Things to Do in the Lake George Area in April

*Featured Photo by Kacey O' Brien.

Get into the swing of spring, and shake off any winter stagnation, because April brings birth to much wonder and awe throughout the Lake George Area. Hear those birds chirping, smell those flowers blooming, and get ready for some sensational seasonal surprises.

No matter the weather, discover some fair-weather festivities to enjoy, and don’t forget to connect with nature on those perfectly pleasant occasions.

Here’s what visitors can see and do in the Lake George Area during the month of April.

April Events

With many fun and exciting events happening throughout the month, the grass is always perfectly green no matter what you choose. There’s no telling what you’ll find until you stop and “smell the roses,” as they say.

Below are just a few examples of events to attend this April.

Glens Falls Wing Fest

Location: Glens Falls City Park

Date(s): April 26th

Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Which local restaurant cooks up the best chicken wings? It’s up to YOU to decide!

At the Glens Falls Wing Fest, local restaurants and eateries will be dialing up their best recipes for three hours of wing tasting. An awards ceremony at the end will announce the winners of four categories: Best Wings, Best Visitor, Best Rookie, and Best Meatless Entrée. Join in on the fun and cast your vote.

Also, at Wing Fest, it’s the 4th Annual Mike Dubray Inferno Wing Eating Contest! Can you handle the hottest wings around? Sign up and find out.

*To learn more, check out our Wing Fest event page.

Adirondack Thunder Hockey Season

Location: Cool Insuring Arena

Date(s): Home Games on April 4th, 11th, and 12th

Time: 7:00 PM

Another season of Adirondack Thunder Hockey is almost in the books. Now’s your chance to see the next generation of hockey superstars live and up-close.

Playing in Glens Falls’ Cool Insuring Arena, the Adirondack Thunder, an East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) affiliate of the NHL's New Jersey Devils, are ready to deliver an electrifying performance filled with lights, sights, and a dedicated fanbase to boot.

Only 3 home games are left in the season, including the beloved Fan Appreciation Weekend happening on the 11th and 12th, complete with various prizes, specialty jerseys, and more.

It may be a bittersweet farewell, but the memories made will last until next season.

*To learn more, check out our Adirondack Thunder blog.

**For all upcoming home games, check out our Adirondack Thunder event page.

April Activities

Rain or shine, fun awaits in the Lake George Area! Whether staying dry with indoor rock climbing, or going on a fast-paced whitewater rafting adventure with a cool spring breeze, there’s no reason to feel blue, not when there’s always something to do.

Below are just a few activities to do in the Lake George Area during the month of April.

Indoor Activities

April showers have got nothing on these family-fun indoor activities. Instead of relying on another day, check out these exciting year-round opportunities in the Lake George Area.

All the fun of rock climbing, rain or shine. At Rocksport Indoor Climbing Center (one of the oldest commercial climbing gyms in the U.S.), you can scale one of their massive rock climbing walls, varying in difficulty and challenges from first-timers to experts. With 50-foot ceilings and over 8,000 square feet of climbing surface, there’s ample room for everyone.

Experience the fun of axe throwing at Adirondack Axe. Whether it’s your first time or whether you’re a seasoned pro, the whole family can enjoy sharpening their skills. Learn the basics with one of their available coaches, then compete in various games and contests, or simply opt for an open throw. It’s great exercise and a terrific bonding opportunity.

Get the whole party jumping at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park. This indoor recreational facility center boasts various jumps and courses to bounce away any potential boredom. Reach new heights at the wall-to-wall courts with the Freestyle Jump, dunk at the hoops like the pros with Skyslam, bring everything you've got at Ultimate Dodgeball, and so much more.

Splash on at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark. Open year-round, the indoor waterpark maintains a consistent 82 degrees – the perfect temperature to immerse yourself in a splashing good time. Float along on the lazy river, weave through twists and turns on the tube water slides, catch some waves on the body-board surf, and more. Admission is available for both lodge guests and public visitors.

And of course, there are plenty of other indoor adventures to be had. Check out our Indoor Activities page to learn more.

Whitewater Rafting

Sign up for a firsthand experience on the flowing springtime waters of the nearby Hudson River. It doesn’t get any better than a whitewater rafting journey at one of the several outfitters in the Lake George Area.

Grab some friends and/or family for a fantastical journey via raft through the waves and tides of the Hudson, along with an experienced guide there to help throughout. Experience the beauties of the river, as well as the surrounding Adirondack landscape, for a day’s worth of fun.

(*Tours on the nearby and more mellow Sacandaga River begin in May.)

Check out the available locations below:

Please Note:

Due to the mass amounts of snowfall from the previous winter season creating giant formations of whitewater, the intensity of rapids in early spring can prove quite challenging (Class IV and Class V). As such, conditions this time of year may not prove best for small or young children.

Please consult with your local outfitter or touring company for safety information and guidelines.

*To learn more about whitewater rafting, check out our Whitewater Wonders blog.

Fishing

The beginning of April marks the start of another glorious fishing season for many anglers – both locals and tourists – and the chance to catch many popular species like the brook trout, rainbow trout, or brown trout.

While the conditions of the water may vary (in regards to how much ice and snow has melted), there are plenty of publicly available spots for fishing access. From small streams to big rivers and lakes, the Lake George Area is a paradise for many anglers and hobbyists.

For a list of fishing spots in the area, check out the NYS DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation)’s Fishing Locations in Warren County page.

*For even more fishing spots and charters, check out our Fishing page.

**For more information on fishing, check out our Fishing Focus blog.

***Need your New York State Fishing License? Check out the NYS DEC’s Fishing License page.

Birding

Looking to get acquainted with the fabulous fauna that makes up the Lake George Area? Then consider birding (or birdwatching), an easy and accessible hobby that welcomes any and all outdoor skill levels.

With a diverse ecosystem of lakes, meadows, and woodlands, there are many terrific scenic spots. Some popular examples include Up Yonda Farm, the Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve, and the Berry Pond Preserve.

Spring, in particular, is a wonderful time of year for birding, with many species migrating back North from the winter, and with food sources replenishing once the snow melts.

*For more information, check out our Birding in the Lake George Area blog.

Arts & Culture

If you’re an arts aficionado, then make sure to check out the theaters and museums that make themselves home in the Lake George Area. The area is a major supporter of the local arts scene and, as such, is an important facet for all trips and vacations.

From the enlightening exhibits displayed in the Hyde Collection and Chapman Museum, to the performances shown at venues like the Charles R. Wood Theater and the Tannery Pond Center, as well as various mediums and outlets in-between.

Check out these select events and shows happening during April:

*To learn more, check out our Arts & Culture page.

What to Pack

Before participating in any of the above events or activities, it’s important to make sure you’ve adequately prepared for whatever weather and/or environment you can expect to encounter.

Below are some helpful suggestions for packing for your Lake George Area trip during the month of April.

April Showers Brings…

It’s a saying for a reason. April typically brings at least a few good rain showers. As such, the grounds and walkways can become quite muddy and wet. A good pair of mud boots is always a good recommendation. A rain coat or poncho is also highly beneficial for those who still wish to be out and about.

Besides that, jackets or sweatshirts are another essential item to have. The temperatures may be getting warmer – slowly, but surely – but it can still be quite chilly at times (especially when paired with the rain or wind).