Have a Memorable Winter in Saratoga With These Lesser-Known Things to Do
Winter in Saratoga County is one of the best times to visit the area thanks to all of the fun activities that you can check out. Whether you’re eager to explore a new snowshoe route or prefer to stay warm when temperatures drop below 0, here are some lesser-known outdoor and indoor activities to enjoy this winter.
Start the Fun at Saratoga Casino Hotel
If you’re ready to turn up the excitement this winter, make your way to the Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs. This local entertainment destination offers a little bit of everything. From thrilling gaming and live harness racing to great food and drinks, all under one roof.
Try your luck on the casino floor with hundreds of slot machines and electronic table games or take a seat at the Saratoga Harness Track, where fans can experience races live. It carries through early in the winter season and again when it returns in February. The hotel also provides an on-site bar and live entertainment, making it easy to turn a simple night out into a full weekend getaway.
Get Creative This Winter at Saratoga Paint & Drip Studio
If you’re looking for a hands-on, indoor activity that brings out your creative side, spend an afternoon or evening at Saratoga Paint & Drip. Known for its fun and welcoming atmosphere, this local art space goes beyond the traditional paint and sip experience. They identify themselves as the Capital Region’s first and only alcohol-free social club! Choose from a delicious assortment of java drinks, kava teas, and tropical mocktails.
Guests can sign up for guided painting sessions for all skill levels, or try one of their unique themed events. The studio hosts lively Paint & Sing Karaoke Nights, and Paint & Popcorn Movie Nights, which pair classic films with paint projects inspired by the movie.
Take a Snowy Tour Through History at the Saratoga Battlefield
You may have driven along the Tour Road at Saratoga National Historical Park before, but did you know the park stays open in winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing? When snow falls at the historic Battlefield, the park’s maintenance crew works hard to clear the parking areas and groom miles of trails for skiers and snowshoers.
Admission is free, and you can visit Saratoga National Historical Park’s website for the latest updates about openings/closures due to weather conditions.
Slide & Glide at the Region’s Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
Indoor ice skating takes place year round at the Capital Arena in Clifton Park and the Saratoga Springs Ice Rinks, but when cold weather arrives in winter, outdoor ice skating is a must-do activity.
During the winter season, you can find public outdoor ice skating rinks at Saratoga Spa State Park (parking in the Victoria Pool lot), the Town of Wilton’s Gavin Park, and Moreau Lake State Park. The parks staff monitor ice thickness carefully, so you can feel confident it’s safe before heading out.
Travel With a Herd of Friendly Goats at Into the Woods Farm
Snowshoeing itself is a wonderful winter activity, but what if you could be accompanied by a herd of gleeful goats along the way? Here in Saratoga County, you can when you book a Snowshoe Adventure at Into the Woods Farm in Middle Grove.
Popularly known for their goat yoga, wild walks, and educational programs, Into the Woods Farm offers private group sessions for all their experiences. Snowshoe rentals are available upon request, and the farm’s goats are always happy to wander with you for the trip.
Before heading home after your adventure, why not celebrate a successful trip with dinner? Drive just 4 miles south to Village Pizzeria & Ristorante where you can warm up and enjoy classic Italian dishes and gourmet wood-fired pizza.
Experience Fun With the Family at Woods Hollow Nature Preserve
Head off the beaten path with the family and discover the Woods Hollow Nature Preserve in Ballston Spa. This hidden gem recreation park features a large network of forested trails and a natural bowl-shaped hill that’s the ideal size for sledding and snow tubing.
If your family loves snowshoeing, then you can follow the 1.9-mile Woods Hollow Nature Preserve trail loop or explore a few routes near the trailhead. Or, bring your sleds and snow tubes instead and ride down the hill with your kids.
Woods Hollow Nature Preserve is located on Northline Road just a couple miles north of the Village of Ballston Spa. After you’ve had your fill of winter fun, consider driving to the village for a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants, such as the Ribbon Cafe.
Stay Active & Go Snowshoeing at a Saratoga County Park
Looking for snowshoe trails outside of Saratoga Spa State Park? Local favorites like Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Moreau Lake State Park, and Peebles Island State Park offer miles of quiet trails perfect for exploring on a winter day.
At Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, you can follow beginner-friendly trails through pine forests and open meadows. Moreau Lake offers a more adventurous option, with wooded climbs and breathtaking views of the Southern Adirondacks. Both places offer rentals to visitors.
Peebles Island State Park located in Waterford, features scenic riverside routes and overlooks. No matter the location, each of these destinations provides a fun, budget-friendly winter activity for everyone!
Enjoy Science By the Pint at Active Ingredient Brewing Company
The worlds of science and craft beer have come together at Active Ingredient Brewing Company in Malta, which was founded by pharmacists and co-owners Nathan Rogers and Brian Fox. Rogers and Fox have always been drawn to the chemistry of craft brewing.
Their goal is to create some of the most delicious beers you’ve ever tasted at their brew-lab (and taproom!). They currently offer a variety of craft beers and their own hard cider. Visit the taproom for a refreshing drink and a bite to eat.
Sharpen Your Golf Skills During Winter at The Bunker
Is winter too cold for you? Do you miss golf season in the Saratoga area? Escape to The Bunker in Clifton Park and play a round of indoor golf with friends.
The Bunker, which opened in October 2021, features the world’s premier indoor golf simulators and a lounge & bar where guests can relax and watch all the action. This indoor golf clubhouse welcomes everyone from avid golfers to non-golfers who’d like to try a simulator, and you can have up to 8 people in your Bay.
Get Ready to Laugh the Night Away at The Comedy Works
Laughter is the best medicine for all your winter blues, and The Comedy Works in downtown Saratoga hosts events featuring local and nationally recognized comedians year round. The venue’s intimate, cabaret-style space seats 100 guests, and food and drinks are available during the show. Purchase your tickets in advance and look forward to a night of laughs.
Make the most of your winter this year by adding some of these lesser-known activities to your Saratoga to-do list!
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