Lake George with Kids: 30 Things To Do on an Adirondack Family Vacation

After playing an important role in America’s history during the French and Indian Wars, Lake George went on to become one of New York’s top family vacation destinations. Originally a summer playground for the wealthy inhabitants of New York City (you can still see many of their mansions along Millionare Row), the completion of Interstate 87 in the late 1950s and early 1960s led to the development of the town that hundreds of thousands of vacationers now enjoy year round.

Spring is the quietest time to visit this well-known village; both summer and fall draw throngs of people to the lake for water sports and outdoor entertainment. In the Autumn, the foliage of the enormous Adirondack park is breathtaking while winter makes for skiing opportunities at many slopes located a short drive from Lake George. One of the things that makes Lake George truly a wonderful vacation spot is just how incredibly family friendly everything really is. With mini-golf and arcades on every corner, FREE beaches and entertainment in the parks, amusement and water parks for both young and old and endless shopping destinations in the small walkable downtown, there is really something for everyone. 

1. Try out the coasters at Six Flags Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom. There are rides for kids (and adults!!) of all ages. For extra fun once the park has closed, considering staying at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge. Great Escape is also a fantastic place to visit in the early fall when the entire park gets a spooky makeover for Fright Fest.
2. For the littlest vacationers, skip Six Flags and check out The Magical Forest. This amusement park is geared at children ages 7 and under and all of the rides are unlimited with admission. For an extra day of fun, visit after 3 PM and receive a ticket to come back the following day for FREE.
3. If you prefer waterslides to coasters, Waterslide World is the place to be. With more than 10 slides, a dedicated kiddie slide and pool, wave pools, water volleyballs pools, and a lazy river, Waterslide world is a whole day of fun packed into 12 sunny acres. For a secret discount, call Waterslide World the morning you plan to arrive and ask about the phone coupon.
4. Play all day at The Fun Spot. This action packed kids paradise is great in both sunny and rainy weather. There is an indoor playground for little kids, mini-golf, golf carts, laser tag and a skating rink.
5. Go horseback riding at Saddle Up Stables. Adults and children who are at least 6 years old AND 48 inches tall can try their hand at trail riding during one of Saddle Up’s lake view trail rides. Younger (and shorter) children can get in on the fun with a pony ride out in front of the stables.
6. Get wet with some white water rafting. There are many rapid rivers in the area and Lake George visitors are invited to make the most of them. Check out Tubby Tubes, The Adirondack Rafting Company and Wild Waters Outdoor Center for more information.
7. Climb through the trees on the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course. Courses progress from The Squirrels Den (a wooden climbing structure for kids ages 3-10) to the Kids-Only Ropes Course and then to a series of courses on the adult circuit—which includes a trip through the tree-top canopy.
8. Fly though the air with a parasail. Walk along the waterfront and sign-up in person, or Parasailing Adventures online for a special early-morning coupon.
9. Pretend you’re out in the wild west with the Painted Pony Rodeo and BBQ. Though I’m sure some people like the Rodeo, we go for the Texas BBQ. It was featured on $40 A Day with Rachel Ray!
10. Swim, splash, and enjoy the water at one of Lake George’s beautiful beaches. Million Dollar Beach is right near the heart of downtown and extremely popular with families.
11. Catch the weekly fireworks over Million Dollar Beach. The show normally begins at 9:30 PM on Thursdays and take place directly over the lake.
12. Drive, walk, bike or run up Prospect Mountain for one of the most amazing views of in the Adirondack region.
13. Pick up locally grown and prepared fruits and veggies at the weekly Farmer’s Markets in Bolton Landing, Glens Falls,  Queensbury and Warrensburg.
14. Take in the sights along the Warren County Bikeway- even if you don’t have a bike. The path is excellent for walking, jogging, strolling and scooting in addition to biking.
15. Rent a boat, kayak, canoe or jet ski and get out on the lake.
16. Charter a special 2 hour Children’s Fishing Tour with Jeff’s Charters. Kids will receive casting and baiting lessons on board the ship.
17. Discover a new artist in Shepard’s Park during the Summer Concert series.
18. Tour the lake in pirate style on one of the Lake George Steamboat Company’s pirate cruises aboard the Minnie-Ha-Ha paddleboat.
19. Step back in time with a dinner the A&W Root Beer Carhop Restaurant before catching a movie at the Glen Falls Drive In.
20. Learn about the unique ecology of Lake George with a public tour aboard the Floating Classroom.
21. Scare yourself silly with a tour through Dr. Morbid’s Haunted House or Frankenstein’s Wax Museum. Be forewarned- these are NOT for young children or for the faint of heart. For a FREE thrill, meet Frankenstein in person out in front of the Wax Museum most evenings from 5 to 10 PM.
22. Play a round—or two-- or thee—of mini golf at one of the many, many courses throughout Lake George Village and the surrounding area. Our favorites are Pirate’s Cove and Goony Golf.
23. Go for broke at the arcades in Lake George village.
24. Join the King’s Army during a tour at Fort William Henry—or come back at night for a Ghost Tour though a fort so haunted it was featured on SyFy’s Ghost Hunters.
25. Stop for ice cream at the famous roadside creamery, Martha’s Dandee Crème and gaze up at their gigantic signature rooster, Charlie.
26. Dine in style—Adirondack Style-- at the Moose Tooth Grill. Kids are treated to moose antler crowns, an all inclusive kids meal, an indoor s’mores platter and lots of indoor moose décor. Parents will be happy with the bottomless fires, a large selection of moose-free burgers and beers on tap from the restaurant’s parent brewery, The Adirondack Brewery, just up the street.
27. Wake up early to beat the crowds at The Lone Bull Pancake and Steak House home of Lake George’s most famous and delicious breakfast. Pancakes and steak? Trust me. It works.
28. Get your shopping on. Just a few minutes outside of Lake George Village is a huge selection of outlets that include many family favorites like Osh Kosh, Children’s Place, Carters and Lindt Chocolates.
29. Experience Galactic Bowling at Lake George Bowl. Every Friday and Saturday night the state of the art bowling and arcade facility is transformed into an all out party with black lights, special effects and an unbeatable sound system.
30. Make reservations for the Polynesian Dinner Show at the Tiki Resort. There are fire jugglers, hula dancers, drumming and a sit down dinner.