Ausable Chasm

With gas at $5 a gallon, airfare at record high prices and hotel rates through the roof, a lot of families are foregoing regular vacations for staycations. Here are 5 fun staycation ideas near Albany, NY that will make it to your “things to do” list every summer. 

  1. Ausable Chasm
    The Grand Canyon of NY, Ausable Chasm is a thrill for all ages. Experience this natural wonder for family and friends with activities like lazy river rafting, via ferratta rock climbing, nature trails and more. Plenty of things to do near Albany, NY, Saratoga, NY and Lake George, NY for the whole day.

    What is it: 7 different nature activities ranging from an easy walk to super adventurous.
    Pricing: $25 – $200 depending on the package
    Length of time to allocate: 2-4 hours
    Good for ages: All ages
    Where: Ausable, NY (Just over 2 hours from Albany)
  2. Howe Caverns
    Did you know that New York State has lots of caves? Howe Caverns, located just under 1 hour from Albany, NY (and close to Cooperstown, NY and the Baseball Hall of Fame) is a gem to visit. This cave experience takes away all the scariness of caving by giving you a simple elevator ride down into the cave and flat man-made walking paths for easy traveling along the 1-mile+ cave tour.

    What is it: Underground cave tour
    Pricing: $15 – $25 depending on the package
    Length of time to allocate: 90 minutes
    Good for ages: All ages
    Where: Howes Cave, NY
  1. “EXPERIENCE the ADVENTURE” at Mountain Ridge Adventure in Schenectady, NY.
    Upstate New York’s premier zipline park located only 30 minutes from Albany, NY and Saratoga, NY and a short drive from Lake George, NY.

    What is it: Treetop Challenge Course & Zipline Park with 7 high ropes courses including a 10 zipline canopy tour-style zipline park. One of New York’s ONLY 4.9 Google-rated tourist attractions.
    Pricing: $40-$55
    Length of time to allocate: 2-4 hours
    Good for ages: 6-99
    Where: Schenectady, NY

  2. Storm King Art Center
    Storm King is one of those places you normally wouldn’t think about taking kids but we encourage you to give it a try. 500 acres of art in nature, located about 2 hours south of Albany. This beautiful park will bring some beauty to your world and thought provoking conversation.

    What is it: Sculpture Park
    Pricing: $23
    Length of time to allocate: varies
    Good for ages: All ages
    Where: New Windsor, NY

  3. Funplex
    What’s a Staycation without some pure kid fun! FunPlex just minutes from Albany, NY and Saratoga, NY is filled with kid friendly activities like go carts, basketball shoots, mini golf and more.

    What is it: Amusement Park
    Pricing: $23
    Length of time to allocate: varies
    Good for ages: 3-99
    Where: East Greenbush, NY