Located in Rome, NY, this reconstructed fort from the Revolutionary war is an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family, and is suitable for children ages 3 and older. Visitors can watch recreations of fort life during the period, and there is a program for Junior Rangers that teaches children about working in the National Park Service. A trip to the fort should be of particular interest to children learning about the Revolutionary war. Entrance to the fort is free.
A popular museum for all the family is the Children's Museum in Saratoga Springs. The museum specializes in interactive activities and areas for imaginative play, such as a café and post office, a bank and a very popular fire truck. There are also Legos, wood blocks and other types of construction toys. The museum provides a lot of additional activities, many of which are free. Families are advised to check the museum website for days when admission is half price, usually once a month. As of 2011, admission is $6 per person.
Elizabethtown offers two places to take children. One is Point au Roche state park. The park has a nature center, sandy beach and hiking trails; in the winter the trails are for snowshoeing and skiing. In warmer weather, the park is an excellent picnic spot. There is no entrance fee between Columbus Day and Memorial Day. Nearby Ausable Chasm is a natural water park with a dramatic gorge and interesting rock formations. One of the highlights of a visit is a flume experience along two miles of white water. Entrance costs in 2011 range from $9 to $16, depending on age.
A popular amusement park set in 140 acres in Queensbury combines a theme park with a water park: the Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom Fun Park. Rides range from the mildly thrilling to the hair-raising and there are shows to watch. Characters roam around, such as Batman, that appeal to younger children. A visit to a theme park often becomes an expensive day out, but families can find discount coupons on-line.
This impressive ice center is located in Lake Placid. Ice skating is always a popular activity, but this center offers four different rinks and a small museum with exhibits from the Lake Placid Olympics of 1932 and 1980. Lake Placid Ice Arenas is where the ice professionals practice, including the U.S. hockey team and the figure skating champions, so there is the possibility of spotting a sport celebrity.
