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Are you looking for a charming, quintessential Adirondack village to spend a couple days, or even a week long summer vacation? Lake George is just that! Plus, there are so many things to do in Lake George with kids, that you just can’t go wrong choosing it as your next family getaway!
Lake George is our favorite, somewhat local summer weekend getaway, and for good reason! Lake George has a combination of the perfect outdoor nature escapes and thrilling family friendly adventures, with something to offer for everyone!
We have compiled a list of our favorite things to do when visiting the area, that we think you should not miss!
Lake George With Kids: 22 of the Best Things to Do
Take a Cruise On the Lake
One of the best ways to see the lake itself and the surrounding area is to take a Lake George cruise. The Lake George Steamboat Company offers a wide selection of cruise options, with plenty of options for families.
The company offers themed cruises, including a pirate party cruise, family carnival cruise, a princess and superhero cruise, and big foot cruise. You can also enjoy a scenic one hour cruise, full lake cruise, or family dinner cruise. If visiting in the fall, you can enjoy a full lake fall foliage cruise.
Another option for waterfront cruises is through Lake George Waterfront Cruises. The company has two boats-The Adirondac and the Horicon. A variety of cruises are offered, including 1 hour historic sightseeing cruises, happy hour cruises, sunset cruises, and firework cruises. (In December 2025, The Adirondac caught fire, and the company is currently working to rebuild it).
Go for a Rail Bike Ride
A rail bike ride is a unique way to see the remote areas surrounding Lake George, offered through Revolution Rail Co. Rail bike options include double bikes with 2 seats, and quad bikes that hold up to 4. The ride is 7 miles round trip and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Along the route you will pedal along historic rails, through wooded areas, and along the Hudson River. A highlight of this route is the bridge passing over the Hudson River. The ride is easy to complete, being gentle and flat most of the way. There are a few gentle inclines on the way out.
There is one stop along this route at the confluence of the Boreas and Hudson Rivers, where you will have some time to explore the banks of the Boreas.
Revolution Rail Co. is located in North Creek, NY, about 30 minutes outside of Lake George. It is not far from Gore Mountain, making the two destinations a great combination for a day trip. There is no minimum age requirement, making this a great activity for families (harness required for infants and children under 25 lbs, no car seats).
Spend the Day at Great Escape
Six Flags Great Escape is an excellent way to spend the day for some thrills and good old fashioned family fun. The park offers a combination of wet and dry rides, from classics like the scrambler to a selection of roller coasters, to classic water rides like the Raging Rapids and Flume ride.
For younger kids, the story tale village and daily shows will keep them entertained. The Timbertown Crew is also always a delight for younger children and includes dressed up characters (Fox, turtle, bear, moose).
Throughout the park you will find plenty of family friendly restaurants and snack bars (although be prepared to pay the price!). You will also find plenty of shopping opportunities, including a candy store/fudge shop near the entrance.
Online advanced reservations are recommended, but not required. There is a parking fee as well. Be sure to check their site before your visit for the most up to date pricing.
Drive the Veterans Memorial Highway
The Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway is a 5.5 mile winding road that takes you to the summit of Prospect Mountain. On your way up you will pass several overlooks giving you views of the surrounding area and mountains, including The Narrows, Lake George, and the Eagle’s Nest.
Once you reach the top, you will find a large parking lot. To reach the summit, you will have to make the short ascent (0.2 miles), unless you require handicap parking. There are a couple handicap spots at the summit. Near the parking area you will find a wheelchair accessible viewing area and restrooms.
At the summit you will get a 100 mile view that on a clear day may include Vermont’s Green Mountains, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks, and on a really clear day as far as the Laurentian Mountains of Canada.
Alternatively, if you prefer to explore on foot you can hike the 1.5 mile trail to the summit. The road is generally open from memorial day to early November. There is an entrance fee per vehicle to drive the road.
Go to An Old Fashioned Drive In Theater
The Glen Drive In Theater is a fun and exciting experience that I couldn’t wait for my daughter to experience. The Glen Drive In Theater shows four movies daily (2 on each screen) when open in the Spring/Summer months.
Prices are very reasonable for two movies and there is an onsite refreshment stand. The refreshment stand offers a wide variety of options, from hot dogs and fries to candy, popcorn, and drinks. Make sure you have a good car speaker or bring a portable speaker for sound. And don’t forget the bug spray!
Go Tubing
Tubing is a fun, popular, and family friendly activity in Lake George. Tubing is a relaxing experience that families with kids as young as two years can enjoy, making it one of the best things to do in Lake George with kids. In addition to tube rentals, most companies also offer floating cooler rentals, so don’t forget to bring some cold drinks!
There are many companies offering tubing in Lake George. Tubby Tubes River Co. offers a 2 hour guided river tubing experience for kids as young as 2 years on the lower Hudson River. Tours are typically offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Adirondack Adventure Center offers a lazy river tubing trip for kids ages 2 and up. This tour takes you along a private stretch of the river and lasts about three hours.If you prefer to go on your own, River Ridin’ in Lake Luzerene offers daily tube rentals.
Visit the Adirondack Adventure Center
The Adirondack Adventure Center is the perfect family friendly destination for those looking to get out and enjoy some thrilling adventures or simply spend the day relaxing and bathing in the sun. The combination of relaxing activities and thrilling options makes it one of the best things to do in Lake George with kids.
If you are looking for an active family adventure, the Adirondack Adventure Center offers 2 hour whitewater rafting adventures for ages 5 and up. The trips travel along the Sacandaga River with class 2 and 3 rapids. Trips are available 7 days a week in the summer months.
For a more relaxed experience, consider a lazy river tubing trip. Tubing trips are offered for kids ages 2 and up, making it a great option for families. Tours last about 3 hours and take you over a 3 mile stretch of the river. There are options for renting a deluxe tube with a backrest and cup holder, floating coolers, and cooler carriers.
If you prefer to stay out of the water, the Adirondack Adventure Center also offers a treetop and Zipline adventure. The park has 6 different adventure courses with 20+ ziplines. There is a variety of difficulty and height (from 10 ft. to 60 ft. high). You can choose to stick with the beginner courses or take on a more advanced course if you’re looking for a challenge. Kids as young as 5 can participate.
The Adirondack Adventure Center is located in Lake Luzerne, NY, just a half hour outside of Lake George.
Go For a Hike
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Lake George with kids. The area offers a large selection of trails at different difficulty levels, making it easy to choose one no matter what your family’s skill and experience level is.
Lake George offers many short, but very rewarding hikes that are perfect for families with younger children. Some of the best easy hikes in Lake George for families include the Shelving Rock Falls trail, The Pinnacle, Pilot Knob, and the Rush Pond Trail.
While there are plenty of easier trails to choose from, if you are traveling with more experienced hikers and are up for a challenge, rest assured that there are plenty of options! Some more challenging hikes for families include Prospect Mountain, Cat & Thomas Mountains, and Sleeping Beauty Mountain trail.
When hiking in Lake George with kids, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace Principles and protect the environment. Teach your kids to respect wildlife, and know what to do if a bear encounter occurs. Bring layers, snacks, plenty of water, and plan your route ahead of time in case GPS doesn’t work (this is not uncommon).
Go Camping
Camping in Lake George is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Adirondacks. Surrounded by forested mountains and more than 100 miles of shoreline, the lake provides a peaceful setting for everything from tent camping to RV stays and island sites accessible only by boat.
The area features plenty of traditional camping sites to choose from with tent and RV sites. Hearthstone Point Campground is a NYS campground with 237 campsites, located 2 miles outside of Lake George Village. There is a nice swimming beach, which doubles as an excellent spot for star gazing.
Luzerne Campgrounds is another state campground offering 169 traditional and RV sites. Lake George Campsites is another option, with a combination of traditional tent sites, RV sites, and camping cottages.
Camping on Glen Island Lake George is a unique and secluded activity your family can enjoy. These sites are only boat accessible, so getting to them creates a unique experience in itself. Check in is at Norowal Marina on Sagamore Road in Bolton Landing and then you will need to go to a public boat launch to launch your boat. There is also water taxi service available to get to the island.
