Are you doing the Dry-January thing this year? Well hats off to you for committing to a goal. If you are having trouble getting out of the house and finding things to do in the Capital Region, we have gathered a list for you. We have compiled options for folks who like the indoors and outdoors. Check out how to spend your Dry-January below!
Go Ice Skating
Every year, The Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY opens up their ice rink for folks to use for free! Bring the family, kids or your friends and be surrounded by the The Egg, Corning Tower and capitol building. Skating is free for those who bring their own skates but they do have rentals for only 5 dollars. If you get chilly, just head inside for a hot chocolate! Ice skating at the Plaza is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. To learn more, click here.
Support a Local Movie Theater
Photo: btmcinemas.com
For those who are not a fan of the cold, get out of your house and head to Spectrum Theaters or the Madison Theatre in Albany, NY for a movie! They have all the Hollywood Blockbusters along with independent films as well. It will also cure your craving for movie-theater popcorn.
Get a Mocktail at a Local Restaurant
You can still go out and support your favorite restaurants and taverns without drinking booze. We are lucky to have a wealth of incredible restaurants in the Capital Region that offer exquisite mocktails. If you think mocktails are just a cash grab or are too “foo-foo” for your liking, a Shirley Temple will do just fine.
Ski at Jiminy Peak
Photo: Jiminy Peak
Located about an hour outside of the Capital Region, Jiminy Peak offers trails for everyone no matter the level of experience. Make a day trip out on the weekend or even hit the slopes at night during the week. The mountain also offers lessons with a fun bunny hill. Jiminy Peak is the perfect place to learn how to ski/snowboard and also offers lessons. Learn more here.
Head to Bard and Baker for Some Board Games
Photo: Bard and Baker
Link up with the pals or girlies and hit up Bard and Baker to play some board games. They have over 1000 board games to choose from along with a full food menu. If you feel like hosting friends or family at home, they also over rentals!
Read a Book at a Coffee Shop
Photo: Uncommon Grounds
Do you like to read? Well, if so what about drinking coffee? Well damn, you just might love doing it at a coffee shop. Crazy right? We are blessed to have a ton of locally owned coffee shops in the Capital Region and we all have our favorite ones. Get out there and turn the page on a new year.
Spend Time at the NYS Museum
Photo: NYS Museum
The NYS Museum is open to the public for free and is a great place to bring the kids or a date to. They recently just added a Barbie exhibit and have tons of free events and programs. Some of our favorite exhibits include the Cohoes Mastadon, Sesame Street and Minerals of New York.
Go Axe Throwing
Get rid of that stress from 2025 by chucking axes into targets. It is more fun than it sounds and there are plenty of options to do so in the area. From Far Shot to Generation Axe, each business offers a fun axe throwing experience.
Take A Cooking Class
Cooking classes are a fun date night idea if you are looking to spice it up. Sur La Table located in Stuyvesant Plaza offers a variety of different classes. From rolling sushi to baking and French dinners, you will be sure to have a good time.
Photography at Public Parks
We really do have some beautiful spots here in the Capital Region, take out a camera or even your smartphone and explore some of what the area has to offer in the winter. Some of our favorite public parks include Thatcher Park, Washington Park and the general downtown Troy area. Who knows, you might just find a new hobby!
Throw a Strike at a Bowling Alley
Nothing brings people together like knocking down some pins. Head out to your local bowling alley with a group of friends and see who the best bowler is. Loser buys the first pitcher in February.
Go Rock Climbing
Photo: Albany’s Indoor Rockgym
Getting exercise doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym. Break a sweat and have some fun indoor rock climbing! Albany’s Indoor Rockgym offers day passes, lessons and much more. Climb to the top of your Dry January today!
See A Concert at Caffe Lena
Yes music and alcohol go hand in hand BUT if you find the right setting, it doesn’t always have to. Caffe Lena located in downtown Saratoga Springs offers live music in an intimate setting. It is nationally renowned and one of the best listening rooms in the northeast.