Nicknamed “Queen of American Lakes,” Lake George is the perfect place to plan a family getaway. Set in the stunning Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York, Lake George features pristine waters, exciting nearby attractions, and cozy places to stay, making it perfect for relaxing and enjoying time with your family. Choose the perfect Lake George vacation rental to stay in — whether you prefer to be right on the water, in the heart of a charming small town, or in nature, you’ll be able to find it all here. To help you start planning your trip, here are our ten favorite family activities to participate in when you are visiting Lake George.
1. Boating
Whether you love kayaking and canoeing, cruising in a motorboat, or taking a leisurely boat tour, you can find it all at Lake George. If you are interested in a private tour of the lake, you can sign up for a trip with Bolton Boat Tours or Diamond Point Boat Tours. Alternatively, you can rent a small or large boat from Captain Bob’s and take the family out on the water. Contact Hooker Charters if you want to spend the day fishing for trout, salmon, and bass from a chartered boat.
2. Miniature Golfing
Take a break from relaxing at your vacation rental, and head to Goony Golf for a fun day of miniature golf with the family. Goony Golf has a variety of kid-friendly courses, including a windmill course, castle course and a pirate ship course. Adults and kids visiting Goony Golf love taking pictures in front of the attention-grabbing T-Rex dinosaur waterfall. You’ll only be a few minutes away from the lake if you want to go jump in the water afterwards.
3. Hiking
Don’t head home at the end of your vacation without spending a day enjoying one of the beautiful hiking trails in the area. You’ll find breathtaking trails at Blue Ledges, Cook Mountain Preserve, Crane Mountain or Hadley Mountain, which are all near the lake. There are hiking trails suitable for novice and experienced hikers, and guides are available to help your family safely navigate the trail.
4. Water Parks
Take a short drive to one of the water parks in the Lake George area to cool off on hot days. Great Escape Fun Park and Splashwater Kingdom both have large water rides that your kids will love. If you’re feeling brave, the rollercoasters will add even more fun to your day. Another fun park, Water Slide World, is in the town of Lake George and has more than 35 exciting water slides and attractions for everyone in your family to enjoy.
5. Rock Climbing
When you’re up for an adventure, jump in your car and head to Rocksport in Queensbury, which is just a short drive away from the lake. This indoor rock climbing facility offers more than 4,200 feet of rock climbing space and caters to people of all ages and abilities, making this a fun outing for the entire family.
6. Mountain Biking
Spend a day navigating one of the bike trails in the Lake George region. Many vacation rentals in this area have mountain bikes that you are free to ride — make sure to check before booking your rental to see if they are provided. If not, rent one from a local retailer, load them on your vehicle, and head to Hadley Mountain or Blue Ledges, both a couple of miles from Lake George.
7. Arcades
Cater to the kids for a day by leaving your Lake George vacation rental for a few hours and heading to the arcade. There are many arcades to choose from in the area, including Lake George Lanes & Games, Fun Spot, and Adventure Family Fun Center. This is a great option if it happens to be a rainy day, or if you need to stay inside on a particularly hot day.
8. Horseback Riding
If you and your family like horseback riding, Lake George is a great place to spend your vacation. Choose from one of many horseback riding facilities in the area, including Bennett’s Riding Stables, Circle B Ranch, and Saddle-Up Stables. Practice your horseback riding skills at one of these locations, or have an instructor teach your kids how to ride. Make sure to bring your camera!
9. Museums
If you want to stimulate your brain and learn about the area’s history, visit one of the local museums for the afternoon. At the Fort William Henry museum in Lake George, you’ll learn all about the French and Indian War. Visit the Lake George Historical Association museum to see actual jail cells that were built in the 1800s.
10. Plays and Performances
While vacationing at Lake George, it’s easy to catch a play or musical performance at a local venue. The Lake Theater offers professional entertainment and fine dining for the entire family. During the summer months, stop by the Lake George Music Festival to enjoy a free concert.