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Saratoga Race Course: Best Things to Do With the Kids

There is no doubt that the track is a fun place for adults, but did you know there are all kinds of things at the races for kids to enjoy, too? Discover these top 10 things to do with kids at Saratoga Race Course, and they might just grow to love the track even more than you do!

playground at Saratoga race course

Family Sundays

Every Sunday during racing season, Saratoga Race Course hosts Berkshire Bank Family Sundays, which feature a variety of free, family-friendly games, activities, and attractions at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located near Gate A at the Top of the Stretch.

Morning Workouts

No less part of the tradition at Saratoga is watching the horses train at their morning workouts at the track. During Breakfast at the Track, you can watch the horses get in shape while enjoying a delicious morning meal on The Porch of the Clubhouse.

Horses Up Close

Get so close you can practically touch the horses before each race! Take your kids to see the horses as they strut through the paddock and down the fenced horse path prior to each race. Pick out your favorites and see these equine competitors walk single file down to the races, accompanied by their jockeys. This is a memory that will likely stick with them forever.

Fun Fashion

With the long-lasting and vibrant racing culture in Saratoga, don't be surprised to see some fantastical fashion choices while exploring the track. Think giant hats, colorful gowns, and bowties galore! Whether taking the time to people-watch, dance to the big band music, or dress to the nines in vintage-inspired attire, kids (and parents) will love stepping back in time for a day at the track.

Trackside

Even though the full concept of the horse race might be foreign to them, your kids will get swept up in the excitement just like everyone else when you take them trackside while a race is in progress. The crowds cheering, fans clinging to the fence in hopes for a better view, people getting louder as the horses draw near the finish line -- let them take it all in and enjoy the races from the front lines. Even if you don't wager on the race, have them pick a number to cheer for so they feel a part of the action and excitement. As the horses round the final curve, your child can even get a glimpse of the powerful blurs catapulting their riders at heart-racing speeds across the finish line.

Browse the Tents

You'll find merchants selling their wares in tents at the track. Everywhere, there are horse paintings, racing memorabilia, hats, sundresses, and other track-themed merchandise. But even more, there are plenty of things for kids to do. Some tents have jockey garb for kids to dress up in, or let little ones "feed a horse" or even "ride" one (pretend horses, of course). You never know what you'll find, so just explore!

Playground

The racetrack has a great playground for kids called the Berkshire Bank Family Zone. When they eventually tire of the excitement and horses, they'll still love to climb, slide, hide, and have fun as kids do! The smoke- and alcohol-free Berkshire Bank Family Zone is located near Gate A and to the left.

Track Treats

Let your kids choose an ice cream treat -- or better yet, Italian ice -- to keep cool while at the track. There's also typically an annual Stewart's Ice Cream Eating Contest, which is so fun for kids! Popcorn, cotton candy, soda -- the track is full of treats you can say "yes" to just for today. Let them customize a hot dog at the hot dog stand. These may seem like simple things, but to a kid, these are memories in the making.

Tractors

Watch the tractors groom the track. Most kids love to see a big machine, and the only thing better than seeing one is seeing one in action. This is a great time to explain how the different racing surfaces can affect the performance of the horses. Show them in the books how different horses perform on turf, dirt, mud, etc. and let them watch the tractors at work.

Big Red Spring

Take your kids to visit the Big Red Spring at the track. One of the biggest draws of Saratoga is its natural spring water, and the Big Red Spring at Saratoga Race Course has it bubbling abundantly for track goers to sample. While most children are usually surprised and rather disgusted by the taste, it is an experience they won't forget, and a reaction you'll want to cherish (and record!) to laugh about in years to come.

There you have it, our top 10 picks for the best things to do with your kids at Saratoga Race Course. Oh yeah, and be sure to keep your eyes open while at the track because it's also an ideal place for spotting famous celebrities. You just might see a star from your kids' film favorites!

Need more ideas for things to do? View upcoming events in Saratoga ยป