The best things to do in Albany

Uncle Sam Lanes brings family-friendly fun to Troy, with bumper bowling for kids and Moonlight Bowling featuring music and special effects lighting. It’s a good pick for a low-key outing with friends or family, whether you’re aiming for a strike or mostly aiming to keep the ball out of the gutter.

247-acre expanse featuring an 18-hole golf course & ice rink, tennis courts & a nature trail.

VIA Aquarium packs over 50 exhibits into an indoor wander through oceans, rivers, and our own freshwater habitats, now with reptiles too. Hands-on extras like stingray feeding, reptile shows, Aquarist for a Day, and behind-the-scenes tours make it an easy anytime plan when the weather can't decide.

From the Schenectady newsletter, November 8, 2026

If tying the knot is on your 2026 to‑do list, River Stone Manor brings the Mohawk River views, lush lawns, and exclusive-estate feel, plus an all-inclusive wedding package with signature cocktails, a custom cake, multi-course menus, and seasoned consultants who keep the whole day effortless.

From the Amsterdam newsletter, November 1, 2026

Founded in 1898, Mohawk Golf Club pairs a timeless golf scene with the stuff that makes club life easygoing, think practice facilities, a pro shop, pool and tennis, dining, and junior programs. It doubles as a go-to for weddings and events when you want something polished yet close to home.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 21, 2026

F. Knight and Jim Thomas. Jump into a Muni League, book a lesson, then refuel at the on-site restaurant while reliving that pure 7-iron, again.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 14, 2026

MVP Arena keeps the Capital Region buzzing with a lineup that swings from Siena Saints hoops and Albany Firebirds action to touring concerts, monster trucks, and even an esports showcase. Peek at the calendar this week, pick a vibe, then let the big night energy do the rest.

From the Albany newsletter, October 25, 2026

Shaker Ridge Country Club pairs an 18-hole course with a clubhouse, pool, playground, and fine and casual dining. It’s a family-oriented, member-owned club, so golf is only one part of the appeal.

From the Albany County newsletter, November 8, 2026

Catch a flick under the stars at Jericho Drive-In this week, then follow it up with a swirl from the on-site full-serve ice cream parlor. Rotating flavors of the week keep things interesting, and the whole setup feels like an effortless summer reset right here at home.

From the Albany newsletter, August 27, 2026

Mill Road Acres Golf Course and Driving Range is that easygoing, family-owned spot where beginners actually feel welcome and regulars can tune up the short game without eating the whole day. Hit a bucket, sneak in a quick round, then reward yourself at the on-site Otis and Oliver's.

From the Troy newsletter, October 18, 2026

Billy Beez Crossgates Mall is a sprawling indoor playground with over 1,000 feet of wild slides, a ballistics arena that puts old-school ball pits to shame, and a Honey Cafe for quick refuels. Perfect when the weather or your sofa says nope, just let them loose.

From the Albany newsletter, October 10, 2026

Scene One Spectrum 8 Theatres keeps Albany’s cinephile heart happy with a smart mix of indie standouts and crowd-pleasers, rotating lobby art from local creators, and those mint brownies that somehow disappear before the previews. Call it your midweek mood reset.

From the Albany newsletter, November 7, 2026

Craving a break from the couch queue? Scene One Cinemas Movieland 6 keeps fresh releases rolling on the big screen, comfy vibe included, so you can sink into a story with actual laughs and gasps from your fellow Schenectadians. Grab a friend, pick a flick, and go.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 28, 2026

Whether you want to sling go-karts around tight turns, settle rivalries on a flower-framed mini-golf course, tune your swing in the batting cages, or crush a post-game cone from Control Tower Ice Cream, All 4 Fun Entertainment turns a normal afternoon into pure grin fuel.

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 10, 2026

Capital Hills at Albany is a public course that runs along Norman's Kill on six holes, marrying postcard views with real water and bunker trouble. Sneak in a round this week, then hit Martel's Restaurant for a low-key bite or plot your next tournament with the crew.

From the Albany newsletter, October 4, 2026

When your crew needs to burn energy, FunPlex Fun Park delivers with fast go-karts, classic mini golf, and other high-energy attractions that keep everyone moving. A low-stress pick for weekend laughs or group hangouts, with birthday party options and all-ages fun running strong all season.

From the Hudson Valley newsletter, September 5, 2026

Thinking about a place where golf mornings turn into swimming afternoons and easygoing dinners with neighbors, Wolferts Roost Country Club nails the family club vibe. Membership gets you golf, tennis, swimming, a fitness center, dining, and a steady calendar of social events right here in the Capital Region.

From the Albany newsletter, October 23, 2026

5 Wits Albany drops you into three live-action adventures: Deep Space, Drago’s Castle, and Tomb, where your team interacts with immersive environments, solves puzzles and challenges, and your performance changes the ending.

From the Albany newsletter, October 13, 2026

When your group chat can’t agree, Apex Entertainment Albany at Crossgates Mall settles it with 22 lanes of candlepin or ten-pin bowling, a 60+ game arcade, laser tag, bumper cars, Hologate VR, sports simulators and pool tables. Solid American fare keeps the good times rolling.

From the Albany County newsletter, November 10, 2026

From an Apple or Zara run to arcade showdowns at Dave & Buster's, an IMAX flick, standup at FunnyBone Comedy Club, and a quick reset at Spa Mirbeau, Crossgates Mall makes errands feel almost fun. When Albany weather or your to do list goes sideways, this one stop covers it.

From the Albany County newsletter, November 4, 2026