Lake George, New York

We had some amazing trips planned for 2020, but COVID-19 ended up pulling the plug on all of them. Instead, for Memorial Day Weekend this year, we drove to the nearby town of Lake George in New York for a "pandemic getaway" at the newly reopened Sagamore Resort. Since we would be the first people staying there after the hotel shut down two months ago, I figured it would be as germ-free as possible.

It turned out to be a beautiful, sunny weekend of outdoor activities; it almost seemed pre-pandemic! And I felt grateful to be checking out a local destination that I probably would've overlooked, since I typically have my sights set on much farther flung locales. Lake George is gorgeous and laid back, and it's perfect for a long weekend getaway.

Where to Stay

I've always been interested in the Sagamore Resort, but it's normally quite pricey. There were significant discounts being offered for their reopening weekend, so we decided to take advantage of that and check out all that the famed hotel has to offer. We stayed in a lodge suite with a lake view from the back patio, and boy was that nice after several months of being cooped up at home.

The resort is indeed very grand, with so many ways to view and enjoy the lake. There are plenty of activities, from the pool to croquet to kayaking to tennis. And there's a crazy fun rec center on the premises, which is where my kids spent most of their free time. The rec center is housed in a huge and airy barn structure, and it features mini golf, ping pong, basketball, billiards, video games, and a baseball diamond for wiffle ball. There was a fire pit for roasting s'mores every evening.

What to Do

The Sagamore is located in Bolton Landing, about 20 minutes from the town of Lake George proper. That's just the right distance to be away from all the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to enjoy everything the town has to offer. We drove in a few times for various activities.

The first thing we did was go for a bike ride along the Warren County Bikeway, which we picked up on the corner of West Brook Road and Beach Road in Lake George. The trail is technically 10 miles long, but we only did 5 miles before turning back because that was quite a workout already. The path starts off at a gradual but steady incline, which sapped a lot of our energy right at the beginning. Being able to zoom down on the way back was super fun, though! Nearly the entire path is covered in a canopy of trees, so at least the whole thing was shaded — and beautiful.

Just across the street from where the bike path starts is Million Dollar Beach, which looked like a lot of fun. But since we were trying to social distance and be more low key, we opted to drive to the smaller Memorial Beach near our hotel instead. That beach is tiny and peaceful.

An impromptu activity that we decided to do was go parasailing with Lake George Parasailing Adventures. My kids thought it was the best part of the weekend! And it was really fun, being flown like a kite above the lake. I liked that it included a ride on a high-speed motor boat across Lake George — it was like two activities in one. The small crew on the boat with was great, and the activity felt thrilling yet completely safe at the same time!

On our last day at Lake George, we rented two double kayaks from Lake George Kayak Co. to row out onto the lake. The weather was gorgeous, the lake was calm, and it was the perfect thing to do for an hour.

There were a few things we would've done in the area, like Six Flags Great Escape or the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course, but they were still closed from the pandemic.

Where to Eat

Our food options were limited during this trip, since many restaurants were still closed and the ones that were open were only doing takeout. But we managed to score some delicious sandwiches from Bella's Deli, on Lake George's main drag, Canada Street.

And just before heading home on our last day, we stopped off at the famous Martha's Dandee Creme in nearby Queensbury for soft-serve cones. It's a really fun place to get ice cream, with people lining up in different lanes at each window and a rotating daily menu of soft-serve flavors. You can get everything from a cherry-dipped cone to pineapple Dole whip.

What's Nearby

Last year, we passed through Lake George on our way up to a weekend in Vermont — where we stayed in a treehouse! Check out our itinerary for that trip.

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How to Visit the Statue of Liberty with Kids: Tips and Tricks

A trip to the Statue of Liberty should be at the top of the list for any family trip to New York City. It’s an iconic site that your kids will come across again and again, so how cool would it be for them to be able to say that they were actually there? On top of that, a visit to the Statue includes a round-trip ferry ride, and the island itself is a national park, so it features a Junior Ranger program (find out more about it here). 

If you want to get the most out of your experience, however, you’ll need to plan ahead. Here’s what you can expect.

How Do We Get to the Statue?

The Statue of Liberty is situated on Liberty Island, so you’ll need to hop on a boat to get there. The only ferry company that accesses Liberty Island is Statue Cruise Lines. No other ferry docks at the island. There are two departure points – Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

If you’re visiting NYC, you’ll most likely be departing from Battery Park. Try to snag a spot on the right side of the ferry to see the NYC skyline and Statue on your way over. Both ferries make two stops during their round-trip sailing, Liberty Island and Ellis Island (you can stay on the boat during the Ellis Island stop if you don’t wish to get off). Ferries depart every 20 to 30 minutes; here is the schedule. The ride to each stop is about 15 minutes, and bathrooms are available on board.

