7 Things To Do in Albany Before Summer Ends
Summer's not over yet! Fall may be right around the corner, but there’s still plenty of summer fun to be had in Albany County.
Discover unique nature finds, soar on a zipline, ride a Ferris wheel, kayak the Hudson River, or just relax and dine on a patio on a warm summer evening. Read on for 7 things to do before the end of summer in Albany County.
1. Albany Nature Bus
Don’t let summer slip away without checking out some of the unique nature gems that Albany County has to offer. Go on an adventure with the free Albany Nature Bus service provided by CDTA and Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy. Take the bus to explore the Pine Bush Preserve and meet the rare plants and animals that call the Pine Bush their home. Find yourself surrounded by trees on a hike through Fisher Trail. Or take in the captivating views along the Helderberg Escarpment at Thacher Park. There’s no limit to amazing outdoor adventures you can travel to for free along the Nature Bus route this summer!
2. Wildplay Elements Park
This summer don't miss your chance to soar above the trees at Wildplay Elements Park. Located on the grounds of John Boyd Thacher State Park, Wildplay offers an exciting array of adventure courses. Take on everything from log ladders, to ziplines, to cargo nets, rope swings, tightropes and more. The park offers a completely safe way to take on the most daring of adventures.
3. Altamont Fair
Savor the end of summer with the taste of fried dough, funnel cake and fried Oreos underneath the flashing bright lights of the Midway at the Altamont Fairgrounds. For over 130 years, the Altamont Fair has been a tradition in Albany County. Jam to live music, view antique farm machinery, get your thrills on carnival rides, dazzle at a shark show and circus, and try your hand at exciting games. The Altamont Fair runs from August 18 to August 23, 2026.
4. Huck Finn's Playland
Spend your last few weeks of summer indulging in classic theme park fun with the family! Huck Finn's Playland, originally owned as Hoffman's Playland, has been a staple outdoor amusement park for over 70 years. The summer season is remiss without a spin on the Tilt-a-Whirl, a ride down The Fun Slide, or a trip up in the Ferris Wheel.
5. Catch A Movie Under the Stars
There's nothing quite like an outdoor movie on a warm summer night and Albany County has options running right into the last weeks of the season! The Downtown Albany BID and Bee Side Cassettes bring local musicians together to perform live, reimagined scores to films at their Live Score Movie Nights on August 14 and August 28 at Clinton Market Collective. At the Palace Theatre, the Summer in the City Free Family Movies series runs through September 1 with a weekly lineup of kid-friendly favorites on the big screen. Love Albany's Movies Under the Stars wraps up its 2026 season on August 21 at Ridgefield Park with pre-show games starting at 6:30 PM and the movie following at sunset. The New York State Office of General Services closes out the season with Capitol Park After Dark, a free Wednesday night series of classic films on the lawn of West Capitol Park.
6. Get Out on the Water
Summer cruises and trips to any body of water are always a great way to soak up the season. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the water during the hot summer days in Albany County and beyond. Cruise along the historic Hudson River and enjoy the sights aboard a relaxing Dutch Apple Cruise.
If you'd rather set out on your own, there are plenty of places in the county to rent or bring your own kayak or boat. Kayak on the Hudson River from the Corning Preserve Boat Launch or head out to the beautiful Thompson's Lake to paddle the day away with beautiful mountain views. Scroll through our blog on Top Spots to Kayak in Albany County for the best locations!
For swimming pools, spray pads, and more ways to cool off during the hot end of summer days, check out our blog on Where to Cool Off in Albany County.
7. Enjoy Outdoor Summer Dining
There’s nothing better to end a summer day with than an evening under the stars. There are plenty of charming patios to enjoy dinner al fresco in the Albany area!
Soak up the sun at the City Beer Hall while enjoying pizza, beer, or even brunch! The garden patio at Olde English Pub and Pantry is another great spot for a late summer meal. Enjoy their seasonal menu of delicious British pub food for brunch, lunch, or dinner and relax listening to live music on select nights. Common Roots Brewing Company's Albany Outpost also offers an outdoor space to relax and enjoy your meal while enjoying the public murals surrounding Quackenbush Square. Head to the warehouse district for The Copper Crow, where a spacious street-side deck sets the scene for craft cocktails and globally inspired small plates. And in Center Square, Dove + Deer's patio is a neighborhood favorite for pub fare with a crafted twist, tucked into a restored brownstone.
For a sweet end to your summer, head over to Emack and Bolio's for a hand-crafted ice cream dessert. The patio is a lovely spot to be during summer weekends as the ice cream shop hosts live music Friday through Sunday.
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