The Egg is Albany’s premier performing arts center, located at Empire State Plaza, and hosts concerts, comedy, dance, and family shows year-round. Upcoming Egg Albany events include performers like Guster, Whitney Cummings, Los Lobos, Randy Travis, and a robust Family Circle series. Tickets can be purchased online at theegg.org or by calling the box office at 518-473-1845.

Upcoming Events at The Egg

The Egg Albany event schedule for 2026 and into 2027 is one of the strongest lineups the venue has put together in recent memory, and if you haven’t checked theegg.org lately, you’re probably missing something you’d actually want to see. The range is genuinely impressive — this is not a venue that does one thing and does it forever. On any given month you might see a legendary blues artist, a touring comedian, an indie rock show, and a Family Circle performance aimed squarely at kids, sometimes all in the same weekend. Here’s a taste of what’s coming up. Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers and Craig Finn of The Hold Steady share a bill on July 17th — that’s a co-headliner situation that music fans will absolutely not want to sleep on. Paula Poundstone brings her famously improvised comedy on July 25th. Guster plays an acoustic set on August 14th, which in that room is going to sound phenomenal. Randy Travis brings his More Life Tour on September 27th. Whitney Cummings is at The Egg September 20th. Los Lobos roll in October 23rd. Maria Bamford takes the stage November 13th, and Kathy Griffin follows November 20th. For movie lovers, there are two genuinely special events: Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert (40th Anniversary) on September 18th — which sold out and got a second date added on November 23rd — and Blade Runner LIVE on October 29th. The Blair Witch Project gets a screening with original cast members Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael C. Williams on November 1st, which is either the best Halloween-adjacent event you’ve ever heard of or the most terrifying date night option in the Capital Region. Your call. The Family Circle series runs on Saturday afternoons at 2pm and is specifically designed for younger audiences. The 2026-2027 lineup includes Albany Center Gallery (August 1), Veena & Devesh Chandra (September 5), Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (October 3), Vanaver Caravan (November 7), Good Karma Studio (December 5), Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY (February 6, 2027), Albany Symphony (March 6, 2027), and Barnhill Movement Collective (April 3, 2027). These afternoon shows are the sweet spot for families with kids who aren’t quite ready for an 8pm concert but absolutely deserve a real performing arts experience.

How to Buy Tickets

Buying tickets to The Egg Albany is pretty straightforward, and the venue gives you a few options depending on how you like to do things. The most current and reliable way is directly through the venue’s own website at theegg.org, where each event page links out to their ticketing partner Tixr. You can also call the box office at 518-473-1845 or visit in person. The administrative office number, if you need it for group bookings or other inquiries, is 518-473-1061. Here’s the insider tip that matters for families: some of the most popular shows at The Egg sell out faster than you’d expect for a venue this size. The first Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert date on September 18th, 2026 is already listed as Sold Out, and they had to add a second date. Robby Hoffman’s November 21st show also sold out, with a late show added at 9:30pm. If there’s something specific on the calendar that you’re planning around — especially a Family Circle event or a high-profile concert — buy early. Don’t do the thing where you tell yourself you’ll get tickets next week. The box office is located at The Egg itself, inside Empire State Plaza. Walk-up purchases are possible, but the website is your friend here for checking real-time availability and avoiding the scramble. You can also sign up for The Egg’s newsletter at their website to get announcements and presale access before the general public. For families who like to plan ahead — and honestly, with kids, you kind of have to — this is the move. Third-party sites like Live Nation also list some Hart Theatre events, which is useful if you already have tickets stored through that platform.

Hart Theatre and Swyer Theatre Seating

The Egg seating chart situation is one of the things that makes this venue so appealing for families, and it’s worth understanding before you buy. The building contains two distinct performance spaces: the Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre and the Lewis A. Swyer Theatre. They’re not the same venue — they have genuinely different feels, different capacities, and different best uses. The Hart Theatre is the main room, with a capacity of approximately 980 people. This is where most of the major concerts and larger comedy shows happen — your Gusters, your Los Lobos, your Whitney Cummings. It’s a traditional theater layout, which means it has real seats with good sightlines and actual acoustic design, not the standing-room crush of a general admission club. One fan who saw Graham Nash there put it simply: ‘Not a bad seat in the place.’ That lines up with what we’ve experienced. Even seats that look far back on the seating chart end up feeling close because of how the room is proportioned. For kids who need to actually see the performer — and not just the back of someone’s head — this is a big deal. The Swyer Theatre is the smaller of the two spaces and hosts more intimate performances, chamber music, dance, and experimental work. This is where you might find the kind of show that flies under the radar but becomes the most memorable night you’ve had in years. The Family Circle series often uses the Swyer for its more intimate programming. One real-world note from fans who’ve been to shows: the Hart Theatre can occasionally run loud depending on the mixing, so if you have a noise-sensitive kid, ear protection is worth considering. Also, when selecting seats, look at whether a show is general admission or assigned seating — this varies by event and matters a lot when you’re wrangling children. The Egg’s website will specify this for each individual show.

Parking and Directions

The Egg Albany parking is the one area where first-timers consistently get tripped up, and it’s worth a dedicated conversation before you load the family into the car. The venue is located inside Empire State Plaza, which is a massive government complex in downtown Albany, and while parking does exist, the access isn’t always obvious — especially at night, when the plaza’s scale and the garage entrances can be genuinely confusing. The venue’s address is Empire State Plaza, Agency Building 1, S Mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12220. There is underground visitor parking available beneath the plaza. At least one Bandsintown reviewer specifically noted that they ‘could not find the visitor parking, although they have one underneath,’ which tells you everything you need to know: it exists, but plan ahead. The S Mall Arterial runs along the south side of the complex and is your best orientation point when navigating in. For families driving from outside Albany, give yourself an extra 15-20 minutes the first time, especially if you’re attending an evening show when you may be less familiar with where the plaza’s entrances are under darkness. Street parking exists in the surrounding neighborhood but can be inconsistent. The underground garage is genuinely the easiest option once you know where to enter. Albany also has the Empire State Plaza itself as a landmark — if you’ve been to the NY State Capitol Building or taken the Halloween Capitol Hauntings tour (which we cover over on AlbanyKid), you’ve already navigated this general area. Public transit options exist, but with kids in tow and potentially a late-night return, driving tends to be the family default. Budget for paid parking and you’ll be fine. For directions and real-time parking updates, call The Egg directly at 518-473-1061 or check theegg.org/directions before you leave the house.

Restaurants and Hotels Nearby

Eating before or after a show at The Egg is easier than you might think given the venue’s location inside a government plaza, which doesn’t exactly scream ‘restaurant row.’ The trick is knowing which direction to head. Albany’s downtown restaurant scene has genuinely improved over the years, and a pre-show dinner can easily become part of the whole evening experience. For families eating before a show, the lark Street corridor is a short drive or rideshare away and offers everything from casual pizza to more sit-down options. The Pearl Street area and the warehouse district have seen growth in restaurants that work well for families — places where kids can make a little noise without anyone giving you the look. If you’re doing a 7pm or 8pm show, a 5:30pm reservation somewhere nearby gives you plenty of buffer. For a quick bite right in the plaza area, there are options during daytime hours, though evening dining within walking distance of The Egg itself is more limited, so planning ahead matters. For families staying overnight — which is honestly a great idea if you’re attending a later show or coming in from more than 45 minutes away — Albany has solid hotel options. The Hampton Inn Albany Downtown is a reliable, clean option that’s family-friendly and well-situated for both The Egg and other downtown Albany attractions. The Hilton Albany is another strong choice, with a larger footprint and proximity to the Capitol complex. The Marriott Albany is also frequently recommended for families, with comfortable rooms and easy access to the Empire State Plaza. If you want something with more character, the Renaissance Albany Hotel (inside the historic Delaware & Hudson building) is genuinely beautiful and a fun conversation piece for kids who are old enough to appreciate the architecture. For families who want to combine an Egg visit with broader Capital Region exploration — maybe a stop at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve or a day at Washington Park — staying downtown keeps you centrally positioned for all of it. Check our resources at AlbanyKid for broader Capital Region family itinerary ideas that can build around your Egg show night.

FAQ

What kinds of events does The Egg Albany host?

The Egg is a full-service performing arts center that presents music, theatre, comedy, and dance year-round. The programming ranges from major concerts like Guster, Los Lobos, and Randy Travis, to comedy shows with Whitney Cummings and Maria Bamford, to family-specific performances in the Family Circle series. It’s been presenting performances since 1978, which tells you something about its staying power in the Capital Region.

Is The Egg Albany good for kids and families?

Absolutely, but it depends on the specific show. The Family Circle series is explicitly designed for young audiences and runs Saturday afternoons at 2pm — these are the shows to start with for younger kids. For older children, the Hart Theatre’s intimate scale and excellent acoustics make the concert experience accessible and engaging in a way that bigger venues simply can’t match. There are no known age restrictions at The Egg, making it welcoming for all ages.

Where do I park for events at The Egg Albany?

There is underground visitor parking available beneath Empire State Plaza, which is where The Egg is located. The venue’s address is Empire State Plaza, Agency Building 1, S Mall Arterial, Albany NY — the S Mall Arterial entrance is your best landmark for finding the garage. First-timers should allow extra time, particularly for evening shows, because the garage entrance can be tricky to spot after dark. Call The Egg at 518-473-1061 if you need specific directions.

How do I get tickets for The Egg Albany events?

The best way is through The Egg’s official website at theegg.org, where each event links to their ticketing partner Tixr. You can also purchase in person at the box office or by calling 518-473-1845 during box office hours. Signing up for The Egg’s newsletter at their website gives you early access to presales and announcements, which is useful since popular shows like the Labyrinth concert have been selling out.

What is the difference between the Hart Theatre and the Swyer Theatre at The Egg?

The Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre is the main performance space at The Egg, with a capacity of approximately 980 people, and is where most concerts, major comedy shows, and larger events take place. The Lewis A. Swyer Theatre is the smaller, more intimate venue within The Egg, used for chamber performances, dance, and more experimental or family-focused programming. Both spaces are inside the same building, but they have distinct feels — the Hart is a full concert hall, while the Swyer is a more personal room that puts audiences very close to the performance.

The post The Egg Albany NY Events: Tickets, Schedule, Seating & Family Tips appeared first on Albany Kid.