Do I Need to Buy Tickets in Advance?

There are three levels to the Statue of Liberty: ground, pedestal, and crown. (Contrary to popular belief, the torch is not accessible to the public.) If your plan is to climb to the pedestal or crown, you’ll need to make reservations in advance, as they frequently sell out. Tickets will definitely sell out during the summer, so book as early as possible.

You can buy tickets to access just the grounds on the day of your visit, but in my opinion, it’s not worth it to take the ferry ride over just to walk around under the statue. You’re better off taking the Staten Island Ferry, which also departs from Battery Park, for free. That ferry brings you to the borough of Staten Island, passing the Statue along the way, then returns to Battery Park.

How Long Will the Visit Take?

Allot at least three hours to visit the Statue of Liberty (longer if you go after 10am, if you plan on visiting Ellis Island, or if you intend to eat lunch there). Go as early as possible in the morning. There are lines everywhere – to go through security, to board the ferry, to rent a locker, to make the climb – and these lines grow exponentially as it gets later in the day.

What Are the Food Options?

There is plenty of food available on this excursion. Hot dog carts abound in Battery Park, the ferries have concession stands that sell snacks on board, and there’s a decent café on the island that offers everything from made-to-order hamburgers and paninis to freshly made sushi. If the weather is nice, you can sit at the tables outside and admire the Manhattan skyline while you eat. You can also bring your own food.

Can I Bring a Backpack?

Yes, you can bring whatever bag you’d like, although they won’t be allowed up to the crown (to the pedestal is fine). All bags, including purses, must be placed in a locker for a nominal fee just before you enter that section of the Statue.

How Should We Dress?

Remember that the Statue of Liberty is an outdoor activity that’s located on the water. If it’s chilly out, it’ll be even more chilly (and windy) on the ferry ride. Layers are a good idea, since you’ll get hot during the climb. If it’s warm out, wear hats and bring water, as there’s no shade at the top level of the ferry or on the grounds of Liberty Island. Water is a good idea in general, as the climb to the top of the Statue can be tiring and everyone should stay hydrated.

Should We Climb Up to the Crown?

First, check to make sure crown tickets still available. They sell out months in advance during the warmer months. If tickets are still available and your kids are able to handle 126 steps by themselves, then yes, I highly recommend climbing up to the crown! It’s a fun and memorable experience because the spiral staircase is long, narrow and tight – a real adventure that you won’t find anywhere else. 

It’s so tight, in fact, that you won’t be able to carry your child safely, so make sure they can make the trip up and down on their own two feet. There are a few landings along the way for taking a break if necessary.

I recommend taking the elevator from the ground to the pedestal, to save some energy before making the climb up to the crown. (There’s no elevator to the crown.) There isn’t much to see in the stairwell from the ground to the pedestal anyway.

Should We Visit Ellis Island?

We did not make the stop at Ellis Island on the ferry ride back to Battery Park. The climb up the Statue can be exhausting, and the kids were in no mood to visit a museum afterwards. Mine are also too young to appreciate the historical significance of Ellis Island.

If you have a personal interest in the history of Ellis Island or if you have older children who’ve learned about U.S. immigration, then I’m sure it would make for a very informative and interesting visit. Otherwise, I would skip it.

What Else Is Near Battery Park?

Right in the park is the SeaGlass Carousel, an amazing experience that your kids are sure to remember. The carousel features 30 sea creatures made of fiberglass and steel that glow, rotate, and bob up and down in a seemingly random pattern. “Aquatic” music composed specifically for the ride blare from stereo speakers in each fish, and lights within the domed building add to the illusion that you are swimming through a bioluminescent underwater world.

A short walk from Battery Park is the Brooklyn Bridge, which you can walk or bike across into the borough of Brooklyn. Blazing Saddles on South Street rents bikes for all ages, including trailers and tagalongs.

A few blocks from Battery Park is the West Thames Playground, a really well-designed playground that has something for all ages. It’s located between Albany Street and West Thames Street and features everything from a sand box to a water play area to several inventive climbing structures.

For lunch, you could grab a hot dog at one of the numerous carts that line Battery park – after all, it’s the quintessential New York experience! But if you want to sit down for a nicer meal, take a 15-minute walk to Brookfield Place, an upscale mall that features an amazing food court with a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline. It’s an awesome yet casual dining experience, and everyone in your family will find something they want to eat. Some of the food stalls include Umami Burger, Fuku, Mighty Quinn’s, and Blue Ribbon. Definitely save room for the cupcakes from Sprinkles.

