MaltaMama - Family Fun Things to Do | Malta, NY, Saratoga County

Freeman Bridge Sports Bike Shop and Cornerstone Community Church are sponsoring a Community Safety Day tomorrow, Saturday the 31st from 10am-12pm.  I wouldn't call a two-hour event a 'day', but it may be worth checking out if you're in the neighborhood of the Fairfield Hotel in the Malta Commons (Saratoga Village Blvd right of Exit 12).  There will be a bounce house, cotton candy, free bike tune-ups, police and fire department demos (my son would be all over this), a crash machine and as the flier says "much more".  I'm not sure how much more they can fit into a two-hour safety day, but I may have to swing by and find out!  

I've said this before, but random events like this are what make having kids so much fun.  I wouldn't have dreamed of attending Community Safety Day back in my single, minus kids days, but to kill an hour on a Saturday doing something free in my own community is totally appealing.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone and I'll be back on Monday!

 

Gavin Park is located in Wilton off of exit 15.  You'll turn left off the exit heading towards downtown Saratoga and turn right at the second light onto Gick Road.  Take Gick Road for a couple miles and turn right onto Lewis Road and that's the entrance to Gavin Park.  The park is a huge complex with well-maintained fields, courts, pavilions, a gymnasium and a nice playground.  There's tons of parking, bathrooms, and the pavilion right near the playground has vending machines for soft drinks.  I've never actually been inside the gym, but it looks nice from the outside.  

Where's the picture of the playground?  Two reasons I don't have it.... my camera was extremely low on batteries AND the were running a day camp program while we visited so it was nearly impossible to get picture without including day camp participants = creepy.  While Gavin Park is really nice, your bet bet is to avoid it during the day (9am-3pm) Monday-Friday until August 13th because of the day camp.  There were tons of rowdy kids and hollering counselors when we went, and my son was a bit too overwhelmed to enjoy it.  The playground equipment is very nice and fairly new, and there are swings, a sandbox, and a few different playground options for kids of all ages.  I know that Saratoga Mama sometimes has meet-up events at this park and they seem to like it.  Overall Gavin Park is another great playground option.  I'm sure they have programs for little one's in the fall, so I will definitely look into it and post anything of interest. 
Check out some of the other local Parks & Playgrounds!  

On Wednesday you'll have yet another chance to groove with The Zucchini Brothers!  There are two performances taking place at the Saratoga Library.  One is from 11-11:45am, and the other is from 1-1:45pm.  They are indoor concerts and will be held in the Dutcher Community Room on the first floor.  You don't need to register in advance but there will be limited seating.  They are advertising this as a 3 and older event but I don't think they'll ID at the door (haha).  

In the evening in Clifton Park, the Performing Arts Family Series (a Wednesday night series) is presenting a kids magic and comedy show by Joey D.  The event starts at 7pm at Clifton Commons, off of Vischer Ferry Road.   

Ahhh, the fair.  There's nothing quite like it.  The smells wafting from the animal tents greeted us as my friend and I paid our $8 admission to get in.  Kids under 52 inches are free by the way.  One of the first things you can see upon your paid admission is an opportunity to feed a tiger or lion.  I'm not sure how much it was, but you hold a piece of meat on a long skewer through the cage and the lion/tiger comes and eats.  Fantastic fun, and only at the fair.  Next door in the Farmer's Market tent you can ooh and ah over blue ribbon squash, giant tomato plants, second place blueberries and so on.  Walk in any direction and find a food vendor tempting with treats like fried pickles, souvlaki, frozen cheesecake, and your standard cheese fries, cotton candy, fried dough and so much more.  This ain't no mall food court people, this is straight-up fair cuisine and it doesn't get any better.  I don't care how much food you bring in for you and your family, you WILL buy food at the fair.  For that matter, you are almost guaranteed to spend more money at the fair than you had anticipated.  There's something in the air at the fair that keeps you reaching for your wallet.

The rides are a big draw, but also cost quite a lot of money; 3 tickets minimum per rider/$1 per ticket.  The more tickets you purchase the cheaper it is though.  A very kind ride operator gave my friend's baby and my son Robby a free ride on the ferris wheel.  Since I was "disabled" (pregnant) I couldn't ride... darn.  It was more fun waiting down below and watching the look on the kids' faces when the operator stopped them exactly at the top to let on more riders.  The kids did great though!  Speaking of rides, there are lots of rides that parents (non-pregnant mama's) can go on with little one's.

Tips if you go.  For some reason it always feels 10 degrees warmer at the fair, so dress accordingly.  If your kids are stroller-friendly, a jogging stroller is best because it's mostly a dirt terrain.  I saw lots of babies in front carriers which seemed to work well.  No real accommodations for diaper changes/nursing, so definitely plan ahead for that.  It's an experience for sure.  Wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of water or Gatorade or you'll be stuck buying stuff!  Definitely bring snacks, but also some cash to buy fair-exclusive food.             

You could end up with a stomach ache, a giant stuffed animal, filthy hands/feet, heat exhaustion, pictures of cows, a souvenir mug, cowboy boots, goldfish, or all of the above.  You will end up with great memories and at least a few fair 'war' stories. 
   

You may be feeling a bit indifferent about the Saratoga Racetrack opening for the season on Friday, July 23rd, but you can at least take advantage of the free activities around town during Hats Off to Saratoga, this Friday and Saturday.  The music festival takes place Friday and Saturday night from 7pm-11pm.  I know that's a bit late for the kids, but even to stay for an hour and hear some of the bands up and down Broadway is a fun experience.  Here's a link to the music and locations.   

It's also Parents' Night Out at the Saratoga Children's Museum on Friday, July 23rd.  For $15 you can drop your kiddo off from 4-7pm.  Price includes projects, pizza and play!  Pre-registration and pre-payment are required so you'll have to get there today to register.  

Who could forget about the Saratoga County Fair taking place all weekend!!