High above the hustle and bustle of the city, the Adirondack Mountains offers a respite for families seeking a getaway filled with adventure and relaxation. Enjoy your vacation rental in the Adirondack Mountains while being nearby to a variety of activities in the mountains, which can range from a serene hike in the woods to a thrilling ride on the Saranac River. This guides details 12 of the most popular activities for families in the Adirondack Mountains.
1. Take a Walk in the Wild Center
Located on Tupper Lake, which is in the center of the Adirondack Park, the Wild Center is a natural history museum that offers something for all ages. Walk across the elevated trail that sits high in the treetops. You can also connect with the animals in their natural habitat, and explore the 54,000 square-foot museum, which has a variety of hands-on activities that keep kids interested. The area also has a theater that shows films on the history of the Adirondacks.
2. Pick Your Noble Steed on the Adirondack Carousel
Located at the Saranac Lake, the Adirondack carousel is definitely a kids‘ favorite. Hand carved animals that are indigenous to the region sit on top of the wooden platform housed inside a climate-controlled building. The carousel is brightly colored and features a variety of music as the ride spins. You can rent the carousel for special events, including birthdays and parties.
3. Experience the Soft Flutter of Butterfly Wings at the Paul Smith Interpretation Center
With over 25 miles of trails that showcase the beauty of the Adirondacks, the Paul Smith Interpretation Center is the perfect place to go to become one with nature. The center includes a butterfly house that’s home to a variety of butterflies and moths from the region in all stages of development. Adults and kids can learn about the different life stages and migration patterns of these colorful insects. Kids can make crafts as souvenirs of the visit.
4. Hike Through the Ausable Chasm
Locals refer to the Ausable Chasm as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. A wooden path extends throughout the chasm to provide a safe and easy hike to the bottom of the trail. Other activities in the chasm include rock climbing, rappelling, and raft float tours for older teens. Take the entire family mountain bike riding through the woods, or rent some tubes and go tubing through the calmer rapids. There‘s also a small gift shop where the kids can pick out candy and snacks to take back to the vacation rental.
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5. Paddleboard at the Lake Placid Village Beach
Lake Placid is a water lover‘s dream come true. The water is smooth and calm and ideal for learning how to stand-up paddle board. You can rent equipment from SUP Lake Placid or Placid Boat Rentals and spend the day on the water. SUP also offers lessons for those new to the experience. If you prefer to sit, you can also rent canoes and tandem kayaks for you and the kids.
6. Plunge Down the Slides at Waterslide World
Nothing beats cooling off after a warm summer day like a visit to a water park. Located at Lake George, Waterslide World offers 12 acres of slides and other attractions. Little kids can play at Pirate Shop Cove or the Aruba-Scuba-Duba Bay, and life jackets are available for non-swimmers. If you want to dry off, you and the kids can play a game of volleyball in the sand before calling it a day.
7. Experience Thrills at the Great Escape
Great Escape is a large amusement park owned by Six Flags Entertainment. The park is the perfect place to go for thrills and excitement. Ride an Olympic bobsled down a winding mountain, experience the excitement of a wooden coaster, or soar through the air on the Dare Devil Dive. There are also several smaller rides for young children, including Frankie‘s Mine Train and Hootie‘s Treehouse. When you start to get hungry, there are several restaurants inside the park, as well as a variety of shops for gifts.
8. Tour Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery
Let the children see how ice cream is made at Emma‘s Lake Placid Creamery. The place is typically packed with people waiting in line to sample the homemade flavors. Choose from milkshakes, homemade ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cones, or pies and cakes with ice cream as the base. Be sure to purchase extras for a snack later at your vacation rental.
9. Experience Magic at the Enchanted Forest Family Fun Park
The Enchanted Magic Forest offers a magical place for young children to play. There are 25 rides, including a carousel and a small roller coaster. You’‘ll also find a train that accommodates both adults and little kids. Feed the goats and sheep in the petting zoo, and then walk along the Fairy Tale Train where you can listen to stories about popular book characters.
10. Play a Round of Putt Putt
Pirate‘s Cove Adventure Golf has two separate locations in the Adirondacks, including Lake Placid and Lake George. The courses take guests over footbridges, through caves, and beneath waterfalls in a pirate-themed adventure. At the end of the adventure, stop by the gift shop for T-shirts, cups, and a variety of other gifts and keepsakes.
11. Rent a Boat
Spend the day on the glass-like water by renting a boat from Placid Boat Rentals or Mirror Lake Boat Rentals. Bring towable from your cabin rental, or spend the afternoon water-skiing and swimming. Take a self-guided tour along the water’s edge, or bring your fishing poles and let the kids cast out into the center of the lake for bass and trout.
12. Explore Fort Ticonderoga
One of the most popular landmarks in the Adirondacks, Fort Ticonderoga provides a history lesson of the region to both youngsters and adults. Learn about the people who started the region, and purchase tickets to watch an American Revolution enactment. There are a variety of exhibits and lush gardens, and you can purchase a two-day pass at a discount in order to see and experience everything.
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