Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Events at State Parks
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17 events matched your search
Sat 27 Apr
Amphibian Fun
Saturday, April 27, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
Join us for an introduction to the amphibians of Grafton Lakes State Park, followed by a short guided hike to look for some of them! This event will have an outdoor portion, so please be sure to bring appropriate clothes/footwear for potentially muddy trails. This free program is recommended for kids 5+. Please call to register at 518-279-1155.
Registration: Required
Thu 02 May
Weekly Guided Hikes
Thursday, May 2, 2024 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park

Every Thursday, enjoy a guided group hike led by one of our Environmental Educators. With over twenty-five miles of trails within Grafton Lakes State Park, we will be hiking a new route each week. The guided hikes will be a mix of easy, moderate, or challenging depending on each weeks planned route. We strongly encourage participants bring water, snacks, sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing for the weather. There is no cost for our weekly guided hikes, however registration is required. Please call 518-279-1155 to register or for further information.  
Registration: Required
Fri 03 May
Star Party
Friday, May 3, 2024 08:00 PM - 11:45 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park

Calling all night owls! The Albany Area Amateur Astronomers will have telescopes to give you a tour of the night sky during this free program held at the Deerfield Pavilion. Enter via the main entrance and follow signs to the program-- first left off the main entrance road. Please drive slowly in the park at night. 

 All ages. Free program. No registration

Following Saturday is the Rain Date.
Sat 04 May
Fashion A Fish Cookie
Saturday, May 4, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
(518) 279-1155

What makes a fish a fish? And is it better for a fish to look a certain way? Join us to learn about fish and why some fish look so different from others. Using this knowledge, we'll then decorate fish-shaped cookies to fashion our own fishes! 
This program is $3 and recommended for ages 3+. Please register ahead by calling 518-279-1155.  
Registration: Required
Sun 05 May
Intro to Orienteering
Sunday, May 5, 2024 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
(518) 279-1155

Orienteering is the sport of field navigation, using a map and compass. Whether you're an experienced hiker, or just a family out for an active day in the park, orienteering helps you learn and improve your navigation skills in a fun and exciting way. This program will start indoors in a classroom setting, with an introduction to the sport of orienteering and how to properly use a map and compass. After the classroom portion, we will head out into the field where participants can use their skills to navigate between checkpoints, using whichever route they choose. Whoever reaches all of the checkpoints and makes it to the finish line first wins! Participants should come dressed comfortably for outdoor activities and wear boots or sturdy shoes. The class will run until approximately from 11:00am to 2:00pm. The Intro to Orienteering program will be led by Andy Bonelli, Grafton Lakes State Park Environmental Educator and New York State Licensed Outdoor Guide. This program is $3 and recommended for ages 10 to adult. Please call 518-279-1155 to register or for further information. Maps, Compasses, and other materials will be provided. No previous map and compass experience is required.
Registration: Required
Mon 06 May
Weekly Guided Kayak Tours
Monday, May 6, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
(518) 279-1155

$10

All skill levels are welcome on a guided kayak tour of Long Pond! Paddle through nature and learn about local wildlife. Registration is required. Kayak, paddles, and safety equipment will be provided. For ages 16+, those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.  Call 518-279-1155 to register. 
Registration: Required
Thu 09 May
Weekly Guided Hikes
Thursday, May 9, 2024 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park

Every Thursday, enjoy a guided group hike led by one of our Environmental Educators. With over twenty-five miles of trails within Grafton Lakes State Park, we will be hiking a new route each week. The guided hikes will be a mix of easy, moderate, or challenging depending on each weeks planned route. We strongly encourage participants bring water, snacks, sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing for the weather. There is no cost for our weekly guided hikes, however registration is required. Please call 518-279-1155 to register or for further information.  
Registration: Required
Sat 11 May
Foraging for Wild Food
Saturday, May 11, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
(518) 821-9372

Join the Rensselaer County Conservation Alliance to learn about foraging and edible plants. 