Visit Gore Mountain
Gore Mountain is a great destination to explore when visiting Lake George any time of year. Gore Mountain is located about 40 minutes outside of Lake George, but it is worth the drive.
In the summer months, enjoy a scenic ride up Bear Mountain in an enclosed gondola. At the summit you will be treated to views of the Southern Adirondacks and High Peaks. Tickets for the sky lift can be purchased online ahead of time or at the counter when you arrive.
If you are up for an adventure, you can explore the mountain’s hiking trails. There are lots of options to choose from, from short walks taking 30 minutes (Bobcat Loop) to more challenging, uphill hikes taking up to 5 hours or more (Sidewinder).
Downhill mountain biking with lift service is another fun activity available at Gore Mountain. There are several trails to choose from, from short 0.5 mile trails to more difficult 3+ mile trails.
In the winter, if you don’t mind braving the cold, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. There is also dining and a gift shop available on site.
Visit Downtown
Lake George Village is the very walkable downtown center of Lake George and one of the best things to do in Lake George with kids. The downtown area features relaxing strolls along the lake, small, local shops, restaurants, and stops for family fun, including arcades and the House of Frankenstein wax museum.
There is also access to lakeside trails and Shepard Park. In the summer months, the Shepard Park Beach is a good place for swimming, with restrooms and lifeguards on duty.
Fort William Henry is located in Lake George Village. Million Dollar Beach is also located in Lake George Village, and is one of the best family friendly beaches in Lake George. It has lifeguards, restrooms, and showers. Beach admission is free, but parking typically costs about $10/car.
Visit Fort William Henry
Fort William Henry is one of the best things to do in Lake George with kids if you are a history loving family, and a fun stop even if you’re not! Fort William Henry is easily accessible, located in Lake George Village.
Originally built by the British in 1755 during the French and Indian War, the fort was strategically positioned to guard the vital water route between the Hudson River and Canada. Although the original fort was destroyed after a famous siege in 1757, the reconstructed fort that stands today brings that dramatic chapter of colonial history vividly to life.
Visitors can explore the wooden ramparts, barracks, and parade grounds while learning about 18th-century military life through guided tours and live demonstrations. Costumed interpreters explain the events surrounding the siege by French forces under General Montcalm.
With cannon firings, hands-on exhibits, and panoramic views of the lake, Fort William Henry offers both an educational and immersive experience that connects visitors directly to the region’s colonial past.
Go to the Beach
Spending the day at the beach is one of the best things to do in Lake George with kids. There are a couple beaches within walking distance of Lake George Village, making it a convenient stop when exploring the area.
Million Dollar Beach is one of the best options for families. The beach is a 51 acre stretch that starts near Fort William Henry and stretches around the south-eastern shores of Lake George. The beach also offers many amenities, including concession stands, lifeguards, and restrooms.
Shepard Park Beach is another great option for families. It is located right in Lake George Village, with easy access to restrooms, shops, and restaurants. There is no admission fee for the beach.
Outside of the Lake George Village area, Usher Beach is another great option. It features a picnic area, tennis courts, and free beach access. There are also restrooms on site.
Go Mini-Golfing
With an abundance of courses to choose from, one of the best things to do in Lake George with kids is mini-golfing. Choose from one of the many courses and have a blast with this activity that is good for kids of any age! Some of the best courses in Lake George include:
- Around the World Mini-Golf: 2 mini-golf courses (around the world and around the USA) and an ice cream shop.
- Goony Golf: Nursery rhyme inspired mini-golf course with a souvenir shop next door (Gift World).
- Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf: 2 locations (Queensbury & Lake George), a pirate themed mini-golf course.
- Lumberjack Pass Mini-Golf: Mini-golf course in Lake George with a $15 unlimited play pass, free soft serve ice cream cone with admission, and free admission for kids under 3.
- The Fun Spot: Located in Queensbury, a Gold Rush themed mini-golf course with go-karting, VR experiences, laser tag, roller skating, and a ninja course on-site.
