Family-Friendly Travel: Why My Family of 6 Loves Lake George, new york
Every summer, our family carves out a week where we can step away from our busy routine and just soak up some time together. For the past three years, we’ve chosen beautiful Lake George, New York for this quality time — specifically, the charming village of Bolton Landing and the beautiful Sagamore Resort.
Lake George with kids is a dream trip. The lake is peaceful and breathtaking, the pace is slower than many other family vacation spots in the Northeast, and the Sagamore makes it so easy to keep kids entertained while parents can actually relax. Compared to our family trips to Newport (which are fun but always bustling), Lake George is calmer: more about recharging and reconnecting as a family.
Why Lake George Works So Well for Families
If you’ve never been, Lake George is one of the most family-friendly vacation spots in New York. The lake itself is stunning: calm in the mornings, surrounded by mountains, and full of little islands to explore.
What makes it so special for families is the pace. It doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of a traditional tourist town. Instead, it’s about finding a repeatable rhythm: swimming, snacking, boating, s’mores, and lots of simple joys that kids remember forever.
Staying at the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing
When families ask me where to stay in Lake George with kids, my answer is always the same: the Sagamore Resort. It’s become our go-to home base because it blends luxury for parents with nonstop activities for kids.
For parents: morning coffee overlooking the water, an infinity pool, and plenty of quiet corners to read or relax.
For kids:
A full recreation center with rock climbing, mini golf, and sports courts (basketball, tennis, pickleball).
A playground easily located near the rec center.
Daily 3pm ice cream socials at the pool.
Evening s’mores and bonfires, often with live music, limbo, and campfire songs.
Indoor and outdoor pools (including a warm pool which is perfect because Lake George can be chilly, even in the summer).
It’s one of the best family resorts in New York because it truly has something for every age.
Lodging Options: Hotel vs. Lodges
We’ve stayed in both, and I think it’s worth explaining the difference.
In our first year, we stayed in the main hotel at the Sagamore. This was perfect when the kids were smaller because we had two still in pack-and-plays, and it was convenient to be close to the restaurants and central amenities.
The past two years, we’ve booked one of the Sagamore’s family lodges, and it’s been a game-changer. The lodges offer:
One- and two-bedroom layouts (great for larger families).
A kitchenette with a dishwasher, sink, stovetop, microwave, and full-size fridge, perfect for snacks, milk, or quick kid-friendly meals.
Room for everyone: we used the pull-out couch for our eldest two , an air mattress for another, and still had space for a pack-and-play.
Walking distance to everything, plus a free courtesy shuttle to the main hotel.
If you’re planning a longer Lake George family vacation, the lodges are worth it for the extra space and convenience.
TIP: If you’re wondering how to fit your crew into a hotel room without sacrificing sleep, check out our Room Sharing on Vacation blog.
A Typical Day at Lake George with Kids
One of the things I love most about this trip is how predictable and peaceful our days become. Here’s what an average family itinerary looks like:
Early Morning: I sneak out for coffee on the veranda overlooking Lake George while the kids sleep in. That quiet hour — just me, a podcast, and the lake — is the best start to the day.
Breakfast: The Sagamore’s breakfast buffet is our go-to. It’s convenient, has something for everyone, and ends up bridging breakfast and lunch (we usually just snack midday).
Mid-Morning: Depending on the mood, we either hit the rec center for sports and rock climbing or head to the pool.
Afternoon: Nap time for the youngest (and maybe me!), while the older kids play mini golf or pickleball with Dad.
Late Afternoon: Ice cream social by the pool.
Evening: Dinner either on-site or in Bolton Landing, followed by s’mores, music, and family activities until bedtime.
It’s the kind of rinse-and-repeat routine that makes family vacations at Lake George feel both restful and packed with memories.
Family-Friendly Activities Beyond the Resort
While you could easily stay at the Sagamore all week and never get bored, a few Lake George family activities outside the resort are worth highlighting:
1. “Ridin’ with Rich” Boat Tour
This is our favorite off-resort activity, and we’ve done it three years in a row. Rich runs private boat tours that are perfect for families. He’ll pick you up right at the Sagamore dock and take you out for tubing, swimming, or fishing.
He brings all the life jackets, fishing rods, and even the bait — you just show up. It’s safe, fun, and hands-down one of the best ways to get on the water in Lake George with kids.
Click here to learn more about Rich!
2. Day Trip to Saratoga Race Track
About 45 minutes away, the Saratoga Race Track is a great option for a cloudy or rainy day. It’s surprisingly kid-friendly — my older kids loved seeing the horses, and it makes for a nice break from lake activities.
Click here to learn more about the Saratoga Race Track!
3. Dining in Bolton Landing & Lake George
On-site Sagamore restaurants like The Pavillion (a poolside eatery with an unbelievable 2nd floor patio - try to snag a table for sunset!) and La Bella Vita (upscale but approachable Italian food) are convenient for nights when you don’t want to drive.
The Gem: All the comfort foods your kids will love, plus some classic BBQ for you! Highly recommend sitting in the backyard for a more casual experience - great for kids.
The Huddle in Bolton Landing: casual, kid-friendly, and sometimes has live music.
ROAD TRIP TIP: We often stop for lunch of dinner in Saratoga Springs on the way in or out of town, usually at a waterfront restaurant — it’s a nice way to break up the drive.
Why We’ll Keep Coming Back
At the end of the day, Lake George with kids has become our family’s reset button. The Sagamore Resort makes it easy to balance luxury and fun, there are plenty of family activities in Bolton Landing, and even on rainy days there’s always something to do.
We come home recharged, the kids come home with stories and smiles, and everyone feels like they got a true break from the routine.
If you’re looking for one of the best family-friendly getaways in New York, Lake George should be at the top of your list.
Meg O'Leary is an Infant and Child Sleep Expert and the founder of A Restful Night. Based in Westchester County, NY, she leads a team of certified sleep coaches to provide virtual support to families across the US and around the world.
