Today is National Take a Walk in the Park Day! The kids are off school, so scoop them up and get them outside. According to Nationaldaycalendar.com, taking a walk at a local park is an excellent way to clear one’s mind from the stresses of the day, re-energize and at the same time, improve health. Even if the weather is a little damp, you can still enjoy the beauty of our local parks.
So where to go? Check out this list of Capital Region parks, then get out and take a walk in one (or more) of them!
Albany Area
- Albany Pine Bush Preserve
- More of a nature center than a park, it offers interactive exhibits about local wildlife and plants. Then take one of the hiking trails and see the animals and flowers you read about in the nature center!
- Jennings Landing (formerly known as Albany Riverfront Park)
- A beautiful stretch of walking paths along the Hudson, you can watch boats on the river or stroll along the tree-lined walkway to a playground.
- Crossings of Colonie
- Enjoy the large playground, hedge maze, and winding paths through trees and around the big lake.
- Washington Park
- Tulip season is the best time to visit this park, but year-round the large fields, playground, and walking path around the lake make this park worth a visit.
- Buckingham Lake Park
- The brand new playground is great for kids, and a walk around the pond offers views of wildlife and various flowers and trees.
Schenectady
- Central Park
- Tons of trees, green lawns, woodland trails, a small pond & an outdoor public swimming pool are all here. The rose garden must not be missed!
Troy Area
- Peebles Island State Park
- Located where the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers meet, the park offers great river views along the miles of paths through the gently rolling and wooded landscape.
- Frear Park
- A beautiful part of Troy, it features nature trails, tennis courts, a golf course, and an ice rink.
Saratoga Springs
- Saratoga Spa State Park
- Enjoy the picnic areas and shady stream side trails as you wander over the many acres. The park is also home to the National Museum of Dance, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, and the Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths and Spa.
- Congress Park
- Right in the center of town, this park features beautifl landscaping, hot springs, the Canfield Casino, and an historic carousel.
Other Areas
- Thacher State Park
- Take a walk along the cliffs, enjoy woodland and open fields, and have a picnic at one of the many available sites. The Indian Ladder Trail is one of the most scenic you’ll find in the region, and there is a new nature center and playground.
- Grafton Lakes State Park
- Miles of nature trails for hiking and biking, plus horse riding trails. When it’s warm enough, the lakes offer swimming, fishing, and boating.
So whether it’s National Take a Walk in the Park Day or not, there are plenty of parks around to get out and enjoy nature with the kids!