Get ready for a Saranac Lake winter!

If you think the Adirondacks hibernate, you haven't been to Saranac Lake. This is a mountain town that doesn't just survive winter—it thrives in it. If your family is craving authentic ADK adventure, speed, and unforgettable frozen fun, pack your bags and get ready for a trip that dials it all up. Ditch the screens, bundle up, and embrace the season with this itinerary of high-energy, family-friendly winter thrills. Your unforgettable adventure starts here, with these three family-friendly activities everyone is excited for this winter!

Saranac Lake Civic Center: Ice time and family bragging rights

Sometimes, the simplest fun is the best fun. The Saranac Lake Civic Center is the year-round, cold-weather heart of the community, but it truly shines in the winter. This isn’t just a hockey arena; it’s the place for a guaranteed good time on the ice.

Head in for one of their regular public skating sessions. It’s the perfect, low-cost way to get everyone moving—whether you’re a beginner clinging to the wall or a seasoned skater attempting a triple axel (or just trying not to fall). Want to add some competition to the family outing? Try your hand at curling. This strategic sport of "stones and brooms" is easier to learn than hockey, but surprisingly addictive and competitive. It’s a great indoor activity that fosters teamwork (or hilarious rivalry) and is an essential piece of Adirondack winter culture.

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival: Cartoonival!

The one, the only, the legendary: the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival!

It’s one of the longest-running winter carnivals in the United States, dating back to 1897, and the entire town goes all-in for ten days of wintry festivities. The energy is infectious, the traditions are quirky, and the core of the event is the magnificent Ice Palace, built entirely from giant blocks of ice hand-harvested directly from the frozen surface of Lake Flower. Seeing this monumental structure lit up at night is pure magic and an absolute bucket-list item.

The Carnival's defining feature is its annual theme. For the upcoming 2026 event (running from February 6–15, 2026), the theme is "Cartoonival!" Get ready for a celebration of all things animated and awesome. Expect to see your family’s favorite cartoon characters brought to life in massive, intricate snow sculptures, elaborate parade floats, and perhaps even a few goofy Royal Court costumes.

The Carnival schedule is packed with thrilling events, like the Kiddie and Gala Parades, ice hockey and snowshoe races, and the frying pan toss (you heard that right). The whole celebration culminates in a grand fireworks display over the frozen lake. It’s an authentic, high-energy mountain bash you absolutely can’t afford to miss.

Thrills on snow: Farmhouse Snowmobiling & Go Karts

You came to the Adirondacks for the sheer scale of the landscape, so cover some ground! The best way to access the snow-covered backcountry and get a serious dose of adrenaline is on a snowmobile.

If you’re traveling with family and need a safe but thrilling experience, look no further than Farmhouse Snowmobiling and Go Karts. They specialize in guided excursions, which are perfect for first-timers and families. Forget the hassle of driving yourself or navigating unfamiliar trails—their expert guides ensure everyone, from teens to adults, has a top-tier experience.

You’ll be safely ushered across miles of pristine, powder-covered trails, experiencing the deep woods like a true local. The silence of the forest, punctuated only by the roar of the engines and the rush of the wind, is an unforgettable sensory experience. It's the ultimate family-friendly adrenaline fix and the fastest way to truly capture the breathtaking vastness of the Adirondack winter. Already have snowmobiling experience and looking to venture out yourself? Check out the Adirondack Rail Trail this upcoming season!

Stop talking about planning a winter trip, and book it! Saranac Lake is serving up authentic and exciting family-friendly Adirondack adventures that turn cold weather into legendary memories. Grab your skates, reserve your sled, and get ready to yell "CARTOONIVAL!" into the snowy air. The mountains are calling, and the Saranac Lake winter awaits you and yours.