Looking for free ways to enjoy all that Albany County has to offer this summer? Whether you live in the area or are just visiting for the first time, Albany County offers countless fun things to do without breaking the bank. From ways to soak up the sun and enjoy an outdoor adventure, to free admission at the county's top attractions, scroll on for six budget-friendly ways to spend a day in Albany County this summer!  

• 1. Go Chasing Waterfalls
• 2. Outdoor Adventures
• 3. Parks and Spray Pads
• 4. Galleries & Museums
• 5. Albany Nature Bus
• 6. Empire State Plaza and Capitol Building Tours 

1. Go Chasing Waterfalls  

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by DroneShot.Media (@droneshot.media)

Summer is the perfect time to take in Albany County's stunning waterfalls! Did you know that Cohoes is home to the second largest waterfall in New York State? Visit Falls View Park this summer to admire Cohoes Falls, spanning 1,000 feet across and 90 feet high.

Hike across the Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville to marvel at the Rensselaerville Falls, or head over to the Heldeberg Hilltowns to explore Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy's Wolf Creek Falls Preserve. Thacher Park in Voorheesville is home to the iconic Indian Ladder Trail which boasts two cascading waterfalls. Note that Thacher Park charges a $6 vehicle entrance fee, which provides access to the entire park. Skip the parking fee by boarding the Albany Nature Bus to Thacher Park, running each Saturday! 

Discover more free ways to chase waterfalls in Albany County this summer with our blog below! 

Back to Top

2. Embark on an Outdoor Adventure 

Bask in beautiful summer weather by enjoying a free outdoor adventure this summer! Work your way through completing Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy's 22 Preserve Challenge. Happening all year-round, visit each of the conservancy's free, 22 preserves and receive a Preserve Challenge Finisher sticker. 

Beyond the MHLC preserves, immerse yourself in nature with Albany's variety of hiking spots. Explore the unique ecosystem of the Pine Bush Preserve or hike through the Pine Hollow Arboretum, a living tree museum. Scroll through our blog below to check out 10 of Albany's hiking locations.

There are also plenty of places to pedal the day away in Albany County. From the Albany County Heldeberg Hudson Rail Trail to the Erie Canalway Trail, explore our blog post below for the best bicycling trails in Albany. Bonus: For just 8 cents per minute, rent a bicycle through CDPHP Cycle! driven by CDTA. Bikes are available at Cycle! racks throughout the county.

Back to Top

3. Relax at Albany's Parks; Kids Can Cool Off at the Spray Pads 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by City of Albany Dept. of Recreation (@albanynyrec)

Take a trip to one of Albany County's parks and spend a lovely and peaceful summer day. From picnic tables to hiking trails to playgrounds and spray pads, there are plenty of fun and free ways to enjoy your day. Learn more about Albany's parks below, and scroll through some blogs to help inspire your visit.

Back to Top

4. Visit Albany's Galleries & Museums   

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Albany Center Gallery (@albanycentergallery)

Spend a summer's day in one of Albany's free-admission galleries or museums. Take a trip to the Albany Center Gallery and explore rotating exhibits by regional, contemporary artists. Or wander the halls of the New York State Museum and uncover an extensive New York State history. Find modern art installations at the Empire State Plaza Art Collection, considered the most important state collection of modern art in the country. Take a guided tour of the collection during a free Empire State Plaza Summer Tour every weekday. 

Back to Top

5. Hop on the Albany Nature Bus 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (@mohawkhudsonland)

Hop aboard the free Nature Bus for an easy escape into nature every summer Saturday. Offered in partnership between the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy and CDTA, the bus runs through October 5. Travel to Albany's popular outdoor spots including Fiver Rivers Environmental Education Center, Thacher Park, and Six Mile Waterworks at the Pine Bush Preserve. Make sure to check out the Nature Bus schedule for free programming most weekends! 

Back to Top

6. Take a Free Tour of the Empire State Plaza & Capitol Building  

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Empire State Plaza (@plazaevents)

Don't miss these must-see Albany attractions offering free tours all summer long!

Stop by for an Empire State Plaza Summer Tour every weekday at 1 PM. The outdoor walking tour will guide you through Empire State Plaza's modern architecture, memorials, and the Empire State Plaza Art Collection. For an extra fun afternoon, visit the Plaza on a Wednesday. The weekly Lunchtime at the Plaza offers food trucks, live music, and a farmers market.

While in the area, be sure to visit the Corning Tower Observation Deck. This iconic building of Albany's skyline is known as the tallest building in the state outside of New York City. Views from the Observation Deck span from large portions of the capital city all the way to the foothills of the Adirondacks and the Berkshires of Massachusetts.

While in the capital city, you can't miss a visit to the New York State Capitol Building. Free tours of the historic site are offered multiple times each weekday. Plus, through the end of August, the Capitol is opening its doors for Summer Friday Evening Tours at 5:30 PM. Wander the halls of this breathtaking building. View the Million Dollar Staircase and intricate portrait carvings including the recently added Ruth Bader Ginsburg portrait. Walk through the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governors Reception Room and more to learn how this landmark building played a pivotal role in turning points of New York State history. 

Back to Top

Explore More Free & Low-Cost Happenings This Summer