Ten fun, affordable ideas for mid-winter break
School’s out, and the calendar is suddenly clear for kids across Capital Region. The well-deserved downtime is great, but an empty slate during February break can lead to hours of screen time, total boredom or a tapped budget for parents frantic to fill each day.
Fortunately, there are a flurry of budget-friendly ways to boost your vacation week agenda, with activities and events in all corners of the Capital Region. Here are 10 suggestions.
Indoor fun:
Seek out movie deals: There are quite a few ways to see a movie for less (sneaking in snacks aside). Matinee screenings are always cheaper, second-run theaters can save you several dollars and most local theaters offer weekly deals. Admission to Bow Tie Cinemas in Saratoga Springs, for instance, is just $7 on "Super Tuesdays" (and popcorn is just $5). Every Tuesday, Regal Cinemas Crown Club members can enjoy discounted movie ticket prices and 50 percent off popcorn. The program is free to join.
Make music: Join The Music Studio in Colonie for musical fun and activities at their Musical FunFest. The Music Studio will host a high-energy 90-minute program of teacher-led music-making, games, crafts and a mini concert for ages 3-6. The program takes place at 1 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday. The fee is $5 per child. Sign up at themusicstudio.com/ fun-fest/ or call 518-459-7799.
Get artsy: Everyone is invited to explore their artistic side with an art project inspired by the Albany Institute of History & Art’s collections. Explore Leigh Li-Yun Wen’s artwork in the galleries that include expressive paintings with silhouettes of sailboats and create your own painted boat silhouettes using paper stencils. Participants may pick up a to-go activity set for this art project at the museum’s front desk or attend in-person drop-in art-making sessions from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday. Several other area arts organizations, including Saratoga Arts and the Arts Center of the Capital Region, are planning week-long camps.
Bowl 'em over: Pins, that is. Several Capital Region bowling facilities are once again offering winter break bargains. In Delmar, Del Lanes’ $11 No School Special includes 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. Visit Saratoga Strike Zone at 9 a.m. and enjoy two hours of bowling, shoe rental, two slices of pizza, soda and more for $15.
Hit up your local library: Our local libraries offer a slew of family activities, particularly when children are out of school. Most post their events on the website and events are almost always free.
Experiment at home or onsite: Students are invited to learn about the planet, weather and more at the Earth, Climate, Action! break week activities at the Museum of Innovation and Science (MiSci) in Schenectady. Prices range from $35 for single-morning sessions to $275 for the full week. If your budding Einstein would rather experiment from home, there is a full slate of free virtual events presented in partnership with Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York.
Outdoor play:
Go sledding: There are a slew of sledding hills in the Capital Region that don't cost a dime to zip down the snow. Times Union readers shared a list of their favorites, which included Tawasentha Park in Guilderland, Capital Hills in Albany and Frear Park in Troy.
Try snowshoeing: The Wilton Wildlife Park & Preserve is renting snowshoes throughout the week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last call by 2 p.m.) at the Camp Saratoga North cabin on Scout Road in Wilton. There are shoes available for children and adults priced at $5 and $10, respectively. Snowshoe rentals are also available at Thacher State Park in Voorheesville for $5 to $10 per day at the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature. If you have your own gear, you can check out other spots like Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar, Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center In Cropseyville and other nearby state parks.
Hit the slopes: Downhill skiing and snowboarding can sap your funds faster than you can barrel down a black diamond run, especially during school holidays when lift tickets are priced highest and discounts are nonexistent. To save, purchase lift tickets in advance. Hunter Mountain will shave as much as 20 percent off the cost. Consider exploring smaller mountains. I recently visited Royal Mountain Ski Area in Johnstown. It’s small, no doubt, but the terrain is topnotch and a full-day lift pass will only set you back $35 to $50 for juniors age 12 and younger and adults, respectively. Half-day passes are also available at a reduced rate.
Strap on skates: The Empire State Plaza ice rink is open daily from noon to 8 p.m. (closed for maintenance from 3:304:30 p.m.) and skating is free. Rentals are available whenever the rink is open and cost $3 for children 12 and under and $4 for adults. Rental skates are free every Saturday courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets. Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York is hosting February Fun Free Skate events at the Schenectady River Rink along Mohawk Harbor from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, skates included. Pre-registration is required. Up north, you can skate for free at Saratoga Spa State Park (near the Victoria Lot) and Gavin Park in Wilton. Skate rentals are not available.