Rays of sunshine warm up the Lake George Area, and the snow begins to melt away…long awaited Spring Break is fast approaching. Recuperate from cabin fever with an Adirondack vacation that is fun for the whole family. There are plenty of sights to see and things to do during a Spring Break spent in the Lake George Area!
Outdoor Recreation
Biking
The Warren County Bikeway is a great way to take advantage of the fresh air. The entire family will enjoy a spring bike ride on this ten-mile paved path between the City of Glens Falls and the rolling hills of Lake George. This easy ride offers signage of historical sites and local points of interest along the way. Pick up a Letterbox the Bikeway passport, and take advantage of your pedaling to uncover some hidden, historic spots off the path.
Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis
Hiking
The area provides many opportunities for leisurely nature hikes to stretch winter-weary legs. Meadowbrook Preserve, open dusk to dawn, offers a variety of trails that loop through the woods and back into the meadow. There is educational signage that provides information about the local habitat, plants, and animals found in the preserve. Certain trails are stroller-friendly and the meadow features a wheelchair-friendly observation deck.
Including Meadowbrook Preserve, the Town of Queensbury maintains several other nature trails and public parks. Rush Pond Trail invites you to explore a 2.6-mile pathway through the heart of the Rush Pond Wetlands. Three hand-constructed bridges along the trail offer scenic views of the meandering stream.
For more hiking inspiration, check out our “Welcome Spring with These 5 Easy Hikes” blog!
*Remember that trails can be muddy this time of the year, so be sure to pack appropriate footwear that you won’t mind getting a little dirty!
Fishing
The ice is out and trout season officially opens on April 1st. Gather your gear and plan a fishing trip to the shores of the many ponds, rivers, and lakes throughout the landscape of the Lake George Area. Or, choose a trip with an experienced, licensed guide that will help you navigate to all the hotspots on Lake George, Brant Lake, and the Schroon River. Let the kids cast their lines in smaller fishing holes like Crandall Pond in Glens Falls or Hovey Pond in Queensbury.
Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center
Explore a butterfly garden, maple sugarhouse, museum, sensory garden, over 3 miles of trails, and more at Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center. Find new ways to connect with nature through hands-on activities for kids and family. Meet with a naturalist to identify birds and pond life, or do some simple woodworking.
Indoor Activities
Spring weather can be a bit unpredictable. It’s always a good idea to keep a check-list of indoor options for when you visit. Here are some ideas:
Family Fun Centers
Exceptional family entertainment can be found at one of the many indoor fun centers, laser tag arenas, sports simulators, and arcades throughout the area. Reach new heights at Rocksport Indoor Climbing Center or bounce off the walls at Sky Zone Trampoline Park.
Rocksport Indoor Climbing Center; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
The Fun Spot features a variety of amusements for all ages including roller skating, laser tag, and more. Challenge your family to some friendly competition with a round of bowling at Lake George Lanes & Games, a few laps around the track at ADK Karting Experience, or The Luxury Box’s sports simulators.
Don’t want to miss the premiere of that new release you’ve been waiting for? The Regal movie theater inside the Aviation Mall offers an ultimate viewing experience and classic movie theater snacks.
Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis
Check out other ways you can have fun – including arcades and axe throwing – in our blog, “Rainy Day Fun at the Aviation Mall”.
Indoor Pools & Waterparks
It may still be too cold to take a dip in Lake George, but if you want to be water-logged on spring break, Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark is the place to vacation. White Water Bay remains a balmy 82º year-round while you ride thrilling water slides, relax in the lazy river, surf some sheet waves, or play with the kiddos in the shallow pools. Everyone can make a splash at this indoor waterpark!
Dive into refreshing water no matter the season. There are also several hotels and resorts in the Lake George Area with heated indoor pools and jacuzzies. The Queensbury Hotel, Fort William Henry Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Lake George, and Home 2 Suites are just a few examples of comfortable stays including this amenity.
Visit our website for more year-round lodging options with indoor pools.
Museums & Galleries
The Lake George Area is teeming with museums and galleries that have documented our rich history and compiled artifacts from various cultures. Stroll the battlements and witness reenactments at Fort William Henry, a stronghold in the French and Indian War. Admire works of art by renowned painters like Rembrandt, Picasso, and van Gogh at The Hyde Collection. Explore the world with hands-on learning and play spaces inside the World Awareness Children’s’ Museum. A spring break getaway isn’t nearly enough time to experience all the history and culture throughout the region – but, it’s a great start!
Shopping
Spend a spring day strolling the sidewalks and perusing the storefronts of quaint communities that make up the Lake George Area. Find unique gifts for Mother’s Day at country stores, antique shops, garden centers, Lake George Factory Outlets, and an indoor mall. From locally-made artisan crafts to name brand bargains there is a shopping experience for everyone’s style.
Events
As winter hibernation comes to end, join others excited to emerge for annual spring events that include:
Touring sugar houses and meeting our local maple producers, while treating ourselves to syrup samples poured over a stack of pancakes, and stocking up our pantries with other sweet treats is a highlight of spring. Thurman Maple Days takes place over three weekends every March, so you simply can’t miss it!
Maple candies available at Thurman Maple Days; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Cheers to barrel-aged beverages of all kinds – from beers to ciders and wines – with other regional, national, and international craft beverage enthusiasts at Barrel Fest. Or, similarly, sample and shop these craft beverage vendors at Glens Falls Brewfest, teaming up with Winter Meltdown Spicy Food Festival at the Shirt Factory to take you a culinary adventure around downtown. Winter Meltdown dishes out a mild to fiery assortment from food trucks and local vendors.
For more spice, chicken wing connoisseurs, Glens Falls Wing Fest needs to be on your spring break itinerary! Spend a whole afternoon sampling classic and innovative wing flavors from participating restaurants and, if you can handle the heat, enter the Mike DuBray Inferno Wing Eating Contest.
Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis
A bit of winter spirit sticks around in spring for the Slush Cup & Cardboard Sled Derby. Pack a crazy costume in your suitcase alongside your skis or snowboard, sign up to skim the “pond” at West Mountain! Or, construct a crafty cardboard sled and send it downhill.
We also have quite a bit of Irish luck in the Lake George Area and a handful of St. Patrick’s Day events. Gear up in your best green for the Sham “Rock” the Block Party, parade, and weekend-long celebrations. And, we’ll see you at the starting line for the Shamrock Shuffle 5-mile flat and fast loop course or The Leprechaun Leap 7/8-mile fun run for ages 12 and under.
For more St. Patty’s shenanigans and other spring events, click here for our events calendar.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan a getaway that will chase away those winter blues and put a lively “spring” in your step.
*Originally published on March 13, 2023.