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Discover Fun Outdoor Winter Activities for the Whole Family

Bring the Kids Out to Lake George!

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Even in the colder months, Lake George is packed full of activities and adventures the whole family will enjoy. Check our our top suggestions on things to do in the winter below - and scroll to the bottom for a bonus tip on how to experience more than one winter activity for the price of one!

Make Plans for New Winter Attractions in Lake George Village

Lake George Winter's Dream

people at the dreamscapes at lake george winter's dream
Make sure to grab a photo at the dreamscapes section!

Bring your family to Lake George to enjoy the magical side of winter at Lake George Winter's Dream. This experience will completely immerse you into the season with a powerful display of lights, sounds and interactivity. Winter's Dream is at the Fort William Henry Historic Fortress.

Visit a Downhill Ski Area

mom and kid skiing
Kids love Gore Mountain, and they offer lessons, programs, and more just for children.

There are a few great ski resorts not too far from Lake George that are perfect for skiers of all skill levels. And if you have a non-skier in the family they won't mind warming up in the lodge with a hot beverage!  

Go Sledding & Snow Tubing

tubing hill
If your child can sit up alone and by themselves in a snow tube they're good to go at West Mountain! (No age/height requirement.)

Sliding down a snowy hill is a joy you never outgrow, and there are multiple spots in the Lake George area where you can go sledding or snow tubing in winter. If you have your own snow tube head to the Lake George Rec Center's Tubing Hill. Need to rent? Check out West Mountain.

Try Snowshoeing

kid snowshoeing
When dressed appropriately and wearing the right equipment snowshoeing is fun for everyone!

Here's a fun activity you can all learn together: snowshoeing. Most kids' snowshoe sizes start around what a three-year-old would wear, but if your younger toddler is walking they should be able to try snowshoeing (maybe a shorter trail!). Another option is to put littles in a carrier on your back - this won't be much different from hiking with a child carrier, if you've tried that before.  

Get started at the Snowshoeing Guide »

Rediscover Ice Skating

kids skating and playing hockey on a pond
Ice skating is a great date activity, or fun for the whole family!

Lake George is usually frozen solid by mid-January, providing the perfect rink for ice skating each winter. However, if the lake isn't frozen during your trip to the Lake George area, there are other local sites that offer public indoor or outdoor ice skating.  

Plan an Ice Fishing Trip

man with kids ice fishing
Make sure to bundle your kids up (and yourself!) if you're heading out ice fishing!

If the ice is safe, then gear up and head out onto a frozen lake for a day of ice fishing. Although some fishermen go alone, it can be fun to bring the kids, set up a shelter on the lake, and ice fish together.  

Not experienced? Hire an ice fishing guide »

Enjoy the Lake George Winter Carnival

kid on pony at winter carnival
Pony rides are one of many family-friendly activities at the winter carnival! Photo credit: Charles Henry Eldridge.

One of the biggest highlights of the winter season in Lake George Village is the Lake George Winter Carnival, which takes place each weekend throughout the month of February. Kids will love the pony rides, s'mores at the beach, a snowman building contest, and more.  

See our insider tips to the Winter Carnival »

Lodging Tip: Silver Bay YMCA is Great for Families & Hosts a Winter Weekend

people and kids playing mini disc golf in the snow
Have you and your kids ever tried mini disc golf in the snow?

Silver Bay YMCA is situated just about 30 minutes north of Lake George and is conducive to families, family reunions, and large groups. There is a wide array of accommodations to choose from, from individual rooms to an entire cottage.

Plus, if you're visiting Lake George for winter fun in February, Silver Bay YMCA hosts a Winter Weekend each year. 

Discover year-round attractions in the Lake George area »

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