The 10 best things to do with kids in Saratoga Springs

Families have plenty of cheap and easy options in Saratoga Springs, from a century-old carousel to a spring that sprays water out of a rock.

This list favors outings that are free or inexpensive and easy with young children. Seasonal picks note when they run.

How we chose

We picked outings that are free or inexpensive, easy with young children and confirmed by organizers or official sources. Seasonal picks note when they run, and the list is unranked.

Hours and dates below come from each business, event organizer or official source and change without notice. Call ahead if you are making a special trip.

The Congress Park carousel

The wooden carousel in Congress Park was built more than 115 years ago, according to the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, and rides are inexpensive. It sits in the middle of downtown’s main park, so parents can pair a ride with a loop around the ponds and a taste of Congress Spring nearby. The carousel runs seasonally, so check that it is open before you promise anyone a ride.

Hours: Seasonal. Check before you go.

Address: Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• Rides are inexpensive.
• The park’s ponds and paths make an easy stroller loop.
• Congress Spring is next to it for a taste test.

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The Island Spouter

The Island Spouter in Saratoga Spa State Park sprays mineral water up out of a colorful mound of hardened minerals near Geyser Creek. It is free, it is steps from parking on Geyser Loop Road, and it reliably wows young children. Stand upwind on breezy days unless you want a light misting. The nearby springs and trails make it easy to turn a quick stop into an hour outdoors.

Hours: Open daily.

Address: Geyser Loop Road, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• It is free.
• It is the most kid-pleasing spring in the city.
• Parking is steps away.

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The lawn at SPAC

SPAC’s picnic lawn is one of the best family deals in the city during the classical season. In 2026, children 16 and under got in free on the lawn with an adult ticket for New York City Ballet, and children 12 and under for most Philadelphia Orchestra concerts. Free Family Nights before some ballet shows added lawn games, crafts, face painting and ice cream. Bring a blanket, a picnic and layers.

Hours: Summer season.

Address: 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• In 2026, kids 16 and under were free on the lawn for New York City Ballet.
• Kids 12 and under were free on the lawn for most Philadelphia Orchestra shows.
• Free Family Nights added lawn games, crafts and ice cream.

See the full directory listing

Horse Sense at Saratoga Race Course

During the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, the Horse Sense area lets fans of all ages meet and pet a retired thoroughbred. In 2026 it ran every Saturday and Sunday of the meet. The track’s backyard picnic area also lets families bring food and chairs and set up a base for the day. Pick a calm weekday or weekend morning for a first visit, and save Travers Day for older kids.

Hours: Weekends during the summer meet.

Address: 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• It ran every Saturday and Sunday of the 2026 meet.
• The backyard picnic area lets families bring food and chairs.
• Weekdays are calmer for a first visit.

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Saratoga Automobile Museum

The Saratoga Automobile Museum, next door to SPAC in Saratoga Spa State Park, runs rotating exhibitions of cars and motoring history that tend to hold a car-loving child’s attention. It is an easy indoor stop on a rainy or cold day. When the visit is done, the park’s springs, paths and the Island Spouter are a short drive or walk away, so children can burn off energy afterward.

Hours: Check current hours before you go.

Address: 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• It is an easy indoor stop in the state park.
• The springs and trails are nearby for a run-around afterward.
• It is next door to SPAC.

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The Saratoga Farmers’ Market

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market at High Rock Park is an easy family morning from May through October, with baked goods, snacks, fruit and a lively Saturday crowd. The market has been running since 1978. The mineral springs at High Rock Park are a few steps from the pavilions, and children enjoy testing the tastes. In winter the Saturday market moves indoors to the Lincoln Baths in the state park.

Hours: May-Oct: Wed 3 to 6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Address: 112 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• It runs year-round, moving indoors to the Lincoln Baths in winter.
• High Rock Park’s springs are a few steps away.
• Early arrival beats the crowds.

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The Giant PumpkinFest

Each September, growers from across the Northeast haul enormous pumpkins to the Saratoga Springs City Center garage for the Giant PumpkinFest weigh-off. Admission is free, and entries can top 2,000 pounds; last year’s winner weighed more than 2,200, according to WGNA. The 2026 weigh-off is September 26, starting at 11 a.m. The farmers market runs next door the same morning, which makes it an easy double outing.

Hours: Late September. In 2026: September 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Address: Saratoga Springs City Center garage, 11-77 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• It is free.
• Last year’s winner topped 2,200 pounds, according to WGNA.
• The farmers market runs next door.

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The Fall Festival

The Downtown Business Association’s Fall Festival turns downtown into a costume party for children each October. In past years it has featured trick-or-treating at participating shops, face painting, balloon twisting and a pumpkin roll down Caroline Street, with small prizes at the bottom. The 2026 festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 24. Plan on costumes, and park at one of the city garages to avoid circling for a space.

Hours: Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Address: Downtown Saratoga Springs

Why they made the list

• Kids trick-or-treat at participating businesses.
• The pumpkin roll down Caroline Street is the signature event.
• Costumes are encouraged.

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The Victorian Streetwalk

The Victorian Streetwalk on Broadway is the city’s free holiday kickoff and a favorite with families. On December 3, 2026, a Santa parade arrives at 5:50 p.m., followed by the city tree lighting at 6 p.m. in front of Putnam Market. Children can visit Santa’s Cottage nearby, and performers and dancers fill the street until 9 p.m. Dress warmly and arrive early, since downtown fills quickly that night.

Hours: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6 to 9 p.m.

Address: Broadway, downtown Saratoga Springs

Why they made the list

• The Santa parade starts at 5:50 p.m.
• Families can visit Santa’s Cottage near Putnam Market.
• It is free.

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Saratoga Springs Public Library

The Saratoga Springs Public Library is a reliable free stop on a rainy afternoon downtown, with a children’s room and programs through the year. It is walkable from Congress Park and Broadway. One catch for summer visitors: its Putnam Street parking lot is limited to library permit holders during the day from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so park in a nearby city garage instead.

Hours: Check current hours before you go.

Address: Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why they made the list

• It is free.
• It is walkable from Congress Park.
• Its Putnam Street lot needs a library permit on summer days.

See the full directory listing

Frequently asked questions

What is there for kids to do in Saratoga Springs?

The Congress Park carousel, the Island Spouter in Saratoga Spa State Park, the farmers market, the auto museum and free lawn seats for kids at many SPAC classical shows.

Are kids free at SPAC?

For many classical shows. In 2026, kids 16 and under were free on the lawn for New York City Ballet and 12 and under for most Philadelphia Orchestra concerts.

Can you take kids to Saratoga Race Course?

Yes. Families picnic in the backyard, and in 2026 the Horse Sense area let kids pet a retired racehorse on weekends.

See a place we missed or a detail that has changed? Send us a correction.