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NYC: Best Things to Do in Central Park for Kids

With more than 840 acres stretching across 50 blocks, Central Park is the ultimate park, and you could spend a whole week in New York and still not see it all. More than just trees and grass (although there’s plenty of that), there’s so much to keep the kids entertained, from boating on the lake to riding the historic carousel, and even visiting a zoo or amusement park. Here’s a great map of the park’s attractions and below is a list of our favorites.

Note: Some of the park’s activities are seasonal or weather permitting, so always check the conditions before going.

Loeb Boathouse (72nd Street and Fifth Avenue)

The Loeb Boathouse offers boat rentals and lakeside dining at the Boathouse Restaurant. A fleet of 100 rowboats are available for rent seasonally, with each boat holding up to four people. Don’t feel like rowing your own boat while on vacation? Gondola tours are also available on the lake; those boats hold up to six people and can be reserved in advance.

Wollman Rink (W. 59th Street and 6th Avenue)

Ice skating is available at Central Park’s Wollman Rink in the fall and winter. There’s nothing quite like ice skating outdoors, against the New York City skyline – and with the New York City crowds! Aim to arrive early, as the rink can get very congested toward the middle of the day, and bring your own lock to avoid the exorbitant fees to rent one. Skate rentals and a concession stand are available. Note that the rink is cash only.

Victorian Gardens (W. 59th Street and 6th Avenue)

Victorian Gardens is a relatively new attraction in Central Park, just opened in 2003. It occupies Wollman Rink every summer and offers 12 rides and a variety of carnival games and food. You can pay per ride or buy the all-inclusive wristband.

Friedsam Memorial Carousel (E. 65th Street)

The famous Central Park Carousel is not just a fun ride for kids, it comes with lots of interesting historical facts that they’ll love. The carousel is actually in its fourth iteration, with the first version opening in 1871, powered by a mule and horse that walked in a hidden compartment underneath the carousel! The current carousel features 57 hand-carved horses and two decorative chariots and is more than 100 years old.

Conservatory Pond (E. 72nd Street)

This is our favorite activity at the park. The Conservatory Pond offers toy boat rentals at the adjacent Kerbs Memorial Boathouse, where you can rent a model boat and sail it on the pond using a remote. It's all very reminiscent of 19th century Paris (except the remote control part). The boathouse also features a cafe run by Le Pain Quotidien and an open patio.

Central Park Zoo (E. 64th Street and 5th Avenue)

The park houses an entire zoo, with more than 130 different species that include snow leopards and brown bears. The Central Park Zoo was actually founded in the mid-1800s, after New Yorkers started dropping off their unwanted animals at the park, and several buildings had to be constructed to house the growing population of animals. It was originally called the Central Park Menagerie and has since been renamed and renovated to create more natural habitats for the animals.

Heckscher Playground (7th Avenue and Central Park South, between 61st to 63rd Streets)

Heckscher Playground is the oldest playground in Central Park, as well as its largest. Attractions include slides, swings, seesaws, splash pads, ramps, and giant rocks for climbing, and are aimed at kids ages 6 to 12. Restrooms and snack carts are available right by the playground.

Harlem Meer (110th Street, between Fifth and Lenox Avenues)

Not many people are aware of this, but you can fish at Central Park. The catch and release program at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, bordering the Harlem Meer, includes free instructions, poles and bait, and the activity is geared toward kids ages 5 and up. A picture ID is required to borrow the poles.

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NYC: Best Broadway and Off-Broadway Shows for Kids

No city does Broadway (and off-Broadway!) quite like New York. And kids don’t have to miss out on the experience of going to the theater just because they’re younger – it’s all a matter of finding them the right show. If your kid can sit through a two-hour movie or a marathon session of Nick Jr., they can definitely handle Broadway. Here are the shows that’ll capture their interest – and keep you enthralled, too.

The Lion King (best for age 5 and up)
The Lion King provides the quintessential Broadway experience for families. It’s got everything – familiar songs, gorgeous costumes, stunning set design and effects. The opening number, where the actors parade down the aisles with the life-size animal puppetry, is a scene your kids won’t soon forget.

The Gazillion Bubble Show (best for age 3 and up)

The Gazillion Bubble Show is for anyone who likes to pop bubbles – which is, presumably, everybody. The one-hour show is great for the youngest of theater-goers, but parents will be captivated as well. There are bubble feats, sudsy science tricks, and a soapy laser light show. The best parts are when a giant wind machine blows thousands of bubbles (maybe even a gazillion) into the audience.

