Lake George is not just a paradise for couples but also an exciting destination for families with kids. From thrilling adventures to educational experiences, the region offers lots of day trips during the Summer season that will keep the whole family entertained. Here’s a guide to the best day trips within about an hour’s drive from Lake George.
Family Friendly Day Trips from Lake George NY
Revolution Rail:
- Location: North Creek, NY
- Driving Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Description: Embark on a railbiking adventure through the Adirondacks. Pedal along scenic railroad tracks, crossing the Hudson River. See pricing here.
- Why Kids Would Love It: The novelty of pedaling on railroad tracks combined with breathtaking scenery will captivate their imaginations. Plus, they can relax while the adults do most of the work.
Buck Mountain Hike:
- Location: Adirondack Park, trailhead located off of Shelving Rock Road.
- Driving Time: Approximately 15 minutes to the trailhead. Parking lots fill quickly, try to get there early or wait until afternoon.
- Description: A family-friendly hike with moderate difficulty, 4.9 miles out and back, offering panoramic views of Lake George. Free.
- Why Kids Would Love It: The sense of accomplishment at reaching the summit and the chance to enjoy a picnic with a view.
Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor:
- Location: Queensbury, NY
- Driving Time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Description: A thrilling amusement park with rides for all ages and a water park for cooling off. See pricing here.
- Why Kids Would Love It: Endless fun with roller coasters, water slides, and live entertainment.
Adirondack Animal Land:
- Location: Gloversville, NY
- Driving Time: Approximately 50 minutes
- Description: A safari-like experience with over 500 animals. See pricing here.
- Why Kids Would Love It: Close encounters with exotic animals and the chance to feed some of them.
Fort Ticonderoga:
- Location: Ticonderoga, NY
- Driving Time: Approximately 50 minutes
- Description: Explore a historic fort with interactive exhibits and stunning views of Lake Champlain. See pricing here.
- Why Kids Would Love It: Living history demonstrations and the opportunity to imagine life in a fort.
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves:
- Location: Pottersville, NY
- Driving Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Description: Discover an underground cave system and a massive stone bridge. See pricing here.
- Why Kids Would Love It: The excitement of exploring caves and walking on a natural stone bridge in a controlled setting.
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark:
- Location: Queensbury, NY
- Driving Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Description: An indoor waterpark for those rainy, chilly summer weekends with a restaurant onsite and hotel attached. See pricing here.
- Why Kids Would Love It: A thrilling park with tubes, tunnels, and water slides to entertain them endlessly.
Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center:
- Location: Bolton Landing, NY
- Driving Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Description: Educational programs, nature trails, and a butterfly house. See pricing here.
- Why Kids Would Love It: Learning about nature in a hands-on and interactive environment.
Adirondack Wild Center:
- Location: Tupper Lake, NY
- Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Description: Immerse your family in the wonders of the Adirondack wilderness. The Wild Center features interactive exhibits and a treetop walkway, the “Wild Walk”. See pricing here.
- Why Kids Would Love It: An exciting way to walk among the treetops and experience nature first hand.
The Painted Pony Rodeo:
- Location: Lake Luzerne, NY
- Driving Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Description: Saddle up for a Western Adventure at the Painted Pony Rodeo. Enjoy a classic rodeo experience with bull riding, barrel racing, and more. See pricing here.
- Why Kids Would Love It: The excitement of a live rodeo, getting to see cowboys and cowgirls in action, and possibly even trying a pony ride.
Don’t forget the ICE CREAM!
Regardless of what day trip you choose, I highly recommend heading over to Martha’s Dandee Creme in Queensbury, NY at some point during your stay. This local favorite sits across from the Great Escape theme park and offers the tastiest, largest ice cream cones in the area. Don’t let the long lines fool you, the staff keep things moving fairly quickly and it’s always worth the wait.
Getting Around:
For most of these day trips, having a car is highly recommended. Some locations can be accessed through the local trolley. Alternatively, consider joining group tours that offer transportation.
Make the Most of Summer with Your Kids in Lake George!
Create lasting memories with these unique day trips that cater to the curiosity and energy of your little ones. Whether it’s the thrill of a roller coaster, the wonder of exploring caves, or the joy of hiking to a summit or among tree tops, Lake George and its surroundings have something for every member of the family.
