Discover a Multitude of Ways to Keep Cool in Lake George This Summer
Although summer 2020 looked a bit different from years past one aspect of this Lake George season is always consistent and sure to return for 2021: the heat and the humidity. See 10 varied and fun ways to keep cool this summer in Lake George, from cool drinks and food to swimming spots and more.
Frozen Drinks & Sweet Treats
Try a Frozen Wine Slushy at Adirondack Winery or Purchase a Lush Wine Cocktail Mix
Did you know? Frozen wine slushies are an add-on option for wine tastings at Adirondack Winery's Lake George and Bolton Landing locations! Flavors include Citrus Sangria, Strawberry Basil Lemonade, Frose, and Cosmopolitan. Lush is an organic, 100% all-natural dry mix that is added to wines to create flavorful, thirst-quenching, and cooling wine slushies.
The Lake George location is open daily from 10am to 10pm, and Bolton Landing is open 11am to 8pm. Reservations can be made at the link below. (Note: The Queensbury location is also open for tastings, but do not have wine slushies at this time.)
Head to the Rooftop Cabana Bar for an Island Oasis Drink
The Rooftop Cabana Bar is open as of Memorial Day Weekend, 2021, 12pm to 8pm while in season. Food is not served after 8pm. The bar is subject to close without notice. Please call ahead to inquire.
Situated on top of Surfside at the Lake, the Rooftop Cabana Bar is arguably a hidden gem in Lake George Village. Come try one of their Island Oasis Frozen Drinks (daiquiris, pina coladas, margaritas, and more) and pair your cool cocktail with one of their scrumptious burgers or deli sandwiches. Bonus: The retractable roof allows for sipping drinks in the shade.
Indulge in a Dressed-Up Waffle Cone With Your Favorite Ice Cream Flavor at Nina's Sweet Shoppe
Treat yourself! To the most spectacular waffle cone when you choose to get your ice cream at Nina's Sweet Shoppe, where they know how to make summer sweets fit for a king. They offer hard and soft ice cream as well as sorbets, and they have a slew of candy you'll be tempted to purchase for later.
See ice cream photos on Instagram »
A Wild Waterpark & A Beach on the Lake
Bring the Family to a Weather-Proof Water Attraction & Stay the Weekend at Great Escape Indoor Lodge & Waterpark
Hours may vary for each attraction; please check website ahead of time.
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark currently has the following open for guests staying at the lodge: The Lazy River, Tak-It-Eesi-Creek, Children's Activity Pool, and Tip-A-Kanu-Beach are all open daily to guests of the Lodge.
You'll forget all about the heat outside when you're floating along the winding Tak-It-Eesi-Creek making your way underneath mini waterfalls and fountains. If you're cooling off with kids check out the shallow Tip-A-Kanu-Beach with "pint-sized water slides, baby swings, and wildlife-themed spurting fountains."
Find out more about these attractions »
Book a stay at the lodge and make a night of it »
Run Into the Water Like You're a Kid Again at Million Dollar Beach
Note: Photo taken prior to COVID-19 and does not reflect current social distancing standards.
Million Dollar Beach is open daily from 10am to 6pm at a reduced capacity with restricted parking and there's a $10 fee to park. Guests may swim if the lifeguard is on duty, and there's also a public boat launch with a boat inspection/boat wash station. Cool off in the Queen of American Lakes for the quintessential Lake George summer experience.
Get more info on Million Dollar Beach »
See what other beaches are open »
Paddling, Tubing & Rafting
Rent a Paddleboard From Kayak Lake George & Get Out on the Lake
You know what's fun about paddleboarding and kayaking? It's okay if you're not a seasoned athlete at the activity - if you fall off or tip over, that's just yet another way to stay cool! Kayak Lake George is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm and they have standup paddleboards, paddleboats, kayaks, and double kayaks available to rent by the hour.
Find details on paddleboard rentals »
Take a Lazy Ride Down a River With Adirondack Adventure Center
Adirondack Adventure Center in Lake Luzerne allows you to beat the heat with the whole family (kids two and under are free!) as you relax in a comfortable tube with your feet dipped in the cool water. Their lazy river tubing adventure will keep you cool for two-and-a-half to three hours!
And, as of 2020, they also offer whitewater rafting, if you're ready to keep cool while crossing off a thrilling bucket list item.
See info and pricing for lazy river tubing »
Take the dive into whitewater rafting »
A River, A Waterfall & A Pool
Find a Little-Known Swimming Spot Along the Hudson River
Here's how to get to a cool swimming spot: Drive north on Main Street in Lake Luzerne and when the road splits veer left onto Wall Street. This becomes River Road. Continue on this road for three to four miles until you reach a parking area, and the Hudson River is right there! Although unmarked, there are several sandbars on the side of River Road where you can jump in and explore the water.
Note: Be aware of how close to Rockwell Falls you are, which are south of this spot, close to where the Hudson River meets the Sacandaga River. Basically, don't swim or float too far downstream. (Speaking of waterfalls, check out the next way to cool off on our list!)
Read more about this and other swimming holes »
Splish & Splash at Shelving Rock Falls' Pristine Waterfall
Bring your swimsuit (and maybe some water shoes) to this excellent cooling off place! Shelving Rock Falls on the eastern side of Lake George allows for a quick dip in shallow waters by a cascading waterfall.
It is unsurprisingly a rocky area, so take care when swimming here. It's also a popular place for both hiking and swimming, so it might be a good idea to have a backup plan in case it's busy. Or, plan to come early in the morning on a weekday when you're more likely to have this serene spot to yourself.
Get more info on and directions to Shelving Rock Falls »
Leap Into the Swimming Pool at Gurney Lane
Photo provided by Queensbury Parks & Recreation
There is a pool available to the public (residents and visitors) at Gurney Lane Recreation Area. The pool was open in 2020 by reservation only, and may be again this year; call the Rec Center for current info. This 6,200-foot outdoor pool has a 1-meter diving well and a slide, as well as a shallow area ideal for kids.
See more on the pool and recreation area »