Top 20 Places to Take Kids in New York's Capital District 2019

One of the area's premier nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening the foundations of our community.

Of course, the libraries in the Capital District area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them #3 in best places to take kids this year!

Thacher State Park is situated along the Helderberg Escarpment, and offers scenic views, over 25 miles of trails, a beautiful new Visitor Center, a campground on Thompson’s Lake, and Thacher Nature Center. Programs for the public and school groups are offered year-round. Thacher Nature Center exhibits and displays include a geologic model of the Helderberg Escarpment, a live honeybee observation hive, a bird viewing area, live turtles, fossils, furs and other hands-on collections.

New York's most exciting theme park!

We are a family owned farm committed to local agriculture and growing the best apples in the area!

Widely regarded as THE family-friendly learning center in the Capital District -- not least because entrance to its exhibit halls and most of its family programming are FREE. History and Science blend here, with many permanent and traveling exhibits. 

miSci is the Capital Region's premier science museum -- presenting dynamic exhibits, hands-on STEAM learning, and engaging programs and events for all ages. Featuring more than five changing exhibits each year, interactive galleries, a state-of-the-art planetarium, Challenger Learning Center, and the Dudley Observatory, miSci offers stimulating "edu-tainment" for the entire family. Explore scientific concepts together in a fun and creative learning environment; send your budding scientist or engineer a class during school break; attend a Family Day event and discover the science behind pop culture phenomena; see the universe at the planetarium or observatory; even become an astronaut on a simulated space mission... Celebrate all the wonders of science at miSci today! www.miSci.org

The Capital District's premier authentic amusement park, located in Latham. After the Hoffmans announced their retirement in 2014, the park was saved from extinction and was purchased by Huck Finn's Warehouse, which relocated the facility to the intersection of I90 and Route 787. It re-opened in 2015.

For more than 90 years, the JCC has inspired people to live healthier, more active lives, motivated individuals to pursue & expand their interests, & worked with youth to develop skills & build self esteem. Regardless of your age, faith & background, you’re welcome here. So please stop by for a tour of the Schenectady JCC. We look forward to serving you.

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is a living museum comprising over 450 acres of fields, forests, and wetlands. Five Rivers offers people of all ages a rich variety of guided and self-guided tours. The interpretive programs and guided school lessons promote awareness, knowledge and appreciation of New York State's environment year 'round. With over 10 miles of trails for exploration, Five Rivers fosters discovery, spiritual refreshment and physical fitness through wholesome outdoor recreation. 

Plan a visit to Ellms Family Farm this Fall!  Discover corn maze fun for young and old, pumpkin patches for pick-your-own-pumpkins, and old-fashioned activities for Fall family fun for Saratoga Springs, Albany, Clifton Park and Upstate NY!  Wonderful outdoor fun that includes a unique challenge course and awesome apple cider donuts will create memories and family traditions when you visit Ellms Family Farm. Birthday parties are available on the farm in the fall: book early to ensure a very special celebration.

Minor League Baseball (Class A Affiliate of the Houston Astros)

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (CMAS) offers two floors of hands-on, play based exhibits that mirror the Saratoga community, providing a space where children can interact, explore and imagine their world together through play! CMAS also provides year round programming for families, school groups, and community organizations that are inquiry based and promote early childhood development skills.

One of the area's premier nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening the foundations of our community.

The Capital Region’s destination for BIG Broadway, cutting-edge film, exciting special events, and everything in between.

Thacher State Park is situated along the Helderberg Escarpment, and offers scenic views, over 25 miles of trails, a beautiful new Visitor Center, a campground on Thompson’s Lake, and Thacher Nature Center. Programs for the public and school groups are offered year-round. Thacher Nature Center exhibits and displays include a geologic model of the Helderberg Escarpment, a live honeybee observation hive, a bird viewing area, live turtles, fossils, furs and other hands-on collections.

FunPlex Fun Park has fun for adventure-seekers of all ages: Miniature golf, batting cages, go-karts, bungee trampoline, bumper boats,spider mountain, rock wall, water wars, and more! 

The Albany Institute is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and promoting interest in the history, art, and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson