We may all be dreaming of a lakeside escape right now and fortunately, in upstate New York, Lake George is the perfect getaway without boarding a plane. Tucked in the southern Adirondacks, this charming town surrounds a crystal-clear lake with beaches (you will see right away how the lake lives up to the name “Queen of American Lakes”), mountains, and family-friendly adventures that rival any vacation destination. If your family’s into the lake life, try soaking up the sun on Million Dollar Beach, exploring a mountaintop by cable car, or stepping back in time at a historic fort. Lake George is that kind of place where core memories are made, and families can find fun and relaxation. Scroll down for the best things to do in Lake George with kids this summer and see what other towns in NY are worth a visit. (featured photo credit: istock/Linda Bielko)

Here Are 12 Things To Do In Lake George With Kids This Summer

Make waves with a family cruise

Set sail on a scenic lake cruise with Lake George Steamboat Company. The Minne Ha-Ha is a kid-favorite—it’s a real paddlewheel boat with narrated tours and fun facts about the lake. There’s also a pirate cruise with games and treasure for little adventurers.
Lake George Steamboat Company, 57 Beach Road, Lake George, NY 12845

Step back in time at Fort William Henry

Take your kids on a trip to the 18th century with an interactive tour of Fort William Henry. Watch live cannon and musket demonstrations, talk to costumed reenactors, and learn how soldiers lived during the French and Indian War. There’s even a mini excavation site where kids can dig for artifacts.
48 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845

Fuel up with family-friendly eats

From old-fashioned diners to lakeside snack shacks, Lake George has tons of spots that cater to kids. Start your morning at Caffè Vero with homemade cinnamon rolls and bacon-egg sandwiches. For lunch or dinner, head to Martha’s Dandee Creme—an iconic roadside stand that’s famous for towering soft-serve cones and retro vibes. And for a sit-down family meal, The Barnsider Smokehouse BBQ serves up hearty plates with a kids’ menu that includes mini ribs.
Caffè Vero, 253 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845
Martha’s Dandee Creme, 1133 Route 9, Queensbury, NY 12804
The Barnsider, 2112 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845

Stroll down the Strip

Stroll down Canada Street for a taste of classic summer fun; it feels like you’re right on a boardwalk with arcades, candy shops, and lakeside charm. Pop into sweet spots like Candy Apple and Lake George Sweet Shop, or play your way through Fun World Arcade. Cap it off with a ride on the Ferris wheel at Lake George Playland as the sun sets over the lake.
Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845

Play a round of mini golf

Lake George is a mini golf paradise. At Around the World Golf, each hole takes you to a different country—putt past the Eiffel Tower, a Swiss chalet, or a Native American teepee. Right across the street, Around the U.S.A. lets you travel the states in 18 holes.
Around the World Mini Golf, 72 Beach Road, Lake George, NY 12845

Get wild at the Magic Forest and Dino Roar Valley

This nostalgic amusement park is a Lake George classic. At Magic Forest, find retro rides like the Tilt-A-Whirl, kid-size roller coasters, and a talking tree. Next door at Dino Roar Valley, walk among life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar in the forest.
1912 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845

Spend a day at Million Dollar Beach or Shepherd Park Beach 

Million Dollar Beach is Lake George’s biggest and most popular beach, and for good reason—soft sand, lifeguards on duty, and shallow entry make it perfect for littles. Pack a picnic, bring sand toys, and rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the shoreline.
Million Dollar Beach- 139 Beach Road, Lake George, NY 12845
Shepherd Park Beach- 268 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845

Watch the sunset from Prospect Mountain

Take the scenic drive up Prospect Mountain, or hike it if you’re up for a challenge, and catch a stunning sunset over the lake and surrounding peaks. There are three lookout points and plenty of picnic spots to enjoy dinner with a view.
Route 9, Lake George, NY 12845 (Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway)

Soar above Lake George on a parasail ride

Nothing says “vacation” like soaring hundreds of feet above sparkling blue water. For the family that likes thrills, Lake George Parasailing Adventures offers families the chance to take flight together, and kids ages 6+ can ride tandem with an adult. You’ll glide over the lake with panoramic views of the Adirondacks, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a bald eagle or two.
Lake George Beach Club Dock, 3 Montcalm Street, Lake George, NY 12845

Play at the arcade and rides + water bumper boats

Stop by Fun World Arcade for skee-ball and prize games, then hop on the Ferris wheel and carousel at the Lake George Playland. It’s a fun end to a summer night with giggles and glow sticks. Be sure to check out the water bumper cars for all the fun with a secret button that shoots water to blast each other (don’t say we didn’t warn you).
213 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845

Catch a show at the park

Shepard Park hosts free concerts and family entertainment almost every night in summer. Grab a spot on the lawn overlooking the lake and enjoy everything from magic shows and storytelling to live music and fireworks on Thursdays.
Shepard Park, Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845

Zoom down a mountain coaster 

For a thrill ride through the trees, take your kids to the Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster at Lake George Expedition Park. This alpine coaster winds down the hillside, and riders control the speed, which is perfect for adventurous kids (and cautious parents).
1912 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845  

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