Fun & Free Things to Do in Lake George
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The Lake George area thrives during the warmer months with activity and adventure around every turn. Below are some free things to do that the whole family will enjoy.
Top Lake George Activities You Can Enjoy For Free
Go for a Swim
Why not spend a day of fun under the sun? You can head to one of the beautiful Lake George beaches to splash around in the refreshing, pristine water. In Lake George Village, both Shepard Park Beach and Usher Park Beach are open to the public for no charge.
Million Dollar Beach, a popular hotspot at the southern tip of the lake, is also free to the public but charges for parking, so plan to walk down to the beach if you're staying nearby, or find free parking elsewhere.
"Beautiful, clean beach. Clean changing rooms and great parking. Kids 7 and 5 had a great time," said one 2024 Google reviewer.
Picnic by the Lake
Pack a lunch and head out to Shepard Park or down to the shoreline for a delightful picnic! Enjoy the scenery, watch the steamboats glide by, and see parasailers soaring above the water.
There are plenty of benches and Adirondack chairs. Just remember to keep your napkins and other lunch necessities from blowing into the water.
Take a Hike
Nature is there for free and there's plenty of it in Lake George! Explore what the area has to offer by browsing the Hiking Guide. Pictured above is the view from Sleeping Beauty Mountain, one of the more popular hiking spots in the Lake George region. Just make sure you properly prepare for hike with the appropriate clothing, gear, water, and food.
Tour the Region on a Bike Trail
Hit a biking trail for a fun and free day exploring the Lake George area's landscape. The Warren County Bikeway begins in the Village and sets off southward through the woods, with plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery. The trail ends in downtown Glens Falls.
Attend a Free Concert
Photo credit: Amanda Metzger
Enjoy fabulous free concerts at the bandstand in Shepard Park all summer long. There are live performances by musicians and entertainers almost every night during the summer. Bring a blanket or a couple of chairs and enjoy the show against the stunning backdrop of the lake.
Discover Lake George's History
Take a walk around the Village to explore the sights. Pay a visit to Battlefield Park, the site of an important battle in the French and Indian War. From the south end of the lake, you'll also be able to spot the historic steamboats setting off on the water, and see Fort William Henry perched on its hill.
Check out the self-guided Colonial Wars Walking Tour »
Experience the Fireworks
There are spectacular fireworks over Lake George Village most Thursday nights at dusk in July and August. These can be seen for miles, and make for a great night of free entertainment. On the evenings when there are no fireworks, enjoy star gazing beneath the clear night sky.
Hear Your Own Echo
Have you heard of the Lake George Mystery Spot? It's located next to the Visitors Center in the Village. There is an acoustical phenomenon where you can hear your own echo: You stand at the X over the painted shape of Lake George on the pavement, face the lake and start shouting. You'll hear yourself like you're calling out from a parallel universe.
Spend a Sunny Day at the Market
The Thursday Market & Food Truck Corral takes place Thursday's from mid-May to mid-September at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls from 4:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Come swing by for food, live music, homemade goods, free activities, browsing dozens of unique stores at The Shirt Factory, and more!
"The Caribbean Jerk was great, and saw some people I haven't seen in years, it was a great time. The food trucks night is the best," maintains one Google reviewer.
You could also check out the Glens Falls Farmers Market, Saturdays from 9:00 A.M. to noon. The market is open year round, at the South Street Pavilion during the summer and at the Aviation Mall in the winter. At the market, you can find locally grown produce, fresh dairy products, baked goods, homemade soaps, and more.
"Great farmers market," says a Google reviewer. "They have a wonderful selection of vendors. Prices vary from each vendor, abut are not overpriced."
Although there is free admission to The Shirt Factory's stores, their Thursday Market Food Truck Corral, and the Glens Falls Farmers Market, we can't promise you won't be tempted to dip into your wallet a tiny bit!
Find More Free Activities
Whether it's window shopping or people watching, it's fun just to be in the middle of all the action as you walk up and down Canada Street in the Village. Lake George always has events going on and interesting sites to see, so head out with no particular plan, and see where the day takes you!