Try These 8 Educational Things to Do With Kids in Lake George & Nearby
We understand—you want to have fun with your kids while sneaking in some learning along the way. Fortunately, the local area offers the perfect blend of both! From amazing museums rich in history and culture to engaging events at the library, here are 8 educational things to do with kids in Lake George, NY, and nearby.
Take a Thrilling Tour at the Fort William Henry Museum
Fort William Henry played a pivotal role in the French & Indian War, and your kids can delve into this fascinating chapter of local history with a visit to the museum, open from May to October. This isn't just any museum tour—it's a journey back in time!
Guides dressed in 18th-century military attire bring history to life, explaining the weapons and warfare of the period. The experience is enhanced by live firing demonstrations of muskets and cannons, along with a captivating musket ball molding demo.
Explore Fort William Henry through their various tours, or attend one of their dynamic, history-filled events. For more information about admission, visit their website.
Experience History and the Area's Natural Beauty at Fort Ticonderoga
Take the kids out for an exciting and enriching day at Fort Ticonderoga! Nestled between the Adirondack Mountains and the Green Mountains, this 2,000-acre historic landmark played a crucial role in shaping our nation.
Engage in interactive programs with your kids and enjoy activities such as guided tours, visits to the trade shops, and encounters with friendly animals. Don't miss the stunning King's Garden, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Families can also hike around the Fort, go on a scenic boat cruise, and explore Mount Defiance for breathtaking views of the area.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website. Fort Ticonderoga offers a memorable historical adventure for the whole family, making it a true summer destination!
Embark on a Floating Classroom
The Lake George Association is dedicated to preserving the pristine waters of Lake George and actively engages the community, including children, through their innovative Floating Classroom.
This program takes kids out onto the lake aboard a cruise ship for a two-hour educational adventure. During the trip, children explore essential topics such as clean water, invasive species, wetland plants, and local wildlife. They participate in hands-on activities like measuring water clarity, catching zooplankton, and testing the pH and temperature of the water.
Public sessions for the LGA Floating Classroom are available on Wednesdays in July and August at either 10 A.M. or 1 P.M. Tickets are $20 per person, with a limit of 25 seats per boat ride. Purchase tickets online through their website.
Immerse Yourself in Art at The Hyde Collection
One of the Northeast's most notable small art museums, The Hyde Collection, is a museum and historic house that features world-class art through five galleries, and they're always presenting new and different exhibitions throughout the year. Take your children to this museum to show them some great art!
The Hyde Collection also offers innovative programs and artistic events, such as their artful afternoon event. This event invites families with children over 5 to participate in a drop in art studio workshop to examine artwork and play with materials.
The museum also offers week-long summer camps, open for kids over age 10. These camps cater to a variety of art levels, ranging from a summer youth class to college portfolio preparation. Sign up your kid on their website!
Learn About Other Cultures at the World Awareness Children's Museum
You have not seen a children's museum like this one! The World Awareness Children's Museum, also in Glens Falls, focuses on teaching kids about fascinating cultures around the world through interactive exhibits, multicultural programs, and fun events.
Kids can shop at a Nigerian marketplace, wear costumes from other countries, play interesting instruments like a thumb piano, create their own dance performance, match coins and stamps from across the globe to corresponding countries on a map, and so much more!
This is truly the perfect place for kids to discover the world. Tours are available, they host birthday parties, and they have a wide variety of different summer camps and events.
Join a Fitness Program & More at Glens Falls Family YMCA
Don't forget about the Y! The Glens Falls Family YMCA is the place to go if you're looking to integrate a little fitness and health with educational fun. The state-of-the-art facility includes a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and more, with fitness classes, summer camps, and after school programs.
There are a slew of programs worth looking into at the Y, including swimming lessons, youth sports, and gymnastics. The programs are open to kids, teens, and families, and are appropriate for a wide range of abilities.
Join the Y today to gain access to all these fun activities to keep the kids busy and having fun.
Discover Books, Programs & Events at the Crandall Public Library
The family-friendly Crandall Public Library in the heart of Glens Falls always has something exciting going on for kids. They host various free children's and teenager programming opportunities for infants to high schoolers.
In addition, the library has a Folklife Center that is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural traditions of the upper Hudson Valley and southern Adirondacks areas through a gallery, archives, and cultural programs.
These cultural programs are open for older children, and you can browse them on the library website.
See Rare, Exotic & Fascinating Exhibits at the Pember Library & Museum
The Pember Museum & Library is a well-kept secret located in Granville, about 45 minutes from Lake George. This museum houses rare and exotic mammals on display and they have over 7,000 specimens altogether! And did we mention there's free admission?
Get outdoors and hike too! About 8 miles south of Granville, you can find 125 acres to explore at the Pember Nature Preserve. If the weather cooperates and your kids are up for a little hike, you can make that a part of your trip to the museum.