Albany NY has over 30 public parks managed by the city, with top family picks including Washington Park (walking paths, playground, spray pad), Buckingham Lake Park (lakeside trail, wildlife viewing), Lincoln Park (pool, sports courts, playground), and Albany Pine Bush Preserve (nature trails, wildlife education). Most city parks are free and open year-round.

Best Parks in Albany NY

Let’s just cut to it: if you can only pick three Albany parks to visit with your kids, make it Washington Park, Buckingham Lake, and Lincoln Park. Between those three, you’ve got lakeside walks, historic architecture, a summer pool, playgrounds for multiple age groups, and enough open lawn space to wear out even the most relentlessly energetic five-year-old. Washington Park is the crown jewel. It covers 81 acres right in the middle of the city, and it has that rare quality of feeling like you’ve escaped somewhere even though you’re a ten-minute walk from downtown. There’s a beautiful lake with a footbridge that kids absolutely love running across, a playground tucked in off the main path, tennis courts, basketball courts, a handball court, and a spray pad in summer. Every May it hosts the Albany Tulip Festival, which is genuinely one of the best free family events in the Capital Region. The park is stroller-accessible on the paved main loop, though some of the inner paths get a little uneven. Parking is available along Madison Avenue and on side streets — arrive before 10am on weekends if you want a spot without circling. Buckingham Lake Park is the neighborhood gem that locals love quietly. The flat loop around the lake is about 0.6 miles and is completely paved, making it ideal for toddlers on bikes, kids in strollers, or anyone who doesn’t want to negotiate hills. Ducks and geese are basically guaranteed entertainment for the under-five crowd — my daughter once spent 45 minutes in a standoff with a Canada goose here and considered it the highlight of her week. The park has a playground, a skate area, and water access. Turtles sun themselves on logs along the shoreline in warm months, which is free, educational, and requires zero prep on your part. Lincoln Park rounds out the top three. It’s Albany’s most amenity-loaded neighborhood park: playground, athletic fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, a handball court, walking trails, and one of the best outdoor pools in the city, open during summer. The park sits in the South End and has real neighborhood energy — pickup basketball, kids on bikes, families with picnic blankets. It feels lived-in, which is exactly what a great city park should feel like. Other parks worth putting on your rotation: Ridgefield Park in Pine Hills (basketball, tennis, spray pad, playground — great all-rounder), Swinburne Park (playground, skate park, pool, athletic fields), and Corning Riverfront Park, which hugs the Hudson River and has a wonderful trail, a playground, and water views that make any walk feel like more of an event than it is.

Parks With Playgrounds

Good news: Albany does not have a shortage of playgrounds. The city’s own amenities chart lists playground equipment at more than 20 parks, so the challenge is knowing which ones are genuinely good for your kids’ ages and how long of a drive you’re willing to make. For toddlers and preschoolers, Buckingham Lake Park is hard to beat. The playground is compact and manageable, the lake loop is short enough that little legs can actually finish it, and the wildlife watching keeps them engaged between swings. Washington Park’s playground is slightly tucked back from the main path near the lake area — it’s easy to miss your first time — but once you find it, it’s solid and well-positioned so you can watch kids from nearby benches. For the 5-to-10 crowd, Lincoln Park and Swinburne Park offer the most to do. Lincoln Park has enough athletic infrastructure that older kids can run off to the basketball courts or fields while younger siblings stay on the play equipment nearby. Swinburne Park adds a skate park and pool to the mix, which dramatically increases its usefulness on a summer afternoon. The pool at Swinburne is a proper outdoor city pool — not a splash pad, but an actual swimming situation — and that’s a meaningful distinction when it’s 88 degrees in August. Six Mile Waterworks Park out on Six Mile Waterworks Road is a genuinely underrated choice. It has a playground, water access, and walking trails, and because it sits a bit farther north of the main residential neighborhoods, it tends to be quieter. Pack your own snacks because there are no concessions, but there are picnic tables. It’s the kind of park where you can spread out a blanket, let the kids roam the equipment, and actually have a conversation. For spray pads specifically — because on a July afternoon that’s the only question that matters — Washington Park, Colonie Street Park, Hackett Park, Ridgefield Park, Rosemont Park, and several others have them. The city’s spray pads typically operate during summer months; check the Albany Parks and Recreation department website or call ahead, because schedules can vary year to year. Insider tip: Krank Park in the Cherry Hill neighborhood is a surprise. It has a playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, athletic fields, and a spray pad, and it flies completely under the radar compared to the bigger-name parks. If you live in the South End or Rosemont area and don’t want to fight for parking at Washington Park on a Saturday, Krank Park is the answer.

Best Walking and Biking Parks

Here’s the thing about walking trails in Albany — the city punches above its weight. You don’t have to drive 45 minutes to find a decent path. Some of the best walking is sitting right inside city limits. The Buckingham Lake loop is the easiest sell for families with young kids or anyone who wants a flat, fully paved, zero-surprise route. One lap is about 0.6 miles, which is a perfect warm-up length, and you can do it twice if everyone’s still got energy. The lake views make it feel longer than it is in the best possible way. Corning Riverfront Park — also listed as Corning Preserve on some maps — is one of Albany’s most scenic walking destinations. The paved trail runs along the Hudson River and connects to the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, which means you can stretch a family walk into a legit biking adventure if your kids are ready for it. The Mohawk-Hudson Trail is part of the Empire State Trail network, and it’s one of the genuinely great multi-use paths in the region. It’s flat, well-maintained, and the river views don’t hurt. On weekends you’ll see families biking, inline skating, and jogging, which makes it feel like the right place to be. Washington Park’s main loop is about a mile around the perimeter and is almost entirely paved. It’s wide enough for side-by-side stroller pushing, which matters more than you’d think. The park also has an inner network of paths that cut through the grass and past the lake, so you can build your own route depending on how long you want to walk and how much of the park you want to see. Six Mile Waterworks Park has trails that feel more nature-adjacent than most city park paths. If your family is in the early stages of graduating from paved loops to actual dirt trails, this is a good transition stop. It’s not rugged hiking — nobody is going to get lost — but there’s enough tree cover and natural texture that it scratches that outdoor itch. For families ready for something more serious, John Boyd Thacher State Park is about 15 miles southwest of Albany and absolutely worth the drive. The Indian Ladder Trail is one of the most spectacular short hikes in New York State — you walk along the base of an escarpment, under waterfalls, past fossils embedded in the limestone. It’s about 1.5 miles out and back. Kids who can manage a few sets of stairs love it. Just don’t wear your good shoes. I’ve written about the Indian Ladder Trail before, and it never gets old. If you want a little more context on hiking safety before you head out with kids, check out our guide on [hiking safety rules that save lives](https://albanykid.com/hiking-safety-rules-that-save-lives/) — because going ‘just for a little walk’ with kids almost always turns into something else.

Nature Preserves Near Albany

If your kids have ever been curious about where butterflies come from or what a pitch pine tree looks like up close, Albany has something genuinely special sitting right on the edge of the city: the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. The Albany Pine Bush is one of only a handful of inland pine barrens left in the world. That’s not marketing language — it’s actually a globally rare ecosystem, and it exists in Albany’s backyard. The preserve covers more than 3,000 acres and has a network of color-coded walking trails ranging from easy to moderate. The Discovery Center on New Karner Road is a great starting point for families: there are exhibits about the preserve’s ecology, staff who can answer your questions, and a hands-on feel that works well with school-age kids. The Center is typically open Tuesday through Sunday. The star resident of the Pine Bush is the Karner Blue butterfly, a federally endangered species that depends on wild blue lupine — a plant that only grows in this specific kind of sandy, open landscape. Visiting in late May or early June during lupine bloom season is something I’d put on any Albany family’s bucket list. The blue-purple fields are stunning, and watching your kid spot a Karner Blue for the first time is one of those genuine moments. We have two articles about the Pine Bush worth reading before your visit: our original guide to [Albany Pine Bush](https://albanykid.com/albany-pine-bush/) and a piece about how the preserve protects pollinators, [Bees Will Thank You at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve](https://albanykid.com/bees-will-thank-you-at-the-albany-pine-bush-preserve/). Both will give you a much better sense of what to expect on the trails. Tivoli Lake Preserve is another Albany nature preserve that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. It’s a 120-acre urban forest with trails, a lake, and a level of quiet that feels almost impossible for somewhere inside city limits. The trails are natural surface — not paved — which means it’s better suited for kids who can manage some uneven terrain. Great blue herons have been spotted here regularly, and the fall foliage walk is exceptional. Normans Kill Preserve offers creek-side walking and a more rugged feel than most city options. The trails wind along the Normans Kill stream, and in spring the creek runs high and fast enough to be genuinely dramatic. Older kids who are into nature exploration — turning over rocks, watching water — find a lot to do here. Strollers are not the move at Normans Kill; this one is for walkers who can manage uneven paths and occasional mud. Peebles Island State Park, located where the Mohawk meets the Hudson just north of Albany in Waterford, is technically a short drive but absolutely worth it. We’ve covered [Peebles Island State Park](https://albanykid.com/peebles-island-state-park/) on the site before, and it remains one of the most underrated family destinations in the region — a trail loop around the entire island with river views on both sides.

Dog-Friendly Parks

Let’s talk about the dog situation in Albany parks, because it’s genuinely complicated and worth knowing before you show up with a 70-pound Lab and an expectation of off-leash fun. As of early 2025, dogs must be leashed in Washington Park. This has been a hot topic locally — there’s been real community discussion about whether the city should designate an off-leash area within the park, and it hasn’t happened yet. So if you’re coming to Washington Park with a dog and kids, plan for a leashed walk. The park is still a lovely walk for both, just know the rules going in. For families with dogs who want a park where the kids can run AND the dog can roam, your best bet in the immediate Albany area is to look at parks that have larger open green spaces and bring a long leash. Corning Riverfront Park is popular with dog walkers and the wide riverside path works well for families and dogs together. The park has enough open space that a well-behaved dog on a 20-foot leash can get some real exercise. Albany County operates separate recreation facilities and some of the surrounding towns have designated off-leash dog areas — the Crossings of Colonie in Colonie (not technically Albany but very close) is consistently rated as one of the best parks in the broader Capital Region on Yelp, and it has a well-regarded dog park area that families with both kids and dogs tend to love. It’s clean, well-maintained, and spacious. For day-to-day neighborhood dog walking, the paved loop at Buckingham Lake is extremely popular with dog owners. It’s flat, it’s beautiful, and the wildlife around the lake gives dogs plenty of sensory engagement. Just watch out for the geese — they have opinions and they will not back down. A few general rules that apply across Albany parks: dogs must be leashed unless signage says otherwise, owners are responsible for cleanup, and dogs should be kept away from designated spray pad and playground areas. These rules are enforced with varying degrees of consistency, but they’re the official policy.

