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NY Capital Region Things To Do
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items These are our real favorites in and around Rensselaer, East Greenbush, Troy, and the wider Capital Region of NY - perfect for families, or weekend wandering. From kid-friendly hikes and playgrounds to our go-to restaurants and hidden gems, this is th...
Map
Sections
4
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Outdoor Activities
Our favorite playground and outdoor activities in the area. Huge playgrounds and quiet walking trails.
One of our favorite parks, this has huge fields to run, and a playground the kids love! With plenty of benches for parents, plus plenty of accessible features for kids of different abilities, we try to visit here every couple weeks.
The Playground at Clifton Commons
This park just opened in the past year and is a favorite. Completely fenced in makes it easy form parents, with tons of features. On Wednesdays, they do food trucks !
North Greenbush Playground
Best farmers market in the Capital region
Troy Waterfront Farmers Market (Winter)
The trail at the tech park is one of our quiet go‑tos. Great for walks, letting the kiddo explore, and keeping it close to home. This loop is perfect for our 4-year old and takes us about 30-40 minutes.
Rensselaer Technology Park
We love the rail trail. Great to walk, my kid loves riding his bike here. Easy to access, and beautiful views
Lions Park
Huge, well maintained park in Troy. We love the playground, and the track is a bonus to double our park time by making sure we always bring my kiddo's bike
Knickerbacker Park
Great playground with tons of features and things my kid loves - plenty of shade on hot summer days.
Rensselaer Riverfront Park
Restaurants
Family-friendly restaurants, local favorites, and spots we love for takeout or an easy dinner out. These are the ones we find ourselves going back to over and over again -because the food is solid, the vibe is relaxed, and my kid is happy.
Always a ton of flavors to choose from, and great lunch deals
Goomba's Wood Fire Pizza
Great beer selection, and amazing wing flavors.
Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern
Love their vodka sauce, and their calamari is always crispy
Moscatiello's Italian Family Restaurant
We love their Caesar salad - we get it every Friday night!
Pistana Brothers Pizza
Other Food & Drinks
Coffee shops, bakeries, and casual bites that we love! Whether it’s a post-park cookie run or a good place to grab a coffee, these are our local staples.
Oversized, and delicious cookies - the flavors change weekly. They also have great bagels. My favorite cookie was a cookie butter one!
Upstate Cookie Shack
Good local coffee chain - well priced, and always great service
Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels
Arts & Entertainment
Easy day trips, indoor spots for bad weather days, and fun-for-everyone outings in the Capital Region. These are the places that have made it into our regular family rhythm or are worth the drive.
Perfect day park - never long waits, small amusement park with plenty for young kids. We take our 4 year old a couple times a year and he loves the “boo-fest”
Six Flags Great Escape
Small aquarium in old mall - but they’ve done a great job of making it enjoyable for young kids. Mine loves the koi fish and string ray touch tank.
VIA Aquarium
We love coming here for mini-golf and love how “campy” it is. We always have a blast as a family.
FunPlex Fun Park
Great small museum perfect for an afternoon. We love the planetarium - the guide even shows you at the end of the show what our night sky will look like from our location so you know what to look for at night
miSci | Museum of Innovation & Science