The Ultimate Saratoga Family Bucket List: Top Annual Kids Events by Season
Ready for family fun in the Spa City? Saratoga Springs, NY, hosts incredible annual kids events and seasonal festivals all year long.
From the excitement of the Saratoga County Fair and horse racing in the summer to magical holiday traditions like the Victorian Streetwalk, there are endless things to do with kids in Saratoga and the surrounding area. Check out the top annual events below and start marking your family bucket list for the upcoming year!
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Top Spring Kids Events & Annual Family Festivals in Saratoga
Maple Weekends
March means maple, and as wintertime transitions to spring, you can spend a weekend - or two! - enjoying sweet pancake breakfasts, free tastings and tours, and more at area farms and sugarhouses.
Get the details on March Maple Weekends in the Saratoga region.
Saratoga Reptile & Exotic Pet Show
The Saratoga Reptile & Exotic Pet Show offers a full day of family-friendly fun and up-close encounters with fascinating animals.
Attendees can explore more than 70 vendors featuring thousands of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and exotic pets, along with supplies, habitats, and educational resources. The event provides a unique opportunity for families to learn from experts and experience the world of exotic animals firsthand.
Big Truck Day
Big Truck Day, hosted by the Children's Museum of Saratoga, is an interactive spring event for kids and families. This educational yet fun experience allows kids to tour large trucks, police vehicles, and more!
Cantina Kids Fun Run
The Cantina Kids Fun Run is the only run in Saratoga that is designed just for kids! Choose between a 1/4 mile or 1-mile course, receive trophies, partake in kids activities, and raise money for pediatric care at Saratoga Hospital's Emergency Department.
Summer Kids Activities & Festivals Around Saratoga
Saratoga All-American Celebration
Experience one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the region!
The Saratoga All-American Celebration kicks off with the annual Firecracker 4 Road Race, followed by live music and fireworks in downtown Saratoga later in the evening.
Saratoga County Fair
What kid doesn't get excited about going to the fair? The Saratoga County Fair is a must during the summertime. The kids will love the rides, entertainment, animals, and the food!
Saratoga Race Course
Bring the kids along to the track during the summer! The Saratoga Race Course has a variety of kid-friendly events throughout the racing season, like Family Sundays!
Family Nights at SPAC
Enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars at Saratoga Performing Arts Center during Family Nights, held alongside performances by The Philadelphia Orchestra and New York City Ballet.
These special nights invite families to arrive early for pre-show fun, including lawn games, crafts, face painting, and even free ice cream before the performance begins.
With world-class music and dance paired with kid-friendly activities, it’s the perfect way to introduce little ones to the arts in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Washington County Fair
A classic summer tradition, the Washington County Fair returns late August for a full week of family-friendly fun. From carnival rides and live entertainment to livestock shows and hands-on agricultural exhibits, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
Don’t forget the fair food favorites: fried dough, fresh lemonade, and more. This is one of New York’s largest and longest-running county fairs and perfect for families!
Best Fall Festivals & Kid-Friendly Autumn Events in the Saratoga Area
Adirondack Balloon Festival
This is one for the whole family - you and your kids can enjoy the view of up to 100 hot air balloons taking to the sky.
Make the trip up to Glens Falls for the Adirondack Balloon Festival - it's worth it! With a variety of events each day of the festival, you're sure to have a great time with the whole family. And, it's free!
Saratoga Book Festival
Celebrate a love of reading at the Saratoga Book Festival, taking place early October in Saratoga Springs. This free, citywide event features dozens of authors, panel discussions, book signings, and special events for all ages.
Families won’t want to miss the KidZone, where young readers can meet children’s authors and enjoy interactive activities designed just for them.
Saratoga Fall Festival
Enjoy fall in downtown Saratoga at the annual Saratoga Fall Festival. This year's event include a Pumpkin Roll, the Great Saratoga Pumpkin Hunt, and more kid-friendly fun like face painting.
Trunk or Treat at Moreau Rec Park
A major Trunk or Treat takes place each year at Moreau Rec Park with not only candy but games, haunted and non-haunted hayrides, a balloon artist, kids crafts, and more.
Saratoga Winter Holiday Events & Activities for Kids
Saratoga Victorian Streetwalk
The annual Victorian Streetwalk in downtown Saratoga is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season with the family.
Your kids will love watching the magical tree lighting, meeting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, seeing all the festive decor, and enjoying carolers and other holiday fun.
Santa's Cottage
Get the kiddos in the holiday spirit by visiting Santa at his cottage in Saratoga! Your kids can meet Santa face to face at his cottage on Broadway, and can let him know what's on their Christmas list this year.
Just don't forget your phone or camera to capture those priceless memories.
Saratoga New Year's Eve
Formerly known as First Night, Saratoga New Year's Eve celebrates the start of the New Year with a variety of events for all ages on New Year's Eve and Day.
The Flurry Festival
Get those kids of yours on the dance floor! The annual Flurry Festival is the perfect way to have fun indoors during the frigid winters in Saratoga. The weekend-long festival draws dancers of all ages, abilities, and dance styles.
Your child is guaranteed to have a great time, and hopefully bust a move or two!
Mark Your Calendar For All These Fun Family Events
No matter the season, Saratoga Springs, NY, offers an incredible variety of annual kids events and family-friendly festivals to enjoy. Mark your calendars for these local traditions and start making lasting memories with your family all year long!
Find kid-friendly attractions in Saratoga >>
View all upcoming kids events in our community calendar >>
