Explore the Top Summer Staycation Ideas in Albany, NY (2024)

No time for a full vacation? Stay close to home and explore Albany, NY, and the Capital Region for the ultimate staycation! From shopping and sports to shows and outdoor activities, you'll find everything you need. Keep reading for our top summer staycation ideas in Albany, and start preparing for your local adventure.

Get adventurous during your staycation at WildPlay Thacher, an exciting outdoor park in Voorheesville, nestled within Thacher State Park. WildPlay Thacher offers a variety of courses including a classic course, an extreme course, a kids course, and the thrilling "What’s To Fear Jump," a 40-foot plunge from the treetops.

Past adventurers have spoken highly of their experiences, particularly praising the welcoming staff and the well-maintained equipment. These aspects contributed to their feelings of safety and security.

After getting your adrenaline fix, discover Thacher State Park with a hike through the woods or enjoy a picnic with scenic views.

WildPlay is open from May to November, so be sure to check their website for ticket information and summer hours.

Ride on the Waters With Dutch Apple Cruises and Tours

Explore Albany from a fresh perspective on the water with Dutch Apple Cruises. Offering public sightseeing cruises on the Hudson River, this company provides a memorable journey with spectacular views.

Customers can also book private cruises for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, reunions, graduations, showers, company outings, class trips, and more. Visitors often highlight the friendly staff and the delicious food and drinks onboard.

One Google reviewer shared, “Beautiful unique opportunity to see the river and hear some great stories and history! Very helpful and nice crew. Hidden gem here!! Jump on the river and see this part of NY from a new point of view!”

Consider taking advantage of their land tours too, which are personalized walking tours of downtown Albany. On these tours, you can check out the NYS Capitol, NYS Museum, Empire State Plaza, the Albany Institute of History and Art, the Governor's Mansion, and the Albany City Hall.

Catch a Ballgame With the Tri-City Valleycats

Calling all sports lovers! Don't miss out on the Tri-City ValleyCats baseball team at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy.

As part of the Frontier League, an official partner league of MLB, they bring thrilling games and exciting promotions to each event. From merchandise giveaways to post-game fireworks shows, every game day is packed with excitement.

Catch the ValleyCats in action until their final home game later this summer, complete with a spectacular fireworks display. Head to their website for the full schedule of home games and upcoming special events.

Shop Your Heart Out at Crossgates Mall

Whether it's too hot to be outside or a rainy day, Crossgates Mall in Albany is the ideal place to spend your afternoon. With over 180 retail stores like Macy’s, Apple, Designer Shoe Warehouse, and Urban Outfitters, there's something for everyone.

Crossgates Mall offers more than just shopping. Indulge in a variety of dining options, from the food court to a wide selection of delicious restaurants.

For entertainment, enjoy the fun-filled arcades, catch the latest movies at the Regal theater, or visit family-friendly attractions like Billy Beez and Build-A-Bear.

You’ll also find unique experiences like 5 Wits Albany, where you can immerse yourself in interactive adventures, Apex Entertainment for bowling and other fun activities, and Albany Funny Bone for a great night of comedy.

Spend the Day Shopping at Stuyvesant Plaza

Discover a shopper's paradise just around the corner from Crossgates Mall at Stuyvesant Plaza, boasting over 60 shops and restaurants.

Visit favorites like Circles, Josie's Table, Jean Paul Spa, Primal: Your Local Butcher, Bountiful Bread, Talbots, The Book House, BARE, and Lola Saratoga among others. With such a variety, you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained for hours.

Stuyvesant Plaza also offers a new attraction, The Lawn! Situated in the heart of the plaza, this 3,000-square-foot turf area is perfect for relaxing and enjoying community events like live music, story hours, and fitness classes.

Feel All the Feels While Watching a Show

Make plans for some live entertainment during your summer staycation. Dive into the vibrant performing arts scene with Playhouse Stage Company, which offers free showings of plays and musicals. Or, become part of the performance itself with The Dinner Detective, an interactive murder mystery dinner theater show.

