Summer looks a little different this year, that's for sure. Even when you are avoiding crowds and confined spaces, there is still so much to do in Schenectady County!

We've put together a list of things for all the fun to be had this Summer!

 

NEW YORK CANAL STAYCATIONS

From the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail to the Great Flats Nature Trail to charming walks that take you past Locks 7 and 8 along the Erie Canal, the Lower Mohawk offers no end to outdoor recreation opportunities. Explore the Historic Stockade District and the Rose Garden at Central Park before dinner and drinks around Mohawk Harbor.

Beginning July 10, Upstate Kayak Rentals and CDPHP Cycle! are offering a free NY Canal Staycations excursion: a paddle-pedal journey from Schenectady’s Mohawk Harbor to Niskayuna’s Aqueduct Park and back.

The free “Paddle-Pedal the Mohawk” excursion will launch by kayak from Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady to Aqueduct Park in Niskayuna, with a fun bike ride back to Mohawk Harbor. The excursion is available July 10 – Sept 7, Thursdays through Sundays, beginning at 10am and 2pm (2-3 hour journey). Visit Upstate Kayak Rentals’ reservation website to book a spot!

 

BIKING & HIKING

Residents will tell you that there is no better place to enjoy the outdoors than Schenectady County. From hiking to biking, relaxing and more we've got parks galore in Schenectady! 

 

CDPHP CYCLE

Bike share station along Mohawk

Put the pedal to the metal! Discover the beauty of Schenectady County from a CDPHP Cycle!

 

CELL PHONE WALKING TOUR

Check out The Stockade Associate's cell phone walking tour for a self guided tour around the Stockade neighborhood!

 

FREEDOM PARK QUARATUNE SERIES

We have been amazed to see the creativity of our partners to make sure that we can safely enjoy our favorite summer entertainment! Freedom Park Concert Series will be streaming FREE concerts every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the Summer!

 

MOUNTAIN RIDGE ADVENTURE

Close-up of footing

Adventure awaits you at Mountain Ridge Adventure! Experience the adventure of zip lining through the trees, or tackling one of their treetop challenge courses.They offer six different courses: Spirit, Courage, Glory, Inspire, Strive and their awesome Zipline Park. Mountain Ridge Adventure is fun for all ages, the folks at Mountain Ridge Adventure utilize state of the art safety technology and take you through a full training course before you take flight.

 

SCHENECTADY ALE TRAIL PASSPORT

We may be a bit biased, but we're pretty sure the best breweries in the Capital Region are right here in Schenectady County. Our Schenectady Ale Trail features SIX first-class breweries. And, you can get access to all of them with your Schenectady Ale Trail Passport! For just $40, you'll get a beer flight at Back Barn BrewingDruther's SchenectadyFrog Alley Brewing CompanyGreat Flats BrewingMad Jack Brewing at the Van Dyck and Wolf Hollow Brewing Company! Purchase your passport here! Cheers!

 

SPEND THE DAY AT MOHAWK HARBOR

Spend the day out on the water! Upstate Kayak Rentals offers hourly kayak rentals at Mohawk Harbor

On Sundays throughout the month of August enjoy Gentle Bliss Yoga in the Amphitheater

Enjoy a meal at The Shaker and Vine or Druthers Brewing Company

 

VIA AQUARIUM

eel at VIA Aquarium in Schenectady, NY

Explore vivid underwater worlds across 37 exhibits. From local favorites to the deepest depths of the ocean, explore our planet's oceans and rivers all in your own backyard on this self-guided exploration. Watch our Sharks swim overhead while schools of fish surround you in their immersive tunnel tanks. Feel the soft, smooth skin of a stingray as they swim right up to your hand in Stingray Bay. Take your family on an unforgettable journey. 

 

SCHENECTADY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Exterior - Stockade

The Schenectady County Historical Society brings to life the region's dynamic history at the Grems-Doolittle Library, the Schenectady History Museum, and the Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction. Featuring interactive exhibits, talks, workshops, concerts, education programs and community events for all audiences, SCHS shares stories, inspires dialogue, and encourages understanding of the history, people, and cultures of Schenectady County.

 

ERIE CANALWAY TRAIL

Signage

 Take the Canalway Challenge on the Erie Canalway Trail and explore all that New York State has to offer. Schenectady County has some pretty incredible spots on the trail and we invite you to take the challenge and check us out along the way!

 

STAY THE NIGHT!

Doubletree Rm/View of City Hall

We have some of the best local options for a place to lay your head after a busy day exploring!