15 Ideas For Spring Fun In Saratoga

Spring is in bloom in Saratoga.  It is also the perfect time to visit, with fun things for the entire family to enjoy.  Here are some ideas for "spring time" activities in and around Saratoga.

1,  Taste Test the Mineral Springs that Made Saratoga Famous
It was news of healing waters that first brought visitors to Saratoga.  Today you can walk or drive around downtown Saratoga and sample over a dozen natural flowing and carbonated springs.

2.  Take a Tour
Enjoy a guided walk, nice stroll around town or take a drive to admire the beauty, history and culture.  Download self-guided tour itineraries, stop by the Visitor Center for a walking brochure or join in a guided tour.  There are also tour companies that provide services to visitors.

3.  Explore History
Saratoga has a rich past that can be explored at a number of national, state, county and local museums and historical sites.  Visitors to Saratoga will find historical sites and museums that feature glass bottles, automobiles, horse racing, military artifacts and so much more.  Drive through history on the Saratoga National Historical Park’s tour road which is open to cars, bikers and hikers.  Enjoy and learn through interactive exhibits for even the youngest of visitors.

4.  Enjoy State and City Parks
Saratoga is located in the Foothills of the Adirondacks, which means outdoor activities are abundant.  Saratoga has thousands of acres to explore through nature hikes and mountain biking.  Congress Park is nestled right downtown with lawns, statues, museum, ponds, mineral springs and a Circa 1910 restored carousel.  Just off Broaday is the expansive Saratoga Spa State Park with acres of land, miles of trails, two golf courses, playgrounds, picnic areas and more.  Be sure you don't forget the many nature preserves around Saratoga County.

5.  Enjoy the Arts Scene
Saratoga has many cultural treasures with Saratoga Arts at the Arts Center located right downtown, as well as an eclectic and revitalized neighborhood designated as the Beekman Street Art District.  Visitors will also find numerous exhibits, galleries, "how to" workshops, museum, art shows and art events, including First Saturdays.

6.  Get Back Into the Swing of It
Dust off your clubs and hit the links!  Spring is the perfect time to try out some of Saratoga’s most challenging and ranked golf courses or ease into it at a popular par 3 course or driving range.  Saratoga has a course that will suit any age and ability.

7.  Try Your Luck
Live harness racing is underway at Saratoga Casino & Raceway.  Catch the action Friday through Sunday, as well as most Wednesdays this spring, as the celebrate 70 years of racing.  It is also their 7th anniversary for gaming and are now open longer hours, seven days a week with over 1,700 state-of-the-art video gaming machines, simulcast broadcasting, several dining options and one of the Capital Region’s hottest night clubs - Vapor.

8.  Enjoy A Performance
Saratoga’s very own production company, Home Made Theater will put on their final play of their 2010-2011 season.  Weekend performances of “Harvey,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Mary Chase, on weekends this April 22 through May 8, 2011 in the intimate Spa Little Theater nestled in the Saratoga Spa State Park.

9.  Attend A Fun Festival
Saratoga has festivals and events all year long.  Here are some events scheduled for the spring months.
Hadley Maple Festival: April 29 - May 1, 2011
Annual Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras Festival: April 30, 2011
Waterford Canal Fest:  May 7, 2011
Pick'n & Sing'n GottaGetGon Folk Festival:  May 28-30, 2011
Check out our Events Calendar for a complete list of Saratoga happenings.

10.  Start Up Your Engine
Stock car racing will soon be back at Albany-Saratoga Speedway . With one season of asphalt action under their belt, they are proud to announce that they are now a NASCAR-sanctioned facility and will host events under the banner of NASCAR.  Racing schedule begins April 15, 2011.

11.  Listen to Some Great Tunes
Visitors can always find good music in Saratoga with live music throughout Downtown in bars, jazz clubs and wine bars.  There are also a number of dance events and concerts.  Skidmore College’s Arthur Zankel Music Center is new place to watch a musical performance, including jazz, guitar ensemble, recitals and more.

12.  Visit The Saratoga Farmers Market
Spring is here which means it's soon time for the market to leave its winter home at the Division Street Elementary School on May 4 and head back outdoors to the High Rock Pavilion.  The Saratoga Farmers Market has been delivering fresh goods to visitors for over 30 years and features more than 50 vendors selling locally grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meats, spreads, crafts and so much more.

13.  Ride the Rapids
Great whitewater rafting may be one of Saratoga’s best kept secrets.  Visitors can experience Class II and III rapids with some of the best guides around.  With controlled water release on the Great Sacandaga River, there are waves to ride all day and just not at peak times.  Opening is weather dependent but is usually in full-swing by Memorial Day Weekend. 

14.  Check Out A Car Show
The Saratoga Automobile Museum will present its Annual Spring Invitational and Auto Show this May 13-15, 2011.  The grounds of the Saratoga Spa State Park will be the showcase for fast cars, great food, good fun and vendors.  The full schedule of lawn shows begins in June.

15.  Horsin' Around
Spring brings the start of horse shows in Saratoga.  Top riders from all around will showcase their Hunter and Jumper skills at the annual St. Clement's Horse Show, May 3-8 and 11-15, 2011.  There will be nothing but elegance and grace at the Annual Dressage at Saratoga, Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-29, 2011