FAQ

What is the best park in Albany NY for young kids?

Buckingham Lake Park is one of the most consistently great choices for young children. The flat, fully paved loop around the lake is stroller-friendly and short enough for little legs, and the ducks, geese, and turtles provide built-in entertainment that costs nothing. Washington Park is another excellent option with a playground, spray pad, and wide paved paths — just be prepared for more weekend crowds and limited parking.

Are there any free splash pads or spray pads in Albany parks?

Yes — Albany has a solid network of free spray pads spread across the city’s parks. Washington Park, Hackett Park, Ridgefield Park, Rosemont Park, Sheridan Park, Colonie Street Park, North Swan Street Park, Westland Hills Park, Six Mile Waterworks Park, and Krank Park all have spray pads listed in the city’s official amenities. They operate seasonally, typically during summer months, so check with Albany Parks and Recreation for the current season’s schedule before making a special trip.

Is Albany Pine Bush a good place to hike with kids?

Yes, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is genuinely great for families, especially school-age kids with some curiosity about nature. The color-coded trail system ranges from easy to moderate, and the Discovery Center on New Karner Road is an excellent starting point with exhibits about the preserve’s unique ecosystem. The best time to visit with kids is late May through early June when the wild blue lupine blooms and Karner Blue butterflies — a federally endangered species — are active.

Can you bring dogs to Albany parks?

Dogs are welcome in Albany city parks but must be kept on leash — this rule applies to Washington Park specifically, where there have been community discussions about creating an off-leash area but none exists yet. Buckingham Lake Park is popular with dog owners and the paved loop works well for leashed walks. For families with both kids and dogs looking for more space, the Crossings of Colonie in nearby Colonie has a well-regarded dog park area and is only a short drive from Albany.

What Albany parks have outdoor swimming pools?

Lincoln Park and Swinburne Park both have outdoor swimming pools that operate in summer. Lincoln Park’s pool is a full-size public pool suitable for actual swimmers, while Swinburne Park adds a skate park to its mix — making it a good destination for families with kids across a range of ages and interests. Hours typically run afternoons and some evenings during summer; check the Albany Parks and Recreation website for the current season’s schedule since hours can change year to year.

The post Best Parks in Albany NY: Playgrounds, Trails, Nature Preserves & More appeared first on Albany Kid.

The Egg is Albany’s premier performing arts center, located at Empire State Plaza, and hosts concerts, comedy, dance, and family shows year-round. Upcoming Egg Albany events include performers like Guster, Whitney Cummings, Los Lobos, Randy Travis, and a robust Family Circle series. Tickets can be purchased online at theegg.org or by calling the box office at 518-473-1845.

Upcoming Events at The Egg

The Egg Albany event schedule for 2026 and into 2027 is one of the strongest lineups the venue has put together in recent memory, and if you haven’t checked theegg.org lately, you’re probably missing something you’d actually want to see. The range is genuinely impressive — this is not a venue that does one thing and does it forever. On any given month you might see a legendary blues artist, a touring comedian, an indie rock show, and a Family Circle performance aimed squarely at kids, sometimes all in the same weekend. Here’s a taste of what’s coming up. Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers and Craig Finn of The Hold Steady share a bill on July 17th — that’s a co-headliner situation that music fans will absolutely not want to sleep on. Paula Poundstone brings her famously improvised comedy on July 25th. Guster plays an acoustic set on August 14th, which in that room is going to sound phenomenal. Randy Travis brings his More Life Tour on September 27th. Whitney Cummings is at The Egg September 20th. Los Lobos roll in October 23rd. Maria Bamford takes the stage November 13th, and Kathy Griffin follows November 20th. For movie lovers, there are two genuinely special events: Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert (40th Anniversary) on September 18th — which sold out and got a second date added on November 23rd — and Blade Runner LIVE on October 29th. The Blair Witch Project gets a screening with original cast members Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael C. Williams on November 1st, which is either the best Halloween-adjacent event you’ve ever heard of or the most terrifying date night option in the Capital Region. Your call. The Family Circle series runs on Saturday afternoons at 2pm and is specifically designed for younger audiences. The 2026-2027 lineup includes Albany Center Gallery (August 1), Veena & Devesh Chandra (September 5), Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (October 3), Vanaver Caravan (November 7), Good Karma Studio (December 5), Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY (February 6, 2027), Albany Symphony (March 6, 2027), and Barnhill Movement Collective (April 3, 2027). These afternoon shows are the sweet spot for families with kids who aren’t quite ready for an 8pm concert but absolutely deserve a real performing arts experience.

How to Buy Tickets

Buying tickets to The Egg Albany is pretty straightforward, and the venue gives you a few options depending on how you like to do things. The most current and reliable way is directly through the venue’s own website at theegg.org, where each event page links out to their ticketing partner Tixr. You can also call the box office at 518-473-1845 or visit in person. The administrative office number, if you need it for group bookings or other inquiries, is 518-473-1061. Here’s the insider tip that matters for families: some of the most popular shows at The Egg sell out faster than you’d expect for a venue this size. The first Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert date on September 18th, 2026 is already listed as Sold Out, and they had to add a second date. Robby Hoffman’s November 21st show also sold out, with a late show added at 9:30pm. If there’s something specific on the calendar that you’re planning around — especially a Family Circle event or a high-profile concert — buy early. Don’t do the thing where you tell yourself you’ll get tickets next week. The box office is located at The Egg itself, inside Empire State Plaza. Walk-up purchases are possible, but the website is your friend here for checking real-time availability and avoiding the scramble. You can also sign up for The Egg’s newsletter at their website to get announcements and presale access before the general public. For families who like to plan ahead — and honestly, with kids, you kind of have to — this is the move. Third-party sites like Live Nation also list some Hart Theatre events, which is useful if you already have tickets stored through that platform.

Hart Theatre and Swyer Theatre Seating

The Egg seating chart situation is one of the things that makes this venue so appealing for families, and it’s worth understanding before you buy. The building contains two distinct performance spaces: the Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre and the Lewis A. Swyer Theatre. They’re not the same venue — they have genuinely different feels, different capacities, and different best uses. The Hart Theatre is the main room, with a capacity of approximately 980 people. This is where most of the major concerts and larger comedy shows happen — your Gusters, your Los Lobos, your Whitney Cummings. It’s a traditional theater layout, which means it has real seats with good sightlines and actual acoustic design, not the standing-room crush of a general admission club. One fan who saw Graham Nash there put it simply: ‘Not a bad seat in the place.’ That lines up with what we’ve experienced. Even seats that look far back on the seating chart end up feeling close because of how the room is proportioned. For kids who need to actually see the performer — and not just the back of someone’s head — this is a big deal. The Swyer Theatre is the smaller of the two spaces and hosts more intimate performances, chamber music, dance, and experimental work. This is where you might find the kind of show that flies under the radar but becomes the most memorable night you’ve had in years. The Family Circle series often uses the Swyer for its more intimate programming. One real-world note from fans who’ve been to shows: the Hart Theatre can occasionally run loud depending on the mixing, so if you have a noise-sensitive kid, ear protection is worth considering. Also, when selecting seats, look at whether a show is general admission or assigned seating — this varies by event and matters a lot when you’re wrangling children. The Egg’s website will specify this for each individual show.

Parking and Directions

The Egg Albany parking is the one area where first-timers consistently get tripped up, and it’s worth a dedicated conversation before you load the family into the car. The venue is located inside Empire State Plaza, which is a massive government complex in downtown Albany, and while parking does exist, the access isn’t always obvious — especially at night, when the plaza’s scale and the garage entrances can be genuinely confusing. The venue’s address is Empire State Plaza, Agency Building 1, S Mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12220. There is underground visitor parking available beneath the plaza. At least one Bandsintown reviewer specifically noted that they ‘could not find the visitor parking, although they have one underneath,’ which tells you everything you need to know: it exists, but plan ahead. The S Mall Arterial runs along the south side of the complex and is your best orientation point when navigating in. For families driving from outside Albany, give yourself an extra 15-20 minutes the first time, especially if you’re attending an evening show when you may be less familiar with where the plaza’s entrances are under darkness. Street parking exists in the surrounding neighborhood but can be inconsistent. The underground garage is genuinely the easiest option once you know where to enter. Albany also has the Empire State Plaza itself as a landmark — if you’ve been to the NY State Capitol Building or taken the Halloween Capitol Hauntings tour (which we cover over on AlbanyKid), you’ve already navigated this general area. Public transit options exist, but with kids in tow and potentially a late-night return, driving tends to be the family default. Budget for paid parking and you’ll be fine. For directions and real-time parking updates, call The Egg directly at 518-473-1061 or check theegg.org/directions before you leave the house.

Restaurants and Hotels Nearby

Eating before or after a show at The Egg is easier than you might think given the venue’s location inside a government plaza, which doesn’t exactly scream ‘restaurant row.’ The trick is knowing which direction to head. Albany’s downtown restaurant scene has genuinely improved over the years, and a pre-show dinner can easily become part of the whole evening experience. For families eating before a show, the lark Street corridor is a short drive or rideshare away and offers everything from casual pizza to more sit-down options. The Pearl Street area and the warehouse district have seen growth in restaurants that work well for families — places where kids can make a little noise without anyone giving you the look. If you’re doing a 7pm or 8pm show, a 5:30pm reservation somewhere nearby gives you plenty of buffer. For a quick bite right in the plaza area, there are options during daytime hours, though evening dining within walking distance of The Egg itself is more limited, so planning ahead matters. For families staying overnight — which is honestly a great idea if you’re attending a later show or coming in from more than 45 minutes away — Albany has solid hotel options. The Hampton Inn Albany Downtown is a reliable, clean option that’s family-friendly and well-situated for both The Egg and other downtown Albany attractions. The Hilton Albany is another strong choice, with a larger footprint and proximity to the Capitol complex. The Marriott Albany is also frequently recommended for families, with comfortable rooms and easy access to the Empire State Plaza. If you want something with more character, the Renaissance Albany Hotel (inside the historic Delaware & Hudson building) is genuinely beautiful and a fun conversation piece for kids who are old enough to appreciate the architecture. For families who want to combine an Egg visit with broader Capital Region exploration — maybe a stop at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve or a day at Washington Park — staying downtown keeps you centrally positioned for all of it. Check our resources at AlbanyKid for broader Capital Region family itinerary ideas that can build around your Egg show night.

FAQ

What kinds of events does The Egg Albany host?

The Egg is a full-service performing arts center that presents music, theatre, comedy, and dance year-round. The programming ranges from major concerts like Guster, Los Lobos, and Randy Travis, to comedy shows with Whitney Cummings and Maria Bamford, to family-specific performances in the Family Circle series. It’s been presenting performances since 1978, which tells you something about its staying power in the Capital Region.

Is The Egg Albany good for kids and families?

Absolutely, but it depends on the specific show. The Family Circle series is explicitly designed for young audiences and runs Saturday afternoons at 2pm — these are the shows to start with for younger kids. For older children, the Hart Theatre’s intimate scale and excellent acoustics make the concert experience accessible and engaging in a way that bigger venues simply can’t match. There are no known age restrictions at The Egg, making it welcoming for all ages.

Where do I park for events at The Egg Albany?

There is underground visitor parking available beneath Empire State Plaza, which is where The Egg is located. The venue’s address is Empire State Plaza, Agency Building 1, S Mall Arterial, Albany NY — the S Mall Arterial entrance is your best landmark for finding the garage. First-timers should allow extra time, particularly for evening shows, because the garage entrance can be tricky to spot after dark. Call The Egg at 518-473-1061 if you need specific directions.

How do I get tickets for The Egg Albany events?

The best way is through The Egg’s official website at theegg.org, where each event links to their ticketing partner Tixr. You can also purchase in person at the box office or by calling 518-473-1845 during box office hours. Signing up for The Egg’s newsletter at their website gives you early access to presales and announcements, which is useful since popular shows like the Labyrinth concert have been selling out.

What is the difference between the Hart Theatre and the Swyer Theatre at The Egg?

The Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre is the main performance space at The Egg, with a capacity of approximately 980 people, and is where most concerts, major comedy shows, and larger events take place. The Lewis A. Swyer Theatre is the smaller, more intimate venue within The Egg, used for chamber performances, dance, and more experimental or family-focused programming. Both spaces are inside the same building, but they have distinct feels — the Hart is a full concert hall, while the Swyer is a more personal room that puts audiences very close to the performance.

The post The Egg Albany NY Events: Tickets, Schedule, Seating & Family Tips appeared first on Albany Kid.

Billy Beez at Crossgates Mall in Albany, NY is a 20,000 square foot indoor play park located at 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany, NY 12203. It features over 30 slides, trampolines, obstacle courses, a dedicated toddler area, a Honey Cafe, and party rooms. Hours vary by day, with extended weekend hours. All guests must sign a waiver before entry.

What Is Billy Beez Crossgates?

Billy Beez Albany is the Capital Region’s version of a full-scale indoor play park — and it is not a soft play setup with foam cubes and a few tunnels. This place opened at Crossgates Mall back in 2016, when tunnels literally started arriving at the mall before the doors even opened, and it has been a go-to destination for families across the region ever since. The 20,000 square foot space sits on the upper level of Crossgates Mall near Get Air Trampoline Park, and it operates as a completely separate ticketed attraction within the mall. Think of it like someone took a playground, gave it a rocket ship budget, and then sealed the whole thing indoors with climate control. There are more than 30 slides — including multi-story Super Speed slides that older kids will immediately sprint toward — plus interconnected towers, tunnels, climbing structures, a ball blaster arena, trampolines, sports courts, and a designated toddler area for the littlest ones. The whole place is themed in Billy Beez’s signature bright yellow and black color scheme, which is either cheerful or sensory overload depending on your coffee level that morning. What makes Billy Beez Albany worth knowing about is that it actually works for a wide age range. A toddler can happily spend an hour in the padded little-kid zone while an eight-year-old discovers that thirty slides means approximately thirty chances to race down in different configurations. Adults can wander through most of it too, which matters because the climbing structures are genuinely tall and parents of younger kids will feel better knowing they can follow along.

Admission Prices and Hours

Billy Beez prices and hours at the Crossgates location are worth nailing down before you go, because they differ from mall hours and have changed over time. Based on information from the Crossgates Mall directory, Billy Beez operates on the following schedule: Monday through Thursday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Those Saturday and Sunday morning openings at 10 AM are genuinely useful for families — getting there right when the doors open on a weekend is hands-down the best strategy for shorter lines and less crowded climbing structures. You can reach the Crossgates location directly at (518) 313-0100 to confirm hours before a holiday visit or school break, since hours can shift seasonally. For tickets and admission, Billy Beez sells general child admission, and adults accompanying kids are either free or discounted depending on current promotions. There’s also a Family 4 Pack option — four admissions at a bundled rate, with the requirement that at least one must be an adult — which is a solid deal for a family of four. Summer Pass options have also appeared, offering all-day play and unlimited admission for 60 consecutive days from activation, which is genuinely worthwhile if your kids will go more than twice. Military members, firefighters, and EMTs can show valid ID for one free adult admission, which is a nice policy that not enough people know about. Tickets can be purchased online through the Billy Beez website or at the door. Same-day re-entry is included with your ticket, so you can take a lunch break and come back — which is more practical than it sounds after two hours of sprinting through obstacle courses.

Activities for Toddlers and Older Kids

Here’s the thing that actually impresses me about Billy Beez: it doesn’t make the mistake most play spaces make, which is designing everything for one age group and leaving everyone else bored or stuck at the fence watching. The Billy Beez toddler area is genuinely separate and genuinely soft — padded surfaces, smaller scale equipment, and a contained space that lets little ones explore without getting flattened by a seven-year-old coming off a slide at speed. For toddlers roughly ages one through four, this section is the main event, and parents can sit nearby and actually breathe for a few minutes, which is not nothing. For the four-to-twelve crowd, the rest of the park opens up in a big way. The multi-story climbing structures connect through tunnels and towers, and the slides range from slower enclosed tubes to the Super Speed slides that are exactly what they sound like — steep, fast, and the kind of thing kids will ride seventeen times without stopping. The ball blaster arena is a consistent hit with kids who have any competitive instinct at all: it’s a foam ball battle zone where you launch balls at targets and at each other, and it is aggressively fun. The trampolines get heavy use, and there’s a mini basketball court built into the space as well. For older kids who have done the slides and want something different, the obstacle courses add another layer. These are not simple A-to-B structures — they involve climbing, balancing, and navigating, which keeps kids who’ve been to similar parks from getting bored after thirty minutes. The photo in the bright open play area captures exactly the kind of colorful, kinetic energy this place runs on: kids in motion, climbing walls rising in the background, the kind of scene that makes you simultaneously happy and slightly exhausted just looking at it.

Birthday Parties and Group Events

If you’re considering a Billy Beez birthday party at the Crossgates location, they’ve put a real structure around it called Buzz-E-Brations — and it’s worth knowing the logistics before you call. Party packages include use of dedicated party rooms within the facility, and booking is done through the Billy Beez party hotline at 347-640-1126, or online through their website. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, so have a credit card ready when you call. Party packages vary and typically include admission for the birthday child and guests, use of a private party room for a set time block, and various food and decoration options depending on the package tier you choose. The party rooms are separate from the main play area, which matters — it gives you a real gathering space rather than a table shoved in a corner somewhere. Kids cycle between the play park and the party room, which means they’re not just sitting at a table for an hour waiting for cake. For parents who’ve done the circuit of birthday party venues around Albany, this format tends to work well because the play park itself is the entertainment — you’re not paying extra for an activity on top of the venue. Billy Beez is also set up for group events, community fundraisers, and school field trips through their group pricing structure. If you’re organizing something for a class or scout troop, it’s worth calling ahead to discuss options. The key insider tip: book well in advance for weekend party slots, especially between October and March when indoor venues in the Capital Region fill up fast. Weekend afternoons are peak birthday territory, and the best time slots go weeks out.

Food, Socks and Visitor Rules

A few Billy Beez rules will make your visit run a lot more smoothly if you know them going in. First and most importantly: socks are required. Everyone who enters the play area — children and adults — needs to wear socks. Billy Beez sells their own branded socks at the front if you show up without, but it’s one of those things that is much less annoying when you already know about it. Wear your socks. The waiver is the other thing to handle before you arrive if possible. Every visitor must sign a liability waiver, and you can complete the Crossgates-specific waiver online at billybeezus.com before your visit. Doing it at home saves time at the entry desk, especially on weekends when there’s a line. Food is handled through the Honey Cafe, which is Billy Beez’s signature in-house cafe concept. The cafe serves food and drinks within the facility, which is genuinely convenient — you don’t have to leave to grab lunch, and kids can refuel without losing their spot in the rotation of slides and trampolines. The Honey Cafe menu is straightforward kid-friendly fare: think snacks, drinks, and easy meals rather than a full restaurant experience. Outside food and outside drinks policies vary, so check with the location directly if you have specific needs. For families with dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s always worth a call ahead. The play park itself has a no-shoes-on-equipment policy, which is part of why the socks rule exists — all the climbing surfaces and soft play areas are maintained without shoes on them, which keeps things cleaner and safer for the toddlers who are down at ground level. The facility is large enough that it rarely feels impossibly crowded except during school holidays and February breaks, which are the Capital Region’s prime indoor-activity crunch time.

FAQ

How much does Billy Beez cost at Crossgates Mall?

Billy Beez offers individual child admission, a Family 4 Pack for four guests at a bundled rate (at least one must be an adult), and seasonal Summer Pass options. Specific pricing can change, so it’s best to check the Billy Beez website or call (518) 313-0100 before your visit. Military, fire, and EMT personnel receive one free adult admission with valid ID. Purchasing tickets online in advance can also save time at the door.

What are Billy Beez Crossgates hours?

Billy Beez at Crossgates Mall is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays or during special events, so calling ahead at (518) 313-0100 is a good idea before school break visits. Note that Billy Beez keeps its own hours separate from Crossgates Mall’s general operating hours.

Do you need to sign a waiver to enter Billy Beez?

Yes, every guest must sign a liability waiver before entering the play area at Billy Beez Crossgates. You can complete the waiver online at billybeezus.com before your visit, which saves significant time at the entrance desk especially on busy weekend days. If you forget to do it in advance, waivers can also be completed on-site, but arriving early on weekends will help you avoid long lines at check-in.

Is Billy Beez good for toddlers?

