Families can go to the Henry Hudson Planetarium (no website; 25 Quackenbush Square; Albany; 518-434-0405), which features star shows once a month throughout the year in 2011. The interactive star shows feature "Children's Shows," suitable for families with children ages 3 to 7, and "Albany Star Lighting," for children ages 8 and older.
Visit the New York State Museum (nysm.nysed.gov), where you can ride a carousel and tour the museum for free. With dozens of new exhibitions each year, covering a wide range of subjects, from science to history, each visit to the museum will never be the same. Parents and children from preschool through 8th grade can look at bugs through a microscope, play computer games and read books in the museum's "Discovery Place."
Capital Repertory Theatre (capitalrep.org) is Albany's award-winning professional theater company where families can watch live performances. Performances for families have included a stage adaptation of the movie "A Christmas Story" and the adventurous show "Shipwrecked."
Live performance for families take place in the Palace Theatre (palacetheatreonbroadway.com), a cultural and entertainment facility open since 1931. Shows are produced throughout the year. In 2011, families can watch "The Magic of Bill Blagg Live," an interactive magic show, and during the holidays, the Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker." Tickets are available in person, online or by phone.
Families can play an 18-hole round of golf at the Capital Hills at Albany Golf Course (caphills.com). Open to residents and visitors, you can also practice your swing at the driving range, take lessons or attend clinics throughout the year for all skill levels. Clubs and carts may be rented, and breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant.
Other family recreational activities include ice skating in Swinburne Skating Rink (no website; 809 Clinton Ave.; Albany; 518-438-2406), an indoor facility open to residents daily from November through March, and swimming in seasonal pools, including Lower Lincoln Park Pool, Mater Christi Pool and Westland Hills Pool.
Families can attend annual events in Albany throughout the year. The "Port of Albany's Riverfront Jazz Festival," on its 10th year in 2011, is held in September and features musical performances, food and drinks, kids' activities and fireworks. In "Juneteenth," on its seventh year in June 2011, families can celebrate the day that symbolizes the end of slavery with music, educational information, and food and drinks. On its 16th year in 2011, the "Albany LatinFest" in August is an event where families celebrate the contributions of Hispanics to the cultural arts through Latin music, food, crafts and children's activities. In the "Last Run 5K," on its 15th year in December 2011, people of all ages can run and receive awards, win in random prize drawings and watch the fireworks.
