One of the hardest things about being a first-time mother was finding a good group of mom friends. I was born and raised in Troy, NY, did my undergrad work at Le Moyne in Syracuse, then moved back to Albany for grad school at St. Rose. Because of this, I had a pretty solid combination of long-distance friendships and friends who did not have children (at least not around my kid's age). Google searches for things to do in my area were also less than helpful. Most of them focused on things to do with older kids, and so many were dependent on outdoor activities. Well, anyone living in the Albany area can attest to the fact that it's pretty much impossible to "go for a leisurely stroll through a local park" or "check out a local beach" in the middle of winter. This left me with only one choice: get out and explore on my own. I wanted to find baby and toddler-friendly environments that did not cost me a whole year's salary. This list has changed a little over the last few months with the addition of some fresh businesses, but if you're like I was and new to the world of motherhood or simply looking for a new adventure, here is a list of my favorite places to go in the capital region.

Thacher State Park:

Even though I grew up in the area, I had never heard of this place. But, it quickly became one of our go-to spots. I cannot say enough good things about this park. The overlook area is a year-round treat, with amazing views and enough room to run around if it isn't too cold. In the warmer months, there are plenty of picnic areas, wide open spaces, and newer playground equipment to burn off energy. Bring a blanket, chalk, bubbles, or a kickball and you've got a great day in store. Our personal favorite course is to park at the Overlook and walk the trail down to the wooden bridge. There is also the Indian Ladder Trail, which is relatively easy to maneuver (I did it with my son, husband, and daughter in tow, and I am the opposite of "outdoorsy") and takes you underneath a waterfall. The nature center is open year round and offers various programs and activities. And as a side note, be sure to check out Thompson Lake in the summer months. It is a smaller beach with beautiful views and daily or seasonal pass rates.

Viaport Aquarium

Nobody was more excited than I was when they announced the opening of the Viaport Aquarium. If you have kids who love Nemo, this is the place for you. While it is on the smaller side, this place is perfect for kids of all ages. The interactive displays, touch tanks with starfish, sting rays, koi fish, and various other examples of marine life are guaranteed fun. My one recommendation is to get the season pass. Busy times get really busy, and the season pass is a great value if you're planning on going more than a few times a year. We go weekly, usually in the morning, and it does not disappoint.

The Giggle Lounge

This place is relatively new, but a sure favorite. With several areas boasting interactive play, climbing, pretend play, and books, this place is perfect for kids of all ages. There is a separate room for art activities and a cafe with yummy snacks and specialty drinks in the front for parents with more independent children. The space is also sanitized multiple times a day, which I truly appreciate with all the nasty bugs going around this year.

Cuddle Bugs

One thing you quickly find out when you're a parent is just how expensive things can be. I started checking out consignment shops when my daughter outgrew her first round of baby clothes, and Cuddle Bugs is by far my favorite in the area. Located in Saratoga and Moreau, Cuddle Bugs offers new or like-new kids clothing, accessories, toys, bedding - pretty much anything and everything you're looking for. I've gotten beautiful, brand name clothes for both of my kids for insanely reasonable prices. There's a small area at the Saratoga location for children to play while you shop (which is a huge plus when I need my hands free to check out) but the Moreau location also has an entire play space called Wiggle Worms.

MiSci

I started taking my daughter here when she was two. There's a planetarium with daily shows, a large area set up for grocery store play, several sensory activities (water table, magnets, bubbles, and more), and seasonal exhibits that are interactive and super fun (we've already seen the butterflies three times, and they are there until April). Hands on and exploratory, MiSci encourages discovery learning. Bonus: they open at 9 AM (my kids are both early birds and having a morning destination is awesome).

Children's Museum at Saratoga

While we don't make this a weekly trip, the Children's Museum at Saratoga is one spot you should definitely check out. This is two floors of play with something for everyone. Dress up with a pretend stage area? Done. Science-focused and hands on? Yup. Pretend play with grocery store, bank, vet, and construction? Nailed it. Plan on spending a few hours here and grab a snack at one of the local cafes before you head home.

Billy Beez

Before this gem surfaced in the mall, I used to take laps with the stroller around Crossgates (and yes, mall walking should be an Olympic sport). The first time going to Billy Beez can be a little overwhelming, but if you're looking for a place to let the kids run out crazy energy, this is the place for you. Several areas are little-kid friendly, and if you go at an off time to avoid large crowds, you can really take your time without feeling like you'll be trampled.

The Crossings

The Crossings of Colonie is a family favorite. Three out of four seasons are perfect for picnics, play dates, or long cow-gawking walks. The playground can get slam-packed during busy hours, but mornings are usually quieter for little ones who want to explore the bigger slides or climbers. The paths are clear and level for strollers and became a destination for my workouts. Park in the last lot and take the long loop to the pavilion to see the ducks and koi fish (sometimes even a turtle or two) in the center pond.

Flight Trampoline

I was so happy when we found this place. Indoor fun for a reasonable price? Sign me up. We do Kid Flight in the mornings a few times a month. They blast your favorite Disney hits while your kids run and jump and throw dodgeballs into the air. There is a small arcade area with seats and a foam block pit (this is usually our last stop since my one-year-old son always tries to eat these). My one concern is germs - since it can get super crowded and crowded during cold season is never a fun time - so I always keep a handy supply of antibac wipes in my purse to disinfect before we leave.

Pine Bush Preserve

I found the Pine Bush Preserve in Albany on St. Patrick's Day a few years back. It is free admission, open year round, and has several interactive areas perfect for kids of all ages. If you aren't the hiking type (there are kid-friendly trails and binoculars in the center for bird watching), the main floor has informative activities that allow kids to explore our local environment. The back classroom has materials to make bookmarks, a turtle tank, a crawl tunnel, and a sand table with changing topography. There is also a stellar outdoor play area that encourages imaginative play.

This list in no way encompasses all of the local destinations (playgrounds and seasonal parks are for another day) but I hope you find them as fun as we do.