Old-Time Outdoor Fun in the Adirondacks
See trip details for Adirondacks, New York, one of 30 suggested family trips from National Geographic.
The Adirondack Park covers six million acres (2.5 million hectares) in Upstate New York, making it the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River. The park includes 3,000 lakes and ponds, 2,000 miles (3,220 kilometers) of hiking trails, and 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) of rivers and streams. Learn about life in the Adirondacks at the Adirondack Museum, where kids can play with old-fashioned toys and make craft projects. Twenty buildings comprise the museum, located on Blue Mountain Lake. Explore the marsh, hike a trail, play in the playground, and visit the Native Species Butterfy House at the Adirondack Park Agency’s Visitor Interpretive Center in Paul Smiths.
Lodges in the Adirondacks offer plenty of activities. Elk Lake Lodge in North Hudson provides access to 40 miles (64 kilometers) of private trails. The beach at the Normandie Beach Club in Westport is the main draw for families. Canoes, kayaks, and sailboats are available, as are waterskiing and windsurfing lessons. Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid runs a children’s program with activities including scavenger hunts, tennis, basketball, kayaking and canoeing lessons, orienteering, and plant identification. Another option for exploring the Adirondacks are boat tours on Lake Placid that go to Pulpit Rock and around the islands. On Raquette Lake, book a family-friendly pizza lunch cruise on Tuesdays aboard the W.W. Durant.
At Whiteface Lodge, the Sunset Club entertains and feeds the kids, allowing parents a fine dining experience. Afterward, attend a nightly bonfire, complete with s’mores.
The Adirondacks are about 200 miles (320 kilometers) from New York City. To book a cruise on the W. W. Durant, visit www.raquettelakenavigation.com.
For trip planning information, go to visitadirondacks.com.
Based on articles from National Geographic Traveler and compiled by Stephanie Robichaux
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Are 'giant, flying' joro spiders really taking over the U.S.?Are 'giant, flying' joro spiders really taking over the U.S.?
- This invisible killer takes out 3.5 billion U.S. birds a yearThis invisible killer takes out 3.5 billion U.S. birds a year
- Charlotte, the 'virgin birth' stingray, has a diseaseCharlotte, the 'virgin birth' stingray, has a disease
- See how billions of cicadas are taking over the U.S. this summerSee how billions of cicadas are taking over the U.S. this summer
- Why are orcas ramming boats? They might just be bored teenagersWhy are orcas ramming boats? They might just be bored teenagers
Environment
- Extreme heat is ahead—and you’ll feel every degree of itExtreme heat is ahead—and you’ll feel every degree of it
- Ready to give up fast fashion? Give 'slow fashion' a try.Ready to give up fast fashion? Give 'slow fashion' a try.
- Exploring south-central Colorado’s backcountry
- Paid Content
Exploring south-central Colorado’s backcountry - 2024 hurricane season forecasted to be record-breaking year2024 hurricane season forecasted to be record-breaking year
- Connecting a new generation with South Africa’s iconic species
- Paid Content
Connecting a new generation with South Africa’s iconic species - These images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new wayThese images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new way
History & Culture
- How the rainbow flag became a symbol of the LGBTQIA+ communityHow the rainbow flag became a symbol of the LGBTQIA+ community
- No women allowed: These 5 destinations are men-onlyNo women allowed: These 5 destinations are men-only
- The harrowing true story of the photo that defined D-DayThe harrowing true story of the photo that defined D-Day
- The forgotten history of New York’s first electric taxi fleet—in the 1800sThe forgotten history of New York’s first electric taxi fleet—in the 1800s
- Your khaki pants have a history that may surprise youYour khaki pants have a history that may surprise you
Science
- Why health advocates are concerned about a chemical in your decafWhy health advocates are concerned about a chemical in your decaf
- Is decaf healthier than regular coffee? Here’s how they compare.Is decaf healthier than regular coffee? Here’s how they compare.
- Why doctors can't agree that more breast screenings save livesWhy doctors can't agree that more breast screenings save lives
- This is the biggest health threat to women in their 60sThis is the biggest health threat to women in their 60s
Travel
- 5 unique ways to discover Jersey’s coastline
- Paid Content
5 unique ways to discover Jersey’s coastline - 9 of the world's most beautiful lakes—and what to do there9 of the world's most beautiful lakes—and what to do there
- 5 of the best places to eat in Trastevere, Rome
- Paid Content
5 of the best places to eat in Trastevere, Rome - Student gap year travel is changing. Here's why it mattersStudent gap year travel is changing. Here's why it matters
- Inside the rise of river surfing, the Midwest’s next big thingInside the rise of river surfing, the Midwest’s next big thing