There’s no shortage of family-friendly activities in Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack region. From hiking trails to water parks, there’s something for everyone. One of the best ways to experience the area’s stunning natural beauty is by taking a boat trip around the lake. The Lake George Steamboat Company offers a variety of trips for families and groups of all sizes.
Hiking Trails
Hiking is one of the best ways to get your family outside. Lake George-Adirondack offers a wealth of hiking trails at different skill levels. The best part is they all end with views of shimmering water and mountain peaks!
If you’re looking for a challenging hike, consider Buck Mountain on the east side of the lake. It’s a 5.6-mile loop trail with some heart-pumping elevation and spectacular vistas. At the summit, you’ll also spot a fire tower, cabin and other amenities. This hike is great for families as it’s not too strenuous and can be done in less than 5 hours.
Fort William Henry
Fort William Henry was rebuilt in the 1950s as a recreation site and museum, and it has become one of the most popular things to do in Lake George. Actors wearing period uniforms and garb bring the fort to life, as do exhibits that tell the story of the French & Indian War. The fort has also been used to teach students about archaeology. Archaeologists have unearthed buttons, cannon balls, muskets, buckshot and other artifacts from the site.
Shepard Park
A landmark destination in Lake George Village, Shepard Park is great for families to enjoy free swimming on a 350-foot sunny beach and the shaded park area with a theater. When the weather is nice, there are often summer concerts and entertainment in Shepard Park. It is also the site of a variety of seasonal and holiday events.
House of Frankenstein Wax Museum
If you’re a horror fan, you’ll want to check out the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum. It features dozens of wax figures from all kinds of popular movies and is one of the largest in the world. The museum is set up like a haunted house, with dark hallways filled with dioramas depicting everything from the Salem witch trials to the history of torture devices. The whole thing is suitably spooky, and you’ll surely scream in delight at the end! This is a great place to take the kids during a family vacation. They’ll love the spooky atmosphere, and you can get a good night’s rest with easy access to a hotel nearby.
Boat Trips
Spending time on the water is one of the most important activities to include on a family vacation. Lake George-Adirondack is home to various boat trips, ideal for everyone in the family. Whether you’re looking for a three-hour sightseeing excursion or an evening cruise that ends with fireworks, there are many options in the area. Another great way to spend time on the water is by tubing. Tubing companies like Adirondack Adventure Center offer guided lazy river tubing and whitewater rafting adventures perfect for families with kids of all ages!