Planning a trip to the Adirondacks? If you’re searching for the best things to do in Lake Placid with kids, this charming mountain town is filled with family-friendly adventures, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable experiences.
We recently spent the day exploring Lake Placid, and it quickly became one of our favorite destinations in Upstate New York. From the peaceful shores of Mirror Lake to the scenic boardwalks at High Falls Gorge, every stop offered something unique without requiring long or strenuous hikes.
One of the things I appreciated most was how easy it was to enjoy the outdoors as a family. Whether you’re traveling with young children, grandparents, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lake Placid.
If you’re planning a one-day visit or a weekend escape, here’s exactly how we spent our time discovering some of the best things to do in Lake Placid with kids, along with a few helpful tips to make the most of your trip.
Planning your trip? If you’re still looking for a place to stay, check out my guide to the Spark by Hilton Lake George Outlets. It’s where we stayed during our Adirondack getaway and made a convenient base for exploring both Lake George and Lake Placid.
Start Your Day at High Falls Gorge
If you’re planning a one-day visit to Lake Placid, I recommend making High Falls Gorge your first stop.
One important thing to know before you go is that the gorge closes earlier than many other attractions, with the last admission at approximately 3:30 PM and the grounds closing at 4:00 PM. Visiting in the morning gives you plenty of time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
One thing that immediately stood out to us was how accessible everything felt. Instead of a rugged hiking trail, you’ll follow a series of elevated boardwalks and viewing platforms that wind through the forest.
Although there’s one main waterfall, you’ll experience it from several different overlooks along the way. Each viewpoint offers a unique perspective, making it feel like a new experience every few minutes.
Because the trail is easy to navigate, I think this is a wonderful stop for families with young children, grandparents, or anyone with mobility limitations who still wants to enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks.
Another unexpected bonus? Parking is completely free.
After your walk, you can stop by the small café located inside the visitor center for a quick lunch, snack, coffee, or even an ice cream before continuing your adventure. If you’re putting together a list of things to do in Lake Placid with kids, I highly recommend adding High Falls Gorge to your itinerary.
Explore Downtown Lake Placid
After visiting High Falls Gorge, we headed into downtown Lake Placid.
This charming mountain town has such a relaxed atmosphere that it’s easy to spend a few hours simply walking around and taking everything in. You’ll find local shops, restaurants, cafés, and beautiful mountain scenery around every corner.
Exploring downtown is one of the easiest things to do in Lake Placid with kids, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon filled with local shops, great food, and beautiful mountain scenery.
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Relax at Mirror Lake
No visit to Lake Placid feels complete without spending time at Mirror Lake.
As soon as we arrived, I understood why it’s one of the most photographed places in the Adirondacks. The calm water reflects the surrounding mountains, creating picture-perfect views throughout the day.
If you’re wondering whether you can get out on the water, the answer is yes. During the season, visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and small boats to explore the lake from a completely different perspective.
Even if you don’t rent a boat, simply walking along the shoreline is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery.
We also found parking to be very convenient. Most metered parking around Mirror Lake uses the Flowbird app, so I recommend downloading it before arriving to make paying for parking quick and easy. For families visiting the Adirondacks, Mirror Lake is easily one of the most relaxing things to do in Lake Placid with kids.
Is One Day Enough to Visit Lake Placid?
I honestly think so!
Of course, you could easily spend an entire weekend exploring Lake Placid and the surrounding Adirondacks, but if you only have one day, don’t let that stop you from visiting. We were able to enjoy some of the best things to do in Lake Placid with kids without feeling like we had to rush from one attraction to the next.
Starting our day at High Falls Gorge gave us plenty of time to enjoy the scenic boardwalk and beautiful waterfall views before heading into downtown Lake Placid for lunch and a little shopping. We ended the afternoon at Mirror Lake, and it was the perfect place to slow down, admire the mountain scenery, and simply enjoy being together.
By the time we headed home, we felt like we had experienced some of the best things to do in Lake Placid with kids in just one day—and it definitely left us wanting to come back and explore even more.
One-Day Itinerary: Things to Do in Lake Placid with Kids
Morning
- Visit High Falls Gorge
- Walk the scenic boardwalk and enjoy the different waterfall viewpoints
- Grab a snack or coffee at the café
Midday
- Head into downtown Lake Placid
- Enjoy lunch
- Browse the local shops
Afternoon
- Explore Mirror Lake
- Rent a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or small boat
- Relax by the water and enjoy the mountain views
Helpful Tips Before You Visit
A few things we learned during our visit that may help you plan your own trip:
- Download the Flowbird parking app before arriving in downtown Lake Placid.
- Visit High Falls Gorge early since the last admission is around 3:30 PM.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the boardwalk trail.
- Bring a light jacket, even during the summer months, since mountain weather can change quickly.
- Bring your camera because there are plenty of beautiful photo opportunities throughout the day.
Why We Loved Visiting Lake Placid
Out of all the things to do in Lake Placid with kids, what I loved most wasn’t just the beautiful scenery—it was how easy it was for our family to enjoy everything together.
From walking the accessible boardwalks at High Falls Gorge to relaxing along the peaceful shoreline of Mirror Lake, every stop allowed us to experience the beauty of the Adirondacks without feeling rushed or exhausted. It was the perfect balance of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and quality family time.
If you’re planning an Adirondack getaway, I definitely recommend adding Lake Placid to your itinerary. Whether you’re visiting for one day or spending the weekend exploring the area, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lake Placid that will leave you wanting to come back.
Planning to stay overnight? We always recommend booking accommodations in advance, especially during the busy summer and fall seasons. You can check hotel availability and compare prices at Hotels.com to find a stay that fits your family’s budget before you go.
👉 Check Lake Placid hotels here.
I already know we’ll be back. There are still so many places we want to explore, and our day in Lake Placid only made us fall in love with the Adirondacks even more.
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