Yes, Billy Beez has a dedicated toddler area that is specifically designed for younger children with padded surfaces, smaller-scale equipment, and a contained play environment separate from the larger climbing structures and Super Speed slides. Toddlers ages roughly one through four will find plenty to do in this section, and parents can stay close by without navigating the bigger multi-story climbing towers. The mix of toddler zone and age-appropriate areas for older kids makes it workable for families with multiple ages at once.

How do I book a birthday party at Billy Beez Crossgates?

Birthday parties at Billy Beez Crossgates are booked through their Buzz-E-Brations program. You can book online through the Billy Beez website or by calling the party hotline at 347-640-1126. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your party room and time slot. Weekend afternoon slots fill up well in advance, especially during the fall and winter months when indoor birthday venues in Albany are in high demand, so it’s a good idea to book at least a few weeks out.

The post Billy Beez Crossgates Mall: Prices, Hours & Honest Parent Review | AlbanyKid appeared first on Albany Kid.

Billy Beez at Crossgates Mall in Albany, NY is a 20,000 square foot indoor play park located at 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany, NY 12203. It features over 30 slides, trampolines, obstacle courses, a dedicated toddler area, a Honey Cafe, and party rooms. Hours vary by day, with extended weekend hours. All guests must sign a waiver before entry.

What Is Billy Beez Crossgates?

Billy Beez Albany is the Capital Region’s version of a full-scale indoor play park — and it is not a soft play setup with foam cubes and a few tunnels. This place opened at Crossgates Mall back in 2016, when tunnels literally started arriving at the mall before the doors even opened, and it has been a go-to destination for families across the region ever since. The 20,000 square foot space sits on the upper level of Crossgates Mall near Get Air Trampoline Park, and it operates as a completely separate ticketed attraction within the mall. Think of it like someone took a playground, gave it a rocket ship budget, and then sealed the whole thing indoors with climate control. There are more than 30 slides — including multi-story Super Speed slides that older kids will immediately sprint toward — plus interconnected towers, tunnels, climbing structures, a ball blaster arena, trampolines, sports courts, and a designated toddler area for the littlest ones. The whole place is themed in Billy Beez’s signature bright yellow and black color scheme, which is either cheerful or sensory overload depending on your coffee level that morning. What makes Billy Beez Albany worth knowing about is that it actually works for a wide age range. A toddler can happily spend an hour in the padded little-kid zone while an eight-year-old discovers that thirty slides means approximately thirty chances to race down in different configurations. Adults can wander through most of it too, which matters because the climbing structures are genuinely tall and parents of younger kids will feel better knowing they can follow along.

Admission Prices and Hours

Billy Beez prices and hours at the Crossgates location are worth nailing down before you go, because they differ from mall hours and have changed over time. Based on information from the Crossgates Mall directory, Billy Beez operates on the following schedule: Monday through Thursday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Those Saturday and Sunday morning openings at 10 AM are genuinely useful for families — getting there right when the doors open on a weekend is hands-down the best strategy for shorter lines and less crowded climbing structures. You can reach the Crossgates location directly at (518) 313-0100 to confirm hours before a holiday visit or school break, since hours can shift seasonally. For tickets and admission, Billy Beez sells general child admission, and adults accompanying kids are either free or discounted depending on current promotions. There’s also a Family 4 Pack option — four admissions at a bundled rate, with the requirement that at least one must be an adult — which is a solid deal for a family of four. Summer Pass options have also appeared, offering all-day play and unlimited admission for 60 consecutive days from activation, which is genuinely worthwhile if your kids will go more than twice. Military members, firefighters, and EMTs can show valid ID for one free adult admission, which is a nice policy that not enough people know about. Tickets can be purchased online through the Billy Beez website or at the door. Same-day re-entry is included with your ticket, so you can take a lunch break and come back — which is more practical than it sounds after two hours of sprinting through obstacle courses.

Activities for Toddlers and Older Kids

Here’s the thing that actually impresses me about Billy Beez: it doesn’t make the mistake most play spaces make, which is designing everything for one age group and leaving everyone else bored or stuck at the fence watching. The Billy Beez toddler area is genuinely separate and genuinely soft — padded surfaces, smaller scale equipment, and a contained space that lets little ones explore without getting flattened by a seven-year-old coming off a slide at speed. For toddlers roughly ages one through four, this section is the main event, and parents can sit nearby and actually breathe for a few minutes, which is not nothing. For the four-to-twelve crowd, the rest of the park opens up in a big way. The multi-story climbing structures connect through tunnels and towers, and the slides range from slower enclosed tubes to the Super Speed slides that are exactly what they sound like — steep, fast, and the kind of thing kids will ride seventeen times without stopping. The ball blaster arena is a consistent hit with kids who have any competitive instinct at all: it’s a foam ball battle zone where you launch balls at targets and at each other, and it is aggressively fun. The trampolines get heavy use, and there’s a mini basketball court built into the space as well. For older kids who have done the slides and want something different, the obstacle courses add another layer. These are not simple A-to-B structures — they involve climbing, balancing, and navigating, which keeps kids who’ve been to similar parks from getting bored after thirty minutes. The photo in the bright open play area captures exactly the kind of colorful, kinetic energy this place runs on: kids in motion, climbing walls rising in the background, the kind of scene that makes you simultaneously happy and slightly exhausted just looking at it.

Birthday Parties and Group Events

If you’re considering a Billy Beez birthday party at the Crossgates location, they’ve put a real structure around it called Buzz-E-Brations — and it’s worth knowing the logistics before you call. Party packages include use of dedicated party rooms within the facility, and booking is done through the Billy Beez party hotline at 347-640-1126, or online through their website. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, so have a credit card ready when you call. Party packages vary and typically include admission for the birthday child and guests, use of a private party room for a set time block, and various food and decoration options depending on the package tier you choose. The party rooms are separate from the main play area, which matters — it gives you a real gathering space rather than a table shoved in a corner somewhere. Kids cycle between the play park and the party room, which means they’re not just sitting at a table for an hour waiting for cake. For parents who’ve done the circuit of birthday party venues around Albany, this format tends to work well because the play park itself is the entertainment — you’re not paying extra for an activity on top of the venue. Billy Beez is also set up for group events, community fundraisers, and school field trips through their group pricing structure. If you’re organizing something for a class or scout troop, it’s worth calling ahead to discuss options. The key insider tip: book well in advance for weekend party slots, especially between October and March when indoor venues in the Capital Region fill up fast. Weekend afternoons are peak birthday territory, and the best time slots go weeks out.

Food, Socks and Visitor Rules

A few Billy Beez rules will make your visit run a lot more smoothly if you know them going in. First and most importantly: socks are required. Everyone who enters the play area — children and adults — needs to wear socks. Billy Beez sells their own branded socks at the front if you show up without, but it’s one of those things that is much less annoying when you already know about it. Wear your socks. The waiver is the other thing to handle before you arrive if possible. Every visitor must sign a liability waiver, and you can complete the Crossgates-specific waiver online at billybeezus.com before your visit. Doing it at home saves time at the entry desk, especially on weekends when there’s a line. Food is handled through the Honey Cafe, which is Billy Beez’s signature in-house cafe concept. The cafe serves food and drinks within the facility, which is genuinely convenient — you don’t have to leave to grab lunch, and kids can refuel without losing their spot in the rotation of slides and trampolines. The Honey Cafe menu is straightforward kid-friendly fare: think snacks, drinks, and easy meals rather than a full restaurant experience. Outside food and outside drinks policies vary, so check with the location directly if you have specific needs. For families with dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s always worth a call ahead. The play park itself has a no-shoes-on-equipment policy, which is part of why the socks rule exists — all the climbing surfaces and soft play areas are maintained without shoes on them, which keeps things cleaner and safer for the toddlers who are down at ground level. The facility is large enough that it rarely feels impossibly crowded except during school holidays and February breaks, which are the Capital Region’s prime indoor-activity crunch time.

FAQ

How much does Billy Beez cost at Crossgates Mall?

Billy Beez offers individual child admission, a Family 4 Pack for four guests at a bundled rate (at least one must be an adult), and seasonal Summer Pass options. Specific pricing can change, so it’s best to check the Billy Beez website or call (518) 313-0100 before your visit. Military, fire, and EMT personnel receive one free adult admission with valid ID. Purchasing tickets online in advance can also save time at the door.

What are Billy Beez Crossgates hours?

Billy Beez at Crossgates Mall is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays or during special events, so calling ahead at (518) 313-0100 is a good idea before school break visits. Note that Billy Beez keeps its own hours separate from Crossgates Mall’s general operating hours.

Do you need to sign a waiver to enter Billy Beez?

Yes, every guest must sign a liability waiver before entering the play area at Billy Beez Crossgates. You can complete the waiver online at billybeezus.com before your visit, which saves significant time at the entrance desk especially on busy weekend days. If you forget to do it in advance, waivers can also be completed on-site, but arriving early on weekends will help you avoid long lines at check-in.

Is Billy Beez good for toddlers?

Yes, Billy Beez has a dedicated toddler area that is specifically designed for younger children with padded surfaces, smaller-scale equipment, and a contained play environment separate from the larger climbing structures and Super Speed slides. Toddlers ages roughly one through four will find plenty to do in this section, and parents can stay close by without navigating the bigger multi-story climbing towers. The mix of toddler zone and age-appropriate areas for older kids makes it workable for families with multiple ages at once.

How do I book a birthday party at Billy Beez Crossgates?

Birthday parties at Billy Beez Crossgates are booked through their Buzz-E-Brations program. You can book online through the Billy Beez website or by calling the party hotline at 347-640-1126. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your party room and time slot. Weekend afternoon slots fill up well in advance, especially during the fall and winter months when indoor birthday venues in Albany are in high demand, so it’s a good idea to book at least a few weeks out.

The post Billy Beez Crossgates Mall: Prices, Hours & Honest Parent Review | AlbanyKid appeared first on Albany Kid.

Looking for more outdoor adventures? Check out 7 Spectacular Running Trails Near Albany NY. And make sure to read our Hiking Safety Tips before venturing out on any hike.

Vroman’s Nose History

Vroman’s Nose is a prominent hill named after Adam Vroman, who purchased 1200 acres from the Mohawks in 1712 in exchange for 100 gallons of rum and some woven blankets. Originally called Onistagrawa, “Corn Mountain,” by indigenous tribes, these mountains went on to play an important role in the American Revolution.

Vroman’s Nose is easy to spot from a distance, standing at about 600 feet high with steep, cliff-like sides. The hill’s unmistakable flat summit, referred to as the “Dance Floor,” was carved out of the sandstone bedrock by glaciers 16,000 years ago.

