Welcome to winter in the Adirondacks, where everything is a bit quieter, but there is plenty of fun to be had. Between Lake George and Saratoga Springs there's a tubing hill, a winter carnival, a few good rinks and plenty of snowy trails, and the Birch Cabin stays open all year as your Adirondack basecamp. Here are our favorite winter things to do with kids near Saratoga Springs and Lake George, to keep the whole crew entertained on your winter getaway.
All aboard the Candy Cane Express
Winter starts early in Corinth. Our neighbors at the Saratoga, Corinth & Hudson Railway run the Candy Cane Express out of Corinth, a one-hour holiday ride through the snowy southern Adirondacks. Santa and his elves come along, and kids get cookies, hot chocolate and candy canes on the way.
About 10,000 people ride it every year, so grab tickets as soon as the season's dates go up. It's the easiest way to kick off a December weekend at the Birch Cabin.
Snow tubing at West Mountain
If you only do one thing, make it tubing at West Mountain in Queensbury. The tubing park has 10 lanes of different lengths and a magic carpet that carries you and your tube back to the top, so nobody's hiking uphill. Kids who've never skied can go straight to tubing, and the ones who want to learn can try a Learn to Ski lesson or a holiday break camp.
One tip from us: tubing runs in 2-hour time slots that sell online ahead of time, and you need a reservation. Book it before you pack the car.
Teens, take note of the end-of-season Slush Cup, when skiers try to skim across a pool of icy slush and teams race homemade cardboard sleds down the tubing lanes. It's as ridiculous as it sounds, and that's the point.
Skiing, cross-country and snowshoeing at Gore Mountain
When your skiers are ready for more, head north to Gore Mountain in North Creek, New York's largest ski area. It spreads across four peaks with more than 100 trails and a 2,537-foot vertical drop. Despite being a larger mountain, it has plenty of gentle terrain for beginners and teens will love the diversity of trails to explore.
Not a downhill crew? Gore's Nordic Center at the North Creek Ski Bowl has a groomed 4k cross-country network with snowmaking and lights, so you can ski into the evening. Snowshoers are welcome along the sides of the trails. Rentals and lessons are at the Joe Minder Lodge, which makes it an easy first try for kids. The Ski Bowl also runs twilight skiing on its village slopes, usually Thursday through Saturday.
Lake George Winter Carnival weekends
The Lake George Winter Carnival has been turning the frozen lake into a playground since 1961, and it runs on weekends through February. Kids get pony rides, children's activities and hot chocolate. Everyone gets the outhouse races, which are exactly what they sound like, plus polar plunges and fireworks.
Each weekend has its own lineup, so check the schedule before you pick your dates. Spend the day in Lake George Village, and on a cold afternoon duck into Fort William Henry for its winter history programs.
Skating days in Saratoga
The Saratoga Springs Ice Rinks hold open skate sessions for the whole crew, plus lessons for anyone who's still a little wobbly. It's an indoor rink, so it works whatever the weather does.
When it's cold enough, Saratoga Spa State Park opens outdoor rinks too. Check the park's Facebook page that morning before you head out.
Hockey games in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs
Nothing warms up a winter night like a loud rink. You've got two good options, and both work for kids and teens.
Adirondack Thunder, Glens Falls. The Adirondack Thunder are the area's pro team, the ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. They play at Harding Mazzotti Arena in downtown Glens Falls, with home games from October through April. Single tickets usually run $15 to $25, and the season is packed with theme nights.
Skidmore Thoroughbreds, Saratoga Springs. Skidmore's men's hockey team plays at the Saratoga City Rink on Weibel Avenue, the same building as the public skate. Regular-season games are free, so come early, skate the open session, then stay for the puck drop.
Sledding, snowshoeing and quieter snow days
For little ones who'd rather not share a hill with teenagers, Lapland Lake in Northville has two junior tubing hills, and they come with a facility pass. Bring your own tubes or rent theirs.
Saratoga Spa State Park is beautiful year-round. Explore the trails as they wind through the pines past the mineral springs by foot or when it snows on snowshoes or cross-country skis. It's near Broadway for great lunch spots afterwards. For a fun treat hit Darling Doughnuts.
Fun on the inside: indoor things to do with kids
Every winter trip needs a plan for the day the wind picks up. Here's where we send families when it's time to thaw out.
The Fun Spot, Queensbury. The Fun Spot is the 90's memorialized in all the best ways. It has roller skating to music on big screens, laser tag, a ninja challenge course and a multi-level indoor playground for kids under 58 inches.
Saratoga Escape Rooms, downtown Saratoga Springs. This one's for the teens. Saratoga Escape Rooms opened on Gardner Lane in November 2025, with themed rooms and a 60-minute clock to crack the codes. It's recommended for ages 13 and up, and younger kids can play with an adult.
Saratoga Strike Zone, Saratoga Springs. Just off Broadway, Saratoga Strike Zone has more than 20 lanes plus bumper cars, a redemption arcade, the Ballocity ball pit and a snack bar. Ask about galactic bowling if your crew likes the lights down low.
Lake George Lanes & Games, Lake George. On a Winter Carnival weekend, Lake George Lanes & Games is right there for bowling, an arcade, an indoor playground and laser tag.
Where to stay: back at camp on the Hudson
After a day of tubing and carnival hot chocolate, the best part is the drive home to the Hudson. The Birch Cabin sleeps 7, so the whole crew fits, and it stays open year-round. Bigger group? Check out the neighboring Oak House.
Peel off the snow pants, put the kettle on and sit inside with hot cocoa while the river goes quiet under the snow. Winter looks pretty good from here. See you this winter!
