One of the most popular state campgrounds in the Adirondacks right on the shore of Lake George. The 251 sites are shaded by tall pines and many sit directly on the waterfront. Kids can swim at the campground beach, fish from shore, and explore nearby hiking trails. Its location just two miles south of Lake George village makes it convenient for day trips to shops and attractions. Reserve months in advance for summer weekends because this one books up fast.
A privately operated nature attraction with steel walkways and bridges built right into the granite walls of the Ausable River gorge. Kids get an up-close look at four major waterfalls crashing through ancient rock formations while staying safe on the fenced walkways. The whole loop takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is manageable even for younger children. A gem mining station and nature trails add to the experience. In winter the frozen falls are spectacular and snowshoe trails are available.
A stunning 10-mile round trip hike that takes you past Rainbow Falls, a towering 150-foot cascade, and up to the Indian Head cliff with one of the most famous views in the Adirondacks. The cliff-top view looks straight down the Ausable Lakes valley flanked by High Peaks on both sides. This is a long and moderately challenging day for families with strong older hikers but the combination of a massive waterfall and a world-class view makes it one of the most rewarding hikes in the park. Start early and pack plenty of food.
Paddle to your own island campsite on Indian Lake for a family camping adventure that feels like true wilderness. The DEC maintains 55 island and shoreline campsites accessible only by boat. Kids love the excitement of paddling to their campsite and having an island all to themselves. Indian Lake is large and scenic with mountain views from the water. The campsites have fire rings and pit toilets. The town of Indian Lake is nearby for supplies. This is a more accessible alternative to the Saranac Lake Islands with similar magic.
One of the shortest and easiest fire tower hikes in the Adirondacks making it ideal for younger kids or families new to hiking. The trail is just 0.6 miles one way with about 600 feet of elevation gain. The restored fire tower at the top gives views of Canada Lake, Pine Lake, and the surrounding southern Adirondack hills. The whole outing from car to summit and back can be done in under an hour which is perfect when you want a quick hiking win. The trail is well-maintained with no technical sections.
A scenic state campground on the shore of Lake Durant in the central Adirondacks with 60 tent and trailer sites, many with direct lake access. The beach area is sandy and the lake is clean and calm for swimming and paddling. A short nature trail loops through the surrounding forest. The campground is centrally located for visits to the Adirondack Experience museum and the Blue Mountain fire tower trail. The sites are well-spaced and shaded. This is a solid, no-fuss family campground with great water access.
Camping on one of the islands in Lake George is a bucket-list Adirondack experience. Over 300 islands dot the lake and the DEC maintains campsites on many of them accessible only by boat. Kids are thrilled by the adventure of paddling or boating to a private island campsite surrounded by clear water and mountain views. Sites include fire rings and pit toilets. The Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island groups are the most popular. You will need your own boat or canoe to reach the sites.
A sandy public beach on the shore of Mirror Lake right in the heart of Lake Placid village. The shallow entry makes it great for toddlers and the roped swim area keeps everyone safe. Lifeguards are on duty during summer. After swimming, the village is a short walk away for ice cream or lunch. The beach has restrooms and changing facilities. Views of the surrounding mountains from the water are beautiful and the sunset here is hard to beat.
The most popular public beach on Lake George with a wide sandy shoreline, lifeguards on duty, and crystal-clear mountain water that stays shallow for a long way out. Kids can splash in the roped swimming area while parents relax on the sand with views of the surrounding Adirondack peaks. Changing rooms, restrooms, and a snack bar are right on site. The beach gets crowded on hot summer weekends so arriving early is the move.
Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and explore Mirror Lake right in the center of Lake Placid village. The lake is small enough to paddle around in a couple of hours and motorboats are not allowed, keeping the water calm and quiet. Kids love the independence of paddling their own kayak along the shoreline looking for fish and turtles. The backdrop of Whiteface Mountain reflected in the still water on a calm morning is iconic. Several outfitters on Main Street offer hourly rentals.