The Hike Up

The trailhead, located on Mill Valley Road, sets you off on the 1.6-mile out-and-back trail leading to the summit. The climb, though steep in parts, is relatively brief and suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels.

You’ll begin your ascent through a lovely forested trail that features a mix of hardwoods, hemlocks, and lush ferns. Keep an eye out for the vibrant wildflowers in spring and the brilliant foliage show in autumn.

About halfway up, you’ll reach a junction. Here, you can choose to continue straight up to the summit or turn right for the longer loop trail around the back of the mountain. Both trails eventually lead to the Dance Floor, where you can take a well-deserved break and revel in the breathtaking views.

The Dance Floor

The Dance Floor is an approximately 300-foot-long flat rock slab at the summit, offering a panoramic view of the Schoharie Valley below. Here, the green patchwork of local farms, forests, and the meandering Schoharie Creek unfolds before your eyes. On clear days, you can see for miles, all the way to the peaks of the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains.

This expansive viewpoint is the perfect spot for a picnic or simply to sit, relax, and enjoy the tranquility of the landscape. Be sure to have your camera ready – the stunning vista makes for an excellent photo opportunity.

Seasonal Detour (February 1 – July 31)

Peregrine Falcons actively nest at the summit, so although you can still access the Dance Floor throughout the year, there is a slight detour for part of the year. See the map above for the Red Trail Detour.

And because we want to protect the falcons, absolutely NO DRONES are allowed from February 1 to July 31.

Hiking Tips

Remember to wear sturdy shoes for the hike, as some sections can be rocky and steep. Also, consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, especially during the hotter months.

Although the hike is relatively short, take your time to enjoy the surrounding nature and the peaceful ambiance. Respect the trail by following the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, ensuring that the beauty of Vroman’s Nose remains preserved for future generations.

Concluding Your Hike

As you head back down the trail, you’ll be filled with a sense of accomplishment and an appreciation for the beauty of upstate New York. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a family seeking a day of outdoor fun, Vroman’s Nose offers an unforgettable hiking experience that you’ll want to return to, time and time again.

So, the next time you’re in Schoharie County or anywhere near Albany, NY, remember to set aside a few hours for the climb up Vroman’s Nose. It’s a hike that will inspire, delight, and create lasting memories.

Plan to Hike Vroman’s Nose

Vroman’s Nose is found along the Long Path Trail that extends 346 miles from Fort Lee Historical Park in New Jersey to NY Route 146 in Altamont, near Albany. The Long Path is a thread connecting many of New York’s parks, preserves, and state forest lands.

Find It

Vroman’s Nose Trailhead is located at 264 Mill Valley Road, Middleburg NY, 12122. Plug in “Vroman’s Nose Hiking Trail” into Google Maps to pull up driving instructions to the parking lot at the trailhead.

Driving Directions To Vroman’s Nose

From Middleburgh NY (junction of Routes 145 North & 30,) drive south on Rt. 30 for 0.6 miles and turn right onto Middleburgh Road. Drive west for 0.6 miles and park on the left in the designated area.

Distance: 600-foot ascent to summit in less than 0.8 mile (1.6 miles round-trip.)

Please note that while the parking area is ample, there are no restrooms or facilities available.

More Things To Do In Schoharie County:

• The Field-To-Fork Experience At Schoharie Valley Farms
• Howe Caverns: An Underground Adventure In Upstate NY
• Discover Schoharie County: Haunted History in Upstate NY on our sister publication, GetawayMavens.com

The post Hiking Vroman’s Nose: Unveiling Spectacular Views In Schoharie County appeared first on Albany Kid.

The Heart of the Schoharie Valley

For over 200 years, Schoharie Valley has been a beacon of agriculture, originally providing food for the local Mohawk Indian tribe and early Dutch and German settlers. In time, it came to be known as the “Breadbasket of the American Revolution.”

Today, the 200-acre farm continues to flourish under the dedicated stewardship of the Barber family. With a focus on sustainable and responsible farming practices, the farm offers a vast array of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Farm-to-Table and Beyond

The main draw at Schoharie Valley Farms is the remarkable “Carrot Barn,” a farm market housed in a charming, rustic barn. Here, you’ll find an abundant selection of fresh, farm-grown produce, local dairy products, baked goods, and an array of specialty items. Try their homemade jams, salsas, and honey or their renowned apple cider donuts, a must-try delicacy.

In addition to their own produce, they carry an excellent selection of Meat and Dairy products from neighbors as well as high-quality goods from specialty food brands such as Stonewall Kitchen.

For a true farm-to-table experience, visit the Carrot Barn’s café. Serving home-cooked meals created with ingredients fresh from the fields, you’ll experience the authentic taste of the Schoharie Valley. Hearty sandwiches are particularly delicious and highly recommended for taking on nearby hiking trails such as Vromans Nose.

And don’t forget to explore the selection of handcrafted gifts, home decor, and gardening supplies available at the market.

Education and Community Connection

Schoharie Valley Farms is not just about production but also about education and community involvement. The farm regularly hosts educational tours and school field trips, aiming to cultivate an appreciation for agriculture in young minds. Moreover, by providing produce to local food pantries and being a part of community-supported agriculture programs, the farm plays an integral role in nourishing its community.

Blooms and Harvest Celebrations

The farm hosts several events throughout the year, each celebrating a different facet of farm life. Spring at Schoharie Valley Farms ushers in their annual greenhouse sale, where visitors can purchase a wide range of annuals, perennials, and vegetable plants.

The farm’s harvest season, from mid-September to late October, is a time of abundant celebration. During this period, the farm offers pick-your-own pumpkins and a corn maze that guarantees fun for all ages.

A Perfect Day Trip In Schoharie County

A visit to Schoharie Valley Farms offers more than just an opportunity to buy fresh produce. It’s a chance to reconnect with the land, to appreciate the labor that goes into the food we eat, and to see what sustainable farming looks like.

Find It:

• Schoharie Valley Farms
• 5605 State Route 30, Schoharie, NY 12157
• Phone: 518-295-7139

Looking for more things to do nearby? Check out the Vromans Nose Hiking Trail or Discover Schoharie County: Haunted History In Upstate NY from our sister publication, GetawayMavens.com.

The post The Field-to-Fork Experience at Schoharie Valley Farms appeared first on Albany Kid.

Hey, the S.S. Minnow only went out for a three-hour tour, and look how that turned out.  I like to follow the “Just Rule.” If at any time you use the phrase “I’m JUST going on a little hike,” you’re already in trouble. Keep the following hiking tips and suggestions in mind.

Essential Hiking Safety Tips

1. Begin With Preparations

Safety on the trail is ensured before even lacing up your hiking boots.

Plot your route: Getting to know the ins and outs of your intended path is critical. Leverage reliable maps and compasses, guidebooks, or advice from local experts in national parks. Take into account factors like altitude, trail difficulty, distance, and any specific hazards along the route.

Equip yourself: Crucial items such as a map and compass, a first-aid kit, a multi-tool, a flashlight, a fire starter, extra food and water, and an emergency shelter should form the core of your hiking gear. Don’t forget to pack rain gear and extra clothing for unforeseen weather changes. Always dress in layers and wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots. Carry a hat and gloves, sunscreen, and insect repellent for extra protection.

Before you leave the house, learn to work your technology. If you have never used a handheld GPS, don’t wait until you are halfway up the trail to turn it on.  Some of those fancier models require a degree is astrophysics to program them.  More than once, people have used their GPS wrong, and given rescuers the wrong coordinates. Wouldn’t hurt to learn to use a compass as well. The batteries never die in a compass. While you’re at it, light a small campfire in your backyard. Ever tried to use a knife and a flint to start a fire? It’s not as easy as it looks on TV. Find a place it’s legal to fire a flare gun. If you are carrying it with you, learn how it works.

Tell someone where you are going, and when you will be back. No one will come and look for you if no one knows you are missing! Call your family, check in with the ranger station, or leave an envelope in your glove box. This not only will signal that you are missing but will give the search and rescue teams a better idea of where to start looking for you. The smaller the search area, the quicker they can find you. Telling someone your schedule may be the most important thing you can do to save your life in an emergency.

Check the weather: Your trusted weather forecaster should be your last stop before embarking on the hike. Weather can change unpredictably, especially in mountainous regions. Review the forecast closely before you set out and be ready to modify your plans if need be.

2. Understand Your Abilities

Recognizing personal limitations and respecting them are essential parts of a safe hike.

Fitness level: Ensure you’re in sound health and possess the necessary endurance and strength for your intended hike. Begin with simpler trails and gradually progress to more challenging ones.

Acclimatization: If high-altitude hiking is on your agenda, remember to allow time for acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. Rise slowly, hydrate with extra water, and consider spending the night at a high altitude before going higher.

Rest and hydration: Regularly take short breaks, especially during demanding hikes. Drinking water frequently is key to staying hydrated, so don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink.

3. Nature Deserves Respect

A conscientious hiker safeguards not just their well-being but also the environment’s.

Maintain your path: Straying off the trail can lead to erosion, harm delicate ecosystems, and increase your likelihood of getting lost. It’s always safer and more respectful to the environment to stay put on the marked path.

Adhere to the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle: Pack out all trash and leftover food to preserve the beauty of nature for generations to come.

Wildlife interaction: Always maintain a safe distance from any wildlife. Attempting to feed or touch animals is dangerous and disrupts their natural behaviors.

4. Prioritize Safety on the Trail

Group hiking: Hiking in groups is often safer and more enjoyable. Make sure everyone stays within sight and check periodically on those following.

Admit when you are lost. Many people think they KNOW how to get back on the trail only to end up deeper in the wilderness. If you are lost or injured- STOP! Sit down and take stock of your situation. Find shelter, make a plan, and wait for someone to find you. If it gets dark, stay in place. Stumbling around in the dark will only get you more lost and possibly injured.  When you do not return by your designated time or date, someone will come and find you.  You did check in at the ranger station, right?

Signal for help: Should an emergency arise, whistles, mirrors, flares, or bright fabric can aid search and rescue teams in locating you. Ensure you have cell service or an alternative form of communication if possible.

5. Arm Yourself with Basic Survival Skills

Basic wilderness survival skills are invaluable when the unexpected happens.

First aid: Learn how to treat common hiking injuries such as sprains, cuts, blisters, and insect bites. Recognize symptoms of heatstroke, dehydration, and be especially aware that hikers are susceptible to hypothermia.

