We recently decided to make a day trip to Saratoga Spa State Park, which looked like it would be a great way to spend the day as a family (and it was!). We have been back many times more to explore and enjoy the park.
This is quite a large park, with a lot to offer, including two pools, hiking, a nature center, playgrounds, picnic areas, golf, and much more. We paid an $8 entry fee to use the park for the day.
I recommend a map, since the park is so big.
We started off by the nature center.
While it wasn’t open, it was a good place to start exploring the different mineral springs.
We checked out the Island Spouter first, which is a Tufa, or basically a large deposit of minerals from the flowing water.
The view from the other side, plus some information. It was very interesting to read about the history of the Springs.
The Hayes Mineral Springs are one of many, and located right near the parking lot. This is a spring for “tasting”, not “drinking”. We brought water bottles along with us, and after tasting, you will see why you won’t want to drink a full bottle of this mineral water! (Note the map – there are springs for drinking, and springs for tasting).
We enjoyed walking around the park, and while we didn’t do a ton of hiking, there are quite a few trails.
We stopped at several spots around the park to try the mineral water. It is amazing how fast the mineral deposits build up over the years.
After trying so many of the tasting springs, it was nice to find the drinking water!
There is plenty more to do at the park, including visiting the playgrounds and pools, walk on the paths, and explore the buildings.
The park was busy for a September weekend, but because it is so large, with parking lots in different areas, I think you can still enjoy the park even during busy times. We visited on a hot day, and the pool got quite busy. I was told that the pool gets extremely busy, especially on summer weekends, which is something to consider.
Read about our fun at the Victoria Pool here.
Visit Saratoga Spa State Park at https://parks.ny.gov/parks/saratogaspa
Check out our other Things to Do in Albany, NY!
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!
I absolutely ADORE the photo of your girls playing outside!!!!! I legit feel like kids playing outside and enjoying the wilderness is a rarity these days! I know when I have kids, I will make sure they are OUTSIDE enjoying NATURE as much as possible!!
That sounds like an amazing adventure! I love that there’s a mountain spring you can fill up your water with!
Where is this located? It looks like an awesome place to visit. I’ve been to other “springs” areas but they were all commercialized.
This looks like a very interesting experience. I never knew that there was a difference in “tasting” water and drinking water. Especially tasting! I actually learned something here. I would definitely be filling bottles for “drinking.”
This is the kind of place I would love to visit! I love nature, hiking and yes, spring water! I grew up on spring water and while I probably would not enjoy the tasting water I do prefer spring over any other type. I need to make a visit to Saratoga Springs!
I have never been to Saratoga Spa State Park but it looks like a wonderful place! Great photos!!
It’s a beautiful park for the whole family to get the chance to explore and I definitely would love to take the kids there! I love that it’s also peaceful, so you get that much needed quiet time as well.
I love seeing natural formations like this! That’s unfortunate that the information center is closed. I’d love to see this place!
$8 for the whole family? I think that is a great deal. So many activities to do and to learn. Great outdoor adventure!
So pretty! I love natural springs. I went to one in Banff, Alberta and they even had a hot tub with from the springs.
I love going to state parks, but I have never been to this one. I’d love to visit someday, though. Plus, $8 for the whole family – what a deal!
I love the idea of visiting state parks. This one looks beautiful! Natural springs are amazing.
What a gorgeous park! I have only ever been to Yellowstone and that was amazing, this looks beautiful, definitely a bucket list item!
What a beautiful place to visit! I bet the water tasted great out of the spring.
That looks like a fabulous place to visit! i love that it combines nature and history! What a great learning experience!
I would love to take my family to this place. We have never seen anything like this so it would be really fun.
This looks amazing, so beautiful. We really need to check this place out on our next family trip.
We used to have a spring like this in my hometown, at the park. It brings back so many fun memories, we went there often as a kid, and everyone in town would bring jugs to the spring to get sparkling clear and tasty water. Nice park!