As a new mom, I have started to take notice of the offerings Saranac Lake has for kids, and let me tell you what: it is a great place for families and kids! With many of the programs offering daily drop-ins in addition to the regular program schedule, they make the perfect rainy day alternative, or fun experience while you visit.

Let’s explore some of the offerings!

ADK ArtRise is offering summer camps for school-age children. They will be offering different themed classes of summer day-camp style courses. These camps will run two times a day: mornings 9am - 11:30am and afternoons 1pm - 3:30pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday each week. The themes range from space to the sea! Please note the age ranges for each camp, as they are little different this year. Camps that are repeated in the morning and in the afternoon will run the same projects, so it is not advisable to sign up the same child for both.  Depending on availability, they may have room for students to drop in just for the day, so check out their themes, and call ahead for availability. 

In addition to the summer camp programs, ADK ArtRise also offers a full schedule of courses for kids and adults (including date nights).

Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation invites children and their families to check out their space to learn more about loons, or sign up for one of their guided trips! The Saranac Lake Laboratory Museum is another great resource for families who are into history. The museum has regular hours and makes a great visit to learn about Saranac Lake and history of this region.

Lake Clear Lodge is offering Stagecoach & Wagon Rides every Friday throughout the summer! Relive the pioneer days with a stagecoach or wagon ride, which can also be paired with dinners.

Paul Smith’s College VIC offers a wide array of programs and classes suitable for kids, teens, and adults. In addition to their programs, the VIC offers an indoor museum, outdoor playground and trails, and the Butterfly House, which is always a hit with kids! With programs including the Stream Stomp, Wild Edibles Walk, Mushroom Foray, Bat Walk, and the Adirondack Raptors program, there truly is something for everyone!

Explore more about the programs the VIC offers.  

PlayADK is a great place to follow for pop-up events and open Clubhouse hours. New this summer they are offering Infant and Toddler Playgroups! Located on Main Street, PlayADK is the hub for the future children's museum being built in Saranac Lake. They host fun events like LEGO derby's and kid artists in conjunction with the 3rd Thursday ArtWalks, and other Saranac Lake happenings.

Saranac Lake Free Library offers a variety of free drop-in classes from infant and toddler music group, LEGO building with Adirondack Brick, and Magic Nights! They also have a great children's room with books and toys for littles, a rotating art show in their Cantwell Room, and the Charles Dickert Wildlife Museum - all worth checking out with the kids.

For more information, call (518)891-4190.

In addition to these programs, Saranac Lake offers a variety of other kid-friendly activities. Visit Goody Goody’s for unique games and gifts, where the owner is often found playing games himself! Or stop by the teens lounge at the Adirondack Center for Writing and check out their weekly writing prompts or magnetic poem board.  Search for drop-in dance classes at The Dance Sanctuary, where kids are encouraged to move freely! Or opt outside at the Adirondack Carousel and playground (I suggest getting a cone at Stewart's while you're there). The many parks (including a skate park and public beach) are also great places to go with your kids! With a variety of family-friendly attractions, outings and rentals, there are options for anything your family is into - but these kids programs are certainly a great place to start your adventure! 

To explore more family friendly options, check out our blogs on Free Family Fun, The Bug Crawl, Adirondack Carousel, Ice Cream Eats, and general Downtown Happenings!