WEEKEND 1
Oct 30–Nov 1
No pick this weekendWeekend of Oct 30–Nov 1: Nothing worth the drive
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Albany that's worth the trip this weekend. This week in Albany has the local list.
Next 6 weekends · Oct 30–Nov 1 to Dec 4–6
Weekend getaways from Albany with kids
The best trip within about five hours of Albany for each of the next 6 weekends, chosen for kids under 6. Every event links to the official page we checked it on.
6 weekends
4 cities
Closest: 2h 15mLast checked against official pages. How we choose
Departures
From AlbanyHow far is fun?
Everything within 5 hours
Each ring is one hour of driving from Albany. Under two hours is an easy day trip; past three, pack the pajamas.
Cities we cover (weekly updates)Other family getaways (no event listings)
Hartford and New Haven2h 15m
Worcester2h 30m
Syracuse · Fairfield County · New York City3h
Providence3h 15m
Boston3h 30m
Lehigh Valley4h 15m
Rochester4h 30m
Philadelphia4h 45m
Orange dots are picks on this page. Drive times are normal driving times without traffic.
Other family getaways within 5 hours
We don't post event listings for these places, so check the official page for hours and what's on. The numbers match the map.
- Bushkill Falls Bushkill, PA · about 3 hr 15 min from Albany
Trails and bridges link a series of eight waterfalls in the Pocono Mountains, known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania.
- Mystic Aquarium Mystic, CT · about 3 hr 30 min from Albany
Beluga whales are the stars here, and the aquarium also keeps African penguins and California sea lions.
- Plimoth Patuxet Museums Plymouth, MA · about 4 hr from Albany
An open-air museum in Plymouth that tells the stories of the Wampanoag and English people who met on this shore.
WEEKEND 2
Nov 6–8
No pick this weekendWeekend of Nov 6–8: Nothing worth the drive
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Albany that's worth the trip this weekend. This week in Albany has the local list.
WEEKEND 3
Nov 13–15
3h
DestinationWeekend of Nov 13–15: New York City
about 3 hr from Albany
The Holiday Train Show opens Saturday at the New York Botanical Garden, with model trains running past New York landmarks built from bark, leaves and other plant parts.
Past three hours, make it an overnight: drive Friday, go Saturday.
Holiday Train Show at NYBG
Opens 11/14; runs through 01/10. Model trains run past New York landmarks built from bark, leaves and other plant parts. Evening hours run 5–8pm on Nov 27–29 and select December dates.
Sat Nov 14 · Garden hours; evening hours on select nightsNew York Botanical Garden
Timed tickets; see the event page
WEEKEND 4
Nov 20–22
2h 15m
Destination · 2 picksWeekend of Nov 20–22: Hartford and New Haven
about 2 hr 15 min from Albany
Glow Hartford opens Friday inside the Connecticut Convention Center, an indoor light festival with a trackless train, and kids 3 and under get in free.
Santa at Glow Hartford
Opens 11/20; runs through 12/23. Glow tickets are needed to get in.
Fri Nov 20 · During Glow hoursConnecticut Convention Center
Free photo with Santa with a Glow ticketGlow Hartford
Opens 11/20; runs through 12/23. An indoor light festival with a trackless train and a holiday market. It takes about 2 hours, and you enter at a timed slot.
Fri Nov 20 · Select dates; see the calendarConnecticut Convention CenterAdults $34, kids 4–15 $24, 3 and under free (fees included)Also within reach
Philadelphia~4h 45m
Christmas Village is free at LOVE Park and City Hall, and Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo runs 5 to 9pm with Santa's Workshop inside.
WEEKEND 5
Nov 27–29
3h 15m
Destination · 2 picksWeekend of Nov 27–29: Providence
about 3 hr 15 min from Albany
The Holiday Lights Spectacular opens Friday at Roger Williams Park Zoo, a walk through 40 acres of lights that takes about an hour to an hour and a half, and strollers are welcome.
Past three hours, make it an overnight: drive Friday, go Saturday.
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo
Opens 11/27; runs through 01/03. A walk through 40 acres of lights. It takes about an hour to an hour and a half. Strollers are allowed, and rentals are at the entrance.
Fri Nov 27 · 5–9:30pmRoger Williams Park Zoo$13–$15; buy online aheadRhode Island Lights Festival
Opens 11/27; runs through 01/03. A new light festival at the Pawtucket stadium, with a holiday market and Santa.
Fri Nov 27 · See the ticket pageCentreville Bank StadiumTickets on sale Nov 10Also within reach
Philadelphia~4h 45m
Jingle and Mingle with Santa in Franklin Square on Friday, 5 to 7pm, and Christmas Village at LOVE Park is open all weekend.
WEEKEND 6
Dec 4–6
4h 45m
DestinationWeekend of Dec 4–6: Philadelphia
about 4 hr 45 min from Albany
A Longwood Christmas is open daily 10 a.m.–11 p.m., and kids 4 and under are free.
Past three hours, make it an overnight: drive Friday, go Saturday.
A Longwood Christmas
Opens 11/20; runs through 01/10.
Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6 · Daily 10am–11pmLongwood GardensAdults $45–$52, youth 5–15 $25–$32 by date; 4 and under freeLittle-traveler checklist
Pack it before you go
Car snacksPack more than you think you’ll need.
StrollerZoo paths and light trails are long for little legs.
Time the napLeave right before nap so the drive does double duty.Overnight bagPast three hours, pajamas beat a 9pm drive home.
Parking cashFree admission days often still charge for parking.
Rain planPick one indoor backup, like a museum, before you leave.More trips
Every region, every weekend
Good questions
Weekend trips from Albany: the FAQ
Where can we go for a weekend from Albany with little kids?
Over the next 6 weekends our picks from Albany are New York City, Hartford and New Haven, Providence, Philadelphia. Each one is chosen for what's on that weekend, with the dates, times and prices checked on the official pages.
Which cities are within an easy drive of Albany?
Hartford and New Haven (about 2 hr 15 min), Worcester (about 2 hr 30 min), Syracuse (about 3 hr), Fairfield County (about 3 hr), New York City (about 3 hr), Providence (about 3 hr 15 min). Times are normal driving times without traffic.
What other family getaways are within 5 hours of Albany?
Bushkill Falls (about 3 hr 15 min), Mystic Aquarium (about 3 hr 30 min), Plimoth Patuxet Museums (about 4 hr). We don't post event listings for these, so check the official page for what's open before you go.
Why is the same city picked more than once?
Sometimes one city really does have the most going on two weekends in a row, like a holiday lights opening followed by a show. We don't rotate cities just for variety.
Are the times and prices current?
They're what each official page showed on Oct 29, 2026. Tap through to the official page before you go.