Blue Man Group (best for age 6 and up)

It’s hard to describe the Blue Man Group experience. It’s a rock concert, an exhilarating feast for the senses, and a wondrous display of unusual human talents all in one. Food is thrown around the tiny theater, and paint is splattered all over the stage. Giant smartphone screens are used on the set. And everyone in the audience is buried in a sea of toilet paper in the finale. Your kids will leave the theater asking if they could do it all over again.

Aladdin (best for age 5 and up)

The quick-paced, catchy songs of Aladdin and hilarious antics of the Genie are what makes this show a standout and worth every penny. It’s also got the lavish costumery and dazzling set design of a quality Broadway performance, including a truly impressive magic carpet scene that’ll leave everyone wondering how it was accomplished.  

Stomp (best for age 6 and up)

The performances given by the cast of Stomp is nothing short of amazing. You and your family will wonder how it’s possible for human beings to coordinate a show based solely on sounds and coordination. The audience participation is fun, and the energy produced in the intimate theater is downright infectious – and will stay with your kids long after they’ve left the theater.   

Frozen (best for age 5 and up)

It's hard to not sing along with the Broadway version of Frozen, which follows the movie closely and includes all of its beloved songs. What makes the show truly special, however, are all the magical effects, from a sudden outfit change for Elsa to ice shooting across the stage. Your kids (and you!) will be wondering "how did they do that?” the whole time.

Before you buy your tickets, make sure you check all the online resources for discount codes, including schooltix.com, broadwaybox.com, and playbill.com.  

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New Paltz, New York

When most people think of spending a weekend in New Paltz, Mohonk Mountain House is what usually comes to mind. We’ve stayed there a couple of times, and it is incredibly beautiful and fun – but it can also get pretty expensive, since what you’re paying for is an all-inclusive experience. Recently we decided to spend a weekend in the town itself for a less pricey, more do-it-yourself New Paltz adventure.

Where to Stay

New Paltz is an easy day trip from where we live, but to enjoy everything the area has to offer requires spending the night. We stayed at the Hampton Inn on the edge of Main Street; it was brand new and spacious, with a great pool.

What to Do

The vibe of the town is decidedly laid-back, an interesting mix of outdoorsy and funky. You can stroll down Main Street and browse the quaint bookstores and shops. An open-air market on Sundays offers live music, local crafts and the bounty of nearby farms. Huguenot Creamery serves up generous-sized scoops and homemade ice cream sandwiches. Or drive about five minutes to Dressel Farms for some pick-your-own fruit.

But the real reason to come to New Paltz is to go hiking or biking. Minnewaska State Park Preserve is just minutes away, and it’s got everything from waterfalls to gorgeous vistas. For a super-easy hike with small kids, park by the main entrance and walk about 15 minutes to Awosting Falls, which flows into a stream that my kids loved to splash in.

You can continue toward the top of the waterfall for some amazing views (but hang on to your kids!).

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a quiet, scenic, 22-mile path that runs from New Paltz up to Kingston. The path is completely flat and suitable for biking, but it’s not paved and can get a bit bumpy in parts. If you don’t bring your own bikes, The Bicycle Depot, right near the entrance of the trail, rents them, along with trailers or tagalongs for your kids.

About 2 miles of steady biking will bring you to this gorgeous old bridge, overlooking the Wallkill River.

For another approach to the trail, drive 15 minutes up to Rosendale and park in the lot on Binnewater Road. Access the trail from there and head south about one-third mile to get to the impressive Rosendale Trestle. If you want to continue biking from there, you can reach the super cute Rail Trail Café, nestled in the woods about 2 miles down.

Where to Eat

After a long hike or bike ride, grab a meal at the casual Main Street Bistro (the wait staff won’t bat an eye if you show up sweaty and dusty), or clean up back at the hotel and dine on some much-deserved handmade pasta at A Tavola Trattoria.

If you're planning a picnic lunch, Russo’s Deli makes some tasty sandwiches. Or pick up some fresh Mex from Mexicali Blue.

What's Nearby

I want to mention one more fantastic hike in the area, Sam’s Point Preserve, even though it’s further away, about 25 miles from New Paltz. The ice caves hike at Sam’s Point is like no other hike I’ve ever experienced, and totally worth the drive. My husband and I visited one weekend last month without the kids, but we’ll definitely be returning with them because it was so much fun.

The trail is an easy scramble over, under and through rocky crevices, with parts of the path meandering into caves that are indeed icy, even in late May. A 5-year-old would be able to handle this hike (and think it’s the coolest thing ever), but I wouldn’t bring kids younger than that. Also, definitely check the website before you go to make sure the trail is accessible, and get to the parking lot right when it opens at 9am – it fills up fast, and you’ll be turned away once the lot is full.