and follow along the Hudson River. If you're looking to meet the local wildlife, the Albany Pine Bush offers walks and other activities such as their 'Birds Take Flight' event in the past, where you can go on an adventure with the science team as they capture and band birds for research!
These are only a few of the great family friendly options available to you in the Capital Region, if you're looking for more, head to our events calendar, which you can sort by the 'Family Friendly' category to see everything Albany has to offer!
