8 Family-Friendly Adventures You Don't Want to Miss in Washington County
On the eastern shoreline of Lake George lies Washington County, an area full of exciting adventures that appeal to parents, children, and teens. The entire county is a hidden gem that provides the perfect getaway for families who are looking for outdoor recreation, performances, art classes, and more.
Ranging from traveling along a kid-friendly walking/biking path to kayaking to watching a theater production together, Washington County is filled with activities that will keep everyone in high spirits. There's so much to do, and you can start the adventure right now with these 8 fun-filled experiences.
1. Battenkill Valley Outdoors
In the summer there's nothing better than getting outside and enjoying an activity that places you in the heart of nature. Battenkill Valley Outdoors, located at 1414 Route 313 in Cambridge, offers all the gear you could need for an outdoor adventure! Rent a canoe, kayak, raft, or tubes and float down the Battenkill.
All ages and abilities can enjoy the river and the kids will love splashing down the Battenkill in their own tube or with the whole family in a raft. If you'd rather stay on land, you can rent a bicycle to explore the trails or take advantage of the area's hikes.
Turn your day of exploration into a longer trip by renting out Long Lodge for a beautiful vacation getaway or by purchasing gear so that you can put your new paddling and biking skills to the test in the future.
2. Feeder Canal Trail
The Feeder Canal Trail runs from Queensbury through Glens Falls, Hudson Falls, and wraps up in Fort Edward. This is a 9-mile, multi-use path that is perfect for kids, hikers, runners, and bikers. Travel along the historic 19th-century canal system and see parts of both Warren and Washington Counties. It's also dog-friendly, so you can bring the entire family! (Note, the Warren County Bikeway does not allow dogs, so this is your best local option for your furry friend!). Start at Feeder Canal Park 82 Haviland Avenue in Queensbury and you'll end at the parking area on Towpath Lane in Fort Edward.
3. Cary Hill Sculpture Park
Surely we could all use some inspiration for the summer and Salem Art Works' Cary Hill Sculpture Park, located at 19 Cary Lane in Salem, is just the place to enjoy contemporary artistic expression. Take a stroll or guided tour through the sculpture park and stop by the art center to view contemporary art pieces by both emerging and established artists. Check their calendar for open studios where you can meet artists in residence!
4. 4J Farmm
Go for a ride this summer at 4J Farmm! With a starting point from 481 County Route 47 in Argyle, the whole family can enjoy group trail riding sessions or lead line rides - great for younger kids and beginners - on 4J Farmm's 12 horses. All of the horses are other people's "rescue/retirees" that have become a great herd of riding horses. Rides vary in length from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours and if you already know that you and your family love horseback riding you can purchase a trail riding value pack.
5. Little Theatre On The Farm
The Little Theater on the Farm has provided a space for theatrical performances, music, parties, and even the odd historical reenactment for years - and this summer is no exception! Stop by for live music performances and open musician jams, and more, included a Haunted Barn in the fall. Grab the family and head to 27 Plum Road in Fort Edward.
6. The Georgi Community Park
Whether you're in the mood to have a picnic outside, splash around in the Battenkill River, or take a stroll through beautiful scenery, the Georgi on the Battenkill Community Park has got you covered! Situated at 21 Adams Lane in Shushan, the grounds are open to the public for picnicking along the river, fly fishing, and as a convenient location from which to start your tubing or canoeing adventure.
7. Hebron Nature Preserve
Have you ever seen a beaver dam up close? If not, here's your chance! The Hebron Nature Preserve on Route 22 in Granville includes 125 acres of fields, wetlands, and forests that are home to numerous species of local wildlife, plus more than 2.5 miles of trails.
The restored one-room Porter School House, one of two trailheads onto the Preserve, now serves as a nature education center. Start here and follow the trail to reach the beaver dam! Along the way, keep your eyes open for deer, owls, and other animals. Once you reach the Black Creek, a tributary to the Battenkill River, be on the lookout for beavers, muskrats, and otters swimming along.
8. Battenkill Fibers
New York's first cotton mill was established in 1804 along the banks of the Battenkill and now Battenkill Fibers Carding and Spinning Mill is carrying on the tradition of processing locally grown fibers. The mill was established to meet the demand for carding and spinning services for fiber farms in the region and to also manufacture yarn and fiber products for wholesale and retail markets.
Have you ever been curious about what happens to a sheep's wool or an alpaca's fibers after the animals have been sheared? Contact them about taking a tour through Battenkill Fibers' 6,000 foot commercial fiber processing facility at 2532 State Route 40 in Greenwich!