The Lake George Area is a vacation paradise for everyone in the family—especially for the children!
When you visit here, you’ll find fun and adventure in every corner, with laughter and memories soon to follow. From recreation opportunities like horseback riding and ziplining, to shows and events that’ll have all in attendance at the edge of their seats.
And with this Lake George Area itinerary, you can create an unforgettable family trip to remember in just one long weekend. Forget about being bored and get ready for three days of excitement.
Day 1 – Friday
Morning – Horseback Riding
Begin this family-fun weekend in the Town of Lake Luzerne with some good ol’ fashioned horseback riding through Adirondack forest at Ruggiero’s Public Horseback Riding.
Once booked and ready to go, Cowboy Pete will guide you on a one-hour trail ride through five miles of woodlands and waterways. See if the kids can spot any local wildlife, while everyone can learn about the nature of the surrounding area.
Ruggiero’s is accommodating for everyone, even if it’s your first time on a horse. There are also miniature horse and pony rides for the youngest riders, aged six or younger.
*Morning trail rides typically occur at 10:30 AM/11:00 AM, but there is also a 12:30 PM if need be. Please make sure to contact Ruggiero’s for reservations.
Lunch – Long Horn Restaurant and Pub
After horseback riding is a nice lunch at one of Lake Luzerne’s popular hotspots—The Long Horn Restaurant and Pub.
This charming, family-owned restaurant serves classic pub menu items, as well as specialty sandwiches and other featured items.
Afternoon – Your Choice of Adventure
The afternoon’s activity is at the nearby Adirondack Adventure Center, which actually lets you decide on what adventure you would like from one of three different options.
Choose whichever one everyone’s most interested in, or perhaps take on multiple, if time permits. No matter what decision you make, safe, family fun is guaranteed.
- Lazy River Tubing – Float down the Hudson River on a peaceful three-hour tubing trip. The kids will love getting to splash around in the water.
- Treetop and Zipline – This two-hour aerial adventure features over 20 high-speed ziplines and a total of 63 unique obstacles as you glide and traverse through the forest canopy. Great for thrill-seekers!
- Whitewater Rafting – Conquer 3.5 miles of Class II-III whitewater rapids on the Sacandaga River during this two-hour journey.
Pictured: Whitewater Rafting at Adirondack Adventure Center.
Evening – BBQ and Rodeo
Many are shocked to discover there is indeed a rodeo in Upstate New York—but Lake Luzerne’s Painted Pony just so happens to be one of the most unique and long-standing traditions in the Lake George Area.
The evening begins with some authentic Southern-Style BBQ at the facility’s pavilion area, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The delectable smells from the smoke pits provide slow-cooked BBQ chicken and pulled pork, while other classics include baked beans, cole slaw, and more.
Then, at 7:30 PM, the country’s oldest continuous weekly rodeo takes center stage. Kids and parents alike will be cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls during several exhilarating competitions.
Some crowd favorites include:
- Bull Riding
- Barrel Racing
- Steer Wrestling
- Team Roping
- …and much more!
*Please Note: Painted Pony Rodeo Season runs during the months of July and August. Check out the “Alternative Suggestions” section below for available options outside of these months.
Day 2 – Saturday
Morning – Treetops and Ziplines
What better way to start the morning than venturing through the Adirondack forest? At Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course in Bolton Landing, you can do just that!
Recognized as the largest treetop adventure park in the U.S., the options for exploration are plentiful. There are four distinct kids’ courses and six adult courses with various obstacles to overcome as you swing, jump, and climb to the treetops.
Meanwhile, the “Low Rider” Zipline Tour is terrific for first-time or novice zipliners; no previous experience is required. The tour consists of 12 ziplines and 9 walking bridges, which you’ll use to glide above the forest floor, while also witnessing some spectacular scenery.
Combo packages featuring both treetop courses and ziplines are also available and are highly recommended, especially for those that want to experience a bit of everything.
*The kids’ treetop courses are great for ages 6+, while the other courses are available for ages 9+.
**Ziplining is available for ages 9+.
Pictured: One of the treetop courses at Adirondack Extreme.
Lunch – Black Bear Restaurant
Travel up to the hamlet of Pottersville for some delicious comfort foods at the cozy Black Bear Restaurant.
This local favorite serves up many family favorites, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and more. Plus, the woody décor helps create that Adirondack feel.
Afternoon – Cave Exploring
Adventure through the largest marble cave entrance in the Eastern U.S. at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves with their self-guided cave tour.
