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Are you looking for a small Adirondack town to spend a weekend in? Looking for a combination of outdoor adventure and family fun? Old Forge, New York has it all! If you are looking for the best things to do in Old Forge with kids, we have you covered!
Old Forge is a local destination for us, and we have spent many summers exploring the area. From family fun like Enchanted Forest, to outdoor exploration like the McCauley Mountain Ski Lift and hiking to Bald Mountain, there is a plethora of activities to choose from.
We have chosen some of our favorite things to do, and put them together in a list for you to help you plan your next adventure to New York’s Adirondack Mountains!
The Best Things to Do in Old Forge With Kids
Ride the McCauley Mountain Ski Lift
One of the best things to do in Old Forge with kids is ride the McCauley Mountain Ski Lift. The lift takes you to the summit of McCauley Mountain, where you can sit and relax, taking in the views, or walk around the summit.
At the top, you will be treated to views of the Fulton Chain of Lakes and the Adirondack High Peaks. On an especially clear day you will be able to see Whiteface Mountain and Mount Marcy on the horizon.
The McCauley Mountain Ski Lift is generally open from late June through Columbus Day. Riding the ski lift in the fall months is one of the best times to ride, as you will be treated to the stunning Adirondack Mountain fall Foliage.
Ride the Adirondack Scenic Railroad
A ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad is one of the best ways to see the more remote areas of the Adirondack Mountains. The Adirondack Scenic Railroad offers various train rides.
The Otter Lake Explorer takes you from the Thendara Station in Old Forge, over the Moose River, and to Otter Lake. The ride takes about an hour round trip. The train runs from Spring to Fall.
The Big Moose Explorer takes you from the Thendara Station in Old Forge to Big Moose. The scenery along this route is a combination of forested areas, streams, and rivers. The trip is about an hour round trip and runs from Spring to Fall.
The Adirondack Mountaineer is a longer trip at 9.5 miles that takes you from the Thendara Station in Old Forge to Tupper Lake. The trip includes a stop in Tupper Lake, where you can get out and explore the local shops and restaurants. Transportation is also included from the station to the Wild Center, Raquette River Brewing, and some other area attractions.
If you happen to be visiting in the winter months, the 1.5 hour Santa Train ride is a great option for kids. The trip goes from the Thendara Station in Old Forge to Otter Lake, with the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on the way.
Old Forge With Kids: Visit Enchanted Forest Water Safari
Enchanted Forest Water Safari is New York’s largest waterpark, with over 50 rides and attractions. The park features a combination of relaxing water rides, thrilling water rides, and dry rides, making it one of the best things to do in Old Forge with kids.
There is a lazy river and wave pool for those who prefer to relax, and water rides like the Curse of the Silverback, the Shadow, and Kilimanjaro’s Revenge for those looking for more of a thrill.
The park features plenty of water and dry rides that are good for younger children, so everyone in the family can enjoy the park. The classic carousel, boat ride, and helicopters are great for small children.
Storybook Lane features storybook inspired houses and characters that kids can run through and explore. Dawson City is a wild west themed town that features a candy shop, a favorite of ours! You can also go gemstone mining (pan for gold).
The park has stay and play package options, with the Old Forge Camping Resort and Water’s Edge Inn (right across the road).
Go To Calypso’s Cove Family Fun Park
Calypso’s Cove Family Fun Park is located right next door to Enchanted Forest and is a great way to spend the evening after exploring the park all day. The fun park has a large arcade, a ropes course with a Zipline, go-karts, and mini-golf.
There are also dining options onsite, including kid friendly options like pizza, wings, and boardwalk fries. The park is open from Memorial Day through September. 2 hour unlimited attraction passes are available ($27 at the time of this writing, but be sure to check their site for the most up to date info).
See a Movie at the Strand Theater
The Strand Theater is an old fashioned movie theater located in downtown Old Forge. You can catch a movie 7 days a week. Showtimes can be found on their sign outside the theater or on their site. The theater is cash only (there is an ATM in the lobby). Ticket prices remain pretty low ($6-7 per ticket).
Go For a Hike
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Old Forge with kids. There are many options within or right outside of Old Forge, with tons more options in the surrounding Adirondack Mountains.
Bald Mountain is one of the best family friendly hikes in Old Forge. The 2 mile round trip hike takes you to the summit of Bald Mountain and to the Rondaxe Trail Fire Tower. The Gull Lake Trail is an easy 1.1 mile trail that takes you around a pond.
Rocky Mountain is another family friendly trail at just 1 mile round trip. The Moss Lake Loop is a flat, 2.5 mile loop that takes you around Moss Lake. The Lock & Dam trail is another flat trail and at just 2 miles round trip it is perfect for families.
For a longer trail, Nick’s Lake Loop is good at 6.4 miles. It is mostly flat with an elevation gain of 347 ft., making it easily doable for families.
Enjoy Some Water Sports
Getting out on the water is one of the best things to do in Old Forge with kids. Mountain Man Outdoor Supply Company has kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards available for rent. There are options to rent for a half day or full day. All rentals must be returned by 5:30pm. This company is a perfect option for families because they have kids kayaks available for rent.
With Mountain Man Outdoor Supply Company, you can pick up the equipment, or you can have it delivered to your hotel or campsite for an extra fee (Old Forge, Eagle Bay/Inlet, and Raquette Lake).
