happyly approved

New York State Museum

222 Madison Avenue Albany, NY 12230

Tuesday - Sunday, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Closed Mondays

$

museums, indoor-activities

The New York State Museum offers something for everyone in the family.  

They have beautiful displays of art, gemstones, science, and history.  Their exhibits from New York State history date all the way back to the ice ages and run all the way up to today.  (Warning: their 9/11 exhibit is very impressive but very real, containing actual first responder vehicles, building debris, video footage and memorabilia from that terrible day in New York history).   For our young adventurers, there is a "Discovery Cove" which is an enclosed space full of toys, puzzles, exhibits, and activities geared toward younger children that they will love playing and learning with.

The Museum is extremely stroller and wheelchair friendly as it's main attractions are on the main level.  They do offer a cafe to eat on the second floor and a carousel to ride on the 4th floor but there is easy elevator access. 

On the 2nd Floor, you will find the Steuben St. Cafe which has a  variety of dining options including deli sandwiches, salads, soup, pizza, smoothies, coffee, fresh-pressed juices, and a kids menu. They pride themselves on offering local, healthy, and delicious options to please everyone in the family! Check out their menu here.

Their bathroom situation is A+.  They have plenty of restrooms (with changing tables) and water fountains centrally located within the museum and on every floor. 

Features

Restrooms Good for All Ages Changing Table Admission Free Has Food
Thoughtfully captured by:
Jenna Orapello
Jenna Orapello was born and raised about an hour north of New York City and moved to Albany to attend the University at Albany (SUNY) and never looked back! After meeting her now husband Rob, completing her bachelors and masters degree, and becoming a math teacher at Albany High School, she knew the capital region was her place to call home. Fast forward a few years and she is a mom to two young boys who always keep her on the move. Sure, she enjoys curling up on the couch with a good movie every now and then but Jenna is a firm believer that active kids are happy kids so she and her family spend their weekends and summers frequenting any and all activities they come across. Jenna feels blessed to live in such a vibrant community where the options to be active are endless and she enjoys sharing them with other families. Jenna also has the travel bug and believes that her children learn so much through each adventure so she is always planning their next family vacation (even if it is just a weekend getaway). Traveling with kids can certainly be intimidating but the more you do it, the easier it gets. Her kids (ages 3 and 1) have traveled via plane to the Grand Canyon, North Carolina, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Jenna is thrilled to be a Happy Active Family ambassador so that she can play a small role in helping other families stay active and happy!
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