Fun, frugal and safe February break activities
Time is a crazy construct in these pandemic days. It both flies and crawls, and just when you think you’ve conquered the calendar and settled into a routine, you realize it’s mid-winter school recess. The kids are off for a whole week and you have nothing planned.
But then what is there to do? So many go-to sites, like museums and movie theaters are still closed. Certain available scenarios still feel wildly unsafe. The closest most of us can get to a warm-weather respite is a light therapy lamp, an ocean waves sound machine and a margarita.
If your surroundings are far too familiar, or you’re just desperate to forge a week of fun so you can fend off cries of boredom to do what you’ve got to do — like work — there are some cost-effective and COVID -friendly February break activities.
Most of the region's state parks, including Grafton and Five Rivers, will host outdoor activities, like hikes and scavenger hunts throughout the week. Saratoga Spa State Park doesn’t have anything on the calendar, but it has a large ice rink prime for skating and some groomed crosscountry ski trails. (You’ll need to bring your own equipment.) However, if you don’t have gear, visit the nearby Wilton Wildlife Park & Preserve. You can rent snowshoes or cross-country skis for less than $10 and explore Wilton’s natural surroundings.
There are a slew of sledding hills in the Capital Region that don't cost a dimeto zip down the snow. Times Union readers shared a list of their favorites, which included Tawasentha Park in Guilderland and Frear Park in Troy.
If you’re comfortable heading indoors, some bowling lanes are offering February break specials. For $10 you can bowl for two hours at Del Mar Lanes in Delmar, and get a slice of pizza and soda. The deal is available daily throughout the week. Saratoga Strike Zone in Saratoga Springs offers a similar package with shoes included. It’s priced at $13 per person.
If you prefer to stay in, The Albany Institute of History & Art is one of several museums hosting a virtual camp this week. The Children’s Museum at Saratoga has a slew of fun, free, at-home activities on its website. Also, be sure to check your local library’s schedule. Most have a full slate of free kid-friendly events to stream from home.
Indoors
Albany Institute of History & Art: If you'd prefer to stay home, you can sign up for one of the museum's kid-friendly art camps or workshops. albanyinstitute.org.
The Children's Museum at Saratoga: The museum is closed, but you’ll find more than a dozen fun at-home activities to keep your little one busy. Museum staff also routinely post virtual story-time videos on the organization’s Youtube page. cmssny.org.
Del Lanes, Delmar: Take advantage of the $10 No School Special and you’ll receive two hours of bowling, shoe rental, a slice of pizza and soda. Shoes aren’t included and you’ll need to begin between noon and 3 p.m. For information, visit bowldel.com/specials.
Guptill's Arena: The indoor skating venue is open and strictly enforcing COVID protocol. The facility will be open throughout the week. Call ahead to confirm hours. Admission generally ranges from $12-$15. Skates are available to rent for $5. Check out guptillsarena.com/index.html.
Saratoga Strike Zone: Starting at 9 a.m., enjoy two hours of bowling, shoe rental, two slices of pizza, soda and more for $14. Visit saratogastrikezone.com.
Via Aquarium: Explore the seas, feed stingrays and explore reptiles — while maintaining social distance — throughout the week. You'll pay less if you visit Monday through Thursday. Discounted tickets are available to seniors, college students, military +personnel and first responders. Head to viaaquarium.com for more information.
Outdoors
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center: The Delmar-based outdoor education center has a full slate of fun outdoor activities planned, including hikes, games, a learn-to-snowshoe program and more. Capacity is limited so reservations are required. Visit dec.ny.gov/education/1980.html to learn more.
Saratoga Spa State Park: There are opportunities to ice skate and cross-country ski on groomed trails but you’ll need to supply your own gear (check Facebook Marketplace for inexpensive used equipment). Visit nysparks.com or call 584-2000, Ext. 150.
Grafton Lakes State Park: Children can learn about birds and owls inperson or participate in nature experiments from home. You’ll need to register for any in-person activity. Email graftonlakessp@parks.ny.gov.
Wilton Wildlife Park & Preserve: Several free programs are scheduled throughout the week, including a scavenger hunt and animal tracking program. Plus, if the weather is decent you can rent snowshoes and crosscountry skis for $5 to $10 before 2 p.m. Visit wiltonpreserve.org or call 4500321.