Best Vacation Destinations: 5 Family-Friendly Lake Towns

• Five top family-friendly lake vacation destinations:
  • Table Rock Lake, Missouri
  • Lake Lanier, Georgia
  • Lake Champlain, Vermont
  • Lake Lure, North Carolina
  • Lake George, New York

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From lakefront water parks to quaint shopping squares, family-friendly lake towns offer the ultimate vacation experience. Plus, these destinations are situated in various regions of the country, meaning you can find your next favorite vacation spot without driving for days. So if you’re ready to begin this year’s family adventure, check out these top lake towns!

Table Rock Lake, Missouri

Attracting 9 million visitors annually, the lake town Branson infuses excitement into tranquil waterfront living. If you want the perfect balance of recreation and relaxation, this is the lake vacation for you. Table Rock Lake boasts many marinas and campgrounds and features all your favorite lake activities—fishing, swimming, boating, water-skiing, tubing, camping, and more. Plus, nearby Branson offers plenty of kid-friendly activities. Popular attractions include the Silver Dollar City Amusement Park, Big Foot Fun Park, Runaway Mountain Coaster, Fritz’s Adventure, Titanic Museum, and underground caverns.

Lake Lanier, Georgia

Imagine soaking in picturesque mountain views only an hour from one of the South’s largest cities. This is vacationing at Lake Lanier—a family-friendly lake town surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and situated near Atlanta. In addition to fishing, boating, and swimming adventures, Lake Lanier boasts the Terminus Wake Park. This thrilling aqua and wake park features an inflatable water playground and cable water sports—perfect for families with kids of all ages. Additionally, Lake Lanier visitors can go whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking.

Lake Champlain, Vermont

Boasting 80 islands, stunning waterfront parks, and intriguing historical sites, Lake Champlain makes for an unforgettable family vacation. On the Vermont side, the lake’s largest waterfront city, Burlington, attracts more than 13 million visitors annually. In addition to enjoying the lake’s parks and beaches, families can browse the town’s quaint shops at Church Street Market Place and bike the eight-mile waterfront trail. Other popular activities include the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet, Petra Cliffs Climbing Center, and Vermont Teddy Bear Factory.

Lake Lure, North Carolina

Nothing compares to spending a day at Lake Lure Beach. Showcasing a water park, aquatic games, and a sandy beach, Lake Lure‘s beach will keep the kids entertained for hours. After this, you can round the family up and experience the lake’s pristine waters on the Lake Lure Boat Tours. And the fun doesn’t stop there. Nearby Chimney Rock State Park offers breathtaking mountainous views and contains several hiking trails and the 2nd largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. Plus, after conquering these outdoor excursions, you can grab a bite to eat and explore the shops of Chimney Rock Village.

Lake George, New York

Cruising with the Lake George Steamboat Company is the best way to begin a family vacation on Lake George. Offering brunch, lunch, and dinner voyages, the Lake George Steamboat cruises provide opportunities to relax while taking in the local scenery. Then, after the cruise, you can spend time on the Lake George beaches. Usher’s Park Beach is a great spot to bring the kids. Additionally, off the lake, you can go whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning, hiking, go-karting, and mini-golfing. And if all this fun isn’t enough, you can visit the Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor Theme and Water Park.

Offering both recreation and relaxation, these lake destinations provide well-rounded family fun. So no matter which region of the country you want to visit, you can find an excellent location for your next family vacation!

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