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Make the Most of a Rainy Day in the Lake George Area With These Top Activities

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Rain can be a real bummer when you've planned to spend the day outside on the lake, exploring the Adirondacks, or working on your handicap at a golf course. But no worries - there are plenty of fun rainy-day activities to check out in and near Lake George.

Explore One of the Lake George Region's Unique Museums

Fort William Henry Museum

A living history museum right in Lake George Village, Fort William Henry explores the history of tensions between British, French, and American forces in the 18th century.

Take a guided or self-guided tour and browse the impressive collection of artifacts ranging from musket balls to buttons. Make sure to check out their "augmented reality" exhibit inside the North Barracks.

Past visitors can't stop talking about how engaging and informative the tours are. The tour guides even dress up in colonial garb and light off a cannon right in front of you!

The Hyde Collection

Art history buffs can visit the renowned Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, a museum and historic house that rivals those in New York City. Louis and Charlotte Hyde's stunning collection spans 6,000 years of art history and is displayed in their former home.

According to one Google reviewer, "This is an amazing museum, and would say it is a must- see!" 

Lake George has even more beauty that extends beyond the natural landscapes. Discover it by visiting the Hyde Collection next time your outdoor plans are canceled by the rain. 

The Chapman Museum

Discover the fascinating backstories of the Southern Adirondacks and the Glens Falls/Queensbury/Lake George area at the Chapman Museum in Glens Falls. The museum houses over 10,000 photographs, among other artifacts and items.

Spend a rainy day learning about the Great Fires of Glens Falls or another captivating local tale through their ever-rotating exhibits.

One highlight of the museum is its changing seasonal exhibits, which contribute to the region's rich heritage. With changing exhibits, the Chapman Museum can become a staple rainy-day activity that is fresh each time.

House of Frankenstein Wax Museum

front of House of Frankenstein Wax Museum

Can't get enough of creepy and weird attractions? Put House of Frankenstein on your list! This cool wax museum typically opens for the season in April and has long been a Lake George staple. Some say this haunted house-type attraction harbors real ghosts.

This museum is perfect for horror fans as past visitors rave about how scary the exhibits were, even having jumpscares built into the museum experience. While it might be too frightening for children, this is a perfect rainy-day getaway for older horror fans.

Take a Day Trip to a Popular Adirondack Museum

The Wild Center

Looking to do some traveling on this rainy day instead? Part wildlife habitat, part museum, The Wild Center in Tupper Lake (a little over an hour and a half from Lake George) is a wonderful, all-day attraction with an elevated outdoor walk, 54,000 sq ft museum, and "hands-on everything."

One Google reviewer said, "This is a wonderful family attraction with displays inside and outside. Great learning experiences revolving around agriculture, eco-systems, [and] mother nature. I loved it."

This one is well worth the drive for interactive experiences that the whole family will love!

The Adirondack Experience

The Adirondack Experience on Blue Mountain Lake offers 24 modern galleries and historic buildings, so you'll be sure to fill your rainy day with educational fun.

This museum is about an hour from Lake George. You follow the North River for a good portion of the drive, which will be an enjoyable sight to see, even in inclement weather.

The museum is spread across 20 different buildings, leading to a lot of indoor space to escape the rain. Since there is so much to do, this is the perfect activity to fill an entire day's worth of time inside. 

Browse more museums and historical sites »

Go Shopping In & Around the Village 

Did you know that Lake George has many specialty stores, boutiques, and designer outlets?

What better excuse to visit them and check out the deals than a little rain? Soothe your rainy-day blues with a little retail therapy. Here are a couple of shops to visit in and around Lake George Village.

Live Love Laugh

Check out Live Love Laugh, which was voted Best Lake George Village Shopping for five years in a row—with good reason!

The shop carries everything from Adirondack-themed gifts to handmade items, clothing, shoes, and more. Drop by to browse through its huge selection of fun and quirky items.

The Book Cabin

Find your next favorite read at this adorable shop! The Book Cabin is stocked with new releases (and the classics, of course), gifts, stationery, games, puzzles, toys, and much more.

This cute local spot, which is open seasonally, offers something for every age group. Visit their website for hours or call to make a private appointment at the Cabin.

Indian Tepee Gift Shop

exterior of a shop with red doors

Take a short trip to Bolton Landing for the ultimate shopping experience at the Indian Tepee Gift Shop!

The shop has become a popular must-visit destination for tourists in the area. It has everything you need to find the perfect gift for those back home. They offer a wide variety of merchandise, from home decor to local custom-made gifts and more.

Check out more shops in Lake George »

Head to the local Aviation Mall »

Check Out Top Indoor Attractions & Hotspots

Adirondack Axe

Get out of the rain and have some fun with this unique experience! Adirondack Axe is an indoor axe-throwing facility less than 15 minutes from Lake George in Queensbury.

This family-owned business is great for every experience level, and the friendly staff is more than happy to teach you tips and tricks on improving your toss.

Minors between 10 and 14 must be accompanied by someone 21 or older, and children under ten are not permitted to participate.

Use the rain as an excuse to pick up a new skill in an environment past customers have called safe and fun. 

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge Indoor Waterpark

Even though you can't be out on the lake, you can still have fun in the water at this indoor waterpark! With over 38,000 sq ft of splash zones, the waterpark is kept at 82° Fahrenheit and is an excellent rainy-day alternative to water skiing or tubing on the lake.

If you want to make the indoor water park one of the main attractions of your visit, consider staying a night in the lodge. The lodge offers spacious rooms with themed kids' beds and unlimited access to the water park from open to close. 

Whether looking for a weekend getaway or a daily escape from the rain, head to the Great Escape Lodge for indoor water fun!

The Fun Spot

Close up of kid holding laser tag gun with red background lighting

Despite its many outdoor attractions, The Fun Spot has indoor activities that are great for a day inside. Kids can burn energy by roller skating, playing intense laser tag, playing on the indoor playground, or trying their hand at the ninja obstacle course. 

With so much to do, your kids are guaranteed to be entertained for the day with no outside play necessary. To turn a rainy day into a day of fun, stop by The Fun Spot. 

Lake George Lanes & Games

Classic bowling with a state-of-the-art scoring system, a cutting-edge light and sound system, and DirecTV at every lane - it is bowling at its best at Lake George Lanes & Games!

Past patrons have highlighted how the indoor activity center is perfect for kids to hang out in Lake George, especially on a rainy day. 

Lake George Lanes & Games returns the classic nostalgia to bowling allies that kids love. Other indoor, dry-weather fun include laser tag, an indoor playground, an arcade, and more, ensuring there is never a shortage of fun. 

Head Out to Eat at a Nearby Restaurant

people chilling and eating at a brewpub

Ready for a hot cup of tea or a good meal as you get out of the rain? Lake George has all kinds of excellent dining options. No matter what you are looking for, you will be able to find it. Check out the lists of dining locations below: 

Check out year-round dining »

Search for a place by meal »

Grab a Babysitter for Adults-Only Fun at Wineries or Breweries

two glasses of beer

Craft beverage, anyone? The Lake George region is rife with craft beer and wine! We suggest the following:

Adirondack Winery: Located in the heart of Lake George Village, enjoy sampling different wines in a relaxed environment out of the rain. Book a tasting, and choose your favorite bottle to bring home.

Bolton Landing Brewing Company: This brewery is in gorgeous Bolton Landing and offers excellent craft beers and a great pub menu. The brewery is open all year, and beers rotate on a seasonal basis, so stop in on a stormy day and see what's available.

Browse more craft beverage hotspots »

Get even more inspiration for rainy day fun »

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