Best Places to Visit in Albany, NY
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Albany, NY with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Albany, NY sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Albany, NY that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Albany, NY whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
Albany Institute of History & Art
Albany, NY
Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art is one of the oldest museums in the United States. It also is the major repository for the region’s heritage, with nationally significant collections. The museum shop is open during regular museum hours and offers a selection of items that reflects current exhibitions, items from the collections, and the work of local artists and craftspeople.
New York State Museum
Albany, NY
The New York State Museum is a center of art, science, and history dedicated to exploring the human and natural history of the state. Established in 1836, it is the oldest and largest state museum in the country. From its beginning, the Museum has been home to some of the nation’s leading scientists, including the founders of American paleontology, ethnology, botany and mycology. Its collections rank among the finest in many fields and total more than 16 million scientific specimens and one million cultural objects.
John Boyd Thacher State Park
Voorheesville, NY
Thacher State Park is situated along the Helderberg Escarpment, one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. Even as it safeguards six miles of limestone cliff-face, rock-strewn slopes, woodland and open fields, the park provides a marvelous panorama of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. The park has volleyball courts, playgrounds, ball fields and numerous picnic areas with nine reservable shelters. Interpretive programs are offered year-round, including guided tours of the famous Indian Ladder Trail. There are over 25 additional miles of trails for summer hiking and mountain biking, and winter cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and snowmobiling. Camping is available at this park at Thompson’s Lake Campground, which features 140 campsites with options of private wooded sites and open, adjacent sites.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Albany, NY
Shaker Heritage Society
Albany, NY
The Shaker Heritage Society is a non-profit organization that offers award-winning educational programming about the Shakers, their innovative spirit and their influence on American culture. The Society is actively concerned with preserving the integrity of the Watervliet Shaker National Historic District, site of America’s first Shaker settlement. Shaker Heritage Society offers a wide variety of programs and events throughout the year. They offer three craft fairs annually that provide essential revenues for the Society and support local small business owners. These craft fairs have been running for over 20 years.
Children’s Museum of Science and Technology
Troy, NY
Chartered by the Board of Regents on behalf of the NYS Education Department in 1954, the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) is the Region’s only science center designed specifically for children. CMOST provides an engaging, child-directed learning environment which enables children to learn and grow through play. Designed for children ages 18 months through the tween years, the Museum enables children to investigate, observe, analyze, and build in a pressure-free environment by pairing innovative educational tools and techniques with engaging exhibits and facilitated programming to support active learning.
Schuyler Mansion
Albany, NY
Schuyler Mansion was home to Philip J. Schuyler, the renowned Revolutionary War general, US Senator, and business entrepreneur. Originally situated on an 80-acre tract of land, the grounds once included an orchard, a formal garden, and a working farm. Throughout the Schuyler family occupancy from 1763-1804, the mansion was the site of military strategizing, political hobnobbing, elegant social affairs, and an active family life. Today, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the mansion as well as an orientation exhibition in the Visitor Center focusing on Philip Schuyler’s life. Temporary exhibitions and public programs are scheduled year-round.
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Delmar, NY
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is a living museum comprising over 450 acres of fields, forests, and wetlands. Five Rivers offers people of all ages a rich variety of guided and self-guided tours. The interpretive programs and guided school lessons promote awareness, knowledge and appreciation of New York State’s environment year ’round. With over 10 miles of trails for exploration, Five Rivers fosters discovery, spiritual refreshment and physical fitness through wholesome outdoor recreation.
USS Slater
Albany, NY
During World War II, 563 Destroyer Escorts battled Nazi U-boats on the North Atlantic protecting convoys of men and material. In the Pacific they stood in line to defend naval task forces from Japanese submarines and Kamikaze air attacks. Today, only one of these ships remains afloat in the United States, the USS SLATER. The USS SLATER has undergone an extensive restoration that has returned the ship to her former glory. The museum offers hour-long guided tours, youth group overnight camping, and a historic location to hold naval reunions.
The Crossings of Colonie
Loudonville, NY
Whether you are a town resident looking for an extraordinary setting in which to walk, bike, fly a kite or enjoy a relaxing picnic with friends or family, or a local company seeking a tranquil, yet convenient location to hold an important business meeting, The Crossings of Colonie has it all. The 130 acre passive park features a pond, acres of meadows, marshy wetlands and extensive wooded and wildflower areas, all of which are connected by 6.5 miles of multiuse trails for walking, running, biking and in-line skating that wind across the natural landscape.
Not find what your looking for? Try one of these other cities. Buffalo, New York, Rochester, Syracuse.
