School’s out for summer! In a few short weeks, kids will get
to enjoy the freedom of summer vacation once again. If you’re a parent looking
for kid-friendly activities to keep them busy, we recommend visiting some of our favorites, all accessible by Amtrak. Not only will these unique
offerings grab your children’s attention, but they’ll also experience the fun of
a train ride, perhaps for the first time!
Albany
Established in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art (2.2 miles from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station) is presenting two fun (and educational!)
exhibits this summer that appeal to both kids and adults alike. Museum
admission ranges from $6 to $10. Children under 6 are free.
Triple Play: Baseball at the Albany Institute Features three exhibitions celebrating America’s
passion for baseball: "Baseball: America’s Game," "Play Ball! A History of
Baseball in the Capital Region" and "The Clubhouse: Baseball Memorabilia." All
three exhibitions feature nationally or regionally significant materials, such
as photographs, signed bats and balls, stadium seats, trophies, pennants,
jerseys and more! Items were borrowed from regional fans, community collectors
and other museums. Exhibit runs through July 26.
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| Photo Credit: Albany Institute of History & Art |
Ancient Egypt This
ongoing exhibit has been extended to feature more information and artifacts! Includes
Egyptian History and Civilization, the Nile and the Environment, Crafts and
Professions, Food and Drink, Gods and Goddesses, Preparing for the Afterlife
and the story of Albany’s 3,000 year-old mummy, Ankhefenmut! Visitors can also
view a slide presentation highlighting the Albany Mummies’ trip to Albany
Medical Center for x-rays and CT scans which revealed new information about their
age, gender and occupations!
Rochester
“What Were They Thinking?” Strong Museum Exhibit (1.1 miles from Rochester Amtrak Station):
Dedicated to some of the oddest toys of all time, this exhibit is sure to
incite both laughter and head-scratching! Featured toys include the Daddy
Saddle - designed for a child to turn a parent into a human pony, Jarts –
barbed lawn darts banned in 1988 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, The
Pet Rock and The Big Time Nose Around ring toss – which uses the sharp features
of former President Richard Nixon to catch the ring. Exhibit runs through June
30. The Strong Museum houses the world’s largest collection of historical materials
related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of
Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall
of Fame. Admission is $13.50 for ages 2 and older; under age 2 and museum
members are free.
Saratoga
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| Photo Credit: Saratoga Balloon & Craft Festival |
Saratoga Balloon & Craft Festival (6.6 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak Station): Enjoy
larger-than-life hot air balloons, live music, arts and crafts exhibits and a
wide selection of food vendors at the Saratoga Balloon & Craft Festival
June 19 – 21 at the Saratoga Fairgrounds! Visitors can watch the whole process as the
balloons are inflated, up to when they float off into the sky. Kids will
particularly enjoy the special shaped balloons during the evening launches, with names like Pico, Frogg and Dingbat! Admission ranges from $5 to $10, with weekend
passes ranging from $5 to $15. There is also the opportunity to take a balloon
ride on Friday evening for $249!
Schenectady
It Came From Schenectady – Science Fiction in the Capital Region (7.2 miles from the
Schenectady Amtrak Station): Discover the history of science fiction in
Schenectady County with this interactive exhibit at the Mabee Farm Historic
Site. Older children can experience a bit of astronaut life by trying on a replica
of an Apollo EMU spacesuit! Parents can learn about the inspirations behind
creations by Kurt Vonnegut and Ray Nelson. The exhibit also features
experimental equipment and machinery from GE, original science fiction cover
art, hand-made costumes, an interactive studio set, film footage and more! Exhibit
runs through September 1. Admission ranges from $5 to $8; SCHS members,
children and students with valid I.D. are free.
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