We have been visiting Five Rivers Environmental Education Center for many years now.  Located in Delmar, NY, it has a little bit of everything, from an education building, to programs and summer camps, to trails and ponds.

It is easy to get to Five Rivers, and we have no problem getting there with Google Maps.

There are also signs along the way as you get close to the center.  I was happy to find that there is plenty of parking there as well.

We still remember the old center, but in 2017, they built a brand new visitor center with interactive displays and exhibits.  There are some really neat features of this building:

Green features of the new center include green building materials, wood harvested from onsite trees, green roof, solar photovoltaic system, geothermal heating/cooling system, operable windows and roof vents, low flow toilets, LED lighting and motion detection capabilities, and rain water collection and gray water system. (source)

There are lots of trails at Five Rivers.  (You can find more info here).

This gives you an idea of the trails on the property.  Be sure to save a copy of the map to your mobile before heading out on the trails.  You can find the full high quality PDF trail map here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/administration_pdf/5rivermap.pdf

I remember bringing my kids here when they were very little, to the two 1/4 mile trails that are ADA compliant – good for even if you have a jogging stroller.

There are other trails as well, that range in length up to about 2 miles, so you can pick your ability level.

We always enjoy walking around the pond.  The trail goes all the way around the pond and you can get up close to check out the aquatic life there.

This is a great place to explore the local area.  I highly recommend it for families with younger kids, as there are shorter trail options and the visitor’s center with exhibits and facilities.  Even though my kids are older now, it is a nice place to check out a variety of trails and take advantage of their environmental education.

Visit the DEC page for Five Rivers Environmental Education Center: http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html

Visit Friends of Five Rivers at: http://www.friendsoffiverivers.org/

Check out our other Things to Do in Albany, NY!

Marysa

About the Author: Marysa

Busy blogger and mom of two girls. We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!