Head Off the Beaten Path in the Albany Area to Attractions, Parks & More
The Albany area is full of unique places to visit and fun things to do; you just have to know where to look. From roaring waterfalls to fascinating museums and outdoor adventures, head off the beaten path and see what you've been missing.
Traverse the Treetops & Unleash Your Adventurous Side at WildPlay Thacher
You may have gone hiking or picnicking at Thacher State Park before, but did you know there is a treetop course to explore?
Named WildPlay Thacher, this adventure park offers fun experiences for all comfort levels and abilities. Your entire group will have a blast soaring down ziplines, walking across tightropes, climbing up cargo nets, and overcoming other obstacles.
There are multiple options, including a Classic Course with three levels of obstacles that get more challenging and higher as you go, an Extreme Course add-on, and a Kids Course for young adventurers (ages 5-12).
Past patrons commend WildPlay Thacher for its staff, who ensure that the experience is safe and fun for people of all ages and skill levels. Get ready to have an exhilarating time at this outdoor attraction.
Witness the Power of Nature at Cohoes Falls
You might not think of waterfalls when Cohoes comes to mind, but the beautiful Cohoes Falls is one natural attraction you don't want to miss. Cohoes Falls is the second largest waterfall in New York State, and you can check it out from two different parks: Overlook Park and Falls View Park.
Overlook Park is located at the corner of School Street and Cataract Street off North Mohawk Street. Falls View Park is a renovated park accessible by footbridge over the power canals from North Mohawk Street.
Both parks offer breathtaking views of the falls. Choose from one or the other, or if you can't get enough of the falls, stop at both and see what both parks have to offer!
Explore Interactive Exhibits at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center
You may have walked along the trails at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, but have you ever stepped inside the Discovery Center and checked out all the interactive exhibits and activities?
The next time you're looking to travel off the beaten path, bring the family to the Discovery Center and learn about geologic history, plants and animals, scientific research, the protection of the preserve, and more. Exhibits are multi-sensory and hands-on, and admission is free!
"The Visitor (Discovery) Center is worth the trip by itself, with lots of interesting exhibits and excellent restrooms," one past visitor said in a review. Pair this awesome nature park with the informative entertainment of the Discovery Center for a excellent time for all ages.
Trace the History of the Underground Railroad in the Capital Region
A historic home in Albany is an artifact of anti-slavery and the Underground Railroad period: The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence at 194 Livingston Avenue. During the 1850s, owners Stephen and Harriet Myers used their house as the headquarters for Underground Railroad activity in the Capital Region.
Today, the house is owned by the Underground Railroad Education Center, which aims to research, preserve, and highlight the local and national history of the Underground Railroad movement. Visitors can tour the historic site and learn about the story behind the home.
One Google reviewer called the house a "historical gem," and it has received a lot of praise for being a great destination for learning about the Underground Railroad. Make your trip off the beaten path an educational journey into history with this destination.
Soak Up the Sights & Smells at the Central Park Rose Garden
A true hidden gem in the Capital Region, Schenectady's Central Park is home to a rose garden that features 4,000 rose bushes, a tiered center fountain, a babbling brook, and a pond. People have visited the rose garden for over 50 years to soak up the vibrant colors and tantalizing scents.
The best time to visit is from June until October when the roses saturate the garden. You can easily access Central Park from the entrance on Wright Avenue and Central Parkway in Schenectady.
Central Park offers more than just the gorgeous rose garden. Visitors can also find public pools, a concert stage, a dog park, tennis courts, and much more, making it a great place for you and your family to visit.
Enjoy a Family-Friendly Stroll Around Peebles Island State Park
Peebles Island State Park is a unique state park surrounded by the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers and located between Cohoes and Waterford. You can see amazing river and waterfall views while hiking along the perimeter of this 190-acre island, and there are multiple picnic areas where you can rest up and have lunch.
The waterfall views and many other sights along the trail have been called "beautiful, expansive, and scenic" by past park visitors, making it the perfect spot to escape the city scene.
Peebles Island welcomes walkers, joggers, picnickers, fishermen, and other recreationists throughout the year. Leashed dogs are allowed in the park, meaning you can have an adventure for you and your furry companion.
Discover the History of Flight at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum
Fly through the history of aviation with a visit to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum in Glenville.
Established in 1984, this history museum has continued to grow and now includes over 20 planes in the Airpark, exhibits and interactive displays in two buildings, and more.
The highlight of the experience is the museum's flight simulator, which allows visitors to experience the feeling of flying one of the planes that they saw outside on the tarmac. The thrill of the simulation blends excitement and learning for kids and adults alike.
Learn about the fascinating story of aviation, get a close look at restored aircraft indoors and outdoors, and have fun with the family.
Experience the Sweet Sounds of Music at a Delmar Community Orchestra Concert
Love classical music? The Delmar Community Orchestra offers spectacular performances in the Capital Region at a pay-what-you-will price.
This group is a community-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to the sharing and enjoyment of music. The Delmar Community Orchestra is comprised of volunteer musicians of all ages, and you can see the current schedule on their website: https://delmarcommunityorchestra.org/current-schedule/
Support your community while enjoying amazing music by attending one of The Delmar Community Orchestra's concerts.
Get a Bird's-Eye View of Albany From the Corning Tower Observation Deck
You've probably seen the Corning Tower in Albany's Empire State Plaza, located by The Egg, but did you know you could go up to the top for free? That's right - you can experience a bird's-eye view of Albany from the 42nd floor.
The Corning Tower is the tallest building in New York State outside of New York City, completely dominating the skyline. Use the elevator on the Plaza level of Corning Tower to make your way up. You'll be able to see everything from the Hudson River Valley to the Port of Albany and the foothills of the Adirondacks.
There is so much to do and see in Albany and the Capital Region. Try heading off the beaten path and visiting some place new for your next trip.
Check out our favorite places to walk in the area »
