There are many things for kids and families to do in Albany, New York. Activities ranging from visiting historic sites to hands-on museum fun to exploring a unique eco-system are available. Albany is the state capital of New York. It was originally settled by the Dutch in the mid 1600s, an influence that continues in modern times with regards to the names of streets and neighborhoods.
Much of the Albany area at one time was a part of "the vast landholding called the Manor or Patroonship of Rensselaerswyck." Crailo was at one time the home of Hendrick Van Rensselaer, grandson of the original patroon. This plantation was named after the original farm back in Europe; it has had many additions to the original house and many different uses, including being a boarding school for boys in the 1840s. Here it is possible to see what colonial Dutch life was like with artifacts found during geological digs at Albany's Fort Orange. Open Wednesday through Sunday, from mid April through October 31st, admission fees are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors/students. Children ages 12 and under are free. (Fees current as of March 2010.)
Crailo State Historic Site
9 1/2 Riverside Ave.
Rensselaer, NY
518-463-8738
nysparks.state.ny
If you are looking to get back to nature, there is the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. The Discovery Center is a fairly new interpretive center for kids to learn about this unique pine barren area, one of only 20 in the world. There are 18 miles of marked trails and it is advised that hikers bring a trail map along as well as water and any needed snack foods. The preserve is open all year long and admission is free.
Albany Pine Brush Preserve
195 New Karner Rd.
Albany, New York
518-456-0655
albanypinebush.org
Step back into WWII when you visit the USS Slater - DE766. This escort ship is the last one of its kind that protected supply ships in the North Atlantic from the Nazis as well as navel task forces in the pacific from Japanese submarines and Kamikaze air attacks. The ship is open for tours from April through October and can host overnight sleepovers for youth groups. Admission cost is $7 for adults (age 14 and over), $6 for seniors (65 and over), $5 for children (ages 6 to 14) and free for children age 5 and under. (Fees current as of March 2010.)
Destroyer Escort Historical Museum
141 Broadway
Albany, NY 12202
518-431-1943
ussslater.org
Kids can get up close and personal with the Hudson River at the Children's Museum of Science and Technology. With a 75-foot long replica of the watershed for the state of New York, families can learn how they effect the river. Kids can also get hands on at the planetarium, water works and learn about powering up--naturally. Located in Troy on the east side of the Hudson, families can easily spend hours here. Cost of admission is $5 per person over the age of 2, dome shows in the planetarium are $1 per person. (Fee current as of March 2010.)
Childrens Museum of Science and Technology
250 Jordan Rd.
Troy, New York
518-235-2120
cmost.com
When it is time for some indoor fun, families can go to Sunset Lanes in Albany. This bowling alley offers Cyber Bowling (neon colored balls, pins and decorations that are illuminated by black lights) as well as bumpers on 24 of the 41 lanes. For families looking to have a birthday party, there is a party room as well as an arcade. Call for more information regarding bowling fees and party rentals.
Sunset Lanes
1160 Central Ave.
Albany, New York
518-438-6404
bowlsunset.com
