NYRA STAR | Free Kids Program For Horse Lovers

Saratoga Kids Day: Sunday, July 26

Kids 12 and under get free admission every day at Saratoga!

STAR Sprint Kids Run

0.2-mile fun run through the backyard from the Big Red Spring to the Family Zone!

Register To Race

For NYRA STAR members only, age 5-12. All participants will receive a race T-shirt and medal. Begins at 10:00am.

Horse Plush Giveaway

First 5,000 kids 12 & under get a free horse plush!

Tickets For Adults

Admission gates open at 11:00am.

Plus: Mascot races, hands-on activities, and Paddock & Winner's Circle tours offered every race!

Insider Access For Young Racing Fans

Through NYRA Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (STAR), children 12 & under – and their families – are able to experience thoroughbred horse racing through exclusive on-track events, educational opportunities, and kid-friendly communications to ignite their interest in the sport.

NYRA STAR Member Benefits

Personalized membership card, lanyard, and water bottle
Exclusive access to special tours and events
Kid-friendly digital communications
Invite to an end-of-season party (Date: TBA)

Register For Free

The NYRA STAR booth is open Thursdays - Sundays from noon to 3pm, beginning July 9. Come say hi at the backyard Family Zone!

Free Activities for Kids & Families

Get excited for a summer of racing fun with NYRA STAR. 2026 summer programming is offered Thursday through Sunday, July 9 - September 6.

Tour the Saratoga Paddock and Winner's Circle

An expert tour guide will escort your group into the paddock to watch pre-race preparations, then to the Winner’s Circle to watch the race from up close. Offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons throughout the 2026 summer meet.

Take a Tram Tour of the Backstretch

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Saratoga Race Course. On this guided tour around Saratoga's backstretch, learn how the racehorses and their many caregivers begin each day. Offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings throughout the 2026 summer meet.

Enjoy the Family Fun Zone Any Time

Open daily during the summer meet, the Family Zone is smoke- and alcohol-free, offering a safe space for children to play. Each Sunday, the Family Zone hosts Family Sundays featuring kid-friendly games and activities.