Lake George, New York
Phone: 1-800-95-VISIT ext. 143
Website: Lake George
Lake George is a delightful year-round family vacation spot nestled in New York State's Adirondack Mountains. Often called the "Queen of American Lakes", this 32-mile lake is host to plenty of many family oriented carnivals, and fairs and festivals abound in summer. The kids will enjoy taking a narrated tour of the lake aboard one of many cruise boats to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Hiking along nature trails is a popular activity here. Crandall Park International Trail System is a great place to picnic and hike; the Park also offers a fishing pond, a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and a baseball field. At Prospect Mountain, you can hike or take a tram to the top for splendid views of the surrounding mountains.
Other area attractions are too numerous to list. Family favorites include the Aqua Adventure Water Slide at Lake George Skateland Entertainment Center (518) 792-8989, a water park and family entertainment center. The nearby Great Escape Theme Park, the largest amusement park in New York State, has over 125 rides and attractions including six roller coasters and a full water park. For more information, call (518) 792-3500 or visit their website: The Great Escape.
The Sagamore Resort is a historic, elegant family getaway located on its own 72-acre island on Lake George. The resort's 350 guest rooms and suites overlook the lake and the gardens. Activities and amenities at the Sagamore include swimming, tennis, championship golf, a full-service spa, hiking and walking trails, and cross-country skiing and ice skating in the winter months. A fitness center offers exercise rooms and racquetball courts. The Sagamore's Teepee Club, a complete program of planned activities for children 4-12, runs throughout the summer and on Saturdays and holidays year-round. A Teen Adventure Program for guests ages 13 and over is also available For adults, there are tennis and golf lessons with resident pros and a popular nightclub. The resort's own luxury cruise boat, The Morgan, takes guests on scenic tours of Lake George. Packages are often available, but this is a very popular resort so make sure to reserve your vacation early during the summer months. For more information, call (800) 358-3585 or visit their website: The Sagamore Resort
The Fort William Henry Resort is another family friendly lodging option on Lake George. Overlooking the southern basin of the lake in the heart of Lake George Village, the resort is close to all Lake George has to offer. The resort offers several lodging options, including the newly opened all-suite Fort William Henry Grand Hotel. On-site amenities include an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool, three restaurants, shopping, and the Fort William Henry Museum - an authentically restored French & Indian War-era British fort that served as the setting for James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans". The fort was built on Lake George by the British in 1755 to block an anticipated French advance from Canada. The fort's "Living History Tour" now allows children to suit up in replica colonial-era vests and tri-corner hats and "join" the British army. At the new kids' archeological site, children can unearth and bring home replica colonial artifacts, including arrowheads and musket balls. For more information on the resort and the museum, call (518) 668-3081 or (800) 234-0267 or visit the resort's website: Fort William Henry.