$10. Register by May 7th, call 518-821-9372.
Registration: Required
Sat 11 May
Pollinator Party
Saturday, May 11, 2024 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
(518) 279-1155

$4
What's all the buzz about? Join us to learn about bees and see the inner workings of a beehive! We will also be learning about other pollinators and making a pollinator-themed craft. This program is open to all, but it's recommended that participants be ages 6+ for the best experience. Please register ahead for this program by calling 518-279-1155.
Registration: Required
Thu 16 May
Weekly Guided Hikes
Thursday, May 16, 2024 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park

Every Thursday, enjoy a guided group hike led by one of our Environmental Educators. With over twenty-five miles of trails within Grafton Lakes State Park, we will be hiking a new route each week. The guided hikes will be a mix of easy, moderate, or challenging depending on each weeks planned route. We strongly encourage participants bring water, snacks, sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing for the weather. There is no cost for our weekly guided hikes, however registration is required. Please call 518-279-1155 to register or for further information.  
Registration: Required
Sat 18 May
Camping 101
Saturday, May 18, 2024 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
(518) 279-1155

$3
Want to camp out under the stars this summer, but don't know where to start? This program will cover everything from what gear you'll need and what to wear to meal-prepping tips and guidance on finding a campsite. If you want to learn more about camping in anticipation for a future trip, you're in the right place. This program will be led by Andy Bonelli, Grafton Lakes State Park Environmental Educator and New York State Licensed Outdoor Guide. This program is for all ages (18 and under must have an adult. Please call 518-279-1155 to register or for further information.
Registration: Required
Mon 20 May
Weekly Guided Kayak Tours
Monday, May 20, 2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
(518) 279-1155

$10
All skill levels are welcome on a guided kayak tour of Long Pond! Paddle through nature and learn about local wildlife. Registration is required. Kayak, paddles, and safety equipment will be provided. For ages 16+, those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.  Call 518-279-1155 to register. 
Registration: Required
Thu 23 May
Weekly Guided Hikes
Thursday, May 23, 2024 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park

Every Thursday, enjoy a guided group hike led by one of our Environmental Educators. With over twenty-five miles of trails within Grafton Lakes State Park, we will be hiking a new route each week. The guided hikes will be a mix of easy, moderate, or challenging depending on each weeks planned route. We strongly encourage participants bring water, snacks, sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing for the weather. There is no cost for our weekly guided hikes, however registration is required. Please call 518-279-1155 to register or for further information.  
Registration: Required
Fri 24 May
Full Moon Hike
Friday, May 24, 2024 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
(518) 279-1155

$5
Step outside at night in the park! Join us for this full moon program as we hike through the park and talk about all things nighttime like nocturnal animals and what goes on outside while we sleep. We will be listening for nighttime animals, so being able to be quiet and listen is very important! Because of this, this program is recommended for ages 9+ to ensure everyone has a good experience. Please register ahead for this program by calling 518-279-1155.
Registration: Required
Mon 27 May
Weekly Guided Kayak Tours
Monday, May 27, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Grafton Lakes State Park
(518) 279-1155

$10
All skill levels are welcome on a guided kayak tour of Long Pond! Paddle through nature and learn about local wildlife. Registration is required. Kayak, paddles, and safety equipment will be provided. For ages 16+, those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.  Call 518-279-1155 to register. 
Registration: Required
Mon 27 May
Weekly Guided Kayak Tours
Monday, May 27, 2024 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
(518) 279-1155

$10

All skill levels are welcome on a guided kayak tour of Long Pond! Paddle through nature and learn about local wildlife. Registration is required. Kayak, paddles, and safety equipment will be provided. For ages 16+, those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.  Call 518-279-1155 to register. 
Registration: Required
Fri 31 May
Star Party
Friday, May 31, 2024 08:30 PM - 11:45 PM
Grafton Lakes State Park
Calling all night owls! The Albany Area Amateur Astronomers will have telescopes to give you a tour of the night sky during this free program held at the Deerfield Pavilion. Enter via the main entrance and follow signs to the program-- first left off the main entrance road. Please drive slowly in the park at night. 

All ages. 
Free program. No registration
Following Saturday is the Rain Date.