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Discover a Multitude of Ways to Keep Cool in Lake George This Summer

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See 11 varied and fun ways to keep cool this summer in Lake George below, from frosty drinks and food to swimming spots and more. Here's hoping to a heat wave!

Frozen Drinks & Sweet Treats

Try a Frozen Wine Slushie at Adirondack Winery or Purchase a Lush Wine Cocktail Mix

adirondack winery staff member holding a pink wine slushy

Did you know? Frozen wine slushies are an add-on option for wine tastings at Adirondack Winery's Lake George and Queensbury locations! Flavors vary daily and are created using Lush Wine Cocktail and a rotation of their 35+ wine selection. Visit the new Queensbury Tasting Room for even more frozen drinks and treats to help you cool off. Indulge in their Sinful Sundae, Wine Infused Ice Cream, Frosé Lemonade, Wine Ice Cream Floats, and more! Want to make your own wine slushie at home? You can purchase Lush Wine Cocktail Mix at either location. Lush is an organic, 100% all-natural dry mix that is added to wines to create flavorful, thirst-quenching, and cooling wine slushies.

Book your tasting today »

Head to the Rooftop Cabana Bar for an Island Oasis Drink

view of rooftop bar

Situated on top of Surfside on the Lake, the Rooftop Cabana Bar is arguably a hidden gem in Lake George Village. Come try one of their Island Oasis Frozen Drinks (daiquiris, pina coladas, margaritas, and more) and pair your cool cocktail with one of their scrumptious burgers or deli sandwiches. Bonus: The retractable roof allows for sipping drinks in the shade.

Indulge in a Dressed-Up Waffle Cone With Your Favorite Ice Cream Flavor at Nina's Sweet Shoppe

gourmet looking waffle cones

Treat yourself! To the most spectacular waffle cone when you choose to get your ice cream at Nina's Sweet Shoppe, where they know how to make summer sweets fit for a king. They offer hard and soft ice cream as well as sorbets, and they have a slew of candy you'll be tempted to purchase for later.

Visit them on Facebook »

See ice cream photos on Instagram »

A Wild Waterpark & A Beach on the Lake

Bring the Family to a Weather-Proof Water Attraction & Stay the Weekend at Great Escape Indoor Lodge & Waterpark

two little boys smiling and playing in an indoor water park

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark offers a multitude of ways to stay cool via The Lazy River, Tak-It-Eesi-Creek, Children's Activity Pool, and Tip-A-Kanu-Beach, all open to guests of the lodge.

You'll forget all about the heat outside when you're floating along the winding Tak-It-Eesi-Creek and making your way underneath mini waterfalls and fountains. If you're cooling off with kids, check out the shallow Tip-A-Kanu-Beach with "pint-sized water slides, baby swings, and wildlife-themed spurting fountains."

Find out more about these attractions »

Book a stay at the lodge and make a night of it »

Run Into the Water Like You're a Kid Again at Million Dollar Beach

scene with people in water at beach

Million Dollar Beach is open daily from 10am to 6pm during the summer months, and there's a $10 fee to park. Guests may swim if the lifeguard is on duty, and there's also a public boat launch with a boat inspection/boat wash station. Cool off in the Queen of American Lakes for the quintessential Lake George summer experience.

Get more info on Million Dollar Beach »

See what other beaches are open »

Paddling, Tubing & Rafting

Rent a Paddleboard From Kayak Lake George & Get Out on the Lake

girl sitting on a paddleboard

You know what's fun about paddleboarding? It's okay if you're not a seasoned athlete at the activity - if you fall off or tip over, that's just yet another way to stay cool! Kayak Lake George is open daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm, and they have standup paddleboards, paddleboats, kayaks, and double kayaks available to rent by the hour.

Relax With a Lazy Ride Down a River

three people in blue tubes in the water

Adirondack Adventure Center in Lake Luzerne allows you to beat the heat with the whole family (kids two and under are free!) as you relax in a comfortable tube with your feet dipped in the cool water. Their lazy river tubing adventure will keep you cool for two-and-a-half to three hours.

Tubby Tubes is also in Lake Luzerne and has been offering lazy river tubing for over 20 years. Enjoy the water and pack a few beverages to bring along in their floating coolers that are available to rent.

Unleash Your Adventurous Side Whitewater Rafting

group of people whitewater rafting

Want to keep cool while crossing off a thrilling bucket list item? Whitewater rafting in the Lake George region is an awesome experience that all adventure-seekers need to try. Take a journey on the Sacandaga or Hudson Rivers with Wild Waters Outdoor Center, where experienced guides will assist in creating amazing memories.

You can also check out Adirondack Adventure Center for a full day on the water, and pair your whitewater rafting trip with tubing or the aerial adventure course.

Learn about more whitewater rafting companies »

A River, A Waterfall & A Pool

Find a Little-Known Swimming Spot Along the Hudson River

river

Here's how to get to a cool swimming spot: Drive north on Main Street in Lake Luzerne and when the road splits veer left onto Wall Street. This becomes River Road. Continue on this road for three to four miles until you reach a parking area, and the Hudson River is right there! Although unmarked, there are several sandbars on the side of River Road where you can jump in and explore the water.

Note: Be aware of how close to Rockwell Falls you are, which are south of this spot, close to where the Hudson River meets the Sacandaga River. Basically, don't swim or float too far downstream. (Speaking of waterfalls, check out the next way to cool off on our list!)

Read more about this and other swimming holes »

Get info on Rockwell Falls »

Splish & Splash at Shelving Rock Falls' Pristine Waterfall

waterfall over rocks

Bring your swimsuit (and maybe some water shoes) to this excellent cooling off place! Shelving Rock Falls on the eastern side of Lake George allows for a quick dip in shallow waters by a cascading waterfall.

It is unsurprisingly a rocky area, so take care when swimming here. It's also a popular place for both hiking and swimming, so it might be a good idea to have a backup plan in case it's busy. Or, plan to come early in the morning on a weekday when you're more likely to have this spot to yourself.

Get more info on and directions to Shelving Rock Falls »

Leap Into the Swimming Pool at Gurney Lane

swimming pool area
Photo provided by Queensbury Parks & Recreation

There is a pool available to the public (residents and visitors) at Gurney Lane Recreation Area. The pool is open from mid-June to early September - visit Queensbury Recreation on Facebook or at https://recreation.queensbury.net/ for hours and pricing. This 6,200-foot outdoor pool has a 1-meter diving well and a slide, as well as a shallow area ideal for kids.

See more on the pool and recreation area »

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