Are you planning the ideal family vacation for 2022? Whether you’ve been planning since last year or just started to make an itinerary today, you’re in luck. New York State offers a near-limitless variety of activities and attractions that you can enjoy with loved ones of all ages.
Today, we’re going to highlight a few great family attractions in Upstate New York to help you plan your best getaway yet! From recreation to bringing the Empire State’s history alive, we have you covered.
1: Relax on the Water in Lake George or Lake Champlain During the Summer
Located 3 miles from each other, Lake George and Lake Champlain are two of New York’s most visited bodies of water away from the coast. Each one offers a wealth of water activities as well as plenty of surrounding communities full of shopping, dining, and entertainment options for the days when you prefer to remain on dry land.
2: Go Skiing on Whiteface Mountain During the Winter
During the colder months, Whiteface Mountain transforms into one of Upstate New York’s most frequented skiing destinations. Hit the slopes at a variety of difficulty levels and take in beautiful scenic views that are unrivaled anywhere else in the U.S.!
3: Trail Across Treetops While You Visit the Wild Center
The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, NY features a popular Wild Walk that takes visitors up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest. Change the way you see the natural world by taking a look at your surroundings from the perspective of the rest of nature.
4: Spend a Day At The Amusement Park
Want to enjoy a day full of rides, games, and other family activities? Upstate New York hosts plenty of fun amusement parks. Six Flags Great Escape, one of the largest in the state, is located a short drive away from Lake George and offers an outdoor waterpark. Need a place to stay too? Check out the neighboring lodge and indoor waterpark! Other nearby theme parks include Funa’rama Fun Park, LG Expedition Park, and Dino Roar Valley.
5: Spend a Day Shopping in One of Upstate NY’s Best Downtowns
Charming downtowns can be found throughout Upstate New York with plenty of unique shops to peruse. Towns and cities like Saratoga Springs, Lake Placid, and Lake George come alive each summer with vendors, storefronts, and restaurants that are sure to offer something new and exciting with each outing.
6: Bring History to Life at Fort Ticonderoga
Located just a short drive from the Town of Ticonderoga’s charming Montcalm St. downtown, Fort Ticonderoga brings American history to life in a fun and exciting ways for the whole family to enjoy. Here are just some of the activities that you can enjoy across the 2,000acre property.
Stroll Through the King’s Garden Under the Summer Sun
The King’s Garden features bright, colorful flowers alongside peaceful trees on historic walking paths. Visit for a casual stroll along the grounds and take in the daylight with New York State’s as well as Vermont’s Green Mountains natural scenery in the background.
Eat a Locally Sourced Farm to Fork Meal
Enjoy sweeping views of Lake Champlain and Mount Defiance from America’s Cafe – located in the Fort Ticonderoga Log House. The innovative Farm to Fork program sources ingredients from the Fort’s very own King’s Garden as well as the surrounding local region for a delicious dining experience.
Go Behind the Scenes During a Guided Tour of the Fort
Take a tour of the Fort with an expert guide and learn everything there is to know about its centuries-long history. Discover how each building and fixture was used to help secure and protect our nation’s independence from British colonial rule at a turning point in the American Revolution.
Special tours and programs are also available for those who want to take their historical knowledge to the next level. Try a morning Cannon and Coffee tour with Dr. Matthew Keagle and explore the Fort’s collection of 18th-century artillery, watch replica historical guns in action during Ticonderoga Guns by Night, or explore off-limit areas of the Fort with the Beneath Fortress Walls tour.
Take a Sunset Cruise on Lake Champlain
Relax during a calming sunset boat tour with a complimentary drink on the Carillon, named after the Fort’s original title. Take in the scenic views while cruising along with the gentle evening breeze that only summer can offer.
See True Ticonderoga History Firsthand
Fort Ticonderoga’s museum offers the finest and most extensive collection of Revolutionary-era military artifacts. Visit new exhibits that highlight the rich history, and rarely-seen treasures, and discover thousands of stories.
Visit Fort Ticonderoga This Year
At Fort Ticonderoga, make lifetime long memories with your family as you witness history come alive! With unique experiences, epic battle reenactments, onsite dining options, and an ever-rotating event calendar, there is no shortage of adventure to find!
To start planning your own trip, check out our Suggested Itineraries here.