This summer, Playhouse Stage Company presents "The Marvelous Wonderettes" from June 18th to July 14th. Attendees have the option of free seating on the lawn or paid seating in the Washington Park amphitheater.

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages into the theater, and Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream will also be selling concessions.

Additionally, The Dinner Detective offers interactive shows on select dates that promise a fun time for all.

Visitors rave about the energetic staff, with one Google reviewer sharing, “This was so much fun! The actors were great and so into it. They kept us guessing. Food and service were excellent.”

Golf, Ride, and Bounce at Funplex Funpark

Got kids? Treat them to an unforgettable day at Funplex Funpark. Nestled in East Greenbush, this amusem*nt destination offers a variety of activities sure to delight every child.

Race around on go-karts, test your skills at mini golf, conquer the climbing wall, swing away in the batting cages, and more.

Funplex Funpark is open seven days a week from April to October, making it the perfect summer activity for your family staycation. The park is “a nice little getaway for a few hours that’s fun and genuine.”

Enjoy Free Live Concerts Across the Capital Region

Immerse yourself in the lively music scene that spans the entire summer across the Capital Region. Start your Thursdays off right with Alive at Five in Albany, where you can groove to diverse musical acts at Jennings Landing. Each week features a different theme, like Pride Night and Funk Night.

On select Wednesdays, head to downtown Troy for Rockin’ on the River, where you can relax by the Hudson River and enjoy a lineup of talented performers from various genres.

Or, visit Freedom Park in Scotia for free summer concerts that are fun for family outings or a casual evening with friends. These events promise outstanding musical experiences that celebrate the spirit of the community.

Learn Some History at a Museum

The Albany area boasts a variety of fascinating museums to visit this summer. Immerse yourself into the rich history of New York State at the New York State Museum, where you can learn all about the state's past and the Capitol.

Don't miss the Underground Railroad Education Center, offering an enlightening look into a pivotal part of U.S. history. Or, head over to the USS Slater on the Hudson River, a historic World War II destroyer escort turned museum. Walk the ship's decks and get a glimpse into the life of a sailor during the war.

If you're up for a day trip, drive 1.5 hours to Cooperstown and visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. This iconic destination is a must-see for every baseball fan, offering a treasure trove of memorabilia and history. Highly rated and loved by visitors, it's a place where you can immerse yourself in the legacy of America's favorite pastime.

Sip on Some Locally Made Craft Beverages

For the 21 and over staycationers, embark on craft beverage tastings that promise a delightful journey through the flavors of the Capital Region, making every sip an adventure to remember.

Check out Nine Pin Ciderworks right in Albany, offering mainly ciders as well as local beers and specialty co*cktails. Customers love the cider flights, with unique flavors sure to excite your taste buds.

For beer fans, there's an expanding local craft brewery scene to explore, with standout breweries like Common Roots Albany, Fidens Brewery Company, Fort Orange Brewing Company, and numerous others that offer everything from sours and IPAs to strong stouts and seasonal options.

If you’re looking for a winery, consider a trip toAltamont Vineyard and Winery, with a wide selection of wines to try in their tasting room. The cozy atmosphere inside and the picturesque views outside create the perfect setting for memorable moments.

Get Into Nature at a Park

Finally, one of the easiest and most relaxing summer activities is spending time at a nearby park. Albany offers a variety of parks with hiking trails, playgrounds, and other family-friendly activities.

You can choose one of the smaller local parks or check out one of the larger New York State parks in the Capital Region.

Consider Buckingham Lake Park, Washington Park, Six Mile Waterworks Park, Ridgefield Park, and Woodlawn Park for some outdoor fun.

As you can see, there are plenty of options for filling a summer staycation in the area. Spend a day or week this summer exploring all the unique aspects of the Albany area!

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