Skip to main content

How to Survive Summer With the Kids: Glens Falls Summer Activities for Families

Wondering how to survive the summer with the kids, now that school’s out? Find a variety of Glens Falls summer activities for families, and keep the kids busy, entertained, and (mostly) off screens, as you hang out at parks with playgrounds and splash pads, visit area attractions like Great Escape and the World Awareness Children’s Museum, and more.

kids at crandall pond

As a mom of two young kids, I've got the inside scoop on places to take the little ones once school wraps up.

We'll start with summer camp recommendations, or you can jump to outdoor fun or indoor fun.

Register for Summer Camp

You do need to register for camp early, so if you’ve missed the boat on this, browse the info here to keep in mind for next year! It’s always worth asking, too, if they still have spots available for this summer. A few good options are:

World Awareness Children’s Museum

little girl at world awareness children's museum adirondacks exhibition

I found the World Awareness Children’s Museum for my (at the time) four-year-old; it’s one few camps in the area that will take kids that young. They do different themes, and she attended for two weeks learning about endangered animals. 

She came home with a different animal craft each day - look at that seal! This is a half day camp.

Q Club

q club camp

Q Club is also a half day camp, and takes place at the WHBI school on the Queensbury Union Free School District campus. Both of my kids now go to this camp, as it’s closest to our house, and they have a lot of friends from school who also go.

kids in parking lot

Your kid does not have to be in the school district to attend this camp, though! They offer field trips like The Fun Spot does, although not included in the price - you can pick and choose which ones you’d like. The kids spend the day doing arts and crafts and playing various games and sports.

The Fun Spot

the fun spot go karts

The Fun Spot’s summer camp runs from the end of June to the end of August and is a full day of fun, including two field trips per week to places like Adirondack Extreme, Rocksport, and others.

Browse more summer camps >>

Free & Fun: Outdoor Activities for Sunny Days

Parks, Playgrounds & Water Fun

We spend so much time at parks! I recommend for kids:

splash pad and part of playground at crandall park

Crandall Park: Probably the most well-known Glens Falls park, with a playground and splash pad.

moreau rec park splash pad and accessible playground

Moreau Recreational Park: This park has two playgrounds, including an accessible one, and a splash pad - this is a lesser-known, off the beaten path gem! It’s only about 10 minutes from Glens Falls.

dad with kids at gurney lane pool

Gurney Lane Recreation Park: This park has a recently updated playground, a pool (you can get a season pass or pay a daily rate), and a nature trail that’s just for kids - in addition to other hiking and biking trails.

kids on adirondack chairs at hovey pond park

Hovey Pond Park: This is probably the other primary park in the area for kids besides Crandall. It includes an accessible playground, an easy walking path around the pond plus through wetlands, and a fun garden with Secret Garden vibes.

haviland cove beach

Haviland Cove Park: This is the only Glens Falls park with a beach on the Hudson River, plus a small playground.

Find more Glens Falls parks >>

Easy, Flat Walking or Biking Paths

dad with kids on warren county bikeway

Get walking or biking - but nothing too tough for the little ones! From the Warren County Bike Trail to Meadowbrook Preserve, there are a lot of paths, walkways, and trails to explore.

See our roundup of top walking spots >>

For Special Occasions: Make Core Memories at These Outdoor Attractions

Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor

great escape kids water park area

For the ultimate day out at the region's prime amusement park you can’t go wrong with a trip to Great Escape. If you have young kids, they have a ton of fun in Timbertown, Buccaneer Beach, Shipwreck Cove, and other little-kid specific areas.

two little kids looking out window of great escape house

My kids especially love running through the little houses from back in the day when the park was Storytown USA. They’ve been lovingly restored, and are surprisingly entertaining for little ones.

If you’re a local, it’s definitely worth it to get the season pass - which gets you free parking, among other perks.

Lake George Expedition Park

Lake George Expedition Park expertly combines two theme parks: a dinosaur walk with animatronic creatures that move and make noise, and amusement park rides specifically designed for younger kids. 

pregnant lady with crying toddler by dinosaur

As you can see from the above photo, when I was with my oldest and pregnant with the youngest, you may want to avoid getting super close to the dinosaurs, depending on how old your children are. They’re realistic!

Inexpensive & Free Indoor Fun for Rainy Days

Summer rainstorms coming through? No worries! Here’s where we go:

World Awareness Children’s Museum

kids at world awareness children's museum's japanese room

The World Awareness Children’s Museum is inexpensive, plus they do a second Sunday free every month!

Geared more towards littler kids, children can play, explore, and engage with interactive exhibits that showcase different cultures around the world.

The Chapman Museum

kids at chapman museum

The first time I went to the Chapman Museum I was surprised at how kid-friendly it is. Great for any age, there are lots of interesting exhibits relating to the history of the area. Some you can touch, and some you cannot, but they are excellent with signage so you know which is which.

little girl playing with musical stuff at chapman museum

They even have an old school Nintendo that kids can play, along with board games! Like WACM, their entry fee is more than reasonable. They do have summer crafts and programs to check out as well.

Crandall Public Library

little girl in play area at crandall public library

We love going to the library at any time of year! They have a play room for little kids and of course tons of books for all ages.

calendar of library kids activities

In addition, they have a full calendar of summer programs to check out, from infant/toddler storytime in the park to reading to a therapy dog.

More Must-Try Indoor Fun

The Fun Spot

kid doing ropes course at the fun spot
Photo credit: Alan Nudi

I’m including The Fun Spot under indoor fun, but in the summer they also have go-karts and mini golf! Spend a rainy afternoon here roller skating, playing on the indoor playground, checking out laser tag, and more.

Skyzone

kids jumping on trampolines at skyzone

I’d be remiss not to mention Skyzone, which is the best for having your kids get out a bunch of energy! They have a ton of trampolines, basketball hoops, a warped wall to climb up, a foam zone, dodgeball, and also an area just for toddlers.

About half the time we go I end up paying for myself to be able to jump as well. It can be a real stress reliever!

Local Arcades

Aviation Mall has two arcades, At the Pier Arcade and Wow! Arcade.

arcade at lanes and games in lake george

We also love the arcade at Lake George Lanes & Games. Their system for putting credits on a card, then using that card to play games and get prizes after, is super easy. They also have an indoor playground!

Enjoy all the fun experiences you can have with your kids in Glens Falls this summer!

🍔 Go out to eat at kid-friendly restaurants >>

<< Back to the Summer Guide

woman in hat poses in front water
About the Author: Erin Nudi Erin is an avid reader, yogi, jogger, and hiker living in Queensbury. When she's not perusing books at Northshire, Owl Pen Books, or Beldame Books, you can find her at a local event or park with her family.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!