If you prefer, you can rent the equipment and launch right from the company’s dock onto the Moose River, or take their shuttle to nearby launches, including the North Street Bridge. The company also offers a shuttle that takes you to various locations along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (which takes you as far as Saranac Lake).
Go Star Gazing
The Adirondack Mountains have some of the darkest night skies in the state with little light pollution. On clear nights, observers can typically see the Milky Way, major constellations, visible planets, and seasonal meteor showers without specialized equipment.
Checking local weather forecasts and moon phases in advance is recommended, as bright moonlight can significantly reduce visibility of faint celestial objects.
Accessible viewing locations include lakefront areas around First Lake and elevated terrain such as nearby Rocky Mountain, both of which offer broader horizons and reduced obstruction from trees.
For darker skies, short drives farther into the central Adirondacks can further minimize artificial light. Those seeking guided programs or telescope access can visit the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory (located in Tupper Lake), which offers public observing sessions and astronomy events throughout the year.
Nutty Putty Mini-Golf
Nutty Putty Mini-Golf is an 18 hole mini-golf course in downtown Old Forge that is good for younger kids. The course is set among shady trees and features creative, hand-crafted obstacles. Nutty Putty is a great stop when exploring/shopping downtown Old Forge.
There is also an ice cream stand onsite, and nearby you will find a candy store with an antique carousel pony sitting out front. Nutty Putty Mini-Golf is generally open from Spring through early fall.
Old Forge With Kids: Go to the Beach
Going to the beach is one of the best things to do in Old Forge with kids. The Old Forge Public Beach is easily accessible in downtown Old Forge and one of the best options for families. It is a calm water, lake beach that is perfect for younger kids. The beach has restrooms, picnic tables, and lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
Another option is the day-use area at Nick’s Lake Campground. The beach has restrooms, picnic areas, and the lake for swimming and paddling.
Go Camping
Camping is one of the best ways to experience the Adirondack Mountains. Spend the night under the stars, and then spend the days relaxing, hiking nearby trails, or getting out on the water. A variety of camping options are offered, ranging from cabins to traditional tent sites.
The Old Forge Camping Resort is a more upscale camping option with 400 sites and a private lake. The campground has a combination of cottages, cabins, RV sites, and tent sites.
The campground also has camping stations with a sink and 4 burner stovetop outside the restrooms, 2 dump stations, gasoline and propane, free wi-fi, and a camp store. You can also get a stay and play package with neighboring Enchanted Forest.
Nick’s Lake Campground is another option with 112 campsites. The campground has a picnic area, beach with lifeguards, and access to over 5 miles of hiking trails. The lake, which is closed to motorboats, is a good place for kayaking and canoeing.
HTR Adirondacks (formerly known as Singing Waters Campground) is another option, with traditional tent sites, “glampy” Safari tents, cabins, and RV sites. The campground has direct access to the Moose River, making it a great place to stay if you plan on kayaking or canoeing the river.
Go On a Rail Bike Tour
The Adirondack Railbike Adventures offers rail bike tours through the Adirondack Wilderness that gives you a unique experience and view of the area. There are single rider options (you may be seated with another party), or you can purchase a bike for 2, 3, or 4 riders. Rides are usually offered from Memorial Day to Mid October.
There is no age limit for the rail bikes, making it one of the best things to do in Old Forge with kids. Infants are allowed to ride, but must be secured to an adult in a baby Bjorn style carrier. Children 2 and older ride in a standard seat with a five point harness or a regular seat belt.
The River Run trip is a 6 mile round trip ride along the Moose River. The trip takes about an hour and a half. There are some slight grades and downhill sections, but it is easily navigable for families.
The Timber Ridge trip is a 7 mile round trip ride that takes you through trails North of the Thendara Station. The ride takes about an hour and a half and has some slight grades with some downhill sections.
The Raquette Rambler is offered from the Tupper Lake station and takes you on a 6 mile round trip along a forested area and the Raquette River.
Walk the TOBIE Trail
The TOBIE Trail is a mostly flat trail that connects several communities in the Adirondacks. This includes Thendara, Old Forge, Big Moose, Inlet, and Eagle Bay. The trail includes a combination of paved and unpaved areas and takes you through mixed hardwood and conifer forest, wetlands, and quiet backcountry areas. The trail is popular for hiking and biking.
The total trail length is 16 miles. You can choose to do it in its entirety, or split it up into sections. It is generally open from April through mid-September. In the winter, the trail is used for snowmobiling. Access points and parking are available in several of the connected hamlets, including Old Forge and Inlet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Forge good for toddlers and young kids?
Yes. There are playgrounds, a public beach with lifeguards (in season), easy nature trails, and family-friendly dining options.
Are there kid-friendly hiking trails?
Yes. There are short, relatively easy trails suitable for families, including accessible paths and beginner-friendly mountain hikes. Some of the best options include Rocky Mountain, the Moss Lake Loop, and TOBIE trail.
Is Old Forge walkable?
The main village area is compact and walkable, though sidewalks may be limited in some sections. Strollers are manageable around the village center.
How many days do you need in Old Forge?
A long weekend (2–3 days) allows time for major attractions and outdoor activities. A full week provides flexibility for lake days, hiking, and day trips within the Adirondacks.
***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.
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