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Discover Timeless Family-Friendly Fun at Lake George Expedition Park

By Erin Nudi

At a Glance

Lake George Expedition Park is a unique, family-friendly Lake George attraction that combines two experiences in one fun-filled destination: Dino Roar Valley and The Forest. Designed with younger children in mind, this Lake George amusement park offers shaded walking paths, kid-friendly rides, hands-on activities, and family-forward amenities that make it a favorite for locals and visitors.

Unlike many larger theme parks, Lake George Expedition Park specifically caters to kids ages 2 to 10, creating an experience where little ones can participate in nearly every attraction. From roaring dinosaurs and fossil digs to age-appropriate amusement park rides and live entertainment, families can plan on a full day of adventure, discovery, and excitement.

mom and kids look at dinosaur
Enjoy a relaxing, shaded, half-mile walk through Dino Roar Valley - stroller-friendly and doable for short legs.

Whether you’re planning out your Lake George summer vacation, a weekend getaway, or you’re just looking for fun things to do with young kids in Lake George, this park delivers memorable family-friendly fun in a clean, welcoming environment.

Two Attractions in One: Dino Roar Valley & The Forest

One of the biggest perks of the park is the fact that it offers two distinct experiences for the price of one admission ticket.

kids at park looking at dinosaur with sign
Most visitors choose to start with Dino Roar Valley, then proceed on to The Forest for theme park rides.

Dino Roar Valley: Walk Among Life-Sized Dinosaurs

Dino Roar Valley takes visitors on a winding, shaded journey through the woods, where life-sized dinosaurs move, roar, and educate along the way. The experience starts at Expedition Basecamp before guests move along a stroller-friendly pathway filled with prehistoric wonders and educational displays.

Informative signage throughout Dino Roar Valley helps kids learn about different species, making the park feel part attraction and part outdoor museum.

huge dinosaur at lake george expedition park
Little kids love walking among the dinos, and bigger kids and adults can enjoy the educational signage along the way.

Standout Features in Dino Roar Valley:

  • The Dino Nest: a 3-dimensional, globe-like climbing structure
  • The Fossil Dig: an archeological outpost equipped with brushes and tools to unearth buried fossils
  • Roary’s Stage: an open-air performance space hosting live shows
  • Paleontologist’s Yurt: a hub for creative discovery and hands-on workshops (available at a small additional fee)
  • World’s Largest Dinosaur: a jaw-dropping, towering masterpiece towards the end of the trail
kids look at dinosaur
Besides exploring life-size dinosaurs, kids can play in a Dino Nest, dig for fossils, or maybe even catch a dinosaur show.

Guests love the conveniently placed restrooms and benches along the trail, making it easy to stop for a water break and go at your own pace.

The Forest: Classic Family Rides for Younger Kids

After exploring the prehistoric world, head into The Forest, where kid-friendly amusement rides provide quintessential summertime fun - without long lines, overwhelming crowds, or rides that are just not appropriate for the littles.

little kid rides at lake george expedition park
Finally, rides just for the little kids! They'll feel safe, excited, and entertained.

Unlike large thrill parks that have a strong focus on upside down roller coasters and extreme attractions, The Forest is designed with kids 10 and under in mind.

Key Attractions to Try in The Forest:

coaster ride
Caldwell's Krazy Coaster is a unique roller coaster, with each car spinning as it travels along the track.
  • Caldwell’s Krazy Coaster: a perfect first coaster for a kid
  • The Paratrooper: a traditional smooth-gliding aerial ride 
  • The High Rider: an elevated attraction with unique views
  • The Forest Train: a low-speed, relaxing train ride
  • The Ferris Wheel: a non-scary, traditional ferris wheel

Broken Out by Age Group: Activities & Rides for Ages 2 to 10

paratrooper ride at lake george expedition park
The Paratrooper is always a classic ride for kids and adults of all ages.

While visitors and dino enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy the park and nostalgic atmosphere, Lake George Expedition Park is excellent for those younger explorers.

Best Activities by Age Group

Toddlers (Ages 2-4)

  • Dino Roar Valley
  • Train Ride
  • Jolly Caterpillar Ride 
  • More gentle rides in The Forest

Young Kids (Ages 5-7)

  • Dino Nest
  • Fossil Dig Site
  • Caldwell’s Krazy Coaster
  • Dino Workshops
  • Roary’s Stage performances

Older Kids (Ages 8-10)

  • Paratrooper Ride
  • High Rider Ride
  • Educational Dinosaur Displays

Families with multiple kids of varying ages appreciate that younger and older siblings can enjoy many of the same attractions together.

lake george expedition park small ferris wheel and up and down ride
More fun rides are just around the corner - no spending all day walking many miles.

Why Families Love Lake George Expedition Park

Families consistently praise Lake George Expedition Park for offering a fun, easy experience that feels manageable and enjoyable for the whole family, and young children in particular.

Highlights Parents Appreciate:

  • A snack station and eating area that is affordable and clean
  • Mostly shaded park, especially the Dino Roar Valley trail
  • Attractions geared towards younger kids
  • Two attractions for the price of one
  • Kids 2 and under are free
  • Free parking
hot dog and fries statues
Having affordable food and drink options on site is always a plus for families.

At the end of the day, you will not feel so exhausted from walking multiple miles or having to endure a long journey back to your car. The entire park is the ideal size to feel like you have space to walk around and there’s plenty to do, but without being overwhelming. When you’re ready to leave, the parking lot is just steps away.

Guest Review: What Families Are Saying

"Would absolutely recommend to anyone with kids 10 and under. The prices were great, the shows were awesome. The rides were perfect for my sons ages 8 and 2. I was impressed with how well kept up and clean the park is compared to other corporate amusement parks. You can tell they take pride in their business." - Aimee D., Google Review
a family looking at a life size dinosaur statue
Save money by opting for a season pass - not to mention, there's always free parking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lake George Expedition Park

Daily admission tickets are $39.99 and include both Dino Roar Valley and The Forest. Kids 2 and under are free. Workshops and gem mining are an additional small fee, just for the kid participating. Parking is free!

Season passes are $79.99 and include unlimited admission with no blackout dates. Bring guests all season long for just $19.99, at 1 guest per visit per passholder. You can enjoy 10% off food, merchandise, games, and gem mining.

They are typically open from 10am to 5pm, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Lake George Expedition Park starts the season at weekends only, and then moves to daily at the end of June.

Lake George Expedition Park specifically caters to ages 2 to 10, although teens, amusement park lovers, and dinosaur fans of all ages can enjoy the experience.

Book Your Lake George Family Adventure Today

little girl looks at dinosaur
Plan a memorable experience for you and your children today!

Lake George Expedition Park offers that enviable blend of adventure, discovery, education, and classic amusement park fun. From roaring dinosaurs to kid-friendly rides and entertainment, the park creates a fun day for everyone.

Short lines, reasonable prices, plenty of shade, and a well-maintained, clean environment lend to the perfect Lake George outing for families with young kids.

🦕 Secure your tickets today >>

This article is sponsored by Lake George Expedition Park.

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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.