Witness incredible displays of ancient Adirondack geology on this above-ground trail that features the massive Stone Bridge, Trout Brook, and an assortment of naturally formed potholes and grottos.
This 20-stop trek takes an average of 45 minutes to an hour, and is easily accessible for kids to climb, with available benches and rest stops along the way.
Time permitting, there are also additional family-friendly activities, including:
- An 18-hole disc golf course
- Climbable bouldering walls
- Rock & Mineral and Gift Shops for some fun mementos
And for a bonus sweet treat—why not grab some ice cream after your hike at the nearby Stone Bridge Ice Cream? Located only 2.5 miles away from the caves.
*Please Note: Tickets are recommended being purchased in advance to ensure availability.
Evening – Movie Night
Travel back down to Queensbury for a classic drive-in movie experience at the Glen Drive-In Theater. One of the few of its kind remaining, and an area staple since 1958.
The latest box-office releases play nightly throughout the warmer months. See what’s playing and choose from one of the theater’s two massive digital screens for a double feature. That’s right—each screen shows two films, one right after the other.
Stock up on snacks and drinks at the drive-in’s concession stand, and then tune into the movies using your vehicle’s radio. The whole family can either gather inside, or sit outside if you happen to bring your lawn chairs or blankets.
Pictured: A showing at the Glen Drive-In Theater; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien.
Day 3 – Sunday
Morning – Minne Ha-Ha Cruise
Enjoy the refreshing lake breeze and gaze out at the beautiful Adirondack Mountains onboard the Lake George Steamboat Company’s Minne Ha-Ha.
An authentic steam paddle wheel ship, the Minne Ha-Ha provides one-hour cruises nearly half a dozen times daily. As you ride, the children will find enjoyment exploring this 100-year-old vessel, while also listening to its delightful calliope tune.
Your journey will be narrated by the captain, who will be happy to share interesting facts and landmarks about Lake George, while a small snack bar is able to keep appetites at bay.
Lunch – The Lagoon
Only a short walk away from the Steamboat docks, you’ll find The Lagoon, a family-friendly restaurant with perhaps some of the best views of Lake George’s southern end.
Grab a table on their lakeside deck and choose from an assortment of delicious entrees, including their popular wood-fired brick oven pizzas. A kid’s menu is also available for the little ones to choose from.
Pictured: Enjoying a delicious meal at The Lagoon.
Afternoon – An Afternoon at the Beach
After lunch, it’s time for an honored tradition of many Lake George Area vacations—hitting the water.
Near the center of Lake George Village are two well-known beaches, both with plenty of water and sand, and also within reasonable walking distance. Ultimately, which beach you choose is based on personal preference, but both are accommodating for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Make sure to pack all your beach essentials!
- Lake George Beach – A livelier and more populated beach with changing rooms, picnic tables, and a volleyball court.
- *Also referred to as “Million Dollar Beach.”
- Shepard Park Beach – A smaller, more relaxed beach with a central location in the village.
Dinner/Ice Cream – Martha’s
A Lake George Area icon for over 70 years, Martha’s Dandee Creme in Queensbury is famous for their ice cream, as well as their grill items.
Head on over to their order window and choose from their food menu, with options such as chicken tenders, fries, Philly steak, and a handful of sandwich options.
Meanwhile, at the ice cream counter, you can find a constantly rotating list of soft-serve flavors—totaling 37 different kinds. There’s a distinct flavor for all taste buds, from more traditional choices like Strawberry and Peanut Butter to more unique creations like Marble Cake, Maple Walnut, and Red Raspberry.
Not in the mood for soft-serve? Try one of their shakes, sundaes, or flurries.
Evening – Indoor Fun at ADK Karting
Enjoy the latest and greatest in family-fun entertainment at ADK Karting Experience, located inside Queensbury’s Aviation Mall.
The highlight of this indoor facility are the two cutting-edge go-kart tracks, where racers are able to chase laps and cruise corners in their electric karts. Participants can range from junior racers, ages 5 through 12, to adults and teens ages 15 and over.
In addition to the go-karts, however, are a handful of other experiences to partake in, including:
- Racing on their state-of-the-art racing simulators
- An 80s arcade-themed glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course
- A rotating collection of arcade games and prizes
- And even a restaurant and bar in The Paddock 578
With the entire family having fun and competing, this makes for a perfect ending to a fun-filled weekend.
Pictured: ADK Karting's glow-in-the-dark mini golf course.
Alternative Suggestions
Looking for potential alternative options to any of the places featured above? Check out some more terrific recommendations below:
