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Things to Do With Kids in Lake George in Winter: Staycation Ideas

Embrace sticking around the southern Adirondack region with the family this season! Check out things to do with kids in Lake George in the winter, for outdoor and indoor staycation ideas.

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Kid-Friendly Things to Do Outdoors in Lake George in the Winter

Go Down a Massive Tubing Hill at Lake George Rec Center

a man watching as a child rides down a snowy hill in a snow tube

Located on the outskirts of the Town of Lake George, the Lake George Rec Center is a four-season destination that is free and open to the public.

dad with girl on snow tube

There are trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, but most kids will want to head straight to the snow tubing hill!

Note: pictures do not do it justice - be aware that this is an incredibly large hill. Only snow tubes, and not wooden sleds, are recommended.

"The slope is really great for tubing or sledding. One of the best kept secrets in Lake George. Bring your own tubes for cheap fun," said one visitor.

Explore Over 14 Miles of Scenic Snowshoe Trails at Natural Stone Bridge & Caves Park

a cave entrance at night with yellow lights shining on it

Everyone knows about the 46 High Peaks, but are you aware the Adirondack Park is also home to the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern United States? It's true, and you can see it at Natural Stone Bridge & Caves Park in Pottersville, which is about 30 minutes north of Lake George.

pair of snowshoed feet on mountain summit in winter

If your kids are up for a winter hike or snowshoe excursion, this is the perfect place to experience a winter activity in the Lake George region. Self-guided tours are available at this time, and they have limited snowshoe rentals available. They're open every day during Presidents Day Week!

"Been coming here two years now to enjoy snowshoeing. Enjoyed by kids and adults alike!" said one patron.

Embrace the Cold & Reap the Benefits of a Winter Hike

Don't discount a winter hike! Hiking is a year-round activity in the Adirondacks - you just need to be extra prepared with more layers of clothing and the appropriate gear in the winter.

dad and son by signage on winter trail

To stick to mostly flat, kid-friendly trails we recommend a winter hike at Gurney Lane Recreation Area, Rush Pond Trail, Halfway Brook Trail, or the Meadowbrook Preserve (pictured above). Gurney Lane and Meadowbrook each have informative signage along the way that the kiddos can check out.

Experience Ice Skating With Views of the Lake

teens ice skating
Photo credit: Lake George Central School District

Did you know there is a new ice skating rink in the Beach Road parking lot, across from Lake George? It's free, and skate rentals are just $5! This synthetic ice rink is not weather dependent, so no matter the temperature or whether it's snowing or not you can have a magical winter adventure with the kids.

Take a Walk Through Dazzling Light Displays 

lights at the lake in lake george

Also new for the 2024-2025 winter season: Lights at the Lake! This walk-through attraction in Charles R. Wood Park is free to experience, and the lights are lit from 4pm to 9pm, Thursday through Sunday, through March 2, 2025. They're also lit all week during Presidents Day Week!

Kid-Friendly Things to Do Indoors in Lake George in the Winter

Hit Up a Children's Museum

kids at the world awareness children's museum

The World Awareness Children's Museum in Glens Falls offers interactive exhibits with hands-on activities centered around different cultures around the world. Dine at a French cafe or in a Mexican kitchen, visit a Japanese tea house, and even go hiking in the Adirondacks!

chapman museum

We have two bonus suggestions: The Chapman Museum, also in Glens Falls, while not technically a "kids museum," is incredibly kid-friendly. Many of the exhibits are touchable with clear signage on what can and can't be played with.

kids at the children's museum at saratoga

There's also the Children's Museum at Saratoga, which, like Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, is worth the 30-minute drive from Lake George. This museum is designed for kids 7 and under and offers a ton of play room to explore a farm, a grocery store, a fire station, an ice cream parlor, and more.

Have a Blast Roller Skating, Playing Laser Tag & Exploring a Ninja Challenge

dad and little girl skating together, ninja course in background at the fun spot

You'll feel like a kid again when you bring the children to The Fun Spot in Queensbury, which offers roller skating, laser tag, a ninja challenge, an indoor playground, and even a virtual reality experience.

the fun spot playground

This is an easy way to kill a few hours with the kids. "Great pricing considering what's included. . .the kids never want to leave," said one reviewer.

Jump Around & Play in a Foam Pit at Sky Zone

trampolines and foam zone at skyzone

Much like how parents can participate in skating or laser tag at The Fun Spot, you're also allowed to partake in jumping at Sky Zone

foam pit and trampolines at sky zone

If you have high-energy kids who are going crazy being cooped up during cold weather, Sky Zone in Queensbury is the place to be. "This place is wild. I watched my daughter jump for about 5 minutes, then went and bought my own pass," said one mom.

Rediscover Bowling, Check Out an Arcade & Try Laser Tag at Lake George Lanes & Games

mom and daughter at bowling alley lane on left, arcade area with door to laser tag on right

You can't go wrong with bowling when it comes to wholesome, indoor, family-friendly fun! Lake George Lanes & Games not only offers bowling, but they have an arcade, an indoor playground, and laser tag as well. A bar and grill will keep the family fed.

bowling alleys at lake george lanes and games

"Good time bowling with family and friends. Courteous and friendly service. Great place for group outings," said one patron.

Find things to do that are open year-round >>

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woman in hat poses in front water
About the Author: Erin Nudi Erin is an avid reader, yogi, jogger, and hiker living in Queensbury. When she's not perusing books at Northshire, Owl Pen Books, or Beldame Books, you can find her at a local event or park with her family.
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