No one has your back like dad does! Father’s Day is June 16, and what a great time to celebrate in the Lake George Area. With June’s agreeable temps. and bright, blue skies, the region transforms into a bustling summer destination with fun things to do for every kind of dad. Spend some time bonding during a leisurely round of golf, or have the whole family tag along on a trip to the theme park. Show dad how much he means to you by joining him in his favorite activity or finding a new hobby to share.
Cast Your Lines
If your dad is reel-y great, he’ll probably enjoy the plentiful freshwater fishing in the Lake George Area. Our waters have abundant populations of trophy bass (largemouth and smallmouth), trout (brook, brown, and rainbow), northern pike, and more. New and experienced anglers can learn a lot on fishing charters, or you can let dad fulfill his dreams of captaining a boat rental. There are also several hotspots where lines can be cast from shore such as the grassy banks at kid-friendly Crandall Park and Lake Luzerne’s Wayside Beach, the rocky shores of the Hudson River at Warrensburg’s Hudson River Recreation Area, and the public docks on Beach Road in the Lake George Village. Check out our Fishing Hotspots blog for more detailed information, and pick up a copy of our locally distributed Fishing & Boating Map of Lake George at your hotel or marina.
Pictured: Thirteenth Lake; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
How to Get a Fishing License: To fish at any of these location in the Lake George Area you need a valid New York State Fishing License if you are 16 years of age or older. You can purchase a fishing license in-person at a License Issuing Agent Location, online, or over the phone. Click here for more information.
Play a Round
Book a tee time at one of our many well-manicured golf courses in the Lake George Area to show dad he’s the best by par. Take a swing at the Sagamore Golf Club or Hiland Park Country Club’s challenging holes. Play a casual afternoon round at Cronin’s Golf Resort or Bay Meadows Golf Club, and then head to the clubhouse. Work on your short game at 9-hole courses like Green Mansions and Sunnyside Par 3. Drive the ball down fairways bordered by picturesque Adirondack scenery at Top of the World Golf Resort.
Maybe dad just wants to putt around the Lake George Area. Our "Mini Golf Madness" blog includes information on all six miniature golf courses featuring fun themes and interactive obstacles. A mini golf outing is a hole-in-one activity for a family-friendly Father’s Day.
Pictured: Pirate's Cove - Lake George; Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis
Set up Camp
If all dad wants is to snooze under the stars, the Lake George Area has prime camping country. A tradition of the Original Vacation, tents and campfires begin to dot the southern Adirondack landscape as soon as Memorial Day weekend. For those who really want to rough it in the woods, primitive (i.e. Thirteenth Lake) or island campsites can be accessed via a short hike or boat ride. To experience both nature and modern convenience there are plenty of public and private campgrounds throughout the region. But if you don’t think dad can part with some of his modern amenities, read up on "Happy Glamping in the Lake George" Area for other options. Roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire late into the night as you spend s’more quality time with dad.
Pictured: glamping at Huttopia Adirondacks, Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis
Hit the Trails
Let dad lead the way up and over mountains as you remind him what a pine job he did raising you. Miles of hiking trails snake through our dense Adirondack forests, ranging from a leisurely walk in the woods to high incline switchbacks. Climb The Pinnacle or Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob for sprawling views of Lake George and the valley it lies in. Follow the orange markers on a trek to cascading Shelving Rock Falls and snap a picture with dad. Or, pack a picnic lunch for the family and stroll along on looping paths while pointing out the wildlife in our parks and preserves. Lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails on Father’s Day!
Pictured: view from The Pinnacle summit; Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis
Grab Drinks
Wish dad a very Hoppy Father’s Day by taking him to sample some craft beverages. With 10+ breweries and distilleries in the Lake George Area, brewery hopping is popular among locals and visitors alike. From signature ales at Adirondack Pub & Brewery and seasonal IPAs at Bolton Landing Brewing Company, to American Oak Distillery’s small-batch whiskey and bourbon. Our local brewers and distillers bottle the flavors of the Adirondacks that you can not only sip on site, but also take home with you. Cheers to all the dads out there!
Catch a Game
Since we are covering all the bases for fun things to do on Father’s Day, of course we need to include America’s pastime. On June 18, the Glens Falls Dragons are scheduled to play a home game at East Field against rivals – the Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs. The Glens Falls Dragons baseball team is in The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, which includes summer baseball teams made up of collegiate players across upstate New York, and in conjunction with Perfect Game USA, baseball’s largest scouting service. Watch future MLB athletes step up to the plate, and bring your glove to catch any fouls balls popped up into the stands. Surprising dad with tickets will count as a homerun in his scorebook!
Ride the Rollercoasters
Drop into theme park thrills at Six Flags Great Escape. If that’s how dad rolls, then get in line for over 135 rides and attractions inside this family-friendly amusement park. Favorites among coaster enthusiasts include Flashback, a launch coaster, Steamin’ Demon, a corkscrew coaster, and the world-famous wooden coaster, The Comet. Adrenaline junkies also love Sasquatch, the park’s drop tower. Cool off in Hurricane Harbor and race dad down winding waterslides. Plan on spending the whole day here, because there is no shortage of fun at the Great Escape.
Learn a New Skill
What wood you do without dad? Show your appreciation by helping him find a new hobby or perfect a skill with classes at Adirondack Folk School in Lake Luzerne. Taught by renowned instructors and artisans, dad can learn the basics of woodworking, blacksmithing, gardening, cooking, photography, and more. He will also come away with a beautifully completed project to show for it, such as a piece of rustic furniture, a forged knife, or a hand-woven basket. The Adirondack Folk School teaches a variety of traditional Adirondack skills through half-day to multi-week courses. Consider joining dad and signing yourself up too!
Father’s Day Weekend Classes:
- June 15: Pizza Making and Beer Brewing
- June 15: Introduction to Woodburning
- June 16: Nuno Felt Scarf
- June 16: Scroll Saw Puzzle Making
Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Take a History Tour
Life’s too fort to not spend time bonding with dad. If he’s a history buff, dad will thoroughly enjoy a guided walking tour, time period reenactments, and live musket and cannon firings at the Fort William Henry Museum. The sights and sounds at this historical landmark will transport you back to life on a British stronghold during the French & Indian War. And, if he is really spooktacular, dad might like the Haunted History Tours instead. Hear tales of the paranormal and stories about the gruesome history of the location as dusk falls over the Fort William Henry.
Dinner's on You
Pick up the tab and treat dad to a juicy steak or burger, some fresh seafood or sushi, authentic Italian pasta dishes, or flavorful Mexican cuisine. Finding dad’s favorite foods will be a piece of cake with the wide variety of restaurants and many talented chefs throughout the Lake George Area. Check back for Lake George Area restaurants offering Father’s Day specials!
Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien