New York - Pitstops for Kids

Top kid-friendly campgrounds in New York state

July 29, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re thinking about taking a camping trip with the kids, New York might not be the first destination that comes to mind. While it’s true the Empire State is known for big lights and its big city; there are a surprising number of campgrounds in New York that can be perfect for you and the kids. Read on about campgrounds in New York State that offer fun, excitement, and adventure while catering to kids of all ages.

Kid-Friendly Campgrounds in Upstate New York

Campgrounds in New York state abound! The Upstate region of New York State offers a slew of breathtaking views and a ton of delights for kids. Here are a few camping destinations that satisfy every need, including amenities for children.

Woods at Bear Creek: If rustic isn’t your family’s style, then this campsite can offer you all the essentials you need for a more upscale kid-friendly camping adventure. This destination might be a great way to ease the kids into ‘roughing it’ because they can enjoy a glamping trip that affords creature comforts while still enjoying the great outdoors. Woods at Bear Creek cabins are fully furnished, equipped with towels, linens, and satellite TV. They also have great enticements such as games, two swimming pools, and fire pits for you and the kids to toast marshmallows.

Adirondacks Jellystone Park: A kid-friendly camping spot and beloved for its association with Yogi Bear and his sidekick Boo Boo, Jellystone Park in the Adirondacks is a welcoming destination for the whole family. This is a must-visit destination because it offers a myriad of accommodations. From deluxe yurts, treehouses, RV Rentals, or old-school sites for tents, Jellystone can provide you the carefree, kid-centric vacation you’re craving.

Family Fun Campsites Near NYC

Relish the best of both worlds by sharing the glories of city life with your child while also enjoying the great outdoors. Here are a few incredible campgrounds close to New York City that accommodate nature-loving kids’ needs yet are still close enough to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Newburgh KOA Holiday Campsite: This KOA location is just over an hour’s drive from NYC and boasts ample opportunities for the kids. The grounds abound with nature trails that any child would relish while catching butterflies or spotting deer. It accommodates RVs and tents as well as kid-friendly cabin rentals. It also provides many perks for you and the fam, including fishing, mini-golf, swimming, biking, and more.

Parks in NYC: If you’re looking to take the whole family for a city adventure but still want to commune with nature, think about exploring the New York City park system. Savor the metropolis under the stars with special camping events featured each year in the Big Apple. The city offers family-friendly camping functions in the parks, such as fireside sing-alongs and s’more fests. Children are welcome, so expect to enjoy the pleasures of NY camping while never having to leave the big city.

Kid-Friendly Campgrounds in Western NY

Western New York is a wonderland for campers and kids who love to romp in the woods any time of year. Whether you’re looking for camping RV style, glamping, or going rogue, this region of New York has plenty of opportunities for you and the kids to make grand camping memories together.

Triple R Camping Resort: While it definitely has resort status and caters to kids, the Triple R also has many retro camping opportunities available for the whole family. At this hot spot in Franklinville, NY, you have many options ranging from rustic to deluxe. They provide fully furnished cabins as well as permit hardcore camping tent-style. Additionally, they make things easy, so all you have to do is break out the just add water pancake mix, spark up the campfire, and enjoy breakfast with the whole troupe in the glow of a smashing sunrise.

Hidden Valley Camping Area: With an in-ground pool, kid-friendly camping store, playground, and live music, this is an ideal spot for your New York camping trip excursion. Hidden Valley in Jamestown provides many amenities that fit the unique needs of parents traveling with children, including fun events and tons of activities. It’s also closely located the Chautauqua Institution, which hosts a load of recreational venues such as nature appreciation lectures, craft-making, interfaith programs, and other delightful opportunities that will keep you and the kids engaged in heaps of fun.

Top kid-friendly campgrounds in New York state.

If you’re searching for the perfect travel destination that welcomes kids and has a wealth of enjoyable potential, then look no further than New York. From city-camping to sprawling glamp-style camping in Upstate NY or rustic tenting and RV rentals, you and your kids have incredible options when you visit this area for ultimate campground awesomeness.

5 Winter Activities in Niagara Falls Your Kids Will Love

February 20, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

When you tell someone you’re taking a winter vacation to Niagara Falls most people might look at you like you’re crazy. It’s winter! Why not somewhere warm like Florida, Hawaii, or the Caribbean?

The fact is that winter is one of the best times to visit Niagara Falls. Not only is the entire area a sparkly, winter wonderland but because it’s off-season you’ll save money on everything, including your Niagara Falls hotel, and that also means fewer crowds at your favorite attractions.

If you like the idea of saving money and a vacation the whole family will love, these are five winter activities that you kids will love, and parents are going to have a great time too.

1. Journey Behind the Falls

Another year-round attraction that might even be better in the winter is the Journey Behind the Falls tour. This tour gives you opportunity to see the falls from behind and below and prices are reduced during the winter because the lower observation deck is too icy.

However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t enjoy the view of from the upper deck. In some cases the falls themselves might freeze and seeing that from this unique vantage point is an experience you won’t soon forget. Just don’t forget to bundle up and wear sturdy boots, and a waterproof camera might be a good idea as well.

2. The Butterfly Conservatory

Another incredible Niagara attraction that is open all year is the world famous Butterfly Conservatory. Part of the Niagara Parks system, the conservatory is home to over 2,000 butterflies in a special, indoor, climate-controlled environment.

Several paths wind through the conservatory and you’re free to wander amongst the tropical plants and flowers that the butterflies call home. Be sure to bring your camera because you won’t want to miss it when one of these colorful creatures decides to land on your child’s head or hand. But do remember to remind your children that touching the butterflies can injure them and is strictly against the rules.

3. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark

Just because it’s snowy and icy outside doesn’t mean your kids can’t enjoy a day of fun in the water. The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is open all year and offers slides, pools, and other activities for kids of all ages and swimming abilities.

A cafe is onsite for drinks and snacks and there’s even a hot tub for the adults. So when your naysayer friends ask again why you’re going to Niagara during the winter just remind them that you’ve packed a swimsuit for your day at the indoor waterpark.

4. The Winter Festival of Lights

One of the most extensive and beautiful light displays anywhere in the world, the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights takes place from November 19, 2016 to January 31, 2017. Eight kilometers of tracks and trails are illuminated with sparkly lights in the trees and light displays such as the largest illuminated Canadian/American flag in the world.

Fireworks displays take place weekly and you can check the dates here. The falls themselves are illuminated as is the Toronto Power Generating Station which also includes a sound and light show. This is one of Niagara’s most popular winter attractions and you don’t want to miss it.

5. Clifton Hill

While Clifton Hill and its attractions are definitely more popular in the spring and summer months, many people don’t know that most of the complex is indoors. In fact, the only attraction that is outdoors is the Dinosaur mini golf. So you can let your kids play all the arcade games they want without even having to wear a jacket. The famous Sky Wheel even heats the booths during the winter so you can get a bird’s eye view of Niagara Falls and still stay toasty warm.

The Clifton Hill Fun Pass is the best way to maximize your time and save money. It includes two Sky Wheel Rides, a round of mini golf on the Wizard course, entry to the wax museum, a 4D theater experience, and more. Clifton Hill is a great place to stay warm and have fun with the whole family.

Winter vacations don’t always have to be about beaches and sunshine. Sometimes a wintery destination is not only going to save you money but also be incredibly fun and exciting. So pack up your kids and your swimsuits for a winter trip to Niagara Falls that you’ll never forget.

Best ski towns: Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain

December 11, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready to plan Lake Placid skiing with kids? Whiteface Mountain boasts the biggest vertical drop east of the Rockies, it hosted the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, and it has an impressive (or intimidating, depending on your skiing ability) 38% expert runs. But what you might not expect is that Whiteface is also a great place for families with young kids just starting out on the slopes.

One of my favorite aspects of Whiteface’s Kids Kampus is how separate it is from the rest of the mountain. While it’s easy for parents to take a run over to check up on their little ones, it’s isolated enough that the lift and runs are occupied almost solely by kids enrolled in lessons. That means that the lift is less crowded, and that you don’t have to worry about someone speeding by your child as they’re just learning to traverse the hill. The runs themselves are all green circles, except for an intermediate glade run, but they’re long enough to challenge kids that have moved beyond a magic carpet. To give some perspective, our 5-year-old, who has been skiing for two and a half years, was happy on the same hill as our 3-year-old, who just started earlier this year.

Kids Kampus is also great for its one-stop shopping. Parents can arrive at the Kids Kampus and buy lift tickets for everyone, reserve lessons and day care, and drop the kids off for their activities. They have a separate parking lot, lodge with cafeteria, and rental shop. To get back to the main mountain, you can either take the Bunny Hutch lift and ski over, or take the shuttle that runs all day between the Kids Kampus lodge and the main lodge.

And kids aren’t the only ones that can learn some new skills at Whiteface. Adult lessons are available from the main lodge and can accommodate all abilities. If someone in your group has never skied before, Whiteface also offers a Parallel from the Start program that includes a lesson, lift ticket, and rental. They also have an adaptive ski program that offers lessons and rental adaptive equipment for kids and adults with disabilities. Basically, whatever your age or ability, there’s something new to learn at Whiteface.

As for the mountain, of course it’s great! Even on a busy day, the hill doesn’t seem crowded because there are so many parts of the mountain to explore. The Cloudsplitter Gondola is a great place to start, and from there you can move on to the Summit Quad and ski the same hill used for the downhill races in the 1980 Olympics. If you’re really lucky (which I wasn’t, unfortunately), you’ll catch Whiteface on a rare day when The Slides are open. These are a series of chutes accessed by the Summit Quad. Most of the year they’re closed due to insufficient snow or avalanche danger, and even when they’re open there are certain precautions that are required—ski buddies, a beacon, shovel and probe. But if the conditions are right, you could be in for the best runs in the east!

Website info:

Whiteface: http://www.whiteface.com/ (this website is also where you’ll find info on the other Olympic venues, including information on sliding or cross country skiing). Another great planning site is visitadirondacks.com.

Lift Ticket prices:

Prices are listed on the website, and range from $79 for a half day in the Bear’s Den Nursery, to $143 for a full day of Play-N-Ski (two sessions of lessons, with free play and lunch in the nursery). Adult lessons start at $46 for two hours, and the Parallel from the Start program (which includes lift ticket and rental) is $139/day.

Lodging:

Our pick is the Lake Placid Towne Plaza for lodging close to the slopes. Read my full review.

Directions:

From NYC: take the New York State Thruway (I-87) north to Exit 24 (Albany). Take I-87 north (Adirondack Northway) to Exit 30. Pick up Route 9 north and follow it for two miles to Route 73. Continue on Route 73 for 28 Miles to Lake Placid.

From Boston: Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) to Albany. Pick up I-787 north to Cohoes. Connect with Route 7 west to I-87 north. Follow I-87 north (Adirondack Northway) to Exit 30. Pick up Route 9 north and follow it for two miles to Route 73. Continue on Route 73 for 28 Miles to Lake Placid.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I skied Whiteface as guests of the resort, for the purpose of reviewing their child and adult lesson packages. All opinions are our own.

Five best ways to tour New York City

September 20, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

New York City is one of the most famous places in the world. Millions of tourists visit the city every year just to see the world-famous Big Apple. There’s little surprise in learning that tours are the most popular way to see the sights; after all, it can be difficult to see them all by yourself. However, there are many different tours of New York that you can choose from; how would you know which one to pick? These five options are all wonderful for those who want to see the sights and enjoy the city. Read on for five best ways to tour New York City:

From the Sky

New York is a city full of towering skyscrapers, making it seem as though the buildings that you’re so interested in seeing are just looming above you. For the best way to see them, why not try a bird’s-eye view? Helicopter tours of the city are a great way to get a good look at everything as a whole as opposed to one indecipherable building after another. The Big Apple Tour is a great choice here. Tours last between ten and fifteen minutes at a time.

Cruise the City

Are you most interested in seeing the world-famous landmarks in the city? Then, you might want to try to get a look from the water. The famous Circle Line Cruise will take you to some of the most important and beautiful landmarks of New York City, and you’ll be able to see it without worrying about traffic, either on the streets or the sidewalks. This tour will take you around the tip of Manhattan, to the Full Islands, or even to the most famous spot in New York: The Statue of Liberty.

Bike the Park

Central Park is probably the most famous park in the entire world. This, as well as the beauty of the place, makes it a sight that you can’t leave off of your itinerary when planning a trip to New York. And, of course, the best way to see the park is by getting out and about in it! The Central Park Bicycle Tour offers you the chance to ride around Central Park, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and sights while also learning about the historical significance that it holds.

Try a Photo Tour

What’s a trip to one of the most famous cities in the world if you don’t take any pictures while you’re there? Thankfully, there are tours that are designed specifically around being able to take photos of the more famous places in the city. Citifari is a great tour for those who are interested in capturing the feeling around Manhattan. You’ll get the best vantage points for the iconic New York landmarks available as well as tips for the best photographs all from your guides.

The Classic

Do you want to tour around New York in the most classic way? And, are you hoping to see the most in the most convenient way possible? Then, the Midtown Bus Tour is likely the best choice for you. With this tour, you’ll hop on a red, double-decker bus and be given the “grand tour” of the place. You will be shown major sites and landmarks in Manhattan and will be given a fun history lesson on everything. Each bus tour lasts about three hours.

New York City is truly one of the most fantastic cities in the world. Not only is it iconic, but it is steeped in history that helped define the entire United States. For those wanting to experience it, there is a tour for you!

Lake Placid lodging: Crowne Plaza Resort

December 8, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

My family and I have visited Lake Placid in late summer, and although we have a great time kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing, I continually thought to myself “OK, but I really need to come back in the winter!” Well, the snow fell, and we headed back to the Adirondacks last February, this time for some skiing and snowshoeing. Because Lake Placid has hosted two winter Olympic games (1932 and 1980), it has a wide variety of off-the-slopes entertainment, including ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and—for the adventurous types in your group—bobsled and skeleton racing. Because my kids are on the young side (3 and 5), we stuck to some hikes, exploring the town, and downhill skiing.

Lake Placid lodging: the Crowne Plaza Resort and Golf Club at Lake Placid is a great place to make your home base for exploring the area. It’s just a short walk up the hill from the Olympic Center and Main Street Lake Placid with restaurants, shops, and even a toboggan run onto Mirror Lake. Because it’s up on a hill overlooking Mirror Lake, it has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, especially from the main lobby of the hotel. We stayed in a suite in the Adirondack wing of the hotel, with a separate bedroom (with soaking tub!), kitchenette, and a pullout couch in the spacious living room.

The Crowne Plaza has plenty of amenities—including restaurants on site, a fitness center, and a pool and hot tub. The pool, and especially the hot tub, was busy in the afternoon with the after-ski crowd. We visited during February break, which may have increased the number of families, but it was great to see so many kids splashing and warming up after a day on the slopes! (For those looking for a quieter getaway, I would avoid visiting during school vacations.)

The dining options at the Crowne Plaza turned out to be very kid-friendly as well. We had breakfast each morning at MacKenzie’s Restaurant in the hotel, which includes a breakfast buffet complete with an omlette bar, pancakes, eggs, oatmeal, and much more. One night we had dinner at the slightly fancier Lake Placid Club Boathouse. I had some reservations about this, because my kids are not great eaters under ideal circumstances, and sometimes behave like wild animals when let loose on a restaurant. But we had an early dinner (5:30 reservations) and the restaurant was practically empty (probably a little too early for those doing a full day at Whiteface). The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the food was great. My 5-year-old told me that the next time we go there, I should have the noodles with butter, because it was delicious…must be a house specialty!

Winter rates at the Crowne Plaza range from about $125/night midweek or $200/night weekend for a standard hotel room with two queen beds, to $350-$400/night for a suite like the one we had. They also offer “Ski and Stay Getaway” packages, which include breakfast and a lift ticket to Whiteface. These packages cost $119/person, /night midweek, or $169/person, /night weekends. The midweek package has the option of booking a third night and third day of skiing for free. Considering that an all-day adult lift ticket at Whiteface is $85/day, this is a pretty good deal!

Date last visited:

February 17–20, 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Lake Placid is pretty remote, and is not really on the way to anything, but it’s still worth a visit! It’s about a 2 or 2 ¼ hour drive from Albany, about 30 miles off Interstate 87.

Directions / Contact:

The Crowne Plaza Lake Placid is located at 101 Olympic Drive in Lake Placid, NY 12946. Call or email them at 1-877-570-5891 or [email protected].

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I stayed at Crowne Plaza as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. Kids are the best critics, so you can be sure your little ones will enjoy Crowne Plaza as well!

Best Ways to Enjoy New York with Kids in Tow

September 4, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

To some parents, traveling with kids is a daunting thought. There is so much you want to do, but when you have kids in tow, it’s not as easy to see the shows, visit the sites, and eat at the restaurants you enjoy. However, when you travel to New York with kids, remember that you can still have a great vacation.

Go to the Zoo

If you want to see one of the best zoos in the world, don’t pass up the opportunity to go to the Bronx Zoo. You’ll see a number of unique animals and exhibits, and your kids will have a blast. You can even go for a reduced rate if you head to the zoo on a Wednesday. Wednesdays are the zoo’s suggested donation day, which means that you simply pay what you can afford for you and your family. This is a great way to have some fun on a budget.

Hit up a Museum

While you probably shouldn’t pack the entire trip with museum visits if you’re headed to New York with kids, visiting one or two museums is a great way to spend some time. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan allows both you and the kids a fun time. The museum offers exhibits that are interactive so your kids don’t get bored. You’ll have as much fun watching your kids play and learn as you will seeing the exhibits yourself. If you’re looking for a way to cut back on how much you spend on the trip, keep in mind that the first Friday each month is free.

Don’t Push Too Much

It’s important when you’re vacationing with kids to make sure that your trip isn’t too packed with adventures. Make sure that you take some time to just relax. When you’re planning your trip, check Gogobot for a hotel with a pool so that you and the kids can stay in for a while. This allows you all to unwind a little bit. When you’re not pushing to get everything done all at once, you’re all going to enjoy the trip much more.

Check Out Central Park

When you’re in New York, you need to take some time with the kids to check out Central Park where you’ll be able to sit back and relax outdoors. However, there is also a ton of things to do in the park, including renting bikes, going horseback riding, or checking out one of the many free concerts in the park. No matter what your interests or what entertainment your family is looking for, you’re likely to find something to please in Central Park. The best part is that there is something going on in the park year round, so you don’t have to worry about scarce activities in the winter.

Going to New York is a great experience for families. There are things to do for all interests and for families of all sizes. Plan your trip out ahead of time, but make sure that when you’re traveling with kids you’re ready for some flexibility.

Five kid friendly New York City hotels for spring break travel

March 12, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Who doesn’t love New York City in the spring? Great travel deals abound in this ‘off season’, the weather is perfectly suited to museum touring or watching Broadway shows, and you might even luck out with a sunny day for Central Park. If you’re planning to visit New York City this spring break, pick from among the following five kid friendly New York City hotels:

1. Westin New York Grand Central:

Not only is the Westin New York Grand Central located–you guessed it–adjacent to Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, but its new Family Fun travel package hooks kids up with a New York-themed backpack and travel activity kit and a special audio tour of Grand Central. The hotel’s guest rooms are all 310+ square feet or larger (big by New York City standards), and families booking the Family Fun package get a complimentary room upgrade when available.

2. Affinia 50

We loved our stay at Midtown’s Affinia 50! Not only this hotel close in proximity to nearly everything–families can walk to Central Park, Broadway and Times Square, and Rockefeller Center–but the rooms are spacious beyond belief. Our family of six was able to stay in one suite, with room to spare. Plus, select rooms at Affinia 50 include full kitchens, which really assists a New York City travel budget. Affinia 50 also allows for ample downtime with a second floor guest lobby filled with comfy chairs, newspapers, TVs, and gaming centers for kids.

3. Hotel Beacon:

If you want to situate your stay on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Hotel Beacon is for you. Half of Hotel Beacon‘s rooms are one or two-bedroom suites ideal for families, and the tree-lined streets up the West Side are quiet and safe. Families staying here are close to Central Park and its museums, including the popular American Museum of Natural History, and all rooms have kitchenettes.

4. Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC:

With a reputation as a party hotel for young, hip New Yorkers, not many families consider a stay here. In truth, Gansevoort Meatpacking offers many incentives to families, including free baby amenities (such as wipes and even strollers on loan), Nintendo gaming consoles in the rooms, and a room service kid menu. Best of all, Gansevoort offers what few New York hotels can boost: a swimming pool. Located on the rooftop, the Gansevoort pool will be a vacation favorite!

5. Omni Berkshire Place:

We love Omni hotels! Whenever we stay at one, the kids can’t wait to stand at the check-in counter with me. Why? They know they’ll get something special. At Omni Berkshire Place, kids receive a full suitcase of toys upon check-in, in additional to Omni’s promise of milk and cookies during turn-down service. Berkshire’s On a Whim package gives families 15% off even when booked last minute, and for families booking for spring break, their spring package includes a hotel credit and welcome fruit plate (always appreciated by our crowd!).

Fun winter activities for kids in NYC

January 31, 2014 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Winter is considered by many to be one of the best times of year to visit the bustling city of New York. There are so many fun activities for both children and adults alike that you can be sure to keep your kids entertained during your stay. If you are currently looking to organize your trip you will be able to find many cheap hotels in New York online. With this in mind, here is a quick overview of some of the best winter activities for kids in the Big Apple.

Ice-Skating:

Taking the kids ice-skating is always a wonderful way to keep them entertained and active for a few hours in a family-friendly environment. New York is home to a number of ice rinks including those at Manhattan’s Rockerfeller Center, the Pond at Bryant Park and Central Park’s Wollman and Lasker Rinks. Admission costs are reasonable making this an affordable and incredibly fun day out for everybody.

Museums:

New York simply teems with exciting and interactive museums meaning that there will almost certainly be something to suit everyone depending on your children’s age and interests. Popular choices include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the New York Hall of Science. Your children will be able to enjoy a fun and interesting day out in an educational environment.

Snow Days:

On special snow days in New York fun activities are organised across the city’s many parks. These activities tend to include sledding and snowman building as well as musical concerts and hot chocolate intervals. Lower Highland Park even hosts an unforgettable sleigh-riding fest for all the family to enjoy. When it snows you will be able to find information regarding the city’s snow days and activities on the NYC parks website.

Zoos:

New York’s celebrated zoos offer plenty of entertainment for the kids in the winter months. The city’s Central Park Zoo is home to a wonderful collection of colourful animal species as well as a large number of indoor exhibits for when the weather turns. Bronx Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo are all well worth a visit in the winter as there are less crowds and many animals are often more active than in the hot summer months.

Bowling:

Taking the kids bowling is the perfect way to spend some quality time as a family on any New York City vacation. The Big Apple is home to a number of top bowling alleys including Manhattan’s Lucky Strike Lanes, Brooklyn’s Melody Lanes and Queen’s Astoria Bowl. Your children will be able to benefit from the various child-friendly ramps and bumpers whilst enjoying a little complimentary popcorn and soda.

New York City has so much to offer even throughout the coldest and wettest months of the year. If you don’t mind braving the weather then there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you and your family busy. Otherwise, indoor venues such as museums, theatres and play spaces are sure to go down well with the kids!

Photo credit: wiki commons

Using the Lake Placid Olympic Region Passport with kids

November 6, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

On a recent trip to Lake Placid, NY, we got to check out a piece of Olympic history with the Olympic Sites Passport. Our group included some pretty little kids (2 and 4), but there was still plenty for them to do and see using the Lake Placid Olympic Region Passport. I’m a huge fan of the Olympics (any season, any sport!), so it was fun to pass some of that excitement on to my kids. Even off-season, and well after hosting the games, the Olympic facilities at Lake Placid are impressive.

Whiteface:

We started out at Whiteface, the ski resort just outside of Lake Placid. We drove up the Veterans Memorial Highway, which goes to the summit of Whiteface Mountain. It’s a beautiful drive, and at the top you walk through a tunnel to get to an elevator to the summit. At the top, there are lots of places to explore, take in the view, and even rock scramble (obviously, this was a big hit with the kids!).

After driving back down to the base of the Whiteface ski area, we rode the Cloudsplitter Gondola to the top of the ski hill. There are some beautiful views at the top, but unfortunately for us, a thundershower chased us back into the gondola just after arriving!

Olympic Jumping Complex:

Our next stop was the Olympic Jumping Complex. If you only make one Olympic stop during your Lake Placid trip, this should be it. I had only seen the jumping towers on TV, and to see it on site was truly impressive. To tour the jumps, you take a chairlift to the base of the tower (our two-year-old’s favorite part by far!), then a 26-story elevator to the top. Once you’re up there, you can go outside to the top of the jump to get the ski jumper’s perspective. The kids were amazed that someone could really do that (especially our 4 year old, who has some skiing experience). Our two year old volunteered on the spot to strap on some skis and go…maybe next year!

After touring the jumps, you’ll want to check out the freestyle pool. We lucked out on our visit, and got to watch some jumpers practicing all sorts of flips and twists. Check their calendar for the Summer Jumping Series when planning your visit, and you’ll get to see some of the best jumpers in the world, and maybe even meet the athletes.

The Olympic Sites Passport also gets you into the Olympic Sports Complex, where the sliding (bobsled, skeleton, etc.) facilities are located, and the Olympic Center, where you can tour the Olympic museum and the skating rink (site of the 1980 Miracle on Ice). Ours were a little young for these activities, but if you have any winter sports fanatics in your group, it’s a can’t-miss!

The Olympic Sites Passport is also a great deal. It’s only $32 per person (kids 6 and under are free), and gets you in to all the sites listed above (Whiteface, Olympic Jumping Complex, Olympic Sports Complex, and Olympic Center). There are all sorts of additional activities (at additional cost, but at a discount with the Olympic Sites Passport), including nature treks, mountain biking at Whiteface, and bobsled rides. The ORDA (Olympic Regional Development Authority, the organization that manages the Olympic facilities) website isn’t terribly helpful, but all information can be found on the Whiteface site.

Date last visited: August 29-30, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Lake Placid is pretty remote, and is not really on the way to anything, but it’s still worth a visit! It’s about a 2 or 2 ¼ hour drive from Albany, about 30 miles off Interstate 87. Wondering where to stay? Our pick is Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort.

Directions / Contact:

Site locations can be found on the Whiteface website. Tickets can be bought at the ORDA store at 2426 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946; tel. (518) 523-1420.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our family experienced the Olympic Region as guests of ORDA for the purpose of review.

Outdoor exploration with kids: Eastern Mountain Sports Schools

October 23, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

EMS is one of my favorite outdoor gear stores, and I look to them whenever we need something new for backpacking, hiking, or climbing. But did you know that they have special “schools” for climbing (rock and ice), skiing (avalanche training, back country, telemark), kayaking, and biking? These EMS schools are located throughout New England and New York and are available to everyone from experts to newcomers. When you join a class, all equipment is provided (except personal clothing, jackets, raingear, etc.) so it’s a great way to get started in a sport without making a big investment. Half day, full day, and even overnight classes are offered. So whether you live in the area, or are spending some time here on vacation, check out the EMS website to see what’s available near you!

We recently took a half-day beginner rock climbing class in Lake Placid, NY after introducing our five-year-old to the sport at the local climbing gym. (Tip: we paired our EMS schools class with a stay at Lake Placid’s Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort.) Our instructor was friendly and great with kids, and was able to give instructions without skimping on fun. He knew of a great beginner site that was just a short hike off the road, and Homer got to try out a number of different ascents, ranging in difficulty. He must have climbed that cliff 15 times before he asked for a break!

An EMS climbing class may seem expensive ($350 for a family of 4 or 5 people, full day), but when you consider the cost of equipment, and the importance of an instructor who is going to do a lot of the grunt work for you (think of all the ropes that need to be fixed at the top before you even start!), the price sounds pretty reasonable. Overall, it was a great experience, and I’ll definitely check out what is offered by EMS schools before my next New England/New York getaway!

Check out their website to see what’s on offer near you. Classes are located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New York.

Date last visited: August 29, 2013

Distance from the interstate: Lake Placid is pretty remote, and is not really on the way to anything, but it’s still worth a visit! It’s about a 2 or 2 ¼ hour drive from Albany, about 30 miles off Interstate 87.

Where to stay: Read our review of Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort!

Directions / Contact:

See the EMS website for information on an activity near you. The Lake Placid store is located at 2453 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946; tel: (518) 523-2505

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced EMS Schools as guests of EMS, for the purpose of review.