7 Unique Things to Do In & Near Saratoga Springs That You Might Not Have Thought Of
Many attractions draw visitors to the Saratoga area, including the historic Race Course, exceptional dining, and renowned spas, just to name a few. If you're seeking something out of the ordinary, we've got you covered. Below, we've listed 7 fun and unique things to do in and near Saratoga Springs that you might not have considered!
Find Your Zen on the Water at Kayak Shak
The Kayak Shack on Saratoga Lake offers the perfect escape. Nestled in a peaceful cove in Fish Creek, this locally loved spot provides kayak and paddleboard rentals that make it easy for anyone to explore the calm, scenic waters.
Whether you're paddling solo or sharing the experience with a friend, the surroundings offer a soothing, immersive way to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature—no experience necessary.
Dress in comfortable attire that you can move in and be prepared to get a little wet. It’s also recommended to bring essentials like a towel, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and an open, playful spirit.
Ride Around Saratoga Lake on a Floating Tiki Boat With Original Tiki Tours
Original Tiki Tours started in Lake George but now operates on Saratoga Lake as well! Perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties or for any group between 1 and 16 people, tiki tours are a fun way to see the sights of the lake while relaxing with friends or family on your own terms.
The group boards a thatch-covered floating tiki boat for a 75-minute tour around the lake. They charge per person, but you can also pay to extend the length of the trip. It’s BYOB.
You can even play your music through their Bluetooth-compatible stereo system, which can sync to your phone.
Tiki tours are kid-friendly - they have life preserves for 50 pounds and up to three children; if you have a kid under 50 pounds, you can bring a life preserver for them. And they’re even dog-friendly, provided you get a preserver for the puppy, and you’re on a private charter.
Experience the Capital Region’s Largest Indoor Rock Climbing Gym at The Edge Halfmoon
Are you ready to go to the edge? The Edge Halfmoon in Clifton Park is more extensive and taller than any other gym within a 100-mile radius.
Novice and advanced climbers love this place for their variety of rock climbing routes, the range of difficulty offered, and the more-than-reasonable price.
Day pass rates start at $15, gear rental ranges from $2 for a chalk bag to $5 for shoes, and they have memberships and bulk discounts like an annual shoe rental that can keep you saving more if you want to climb regularly.
This 14,000-square-foot facility features textured climbing terrain, a free-standing boulder with seamless padding, routes for climbers of all ages and abilities, and more.
Rock climbing is a great exercise incorporating problem-solving and trust, resulting in more social and mental health benefits!
Take to the Sky for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Outing at Skydive Saratoga
Skydive Saratoga, based in Gansevoort, earns rave reviews in part because of its outstanding instructors. They’re touted as patient, professional, and capable of making the jumpers feel comfortable and confident about this major leap.
You can trust Skydive Saratoga with a safe, exhilarating, and personalized skydiving experience. For tandem skydiving, you are strapped to the instructor, and guests must participate in a 30-minute safety and procedural training beforehand.
Skydive Saratoga operates the only skydiving dropzone in the Adirondacks. They’re open seasonally from early May through mid-October.
If skydiving has been on your bucket list for a while, know there’s a trustworthy company in Saratoga County that can ensure the experience of a lifetime.
Go on a Llama Trek With Dakota Ridge Farm
If you love visiting livestock on farm tours when apple picking at area orchards, or if you’ve ever participated in goat yoga, you might want to add llama treks to your to-do list.
Llamas are always a favorite at fair petting zoos, farms, and wherever you can see these peaceful, prized animals.
Thanks to Dakota Ridge Farm in Ballston Spa, you can go beyond just petting these fantastic creatures: now you can hike with them, take a farm tour with them, and if you’re in the market, maybe even buy one.
Dakota Ridge Farm offers “llama treks” during April, May, June, September, October, and November. Treks are private (no large groups), go slowly, steadily, and last about one hour. Feel free to bring lunch and picnic on the trails - the llamas will carry everything for you!
See Over 3,700 Bottles in One Place at the National Bottle Museum
You may know about the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, but have you heard about the National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa?
This hidden gem was established in 1978 and houses an impressive collection of over 3,700 antique bottles, most of which date back to before 1903 when the automatic bottle machine was patented and the industry changed.
Patrons rave about the variety of hand-blown bottles that fill wall-to-wall shelves, the artistic pieces on the second floor, and the creative and organized way the museum organizes historical facts and interesting information.
There is no admission fee, although you can support the museum by purchasing merchandise from their gift shop before you leave. If you donate $5, you can “adopt” a bottle to take home!
Drink From One of the 21 Mineral Springs Scattered Throughout the Spa City
Although this may be one of the more familiar activities on our list of unique things to do in Saratoga, we’d be remiss not to mention the mineral springs this city is known for.
Each of the 21 mineral springs in Saratoga varies slightly in its chemical configuration, taste, and even healthful properties. The Congress Spring in Congress Park pictured above, for instance, is believed to aid dyspepsia and skin ailments.
Try taking a self-guided tour of the mineral springs and sample them yourself! Just keep in mind not all of them flow all year round, although the Congress Spring does.
What’s your favorite unique thing to do in Saratoga?
For unique eats, check out global cuisine in Saratoga >>
This article is sponsored by Saratoga County Tourism. Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or view of Saratoga County Tourism or its members.
