Albany County is a playground for the whole family! The region is full of kid-friendly attractions, interactive activities and fun destinations that will spark an appetite for exploration in your little ones. Kids of all ages will love to stretch their imagination, explore the outdoors and spend time with family at these attractions in Albany County!
USS Slater
All-aboard the USS Slater, the only World War II destroyer escort left afloat in the United States! Kids will love to step back in time to see, hear, smell and touch objects used by the men who lived and fought on board the ship. This Albany attraction has recently been named the #1 Thing To Do in Albany on TripAdvisor, so you know that is a must-visit site!
Tri-City ValleyCats
Splurge on a hot dog, or two, while enjoying America's favorite pastime. Your mini-sports fans will love cheering on the Tri-City ValleyCats, the Class A affiliate of the Houson Astros, at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. It's the perfect All-American family-friendly activity for a summer night! Plus, several home games conclude with a spectacular fireworks show that guarantees a memorable evening.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Explore the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, one of only twenty inland pine barrens left in the entire world. with your kids for some family-friendly outdoor fun. Little adventurers can try to catch a glimpse of the endangered Karner blue butterfly out on the trails, or experience interactive exhibits at the Discovery Center. Parents will love that admission to the Discover Center is free!
New York State Museum
School may almost be out for summer, but the learning never ends! Kids can put together a giant puzzle of a mastodon skeleton, examine fossils, build creations out of wooden blocks, gaze through a microscope, and more at the New York State Museum's Discovery Place. This hands-on learning center for young visitors inspires exploration and learning! Plus, don't forget to take your kids on a spin on a horse, deer, or donkey on the Carousel on the 4th Floor Terrace of the New York State Museum!
CMOST & miSci
If your little ones are more into tinkering, star gazing, science experiments and out-of-this-world experiences, spend a day immersed in scientific fun at the Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) in Troy or the Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci) in Schenectady. Both science museums offer kid-friendly hands-on activities that will completely banish boredom!
Crossgates Mall
Bring your kids to Crossgates Mall, the region's largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination, for a day full of smiles. Run, jump, bounce, slide and climb to adventure in the jungle-themed world of Billy Beez. Solve ancient puzzles in a Pharaoh's Tomb or unlock the medieval mysteries of Drago's Castle at 5 Wits, an escape room adventure. Strike up some fun at the bowling alley in Lucky Strike Social, or hit up arcade games in Dave & Buster's Million Dollar Midway to win tickets for prizes. The options for unforgettable family-friendly fun at Crossgates Mall are endless!
Albany Art Room
Do you have an aspiring artist in the family? Drop by the Albany Art Room to experiment with painting, drawing, print making, and more! All ages and levels of experience are welcome during open studio hours for only $8 per hour for each participant. Let your child's creativity fly and imagination soar!
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