This was so much fun! We paid for $15 parking on Nelson street and it was a short walk to the entrance. We bought a publication that showed all the horses in all the races - which was helpful so I could place bets on later races. There was plenty of food vendors and places to get drinks, and ice cream.. Plenty of picnic tables in the shade. Plenty of screens everywhere if you do not want to be in grandstand area.

Saratoga Race Course is just about perfect. We have gone almost every year for 10 years and it’s the highlight of the summer. There is something for everyone, even the kids in the kids playground area. The races are so much fun and there are TVs or go right to the line. You can also spend as much or as little as you want. Food and drinks can be bought in or you can come in encumbered and just buy stuff at the track. I recommend getting to the track at around 6:30:6:45am to secure a shaded picnic table. Simply put a tablecloth down and remember where it is for later. I do not recommend paying for the Pick 6 picnic paddock. Tables are mostly in the sun and it’s pricey.

A Fun day at the races. It's not so much about horse racing as it is about people watching and having a good time. We went to Lake George for the week, and we decided to go to Saratoga for the day. We had a fun time watching the races, betting, eating, drinking, and people-watching. There are so many aspects to this day. We decided to purchase tickets to the Clubhouse, which was a great idea. We all dressed up, and that was part of the fun. We saw others just hanging in the grandstand area, and then there were others (many, many others) who just came and enjoyed the grounds and sat outside watching the races on screens and enjoying the contents of their coolers. We enjoyed the clubhouse as there was an overhang, so the sun didn't beat on us all day, and if it had been raining, we would have stayed dry. It is worth the day if you have never been to a race. It's fun to bet and root for your horse. You can bet as little as $2 a race if you want to have an inexpensive day. There was a variety of food and drink, with credit cards only (which I hate). The food and the drinks were overpriced, as in every other arena or sporting event. Go and enjoy, and if you are new to betting, go up to the window with a person to bet. They will help you.

A wonderful 4-ish hours for our family of 5. (Mom, Dad, sons aged 15, 13, 10) The thing that made our day a 5-star experience was definitely, without question, the walking tour we took early in the day. Mark was our tour guide and was excellent. The tour is a comprehensive overview of the track, horses, jockeys, winners circle, track traditions, routines, and more. The walking tour is WELL WORTH IT for anyone visiting Saratoga. It starts at Guest Services (when facing the track from outside, all the way to the right). Tours are cash only ($15 for adults; 12 and under free) and ours lasted about 45 minutes. We asked a lot of questions and our guide, Mark, answered them all and more. I recommend doing the tour before the first race so you have an idea of what to expect and when. We were newbies to the track and it was very helpful in setting the tone for our day. Bring a cooler with drinks, and snacks. There are plenty of picnic tables outside but arrive on the early side (11am or earlier?) for the best spot. Next time I'll bring a plastic table cloth. We did not have a tablecloth but it was still okay. Many people use tablecloths to save their spot. Our visit was on a Thursday and it was not extremely busy. Before each race we were able to watch the horses walk to the paddock, then walk to the paddock area to see pre-race preparations, and then walk to either the track apron or grand stand ahead of each race. (We would not have known this routine or certain things to look for had it not been for our tour!) We saw 4 races. Bet a total of $4, just for fun. Didn't win anything. Still a very, very fun experience. We do not live locally but hope to make it back another time. This was very eye opening and enjoyable! Highly recommend!

A lovely day trip from Lake George. There are so many things to like about visiting! We did the 45 min tour just prior to the first race. Mark was a great and enthusiastic tour guide. We enjoyed a touch of betting and cocktails, and lots of horse gazing, picnicking, and people watching.

Planning a 5 day road trip from New Jersey to Saratoga Springs, we always include a day at the races. August is hot and this year more rainy. We always plan ahead. We know the restaurants are expensive but we enjoy it nonetheless. We chose “the Porch” and called up to get seating at a table for 2 people. You must pay $25 pp for the reservation and spend a minimum of $25pp for your meal. We did share a meal, appetizer and dessert. We saved for this fun day. Our hotel included complimentary drop off & pick up to the track.