Adirondacks

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.

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 46,000-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 1,280 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 2,030-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.

A short half-mile trail through the woods that leads to a stunning waterfall tumbling over a wide rock shelf. The trail is easy enough for younger kids and the payoff is huge. The falls drop about 50 feet and in spring they are roaring. Kids love climbing around the rocks at the base (carefully). You can extend the hike by continuing to the Lake George shoreline at Shelving Rock Bay for a swim in the warm months.

A moderately challenging 7-mile round trip hike that rewards with one of the best views in the Lake George region from open rock ledges at the summit. The trail passes through quiet forest and the summit clearing feels like your own private lookout. Kids who are strong hikers will love the accomplishment of reaching the top. The last stretch is steeper but not technical. Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch with a panoramic view of Lake George spread out below.

The tallest mountain in the southern Adirondacks at 3,899 feet with a fire tower on the summit and expansive views. The 7.4-mile round trip trail gains about 2,100 feet through dense forest and is a serious hike for families with experienced young hikers. The fire tower adds elevation and the 360-degree view from the top encompasses Indian Lake, Blue Mountain, and dozens of peaks stretching to the horizon. This is often cited as one of the most rewarding hikes in the Adirondacks. A real achievement for any kid who makes it to the top.

A natural history museum built right into the Adirondack forest with indoor exhibits and an outdoor Wild Walk that takes you through the treetops on elevated bridges and platforms. Kids go wild for the Wild Walk, which includes a giant spider web net you can climb on, swaying bridges between trees, and a nest you can sit in at canopy level. Inside, live animal exhibits feature river otters, fish, and turtles. The nature trails behind the museum lead to a beautiful pond. This is a must-visit for families in the Adirondacks.

Drive almost to the top of the fifth highest peak in New York State on this scenic toll road. At the top, a tunnel and elevator carved through the rock bring you to the actual summit at 4,867 feet. On clear days you can see all the way to Montreal. Kids are amazed by the tunnel and the views from the summit are unlike anything else in the Adirondacks. The road itself has several pull-offs with outstanding views. A small castle-like building at the summit houses exhibits about the mountain.