Explore Natural Stone Bridge and Caves
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is a unique destination about a half hour outside of Lake George. With an easily navigable trail with boardwalks, Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is a perfect stop for families visiting the area.
The Natural Stone Bridge and Caves trail is 0.75 miles with over 500 stairs. It takes about an hour to walk through. Some of the top sights along the trail include the Stone Bridge, Trout Brook, Sawmill Site waterfalls, and Artists’ Gorge.
Aside from the trail, you will find many other family friendly activities on site, including a rock climbing wall, dino-dig, disc golf ($3 for disc rental), and for an additional cost gemstone mining, jewelry making, and geode popping. There is also a snack bar and playground area.
If you are up for more of a challenge, you can join the Adventure Tour, a 3-4 hour cave crawl that takes you through four different caves. There is an underground waterfall and at the end you will pass through Garnet Cave. The tour is only available in July & August, and may be closed at times due to the weather (flooding).
Water Sport Rentals
One of the best things to do in Lake George with kids is to enjoy getting out of the water. Lake George offers many opportunities for water activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.
You can rent a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board from many locations around Lake George, and then enter the lake at one of the many public access sites in the area.
Some companies, such as Beaver Brook Outfitters, also offer guided tours that you can enjoy if you prefer to explore that way. If you are look for some more thrills, you can rent jet skis or a pontoon boat in nearby Lake Luzerne.
Boat Rentals in Lake George
- Kayak Lake George: Kayak and stand up paddle board rentals in Lake George Village
- Beaver Brook Outfitters: Kayak rentals, canoe rentals, & tube rentals in North Creek. Delivery is available to 13th Lake and Lake Abanakee. Guided canoeing and white water rafting tours are also offered.
- Lake George Kayak Co.: Kayak, canoe, and stand up paddle board rentals in Bolton Landing. The company also sells kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards if you are looking.
- River Ridin’: Located in Lake Luzerne, offering jet ski rentals, kayaks, pedal boats, row boats, stand up paddle boards, and aqua cycles (like water bikes). You can also rent a 10 person Pontoon boat. You can rent tubes for off-site tubing (life vests included). If you want to stay dry, you can also rent an ATV.
Visit Bolton Landing
Bolton Landing is a quieter alternative to Lake George Village, or a great addition to your Lake George trip. Bolton Landing is a small town on the Western shore of the lake. Bolton Landing is about 10 miles outside of Lake George Village and about a 20 minute drive.
Bolton Landing offers many of the same activities you find in Lake George Village. The main street area offers a quaint, small town feeling with lots of local shops, cozy cafés, and historic inns. You will find kayaking and paddle boarding opportunities on the lake.
Rogers Memorial Park offers a public beach great for families. Veterans Memorial Park also offers a public beach with a playground area. The Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course offers adventure courses and ziplines with varying difficulty for different ages and skill abilities.
Some of the best Lake George hiking trails for families are also found in or near Bolton Landing. Some of the best options include The Pinnacle, Up Yonda Farm Nature Trails, Bradley’s Lookout Trail, and the Sembrich Walking Paths.
Attend a Festival
Lake George is known for festivals throughout the year, and visiting the area during one of them will make your trip a little more special. Most festivals are very family friendly, with plenty of events and activities for kids.
The Lake George Village Oktoberfest & Fall Festival is a 3 day festival that takes place over Columbus Day weekend every year along Canada Street in Lake George Village. The festival is a Bavarian-style street fair, where guests can enjoy German music and dancing, carnival rides, crafts, local art, a beer garden, and Bavarian food.
Fright Fest takes place on weekends in October at Great Escape. The festival includes access to Six Flags, and family friendly Halloween activities.
The Lite Up the Village event takes place after Thanksgiving (usually the Saturday after) when Shepard Park is lit with thousands of Christmas lights to celebrate the season. The event includes hot chocolate, live music, a fireworks show over the lake, and a Holiday Light parade.
The Lake George Winter Carnival takes place on weekends in February. The festival is very family friendly with beach bonfires, games/contests, fireworks, polar plunges, and cook-off contests.
