Enjoying Summer in the Capital Region

Ready to enjoy summer in upstate New York’s capital region? From outdoor adventures to summertime festivals, it’s critical to know what to do in Albany this summer.

Whether you have lived here all your life, you just moved to town, or you are simply passing through, spending summer in upstate New York’s Capital Region is a real treat. Albany and its surrounding areas offer various activities and points of interest to explore during the summer, ranging from outdoor adventures to family-friendly fun and top-level festivals. 

Outdoor Adventures and Natural Wonders 

It doesn’t take long to notice the incredible natural wonders waiting in upstate New York, and you don’t even need to leave the city to enjoy them. In fact, Albany offers more than three dozen parks of different sizes that feature standards such as playgrounds and basketball courts as well as more specialized features like pools, splash pads, and hiking trails. The city also hosts special summer events to look forward to in various parks. Washington Park, for example, located northeast of downtown, hosts various events and festivals throughout the summer. 

Exploring Local Parks and Trails 

If you’re up for a drive outside of city limits, there is even more to do. Thacher State Park, just a short drive east of Albany in Voorheesville, offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, and breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley. Albany Pine Bush Preserve is another great option located even closer to the city. In the preserve, visitors can discover unique ecosystems through hiking, birdwatching, and educational programs in globally rare pine barrens. 

Cultural and Historical Exploration 

As the capital of New York State and the site of historic events that date back more than 400 years to the founding of the United States, Albany and its surrounding areas offer a rich historical backdrop for those who want to learn more about the region. This includes several spaces that range from modern historical buildings, such as the Capital Building downtown, to historical trails in and around the area, to diverse and curated museums. 


Museums and Historical Sites 

If you are a fan of deep historical learning or art, the Capital district offers a variety of museums that can meet those needs. Among the most popular of these options is the Albany Institute of History & Art, where you can explore the exhibits showcasing regional art, history, and culture. The Iroquois Indian Museum, located west of Albany, features a unique collection of Iroquois art, culture, and history. Also, the New York State Museum is a downtown staple that features exhibits aimed at exploring the state's cultural and natural history. 

Family-Friendly Activities 

The Capital District is full of family-friendly activities that are especially easy to find in the summer. For those who live here, there are literally thousands of summer camps that range from traditional day and sleepaway camping experiences to specialized camps focused on everything from gardening and STEM experiences. Families can also spend the day together exploring amusement parks such as Huck Finn’s Playland in Albany proper or Six Flags Great Adventure in Lake George. 

Zoos and Aquariums 

Families looking to fuse fun and learning in Albany this summer may also want to check out the area’s zoos and aquariums. The region incorporates more than 25 different zoos, botanical gardens, and nature centers in and around the Capital District, some of the most popular of which are Adirondack Animal Land, Mud Creek Environmental Learning Center, and the Pine Hollow Arboretum. 

Summer Festivals and Events 

Like many regions across America, summer is festival season in upstate New York’s Capital region. Annual summer events focus on music, food, art, and more. 

Music, Food, and Arts Festivals 

Every summer, several different events take place in the Capital District. Let's take a look at some of the favorites and the months they usually occur: 

  • Music Festivals – Alive at Five (Thursdays, June-August); Saratoga Jazz Festival (June); Albany Latin Fest (August); Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival (September) 
  • Food Festivals – Capital Strawberry and Wine Festival (June); New York State Food Festival (August) 
Dining and Shopping Hotspots 

Although summertime activities are always fun, Albany also offers a variety of more laid-back options, including shopping and dining hotspots that are best enjoyed in nice weather. There are more than 30 highly rated (according to Yelp) restaurants in and around Albany that offer outdoor seating, with many featuring fine views of the city itself. There are also a variety of seasonal markets, such as the Empire State Plaza Farmer’s Market, the Troy Waterfront Farmer’s Market, and the Washington Park Farmer’s Market, all of which operate once per week from May through mid-October. 

Making Your Move This Summer? Choose Mabey's! 

Living in and around Albany, NY, means never having to look far for fun things to do, whether it’s summer, spring, winter, or fall. If you are new to Albany or even moving within the Capital District, it’s easy to get help with moving from end-to-end with Mabey’s Moving and Storage, the Capital District’s trusted moving partner. We can help you with everything from packing and loading to moving and storing your possessions to ensure that you are ready for everything that Albany and the Capital District have to offer in the gorgeous summer months. Get a quote for your move today!