Family Friendly Activities
• compiled by Haley Gerarde •
Glens Falls
Crandall Park: This heat, my golly. Crandall is great for the shaded playground, but now that they’ve added a splash pad (!!), it’s the perfect place to cool down. Follow along for updates here.
World Awareness Children’s Museum: GO! is open for general admission on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm to explore the Museum. There has been a lot going on over there in terms of new exhibits, so it will be a new sight for everyone!
The Shirt Factory: The Thursday Food Truck Corral is perfect for all ages. Between the live music and tasty vendors, it’s a perfect scene for the parents, but last week they added bounce houses for the kiddos, and have their pony rides too. What a night! Every Thursday through the summer from 4:30-8pm. Find out more here.
Creative Chameleon: Such a hidden gem! If you are looking for craft (or game!) ideas to do at home, check out Creative Chameleon inside The Shirt Factory to buy some to bring back, or contact them via Facebook to set up a time to go in and do some ceramic painting (it doesn’t have to be during business hours - she is so flexible).
The Chapman Challenge: For all you history buffs, or anyone just wanting to learn more about our beloved Glens Falls, this challenge is for you! Filled with spots to touch on local history, and some just for fun, you will round out your challenge at the Chapman Museum, where you will receive a pin of completion and have your name added to their website. Get all the details here.
Queensbury
Queensbury Parks and Rec: Alright, to be honest, they’ve pretty much got it all covered. From rock climbing for all different age levels, to their safe boating or safe babysitting courses, to clay programs, you’re sure to find something for each of your little ones. Check out their whole Summer Guide here.
Gurney Lane: First of all, the pool. No brainer. Open 1pm-7pm weekdays, and 12pm-7pm on the weekends. But besides that (and their playgrounds, and their walking trails, and their mountain biking trails...I digress), Queensbury Parks and Rec has so much to offer right under the Gurney Lane Pavilions. Details here.
Hovey Pond Park: Have you ever struggled trying to choose between a nature walk or a playground? Fear not! Hovey’s got you covered! With their loop around a beautiful pond (and back into the marsh), you can get your steps in, and then hit the playground afterwards! Oh, and did I mention the plethora of turtles you will see while you’re there? Learn more about Hovey and more parks here.
Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve: We’re talkin’ trails, benches, interpretive signage, bridges, “beaches” and a whole field to romp around in at this preserve. We love it here because there are several different paths you can take depending on the length of walk you’re feeling for the day, and each trail is wonderfully marked, and even open to mountain bikers! See the trail map here.
Lake George
Lake George Steamboat Company: The one-hour tour of the southern end of Lake George on the Minne Ha Ha is the perfect addition to an afternoon north of Glens Falls. The Minne Ha Ha has departure times throughout the entire day, and the Steamboat Company has other cruise options as well (Lac du Saint Sacrement Lunch Cruise, tour of the Narrows, etc).
Round the Lake Challenge: What better way to learn and gain an appreciation for the nature that surrounds us than hands on experiences? The Lake George Land Conservancy’s Round the Lake Challenge offers educational stops, hiking trails, and so much more. After 20 missions have been completed, you will be rewarded with a certificate of completion and a RTL patch. Print your checklist and find more info here.
Floating Classroom: Lake George Association’s Floating Classroom is an excellent resource, and fun too! Geared towards ages 8 and up (but all ages welcome!), they offer public programming on Wednesdays at 10am and 1pm until August 25th. Details and sign up here!
Southbound
Dinosaurs in Motion: Where Art Meets Science: Every single day this month (except for Wednesdays), Universal Presentation Hall in Saratoga Springs will be hosting a show at 12pm that blends science, art, and innovation with their life-size metal sculptures. It sounds like a perfect “STEM” activity to engage the kiddos while also feeding their brains. Find more information and grab tickets here.
June Farms: Located in West Sand Lake (so a little bit of a drive, I know!), this farm offers a “horse play” playground, wood fired pizza, farm animals, walking tours, and so much more. This used to be a popular place for date nights, goat yoga, and more, but just recently started allowing children of all ages at any time! Find all you need to know here, and note that they are closed Mondays!