Watch the Night Sky
One of the best things to do in Lake George with kids is to watch the night sky. Away from the brighter lights of the village, the shoreline and nearby campgrounds offer surprisingly dark skies where kids can spot constellations, satellites, and even the Milky Way stretching overhead.
Lying on a blanket by the water while the lake gently reflects the stars creates a peaceful, unforgettable moment that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Stargazing is also a wonderful way to spark curiosity and learning. Bring a simple star chart or astronomy app and let kids try to find familiar constellations like the Big Dipper, or count shooting stars during a meteor shower. In Lake George, the combination of mountain silhouettes and wide-open skies makes stargazing an easy and enchanting family activity.
Visit the Lake George Expedition Park
The Lake George Expedition Park is a fun, family friendly attraction that combines education, outdoor exploration, and a little bit of thrills.
Younger kids can enjoy walking through the trails of Dino Roar Valley and learning about the dinosaurs. Dino Roar Valley offers hands on exhibits, including a fossil dig area. Performances are done on Roary’s Stage daily. For an additional cost, you can join a dinosaur themed workshop.
The other section of the park is The Forest, where families can enjoy traditional theme Park rides and a train ride. Gem stone mining is also available onsite for an additional fee.
Lake George Lanes and Games
Lake George Lanes and Games is one of the best things to do in Lake George with kids on a rainy day, or a great way to end a day spent outdoors exploring.
Lake George Lanes and Games features a bowling alley with open bowl and Galactic bowling on Friday and Saturday nights. Aside from bowling, you can also enjoy laser tag, an arcade, billiards, and an indoor playground area. There is also an onsite full service grille and bar.
Visit the Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center
The Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center is the perfect destination for families who want to both explore and learn about the outdoors. The center offers easy, family friendly hiking trails, educational programs, and in the winter months snowshoeing.
Up Yonda offers a Junior Naturalist Program, where kids can complete a seasonal workbook and earn a pin for each season. Other activities include a natural history museum, enclosed butterfly garden, a Story Walk, Sugar house, pond, and auditorium.
At the time of this writing, there is a $5 per vehicle entry fee. The center is generally open Tuesday through Saturday, and closed on Sunday and Monday. Always be sure to check their site for the most up to date info.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake George, NY good for families?
Yes! Lake George is extremely family-friendly, offering beaches, boat rides, amusement parks, hiking trails, mini golf, arcades, and hands-on history attractions — all within a short driving distance.
Are there good beaches for kids in Lake George?
Yes. Million Dollar Beach is popular for its sandy shoreline, lifeguards (seasonal), restrooms, and shallow swim areas that are great for children. Shepard Park Beach is another excellent option with restrooms and lifeguards.
Is Lake George walkable with kids?
Lake George Village is very walkable, especially along Canada Street where you’ll find shops, arcades, ice cream spots, and lakefront views. Strollers are manageable on sidewalks and the boardwalk areas. A car will be needed to reach other top attractions/hikes in the Lake George area.
When is the best time to visit Lake George?
Summer is the most popular season for swimming and boating, while fall offers beautiful foliage and fewer crowds. Winter can also be fun for snow tubing and seasonal festivals.
Is Lake George good to visit in the winter?
Yes! If you don’t mind the cold, Lake George offers many activities for families in the winter months. You can enjoy winter hiking, snowshoeing, and winter festivals like the winter carnival and ice castles.
Is Lake George okay to swim in?
Yes! Lake George is known as one of the cleanest lakes in the country. There are plenty of family friendly beaches, including Million Dollar Beach, Shepard Beach, and Rogers Memorial Park in Bolton Landing.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
Book Your Accommodations
Planning your next getaway? Let us help you get all the details in order! Start with your accommodations!
Book your traditional hotel accommodations using Booking! We love booking because of the wide variety of options, that can accommodate every budget and unique family needs!
Alternatively, consider booking a VRBO and having the entire place to yourself! VRBO is another great options for families because it gives you your own space and access to essential amenities like a full kitchen.
Book Your Flight!
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