Navigation skills: Know how to use a map and compass. As you hike, mark landmarks and other signals on the map you will be carrying with you at all times. This is your hiking reset button. If you start to get lost, you can restore to the last known working settings, ie: the big rock that looks like a badger. I’d like to stress that your phone is NOT a substitute for a map. Rain, lack of signal, and a good thunk on a rock will all disable your phone or GPS device. It’s hard to disable a map.

Shelter building: Should you need to spend the night, understanding how to build a simple shelter can keep you safe from the elements.

Must-Have Hiking Gear

Whether you’re setting off on a quick day hike or a multi-day adventure, there are several items of hiking gear that you should always have with you. These essential pieces of equipment can make your trip safer and more enjoyable.

1. Backpack: A good hiking backpack is essential for carrying all your gear. It should be comfortable, durable, and ideally have plenty of compartments for easy organization.
3. Hiking Boots or Shoes: Footwear should be sturdy, comfortable, and appropriate for the conditions you will be hiking in. Waterproof boots can be particularly useful in wet conditions. And boots with ankle support are a must when carrying weight or navigating uneven terrain.
4. Hiking Poles: Hiking poles can help with stability and reduce strain on your joints, especially on uneven terrains or downhill paths.
5. Navigation Tools: These include a map and compass. Even if you’re familiar with the trail, these are important in case you get lost or the trail is not clearly marked. GPS devices can be helpful but always have a backup in case of battery failure.
6. First Aid Kit: Your kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, painkillers, and any personal medication. Make sure to add Moleskin for blisters. Knowledge of basic first aid is also crucial.
7. Food and Water: Always bring more than you think you’ll need. Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit are good hiking snacks. For water, a hydration bladder can be a convenient option.
8. Multipurpose Tool: This can include a knife, can opener, tweezers, scissors, and a bottle opener.
9. Weather-appropriate Clothing: Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to changing weather and activity levels. Avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry when wet, and opt for moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials.
10. Dress in bright colors: This isn’t just a fashion statement; it aids visibility, helping you stand out against the natural environment and making it easier for others to spot you in case of an emergency.
11. Flashlight or Headlamp: Even if you plan to return before dark, a light source is essential in case your hike takes longer than expected or you need to find something in your pack.
12. Emergency Shelter: A lightweight bivvy or space blanket can be a lifesaver if you have to spend an unexpected night outdoors.
13. Fire Starter: Waterproof matches, lighters, or a fire starter can help you start a fire for warmth, cooking, or signaling for help.
14. Whistle: A whistle is used for signaling help in case of an emergency. Three short blasts is the universal signal for distress.

Remember, every hiker’s needs might be slightly different depending on the specific conditions of the hike (such as weather and duration), so it’s important to adapt this list as needed.

Hitting The Trails

Hiking may be low tech, unplugged, back to nature – but use some high tech before you leave. Research, read, and learn all you can. Some hard work before you go means you can relax and enjoy your hike later.

The trail is yours to enjoy, and with these safety tips, you can do so while ensuring a safe and enriching experience. Happy hiking!

The post Hiking Safety Tips That Everyone Should Know appeared first on Albany Kid.

These are the family adventures that form memories that you treasure long after the kids are grown, but as with all good things, moderation is key. Some you will want to repeat, year after year, and others are once-in-a-lifetime bucket list items.

Just don’t try to do it all in one season!

Fun Things To Do In Albany With Kids:

1. Pick your own fruit near me and you at local farms and orchards.
2. Go gem mining in New York.
3. Learn how to live off the land at a Wilderness Program.
4. Become a Video Game Tester.
5. Take a bite out of the local specialty at Hot Dog Charlie’s.
6. Cool off at an indoor ice skating rink.
7. Celebrate a night out with live music and premium ice cream at Emack & Bolio’s.
8. Catch the Water Ski Show at Jumping Jacks.
9. Experience a movie at a drive-in theater.
10. See a free summer movie at the Palace Theater.
11. Take a hike.
12. Dive into under-the-sea at an aquarium.
13. Attempt an ollie at a skate park.
14. Camp Schodack Island State Park, and other state parks, while it’s warm outside.
15. Sail the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater.
16. Climb aboard a replica of Henry Hudson’s Half Moon.
17. Sample international flavors such as dim sum in the Capital Region.
18. Get crafty with Michaels Passport to Imagination.
19. Follow FUSSYlittleBLOG’s Tour de Soft Serve.
20. Take a shot at guessing the ingredient list in Moxie’s Blue Moon Ice Cream.
21. Go on the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour (Warning: This is an ambitious day trip.)
22. Dine al fresco at a Fish Fry.
23. Learn how to milk a cow at The Farmer’s Museum.
24. Try out kayaking or fly casting on L.L. Bean’s Discovery Programs at Grafton Lake State Park.
25. Sign up for free or cheap family arts programs at Hudson Opera House.
26. Go rock climbing – outdoors!
27. Learn to identify birds by their song.
28. Go whitewater rafting on the Sacandaga or Hudson Rivers.
29. Go tubing down the Battenkill River or Esopus Creek.
30. Paddle a canoe.
31. Go fish at a Fishing Derby.
32. Introduce roller coasters on the kiddie rides at Hoffman’s Playland.
33. Conquer the Comet or play in nursery rhyme settings at Six Flags Great Escape.
34. Stargaze at Hirsch Observatory, Union College Observatory, or outdoors.
35. Take the train to New York City.
36. Play in the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.
37. Taste the fabled mineral springs of Saratoga.
38. Stand under a geyser in Saratoga Spa State Park.
39. Go horseback riding.
40. Find out what’s under a mummy’s covering at the Albany Institute of History & Art.
41. Explore The Fields Sculpture Park at Art Omi.
42. Fly a kite.
43. Catch fireworks shows all summer long  â€“ not just on the Fourth of July.
44. Catch a Valley Cats baseball game.
45. Visit the Baseball Hall of Fame.
46. Jump in a lake.
47. Go biking.
48. Watch a musical at the Mac-Haydn Theatre.
49. Listen to an Alive at Five outdoor concert on Albany’s Riverfront Park.
50. Discover why Jacob’s Pillow is the “hub and mecca of dancing.”
51. Experience the Tanglewood Music Festival.
52. Open new worlds at a Shakespeare & Company performance.
53. Buy comic books at Aquilonia in Troy.
54. Take a Dutch Apple Cruise.
55. Camp overnight on the Destroyer.
56. See where the Hamilton Love Story began at Schuyler Mansion.
57. Learn to row with Albany Rowing Center’s adult and junior programs.
58. Visit a lighthouse in Athens or Saugerties.
59. Catch some horse racing in Saratoga.
60. Watch auto racing at Lebanon Valley Speedway..
61. …or race a go-kart yourself!
62. Visit Hudson River School artist homes Olana and Cedar Grove…
63. …and take a hike on the Hudson River School Art Trail.
64. Go on a Tree Walk at The Landis Arboretum.
65. Fly through the tree canopy on a Zipline.
66. Check out your local library – lots of summer reading programs for kids of all ages!
67. Climb an Adirondack High Peak.
68. Cool off underground at Howe Caverns or Cooper’s Cave.
69. Check out a pet adoption fair and find a new friend.
70. Join a community garden.
71. Hit a bucket of balls at the Route Fore Driving Range.
72. Sign up for a baking class at King Arthur’s Flour Co.
73. Challenge yourself at Adirondack Extreme’s Tree-top obstacle course.
74. Engage in friendly competition on the mini-golf course.
75. Bump boats at the FunPlex Fun Park.
76. Hunt for Red-Spotted Newts.
77. Investigate a murder at Historic Cherry Hill.
78. Witness a bar brawl at Fort Crailo Historic Site.
79. Experience Early New England life at Old Sturbridge Village.
80. Tour the historic home and setting of Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women.’
81. Visit the “Scenter of New England,” Yankee Candle’s flagship store.
82. Meet the birds at the Berkshire Bird Paradise Sanctuary.
83. Take the Lightening Thief Tour.
84. Explore nature at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
85. Shop at the Malta Drive-In Market.
86. Earn the Junior Ranger badge at a National Park.
87. Climb the million-dollar staircase at the NY Capitol.
88. Catch the Catskill cats.
89. Sketch at the Norman Rockwell Museum.
90. Tour the Hyde Collection with a Family Kit.
91. Experience the arts at EMPAC.
92. Follow the Freedom Trail in Boston.
93. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
94. Attend a Glimmerglass Opera production.
95. Learn about Native American traditions at the Iroquois Indian Museum.
96. Visit the Women’s Rights National Historic Park (Ambitious day trip alert.)
97. Attend a Craft Fair at America’s First Shaker Settlement.
98. Catch NY State Museum scientists at the Parks.
99. Ride the carousel at the New York State Museum.

What’s on your Summer Bucket List?

The post 99 Things To Do In Albany With Kids This Summer appeared first on Albany Kid.

Whether you’re a seasoned local or an adventurous traveler, there’s nothing quite like spending a sun-drenched afternoon roaming through local farms and orchards, your hands immersed in foliage, searching for the ripest, juiciest fruits. From crunchy apples to succulent strawberries, Albany’s fertile lands offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the farm-to-table experience, one juicy bite at a time.

When my children were barely toddlers, I introduced them to the pleasures of picking your own fruit.  In the spring, we visited The Farm At Kristy’s Barn for strawberries, and in the Fall, we headed to Goold’s Orchards (now sold to Windy Hill Orchard & Farm Market) for the Honeycrisp Apples (and cider donuts.)  Our love affair with pick your own fruit didn’t end there, however, and soon our yard was covered with fruit trees and berry plants of all shapes and sizes. Now, after the wildlife gets their cut, we may find any of the following home-grown fruit: cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, apples, peaches, and pears.

Despite our best efforts, our little home farm is not big enough to satisfy the family’s fruit cravings.  We supplement our harvest by foraging along hiking trails for fresh berries, shopping at the local farmer market, and returning to pick-your-own farms for the freshest produce.

Looking for more fun activities in Upstate New York? Check out our extensive list of things to do in the Capital Region.

Fruits Found At Pick Your Own Fruit Farms In The Capital Region

In and around Albany, NY, there’s an abundance of pick-your-own fruit farms that offer a wide variety of fruits throughout the year. The region is perhaps most renowned for its extensive apple orchards, offering a multitude of different varieties like McIntosh, Honeycrisp, and Empire from late summer to late fall.

