Kid-friendly activities in Lake Placid

Lake Placid may be famous for its Olympic history and mountain scenery, but it’s also a gold-medal destination for family fun. Whether your kids are little explorers, budding athletes, or just in it for the ice cream, there’s something here for every age and interest. From lake adventures to easy hikes and unique indoor activities, this list will help you plan a summer trip your family won’t forget.

1. Soar like an Olympian on the Sky Flyer Zipline

The Olympic Jumping Complex is a must-see, and the Sky Flyer Zipline adds an unforgettable rush to the visit. Riders zip from the 70-foot tower, simulating the flight of ski jumpers — with all the thrill and none of the risk. Kids will also enjoy the Skyride Experience, which takes you to near the top of the jumps via a gondola and glass elevator, offering panoramic views of the High Peaks. It’s a unique blend of high-flying fun and Olympic history you won’t find anywhere else. Online reservations are highly recommended, so plan ahead of time for this activity!

2. Splash and play at Mirror Lake Beach

This sandy, roped-off swimming area is lifeguard-supervised and perfect for kids who love to wade and splash. There's also a playground, picnic area, and row of tennis courts nearby, so you can easily spend a whole afternoon. Parents can relax on the shore while the kids build sandcastles or search for minnows. Mirror Lake Beach's central location means you’re never far from a snack, a shop, or your hotel. Insider tip: If you’re a parent who loves to read, try to spot the Little Free Library right near the beach.

3. Hike a kid-friendly mountain

Cobble Hill, which is within walking distance of Mirror Lake Beach, offers a short hike with rewarding views of Lake Placid village. Mt. Jo, accessible via the Adirondack Loj, is a favorite for its panoramic summit and views of the High Peaks and Heart Lake, which you can take the kids for a dip at post-hike. Mt Van Hoevenberg features food and attractions on-site, and the hike itself is perfect. Newly built, it’s kid-friendly and the views at the end don’t disappoint. These hikes are perfect for burning energy and sparking a lifelong love of the outdoors. Before you set off on a hike, plan ahead and prepare so that you can do your best to Leave No Trace and LoveYourADK!

4. Paddle around Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is calm, motor-free, and ideal for beginner paddlers and little ones. Rentals are easy to find right on Main Street, with canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and paddle bikes. Kids love spotting mallards, splashing their paddles like beavers, and pretending they’re explorers on a secret mission. It’s an easy way to feel immersed in nature without ever leaving the village.

5. Bike the Adirondack Rail Trail

The Adirondack Rail Trail begins right in Lake Placid and runs along a smooth, scenic route perfect for families. The trail is motor-free (save for class 1 e-bikes) and wide, making it stress-free for parents and fun for kids. Along the way, look for benches, interpretive signs, and chances to spot wildlife, like herons and beavers! It’s a great mix of active fun and peaceful scenery that kids of all skill levels can enjoy. In town, there are plenty of places to rent various means of transportation for the Rail Trail, like Placid Planet, High Peaks Cyclery, or Bike Placid. A bonus of the Rail Trail? You can bike it all the way to Saranac Lake, where even more fun activities await!

6. Bowl and play at Big Z’s

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a spot better than Big Z’s where both adults and kids can have equal amounts of fun! The space is family-friendly and often has music or themed events to go with eight lanes of bowling. After the strikes and spares, enjoy burgers or pizza from the on-site kitchen, and then head over to the arcade. Everything from classic arcade games and tabletop games to pool and darts will keep the fun alive. If you’re feeling up for the challenge, check out the multi-sport simulator as well. It’s a great evening option when the weather turns or you just want a break from the sun.

7. Game on at Main Street arcades

Faizy's Fun House arcade on Main Street includes racing games, claw machines, ski ball, and even air hockey, keeping kids entertained rain or shine. It’s a great way to cool off after outdoor adventures or to sneak in some evening fun. Adults can relax with a beer upstairs at the tap house while the kids play too. Bring a few dollars in quarters and let the kids try their luck — or beat your high score. New to the scene, Penalty Box Arcade draws on the historical signficance of hockey to our area, while also bringing back classic arcade games and prize counters. Feeling nostalgic? A lover of hockey and the miracle that was 1980? Swing by Penalty Box Arcade with your family!

8. Treat yourself at local ice cream shops

The temperatures are rising, and so are appetites for ice cream! Mountain Mist Ice Cream is a local institution with dozens of flavors and generous portions. Ben & Jerry’s offers all the fan-favorite classics, and Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery often wins hearts with their creative sundaes, unique soft serves, and that oh-so-sweet smell emanating from its Main Street entranceway. Some shops even offer dog-friendly options, so the whole family can indulge. A scoop (or two!) is the perfect reward after a hike, paddle, or bike ride.

9. Inline skate at the Olympic Oval

Strap on some skates and glide where Olympians once raced for gold — the historic 400-meter Olympic Oval. Inline skating is offered during warmer months, with rental gear available on-site. It's a smooth, open space perfect for practicing balance or racing siblings. Skating on this legendary oval adds an exciting Olympic twist to a summer day, again with ease of access to restaurants, shopping, and the beach nearby. In our opinion, this is the most scenic place possible for inline skating in the country, and it's something your kids will remember forever!

10. Join a naturalist walk at the Cascade Welcome Center

Cascade Welcome Center offers accessible trails, wildlife-viewing opportunities, and guided nature walks led by friendly naturalists. Programs are designed with kids in mind, introducing them to local plants, insects, and animal tracks, all while teaching the importance of Leave No Trace and how to Love Your ADK. Programs can range from a birding or reptile/amphibian walk to a map & compass fundamentals or intro to backpacking course! There’s also low-cost gear available for purchase to get your kiddos started recreating in nature. It’s a peaceful, low-key outing that encourages curiosity and respect for the wild.

Bonus: Near Lake Placid activities

Adventure outside of Lake Placid to check out more of what the region has to offer! The kids will love Ausable Chasm in the Lake Champlain Region, with its exciting via ferrata, tubing, and other fun activities. Over in Saranac Lake, the young ones will love the Adirondack Carousel for its Adk-themed wildlife figures. For a learning experience, The Wild Center in Tupper Lake connects children with the surrounding ecosystem, teaching lessons while entertaining with sights of otters and fish.

One things is for certain; there’s no shortage of fun to be had in Lake Placid. Bringing your kids for a vacation here is something they’ll be thanking you for forever, while simultaneously asking you to go back! Add a few of these ideas to your itinerary and book a stay for a weekend—or week! You won’t regret it.