If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Albany, New York, you’ve come to the right place. This city is home to the Empire State Plaza, complete with a reflecting pool, underground shopping concourse, and performing arts center. The 18th century New York State Capitol and New York State Museum, with its focus on natural history, are two other highlights in the city. In addition to museums, Albany is home to the famous Hudson River School.
Lark Street Village
If you are looking for fun things to do with kids in Albany, New York, you can try Lark Street Village. This area is filled with art and culture. There are many places to eat and shops to browse, as well as the Washington Avenue Armory. The Upstate Artists Guild is currently working to add more artist studios and galleries in downtown Albany and Troy. Many historic apartment buildings have been converted into galleries and artist studios. There are also 1st Friday events hosted by the Upstate Artists Guild.
The Center for the Performing Arts is located in Albany. Here you can find ballet, theater, and film productions. You can also visit the Albany Medical Center. If you want to spend a day with the arts, there are many attractions that are great for families. The New York Theatre Ballet will perform Cinderella in April, so you can take your family to a ballet.
The Lark Street BID is also an excellent place to support local businesses. They also host fun community events that kids will love. If you are looking for fun things to do with kids in Albany, NY, this is the place to be! There is something to interest kids of all ages in Lark Street Village. You can even take them to see the local art galleries.
Huck Finn’s Playland
If you are looking for something to do with your kids in Albany, New York, consider a trip to Huck Finn’s Playland. This new amusement park opened in 2015, and it offers many rides that are popular at Hoffman’s Playland. This amusement park is great for families to visit for a day, or you can go back and spend an evening on the rides with the family.
The new name for Hoffman’s Playland is fitting, as the park’s mission is to foster joy and education in children. It also helps the local economy by creating a new job for local youth. Hoffman’s Playland closed in 2015, affecting 150 seasonal jobs. The new park aims to recreate those positions and teach job skills to youth from Albany.
While you are in Albany, you might want to check out the Capital Repertory Theatre, a professional regional theater. This theater is located on North Pearl Street and has a seating capacity of 286. It is the only theater in Albany’s Capital District. The theater was established in 1981, and is housed in a former supermarket called Grand Cash Market. Volunteers have transformed the space into a comfortable and inviting theatre. You might even find a costume-making shop.
Other fun things to do with kids in Albany, NY include the State Museum, the Pine Bush Preserve, and Crossgates Mall. The mall is home to multiple restaurants, bowling alleys, and even an escape room. In addition to shopping and entertainment, Albany is also a cultural hub, with places like the Palace Theater and Times Union Center to watch concerts.
Empire State Plaza
If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Albany, New York, consider a visit to the Times Union Center. This indoor arena, originally called Knickerbocker Arena, seats 15,500 for sporting events. The center also features 25 luxury suites in the top level of the inner bowl. It’s home to the Albany Devils, of the American Hockey League, and the men’s basketball team of Siena College. It also hosts tennis and wrestling tournaments and other events, including concerts.
You can take the kids to the Albany Indoor Rock Gym, where they can climb and explore an underground cave system. There’s a zip line, too, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The Albany Indoor Rock Gym offers 62 activities for families, including zip lines, go-kart racing, and mini golf. In addition to the city’s popular attractions, the area also boasts a fun-filled indoor playground, FunPlex, and the Albany Zoo.
If you’re looking for more exciting things to do with kids in Albany, New York, you can visit the New York State Education Building. Just across from the Empire State Plaza, it features free guided tours every second Saturday. Take in the historic Chancellors Hall and the Regents Room as well as the Rotunda, which features murals painted by Albany native Will H. Low.
Hudson River School paintings
You can visit the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, NY. The Hudson River School of landscape art was founded here, and it features guided tours of the house and its studio. You can also view special exhibits and go on a tour of the famous artist’s home. The museum also offers fun things to do with kids in Albany, NY. Visiting the Thomas Cole National Historic Site is a great way to learn about the artist’s life and work.
If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Albany, try the museum’s new 3D digital tour. It features 90 works by the famed Hudson River School. Explore these works and learn about the history of the movement’s influence on the American landscape. The museum offers tours of the Institute’s exhibition, “The Hudson River School: Landscape Paintings From the Albany Institute.” The museum offers guided tours that help visitors understand and appreciate the work of these artists.
You can also visit the Albany Museum, the oldest museum in North America. The museum houses a fantastic collection of paintings, clothing, silver, photographs, and more. The museum also celebrates the role of the Upper Hudson Valley in American history. A quick stop at the Albany Museum is a great way to get a taste of the history and culture of Albany. With so much to see, the museum is a great place to spend the day with the family.
Lark Street
For a family outing that will keep the kids entertained and learning, consider spending some time exploring Lark Street. Albany has been referred to as the “Greenwich Village of the Capital Region” because of the blend of cobblestone streets and brownstone residences. A stroll down Lark is a must-do in Albany, and you can check out all the great stores and restaurants. The streets are also the home of Larkfest, the largest one-day street festival in New York. The festival features two stages of live music, as well as non-stop family activities in the Family Zone.
While Albany has numerous attractions and activities for families, Lark Street needs a revitalization that incorporates community building and attracts more local businesses. The Social Justice Center needs to move into the street level, and vacant lots could become public gardens or a summer camp. Existing businesses could also chip in and participate in a public art show. The newcomers to Lark Street are sure to have fun while visiting the capital city.
The area around Lark Street is changing. Some landlords are shortsighted, and their prices are going up. Other businesses have closed, such as Ben & Jerry’s. If these businesses close, then the entire neighborhood will be a worse place. And the rents are sky-high! A farmer’s market could be held outside under canopies. Rather than parking cars in the downtown parking garage, families could walk through Townsend Park instead.
Ten Broeck Mansion
You can explore the history of the city while spending some quality time at the Ten Broeck Mansion. Built in 1797, this mansion was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. At the same time, its neighboring neighborhood, the Arbor Hill Historic District – Ten Broeck Triangle, was listed on the Register. As a result, it has many historical sites to see and do.
The house was once a private residence for prominent Albany figures like Thomas Worth Olcott and General Abraham Ten Broeck. Today, it is a historic house museum highlighting the lives of the people who lived here and the history of the city. It has a basement, Greek Revival architecture, and beautiful gardens in the summer. The docents are happy to help visitors explore the history of the building.
Taking a tour of the historic house is an enjoyable experience for all ages. The museum is free for children and adults. During the summer, the museum hosts alternate Friday programs that include music. Kids will love the garden and the shop. They’ll love all of the different artifacts on display. Ten Broeck Mansion is located at 9 Ten Broeck Place.