A gentle 2.5-mile loop trail around a pristine Adirondack lake that is one of the best family hikes in the region. The trail is mostly flat and passes through beautiful forest with several lake access points where kids can skip rocks and look for frogs. A lean-to along the way makes a great rest stop. The lake is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing. This is the kind of trail where even reluctant hikers have a good time because it feels more like a nature walk than a hike.
A short but rewarding 2.6-mile round trip hike right behind the Adirondack Loj that delivers a High Peaks view typically reserved for much longer climbs. The trail offers two routes to the summit: a short steep scramble and a longer gradual path, so families can choose based on their kids abilities. The top looks out over Heart Lake with the High Peaks rising behind it. This is one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in the Adirondacks for families and a perfect introduction to mountain hiking.
The largest marble cave entrance in the eastern US sits at the center of this family-friendly nature park. Self-guided trails wind past caves, waterfalls, and geological formations that kids find genuinely fascinating. The stone bridge itself is massive and the gorge below it is dramatic. A gem mining sluice keeps younger kids busy for a long time. Seasonal activities include snowshoe trails in winter. It is a privately run park so expect a polished experience with good signage and clean restrooms.
A 46000-acre wilderness with pristine lakes, ponds, and mountains that sees far fewer visitors than the High Peaks. The hike to Pharaoh Lake is about 4 miles one way on a well-marked trail through beautiful forest. The lake has lean-tos and camping spots along the shore making it a great introduction to backcountry camping for families. Swimming in the clear lake water surrounded by mountains is a highlight. Several shorter hikes to nearby ponds are available for families wanting less distance. It feels genuinely remote.
A 157-acre preserve managed by the Lake George Land Conservancy with gentle trails winding through meadows and forests above the southern tip of Lake George. The 1.5-mile loop trail is perfect for younger hikers and offers nice views of the lake from several overlooks. Wildflowers fill the meadows in spring and early summer. It is a quieter alternative to the more crowded Lake George trails and a great spot for a nature walk with kids who are not ready for a big summit hike.
A 2.4-mile round trip hike to a restored fire tower on the summit of Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain with views east to Lake Champlain and west to the High Peaks. The trail is short but gains about 1280 feet with some steep rocky sections. Kids who enjoy scrambling over rocks will have a blast on the upper section. The fire tower at the top adds extra elevation and the views are exceptional. The cliff face of the mountain is also a famous rock climbing destination visible from I-87.
Drive or hike to the 2030-foot summit for jaw-dropping panoramic views of Lake George, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains of Vermont. The scenic toll road gets you most of the way up and a short shuttle ride or 0.6-mile walk reaches the top. Kids love running around the summit area and picking out landmarks below. The hiking trail from the base is 3.2 miles and a solid workout for older kids. Either way, the views from the top are absolutely worth it.
A small public beach on one of the most beautiful lakes in the central Adirondacks. The beach is sandy with a gradual entry into clean mountain lake water. It is never as crowded as the Lake George beaches and has a relaxed, old-school Adirondack feel. Kids can swim, build sandcastles, and explore the shoreline while parents enjoy the quiet mountain setting. Nearby, the village has a general store for supplies. The lake is also a great launch point for kayaking and canoeing.
A state campground on the northern end of Lake George with direct lake access, a sandy beach, and outstanding cliff views. The 332 tent and trailer sites are spread through a wooded area and many have lake views. Kids love the beach and the boat launch makes it easy to get out on the water. The nearby Rogers Rock cliff face is a striking backdrop and a popular spot for experienced rock climbers. The campground is quieter and less crowded than those near Lake George village.
Paddle to a private island campsite on one of the Saranac Lakes for an unforgettable family camping trip. The DEC maintains 87 primitive island campsites across Lower, Middle, and Upper Saranac Lakes, each with a fire ring, privy, and picnic table. Kids feel like explorers paddling to their own island and spending the night surrounded by water and wilderness. The Lower Saranac launch is the easiest access point. Loon calls at sunset and stars with zero light pollution make this a magical experience.