Cherries and strawberries generally kick off the picking season in June, followed by raspberries and blueberries in July and August. Peaches also make their debut in the summer, with their sweet, juicy flesh being a real treat. In the late summer and early fall, you’ll find plump pears and grapes perfect for picking.

Don’t miss out on the pumpkin patches in October, too – while not a fruit, it’s a picking tradition you don’t want to skip! This cornucopia of fruits makes Albany and its surrounding areas a veritable paradise for fruit lovers.

When To Pick Fruit Near Albany NY

Approximate harvest dates of crop calendars in New York can vary widely, call to confirm.

• Apples – September 1 – October 25
• Blackberries – July 15 – July 30
• Blueberries – August 1 – September 10
• Cherries – June 10 – June 25
• Grapes – September 10 – September 20
• Peaches, Nectarines – July 20 – September 1
• Pears – August 10 – August 31
• Raspberries – July 5 – July 21
• Raspberries (Fall and everbearing) – August 15 – September 30
• Strawberries – June 5 – June 20

Tips For Picking Your Own Fruit

When embarking on your pick-your-own fruit adventure, a few tips can enhance your experience and ensure you come home with the best possible bounty. Firstly, do some research to understand the peak season of the fruit you wish to pick; ripe fruit not only tastes better, but it will also be easier to pick.

Call ahead to confirm what’s available. As of June 2023, many local farms and orchards are reporting that some fruits will not be available this year due to a late Spring Frost.

Always dress for the occasion – wear comfortable clothing, bring a hat, and apply sunscreen, as you’ll be out in the sun. Comfortable shoes are crucial too, as you may be walking on uneven terrain.

Some fruit farms provide bags or buckets; consider bringing your own, just in case. Also, bear in mind that fruit farms usually charge by the pound, but some only accept cash.

Remember to be gentle when picking to avoid bruising the fruit or damaging the plant. It’s often a good idea to pick fruit from the bottom of the tree or plant first, as these are usually the ripest. Lastly, always respect the farm’s rules and only pick what you intend to use to reduce waste and maintain sustainability. Happy picking!

Where to Pick Your Own Fruit In Albany (And Nearby)

Click on www.pickyourown.org to find a farm near anywhere in the U.S., fruit picking tips, and recipes.  In the Capital Region, you can visit the following farms:

Pick Your Own Farms In Albany County

• Altamont Orchards – U Pick strawberries and apples. 6654 Dunnsville Road, Altamont, NY 12009. Phone: 1-800-BUY-APPLE. Strawberries: usually finish by the beginning of July; Please bring your own containers. The Pick Your Own (PYO) Fields are located on Route 146 in Altamont. About 1 one-half miles before the Altamont Fair entrance. There’s also a Farm Market with pre-picked produce and on weekends, the Allied Brewing Company.
• Indian Ladder Farms – strawberries, apples, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pumpkins, 342 Altamont Road Route 156, Altamont, NY 12009. Phone: 518-655-0108. There’s also a Farm Market with locally grown produce such as tomatoes, Cidery & Brewery, and the Yellow Rock Cafe. Check out the Indian Ladder Trail nearby.

For more outdoorsy things to do in Albany County, check out the Indian Ladder Trail.

Pick Your Own Farms In Columbia County

• Fix Brothers Inc. – apples, cherries (sweet & sour,) peaches, pumpkins. 247 White Birch Road, Hudson, NY 12534. Phone: (518) 828-7560. Cash only.
• Golden Harvest Farms – U Pick Apples. 3074 US Rte 9, Valatie NY, 12184. Phone: 518-758-7683. They also have a Roadside Stand selling fruit and vegetables, Distillery, and Harvest Smokehouse.
• Love Apple Farms – U-Pick apples, strawberries, cherries, nectarines, peaches, apricots, plums,  and pears. 1421 Route 9H, Ghent, NY  12075. Phone: 518)828-5048. They also have an outstanding shop, cafe, and delicious ice cream.
• Philip Orchards – 23 varieties of apples and pears. 270 Route 9H – Claverack, NY 12513 – (518)851-6351. Picnickers welcome. August through October
• The Pickin Shack at Hellers Farm – Concord Grapes and Christmas trees. Hover Avenue – Route 9G & Hover Avenue, Germantown, NY 12526. Phone: 518)537-6076. Open Labor Day-Christmas Eve.
• Samascott Orchard – U Pick Apples, Blueberries, Peaches, Sour Cherries, Plums, Green Peppers, Pumpkins, Beans, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, and Cucumbers. 5 Sunset Avenue, Kinderhook NY, 12106. Phone: 518-758-7224. Also, Farm Market, Cider.
• Smith Farms – apples, blackberries, cherries (sweet & sour,) nectarines, peaches, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red.) 200 White Birch Rd, Hudson, NY 12534. Phone: 518-828-1228. Payment: Cash, only.
• Thompson-Finch Farm – U Pick Organic strawberries, blueberries, and apples. 750 Wiltsie Bridge Road, Ancram NY, 12502. Phone: 518-329-7578. It’s the largest pick-your-own organic strawberry farm in New England.
• Yonder Fruit Farms – U Pick Strawberries, raspberries, apples, and pumpkins. 3167 US Highway 9 Valatie, NY 12184. Phone (518) 758-7011. There’s also a Farm Market selling local produce.

Pick Your Own Farms In Greene County

• Boehm Farm – Apples, peaches, nectarines, and pears. Route 26, Climax NY, phone 518-731-6196
• Bulich’s Creekside Farm – Pick your own strawberries and pumpkins in season. Open 10-6 pm, May to October. Homegrown produce; vegetables, sweet corn, tree fruit, berries, horticultural plants, nursery stock, and flowers. 1682 Route 23B Leeds, NY 12451, phone: 518-943-5739
• Story Farms – Pick your own strawberries and peas in season. Open June to November every day. Farm stand featuring fresh produce picked daily. Also, fruits, flowers, maple syrup, honey, and hay. 4640 Route 32, Catskill, NY 12414, phone: 518-678-9716

Pick Your Own Farms In Rensselaer County

• Best Berry Farm – U Pick Apples and strawberries. 1078 Best Road Box 142 B, East Greenbush NY, 12061. Phone: 518-286-0607.
• Windy Hill Orchard – Apples, pumpkins, raspberries, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, and prepicked produce. 1297 Brookview Station Road, Castleton-on-Hudson, NY 12033. Phone: 518-732-7317.
• Engelke Farm – U Pick fruits and vegetables. 463 Garfield Road, Troy, NY. Phone: 518-279-3971.
• The Farm At Kristy’s Barn – Strawberries, Red Raspberries, Black Raspberries, Currants Apples, Pumpkins. 2385 Brookview Rd. Schodack, NY. 12033. Phone: (518) 477-6250. Plus, Fall Fun Activities, and the Farm Market (sells fresh turkeys for Thanksgiving,) and some of the best Cider Donuts in the Capital Region.
• Swartz Farm – pick your own strawberries and vegetables. 1532 Eleanor Dr, Schodack Landing NY, 12033. Phone: 518-858-1174. There’s also a Roadside Stand.

For more fun things to do at Rensselaer County farms, check out our blog post about Liberty Ridge Farm.

Pick Your Own Farms In Saratoga County

• Ariel’s Farm – U-Pick Strawberries. 194 Northern Pines Road Wilton, NY 12831, (518) 584-2189
• Bowman Orchards – Pick your own and picked apples, cider and donuts.141 Sugar Hill Road, Rexford NY, 12148. Phone: 518-371-2042. Roadside Stand, Farm Market, and Farm Attractions: Hay Rides, Pony Rides, Maze, and more.
• Devoe’s Rainbow Orchards – U Pick Apples. 1569 Halfmoon Parkway, Route 9, Clifton Park NY, 12065. Phone: 518-371-8397. Roadside Stand, Bakery, and Ice Cream.
• Fo-Castle Farm Country Store – U Pick Apples. 166 Kingsley Road, Burnt Hills NY, 12027-9531. Phone: 518-399-8322. Farm Market and Cafe serving lunch.
• Ellms Family Farm – U Pick Pumpkins. 468 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY. Phone: 518-884-8168. Plus, Corn Maze and Fun Fall Activities.
• Riverview Orchards – U Pick Apples. 660 Riverview Road, Rexford, NY, 12148. Phone: 518-371-2174.  There’s also a Bakery and Country Store.
• Saratoga Apple – U Pick Apples. 1174 Route 29, Schuylerville, NY, 12871. Phone: 518-695-3131. There’s also a Farm Stand and Hard Cider Tasting Room.
• Schuyler Farms – U Pick Pumpkins. 1124 Route 29, Schuylerville, NY, 12871. Phone: 518-695-5308. There’s also fun fall activities with a Corn Maze, Hayrides, and more.

Pick Your Own Farms In Schenectady County

• Buhrmaster Family Farm – U Pick Strawberries, Apples. 189 Saratoga Road, Scotia NY, 12302. Phone: 518-399-5931. There’s also a Farm Market with fresh flowers, and the farm offers a CSA program.

Pick Your Own Farms In Schoharie County

• Bohringer’s Fruit Farm – Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cherries. 3992 State Route 30, Middleburgh, NY.
• Terrace Mountain Orchard – apples, Honey from hives on the farm, prepicked produce. Apple Blossom Lane,, Schoharie, NY 12157. Phone: 518-295-8212.

Pick Your Own Farms In Washington County

• Billy Bob’s Orchard – apples, and prepicked produce. 720 County Road, Putnam Station, NY 12861. Phone: (518) 547-8309.
• Fairview Orchard – U Pick Apples. 11962 State Route 4, Whitehall NY, 12887. Phone: 518-499-1766. Roadside Stand, Cider.
• Hand Melon Farm – Pick your own strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, Fall raspberries. 533 Wilbur Avenue, State Route 29, Greenwich, NY 12834. Phone: 518 692-2376. Fax: 518 692-2376.
• Hicks Orchard – Apples, cherries, blueberries, and raspberries at New York’s oldes U Pick Farm. 18 Hicks Road, Granville NY, 12832. Phone: 518-642-1788. Farm Market, Art Gallery, and Slyboro Cider House too.
• Sbardella Orchards – apples.141 Manchester Road, Hampton, NY. Phone: 802-345-2704. Directions: Click here for a map.
• Winney Blueberry Farm – Blueberries. 113 Winney Road (Rt 32), Schuylerville, NY 12871. Phone: (518) 695-5547.

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