Lake George (Photo: Envato)
Looking for a summer getaway that blends natural beauty, outdoor fun, and kosher-friendly options? Welcome to Lake George, a classic New York vacation spot nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks. Known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” Lake George has long been a favorite for families—and it’s only getting more popular as road trips and nature escapes continue to trend for summer 2025.
While the kosher scene here is low-key, Chabad of Saratoga helps make it work with seasonal services, minyanim, and pre-ordered kosher meals. Add in stunning scenery, comfortable summer weather, and family-friendly activities like hiking, boating, and kid-focused attractions, and you’ve got a relaxing escape that’s surprisingly doable for kosher travelers.
Kosher Food & Minyan in Lake George - Summer 2025
While there are no kosher restaurants in Lake George, Chabad of Saratoga offers a catering service with pre-ordered meals—just be sure to place your order 24–48 hours in advance. For those self-catering, you’ll find basic kosher products at Walmart and Price Chopper in Lake George. If you're driving up from New York City, consider stopping at Market 32 in Albany - a newer, upscale version of Price Chopper. This location has a large kosher section with a deli, bakery, sushi, pizza, and plenty of packaged kosher products.
Chabad also sets up a weekday minyan in Lake George during the summer, held in a large tent. Advance registration is required. While there’s no regular Shabbat minyan in Lake George, there is one in nearby Saratoga, and Chabad may be able to arrange a local minyan for large Shabbat groups.
Steamship boat cruise on Lake George (Photo: Maxwell Gold - Unsplash)
Immerse in a Lake George Summer: Activities to Enrich Your Vacation
- Hiking and Biking: The Adirondack Park surrounding Lake George is home to countless trails, making it a paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Experienced hikers might find the 2,000-ft Prospect Mountain trail invigorating, while the relatively flat Warren County Bike Trail offers scenic views perfect for a family bike ride.
- Discover Shelving Rock Falls: Accessible via a short hike from the parking area, Shelving Rock Falls provides a stunning view of cascading waters and surrounding forest. It's a serene and picturesque spot that hikers of all levels can enjoy.
- Boating and Watersports: Rent a boat and set sail on the pristine waters of Lake George. Whether you prefer the thrill of a speedboat or the calm of a sailboat, the lake's 32-mile length is your playground. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing are also popular activities that help you make the most of the warm summer temperatures.
- Lake George Steamboat Cruise: Take to the waters on a historic steamboat cruise. This is an excellent way to see the lake's expanse and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains from a unique vantage point, offering breathtaking views you won't soon forget.
- Fishing: With Lake George being home to a wide variety of fish species, including Lake Trout and Landlocked Salmon, it is a favorite destination for fishing aficionados. You can either bring your own gear or hire a charter boat equipped with everything you need for a great day of fishing.
- Parasailing: For those craving a dose of adrenaline, parasailing offers a unique perspective of Lake George. Imagine soaring high above the lake, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and shimmering water below.
- Visit Fort William Henry: Step back in time at Fort William Henry, a restored colonial fortress that offers interactive exhibits and historical reenactments, giving you a glimpse into the region's storied past.
- Lake George Beaches: If relaxation is what you seek, spend a day at one of Lake George's sandy beaches. Million Dollar Beach, the largest and most popular, provides lifeguard-supervised swimming, picnic areas, and volleyball courts.
Lake George (Wikimedia commons image: By Gbklyn - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38430990 )
A Family Affair: Kid-Friendly Activities for a Memorable Lake George Vacation
Lake George is more than just a picturesque destination; it's a playground for kids of all ages. Here are some top family-friendly activities that promise fun-filled experiences and ensure your little ones have a blast during your vacation.
- Lake George Expedition Park: Explore the Dino Roar Valley and let your children's imagination run wild as they come face to face with life-size dinosaurs. After the dino adventure, head over to the Magic Forest section for enchanting magic shows, a petting zoo and gentle rides that are geared toward younger children.
- Natural Stone Bridge and Caves: Venture into the largest marble cave entrance in the east. A self-guided tour will lead you to tranquil waterfalls, deep sinkholes, and a summer rock maze that are sure to thrill both kids and adults alike.
- Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center: If your little ones love nature, this 73-acre wildlife preserve is a must-visit. Up Yonda offers trails, a butterfly garden, and interactive exhibits that help kids learn about local flora and fauna.
- Goony Golf: Treat the kids to a day at one of Lake George's mini-golf courses. Goony Golf, in particular, features three uniquely themed courses that make for a fun and exciting family competition.
- The Fun Spot: Rainy day? No problem. The Fun Spot offers indoor activities such as laser tag, roller skating, and a sizable indoor playground. Their ninja challenge course is a hit with older kids, and the arcade games provide timeless enjoyment.
- Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course: Satisfy the young thrill-seekers with zip-lining, rope courses, and other outdoor activities. They'll love the adrenaline rush, and the opportunity to challenge themselves will make for memorable moments.
- House of Frankenstein Wax Museum: This museum features wax figures of classic horror movie characters. This spine-tingling yet fun excursion will delight older kids who enjoy a thrill.
Lake George (Photo: Maxwell Gold - Unsplash)
Unwind, Explore, and Make It Yours – Summer in Lake George
Lake George is one of those rare places that feels both exciting and easygoing. Surrounded by mountains and filled with things to do, it’s the kind of summer destination where families, couples, and groups can all find their rhythm.
Kosher travelers won’t find restaurants here, but between pre-ordered meals from Chabad and well-stocked grocery stops on the way, it’s more than doable with just a bit of planning. Check out our Lake George kosher directory for food and minyan details.
You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve truly gotten away—whether you’re hiking to Shelving Rock Falls, cruising the lake, or just watching the sunset from the beach. Lake George isn’t just a vacation—it’s a place where summer memories come easy.