As one of the most popular vacation destinations in Upstate New York, the Lake George area offers a wide selection of fun and exciting events for the entire family to enjoy! Whether you are looking to venture out onto the water or prefer a day of fun on dry land, there are plenty of activities that you can build your itinerary around.
For day trippers and vacationers alike, here are 5 event ideas for your time in or near Lake George:
1: Catch a Performance at the Adirondack Theatre Festival
The Adirondack Theatre hosts many performances throughout the summer and fall, including the Adirondack Theatre Festival. These high-quality productions featuring local talent transform some of your favorite stories into engaging live-action performances that your family can attend throughout your vacation. Many of the plays are adapted from classic stories, films, and other timeless tales that you may already be familiar with!
2: Check Out a Long List of Music, Arts, and Food Festivals
Lake George also becomes the perfect getaway for fans of other types of festivals throughout the summer. From jazz music festivals to August’s famous Lake George BBQ & Music Festival, there is something for the whole family to enjoy outdoors nearly every single weekend during the spring, summer, and early fall.
3: Spend the Day Hitting the Ice Cream Trail!
Starting in Lake George and traveling throughout Upstate New York, you can take the entire family on an exciting road trip to try some of the state’s most popular ice cream parlors by following the Ice Cream Trail! The official trail totals a little over 5 hours round-trip, but you can always create your own path and stop at the locations that interest you most if you do not want to drive the full distance.
The Ice Cream Trail connects 17 independent shops throughout the Adirondacks region. You will also be able to see some of the Empire State’s most beautiful natural sights like Mount Marcy and natural woodlands.
4: Cool Off at an Indoor Water Park
Make your own event out of a day cooling-off at the indoor water park at the Great Escape Lodge! Owned and operated by Six Flags, you can also enjoy many thrilling outdoor rides, games, and places to eat at the amusement park just a short walk away from the water.
5: Discover America’s History Through Colonial Forts
Located a short distance from the northern tip of Lake George, Fort Ticonderoga is home to some of the most significant events of the American Revolution. Today, Fort Ticonderoga is owned and operated by The Fort Ticonderoga Association, a non-profit educational organization, and remains one of the most intact Revolutionary War sites open to the public.
Though the fort retains much of its original spirit and aesthetic, it also features some incredible modern exhibits to help bring history alive for today’s families.
Fort Ticonderoga offers multiple daily tours and activities for both parents and their children to enjoy. You can take a boat cruise across Lake Champlain on the Carillon, see history come to life through Living History programs, visit world renowned museum exhibits, and engage in one of the many family-oriented activities such as:
● Walking the Carillon Battlefield Hiking Trail
● Connecting with nature in the Kid’s Discovery Garden
● Seeing the Red Devon oxen duo, Mick and Mack, in action to discover how their power was vital in aiding the revolution
● Watching soldiers demonstrate common and rare weapons used during the 18th century
● Learning about historic trades from tailoring and shoe making to maritime professions.
Checkout some suggested itineraries to start planning your own adventure!
While you’re exploring Fort Ticonderoga, you can also enjoy a delicious grab-and-go snack at the Museum Store or experience fresh farm-to-fork dining at the on-site eatery, America’s Fort Café. With views of Lake Champlain and Mount Defiance, the café is located inside the Log House Welcome Center and offers a menu containing fresh dishes sourced with local ingredients, handmade desserts, and selections from regional breweries and wineries.
To start planning your adventure of historic proportions,. Tickets are buy one day, visit the next day FREE. Your adventure awaits!