A summer bucket list may quickly turn into a financial burden if every activity comes with a cost, and during times like these, penny pinching may become a priority for many families, students, and young adults. This summer, cultivate a minimalist mindset by checking out these 10 FREE activities and events.
1. Indian Ladder Farms
Indian Ladder has something for everyone during every season.
Admission to the farm is free and includes other activities such as a nature trail, an animal farm, gift shop, brewery, and dining.
In the summer, pick your own red raspberries, black raspberries, and blueberries between June and August.
The farm also hosts regular events such as Goat Yoga, Trivia Night, Open Mic, Ramen Night, Paint n’ Sip, and the Capital District Renaissance Festival.
*Summer Challenge: make one of these raspberry recipes with your freshly picked fruit!
Events Calendar: https://www.indianladderfarms.com/calendar/
2. Troy Farmers Market
Take time to smell the flowers…among other things at the best farmers market in the region which occurs between May and October from 9am-2pm every Saturday.
Vendors range from veggies stands, food trucks, and arts and craft stalls accepting both cash and cards.
Market goers can find free parking at the State Street Parking Garage on 1st St. and free street parking just steps away from all the action.
Visitors can choose to purchase local, fresh produce or simply browse and enjoy the bustling atmosphere, sights, and sounds of live music.
Typically, I purchase a cup of local, freshly brewed coffee and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Troy’s European style open air market.
Remember to bring a reusable bag to fill with local vegetables and flowers!
*Summer challenge: make a nice dinner only with items purchased at the market.
Vendors: https://www.troymarket.org/vendors
Parking: https://www.troymarket.org/
3. Yoga & Zumba at the Plaza
Want to stay active, but not ready to commit to a gym membership?
At the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany, you have the opportunity to join your own fitness community without the cost!
Sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, sign up for FREE for either Zumba on Tuesday or Yoga on Thursday, both sessions are one hour long from 5pm to 6pm.
Street parking in Albany is free at 5pm, in which participants can park anywhere beside the plaza and Capitol building.
All participants must register in advance here.
I always leave feeling completely relaxed and stress free. A perfect class for yoga beginners!
These weekly classes get me out of the house on the days I work from home.
*Summer Challenge: Prioritize your health this summer and attend at least one class every week.
4. FREE Festivals: Tulip Festival, LarkFest, Pearl Palooza
The Tulip Festival is one of the biggest events hosted in Albany that attracts attendees from across the region.
Every May, Washington Park becomes a living breathing rainbow as the annual Tulips are in full bloom.
Washington Park is converted into a fairground-like venue lined with food trucks and other vendors.
Admission to the event is free in addition to the free live concerts at the main stage.
Past artists have included the KONGOS and Welshly Arms.
Other free annual events include Lark Fest and Pearl Palooza.
Summer Challenge: Go to at least one festival!
5. Hike in the Adirondacks
Get out of town! Take a day or two to experience the real beauty of Upstate New York.
Adirondack park consists of 6 million acres filled with forests, 46 high peaks, and waterfalls, and is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and the Great Smokies National Parks combined.
As a fairly regular hiker, there are still a countless number of trails I have yet to explore.
Beginners can whip into shape doing easy hikes around the Lake George area such as Sleeping Beauty, Buck Mountain, or Black Mountain.
Some of my favorite hikes in the Adirondacks include Big Slide, Avalanche Pass, and Indian Head.
Northern New York is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Tip: Get an early start as parking lots near trailheads are full before 10am.
Some trails may require a reservation in advance. Use the links below to plan your trip.
6. Visit Local Parks: Thacher, Pine Bush, Grafton Lakes
There is no better way to spend a summer at one of New York’s parks.
Whether it’s a BBQ picnic at Thacher State Park, spending the day at the beach at Grafton Lake, or taking a walk through one of the trails at Pine Bush.
If you’re not feeling the 2 hour drive to the Adirondacks or Catskills, these local parks are the perfect alternative.
Summer challenge: Picnic at your favorite local park
7. Bike Trails
The two best trails in Albany for biking, roller blading, and longboarding are the Helderberg Trail (Albany County Rail Trail) and the Mohawk-Hudson Trail.
Both trails are unique, but equally beautiful.
Don’t have a bike? No Problem! You can rent bikes from CDPHP Cycle which are stationed at the head of each trail.
Summer Challenge: Take a ride at sunset and see the waterfall surprise on the Helderberg trail.
8. Weekly FREE Live Music: Alive at 5 AND Rockin' on the River
Enjoy warm summer nights with FREE live music.
Music lovers can attend outdoor concerts in either Albany (Alive at 5) or Troy (Rockin on the River).
Alive at 5 takes place weekly every Thursday at 5pm at Jennings Landing.
Check out the weekly line up here! Rockin on the River happens every Wednesday in Troy, NY at the Waterfront (433 River St.) at 5:30pm.
More info can be found here!
Albany Parking: https://www.parkalbany.com/find-parking
Troy Parking: https://www.albany.com/troy/parking/
9. Washington Park
Washington Park is the Central Park of the Capital Region.
Located in the heart of Center Square, it is the perfect neighborhood park for local Albany residents.
This city park has something for everyone such as tennis courts, a skate park, playground, dog park, theater, and picnic tables.
All amenities in the park are free for park goers.
10. Yaddo Gardens
Check out one of the free hidden gems in Saratoga Springs.
If you’re looking to spice up your insta with some gorgeous photos, this garden is a must.
Yaddo has more than just flowers, but also fountains, pillars, and ponds.
Be sure to check their website for hours and directions.
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