5 Summer Family Adventures in New York State
The end of summer offers families a window of opportunity between the time when kids’ camps are over and school begins. Here are 5 ideas for family adventures in New York State that couple adventure with the outdoors:
Watkin Glen International Raceway
Car and racing enthusiasts can head to Watkins Glen International (in the Finger Lakes region), a historic site of world-class racing events. In August, spectators can enjoy a special vintage racing car event. Learn more: The Glen
Six Flags Great Escape
Six Flags Great Escape (only six miles from Lake George) is an amusement park with an Adirondack-themed lodge and indoor waterpark that caters to both hotel guests and day visitors. One of the theme park’s newest thrill rides is The Bobcat, a wooden family coaster that soars 55 feet in the air at speeds approaching 40 MPH. Learn more: Six Flags Great Escape
Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course
This seasonal aerial adventure and ropes course treetop theme park geared to both kids and adults has zip lines, rope swings, nets, and more. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the views of the Great Adirondack Forest. Learn more: Adirondack Extreme
Saratoga Race Course
This legendary track offers 40 days of live horse racing during the summer, many of them scheduled throughout the months of August. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free with an accompanying parent or guardian. Horse and racing lovers will enjoy visiting the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (with more than 29,000 objects and artifacts) just across the street from the track. Learn more: Saratoga Race Track and 9 Top Reasons To Visit Saratoga
Catamount Zip Tours
The zip line at Catamount Mountain Resort in Hillsdale, NY (close to the Massachusetts border in the Berkshires) is home to the longest zipline in the U.S., which is just over one mile long. The two-hour thrill starts with a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain. The three dual zipline spans can go up to 55 MPH, but a unique breaking system allows zipliners to control their speed and take it slower. Learn more: Catamount Zip Tour
For more ideas and inspiration, see the ILOVENY website.
