There is nothing quite like a Saratoga summer. Days can be spent sampling the famous mineral springs, picnicking in Congress Park, walking the gorgeous downtown, boating on Saratoga Lake, or enjoying a concert at SPAC. However, there's nothing more thrilling than the roar of the crowd as powerful thoroughbreds race around Saratoga Race Course! If you're looking for ways to enjoy the summer and beat the heat in Saratoga and the surrounding areas, we have some great outdoor ideas for you!

Camping

Summer camping at Camp Hudson Pines or Saratoga Escape Lodges and RV Resort offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Nestled in a serene forest, campers can enjoy rustic charm with modern amenities at Camp Hudson Pines. On the other hand, Saratoga Escape Lodges and RV Resort boasts spacious RV sites, cozy cabins, and a plethora of recreational activities, from swimming in the spacious pool to exploring scenic hiking trails. Both destinations promise a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making summer camping in Saratoga a delightful experience for all.

Fun on the Water

Hoping to spend some time on the water? Adirondack Cruise and Charter invites you to experience the best of Saratoga Lake! Whether you want to enjoy one of their popular public cruises (Wake on the Lake Coffee Cruise, afternoon cruise, sunset cruise) or perhaps a private charter for parties, intimate weddings, or private dinners, they have customizable cruises for everyone. If you're looking to get some exercise, head on over to the Kayak Shak and rent yourself a kayak or paddleboard. With a belief that it's important to give people the opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy the solitude, sunshine, and fun that Saratoga has to offer from a different perspective, they have a variety of additional offerings including SUP (standup paddleboard) Yoga classes, bachelorette parties, and team building, and don't forget to check out their Hammocraft, which allows up to four people to float in hammocks on the water! Splash around with Daley’s Adventure Boat Tours and enjoy swimming and tubing on Saratoga Lake. You’re able to bring your own refreshments and customize your tour for your convenience. Drift away with Tiki Tours on Saratoga Lake! Whether you would like to cruise around with your friends on the lake or stop at a local establishment, their floating, motorized tiki boats are available for 75-minute charters driven by our New York State-certified captains. Salvi Aquatic Boat Rentals offers pontoon boat rentals, kayaks, and paddleboards. In order to rent a pontoon you need to be over 21 years of age with a valid driver's license. No boating license is required unless you are under 25. 

Tiki Tours

Tiki Tours on Saratoga Lake

About a half hour north of Saratoga lies beautiful Lake George, ranked one of the most beautiful lakes in the country! Enjoy the beauty of the lake, the surrounding mountains and the beautiful homes and resorts that line the shore by visiting Lake George Steamboat who offers daily cruises aboard three historic vessels, both public and chartered. Another great option is Lake George Waterfront Cruises, who also offers private charters and regular scheduled cruises on their two yachts. And if you're heading south of Saratoga toward Albany and looking for some time on the water, be sure to check out Dutch Apple Cruises and Tours and take in the scenic beauty of the Hudson River. After your day on the water, you might be feeling hungry so be sure to check out Lago by Druthers or Dock Brown's Lakeside Tavern, both located right on Saratoga Lake!

Lk George Steamboat

Lake George Steamboat Company

Family Fun

School's out and this is the perfect time for some fun outdoor activities with the family. If you would like to take the kids out for some flower-picking, be sure to check out Balet Flowers and Design. Visit their 5-acre farm, greenhouses, and beautiful farm field. During the summer months, they offer pick-your-own flowers and vegetables, allowing you to enjoy farm-fresh abundance even if you are too busy to garden or are just visiting the area for a short time. Visit Pitney Meadows Community Farm, a 166-acre community farm, offering trails for walking and biking, and programs throughout the summer for young and old alike celebrating nature and including "Work to Learn" volunteer opportunities, children's reading groups, yoga, and more!

If it’s too hot to go outside another option is to check out The Children's Museum at Saratoga. It provides positive opportunities for learning in an interactive setting. Learn about science, history, community living, and the arts by exploring the museum's hands-on exhibits. If you’re looking to be hands-on, sculpt your summer at the Saratoga Clay Arts Center. They offer fun for the whole family with wheel throwing and hand-building clay classes for youth and adults, summer camps for kids, studio space and residencies for artists, and exhibitions featuring emerging, mid-career, and established clay artists. If your family loves bowling, Saratoga Strike Zone is the place for you. They offer state-of-the-art light and sound shows that will make for an unforgettable bowling experience. Not only do they offer bowling, but also bumper cars, a soft ball play area, and the End Zone Family Sports Pub. Keep your family entertained all summer in Saratoga!

The Saratoga Polo School, located on Patagonia Farm just minutes from downtown Saratoga, offers both riding and polo lessons for all levels. Additionally, they welcome the public on select dates for an afternoon of pulse-pounding polo and field-side fun for all age. Take advantage of complimentary general admission field-side tailgating, and spectators are encouraged to bring a picnic. If you feel like you need to spend some time enjoying the splendor of the majestic Adirondack mountains, the Adirondack Experience - The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, located in the heart of the Adirondacks, is where you need to be. The open-air campus offers everyone something to do! Step into the rich history of this region as you browse the museum, row an authentic guide boat, break up a log jam, climb a classic ADK fire tower, or enjoy a family-friendly hike to Minnow Pond.

Pitney

Pitney Meadows Community Farm

Saratoga Race Course is the longest continuously operating thoroughbred racetrack in the country. Attracting more than one million visitors each year, Saratoga Race Course is one of the largest attractions in the area. The venue has been named one of Sports Illustrated’s 10 Best Sporting Venues in the U.S. The 2022 summer meet will begin on July 14 and end on September 5. All the music lovers in the family are in luck! Live Nation is presenting a season jam-packed with big name performances at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Enjoy the Dave Matthews Band, Norah Jones, Luke Bryan, Styx and REO Speedwagon, and so many more! Whether you've got a seat in the amphitheater or you're spreading a blanket out on the gorgeous grounds to enjoy the show, you're sure to have a great time. And what would summer be without a good county fair? The Saratoga County Fairgrounds are home to the six-day, award-winning Saratoga County Fair held every year in July. Located on 30 acres of fenced property with an additional 20 acres of parking, the fairgrounds are a perfect setting for craft and home shows, company picnics, festivals, horse shows and much more.

Concert on stage in amphitheater at night

Live Nation Concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center 

Golf

We can't talk about summer fun without mentioning the many golf courses throughout Saratoga County. Enjoy any one of these award-winning golf courses that provide challenging and beautifully maintained fairways for every level of golfer, as well as scenic views and elegant spaces for events like weddings, banquets, corporate retreats, and more!

For those searching for indoor golf facilities, be sure to check out PSG Golf, featuring two state-of-the-art simulators, a putting/chipping range, TopGolf simulator, and full-service food and beverage, as well as The Bunker, a luxury sports bar featuring indoor golf, food/music and lounge, located right on Broadway!

Saratoga National Golf Course

Saratoga National Golf Course

 

Our city in the country offers a safe, walkable downtown with countless restaurants and shops. Over 100 restaurants will intrigue every unique taste. It’s no wonder that Travel Magazine named Saratoga Springs One of the Nation’s Most Charming Small Cities in 2021. Start planning your summer getaway today!