Calypso’s Cove Blog

Old Forge NY is celebrating the unofficial start of summer with a Memorial Day weekend full of family-friendly events.

Calypso’s Cove Family Fun Park, right next door to Water Safari, will be open for the weekend on May 25& 26, 2019 . Attractions include go-karts, kiddie go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, zipline, rock climbing wall, mini golf, the largest arcade in the Adirondacks with over 40 games, and family-friendly food featuring pizza and wings. They will be offering a variety of specials including Unlimited Go-Karts from 2pm-5pm for $15.

The weekend in Old Forge will include fireworks on Sunday, May 26 at dusk, a town-wide garage sale, fishing clinic at the Old Forge Pond, a Free Kiwanis Car Wash and a parade on Main Street starting at 10am Memorial Day May 27.

For more information on this event, visit http://www.memorialdayoldforge.com

Right next door to Enchanted Forest Water Safari is another attraction for the whole family to enjoy. Calypso’s Cove is the name and fun is their game. After you’ve ridden all the wet and dry rides at Water Safari, walk right over to Calypso’s Cove for some great food and cold beer for the adults. Then find tons of thrills: Go-Karts, bumper boats, zip-lines, batting cages, and the largest arcade in the Adirondacks, to name a few. You can challenge your skills in mini golf by playing on the 18-hole course! Relive your dreams of being a baseball star with multiple batting cages – go-ahead – hit a home run! Calypso’s Cove also offers a rock-climbing wall for those brave souls who can handle adventurous heights! On Wednesdays from 2pm to 5pm, celebrate Calypso’s Cove’s White-Knuckle Wednesdays with unlimited riding on their new Go-Karts! How many laps will you take?

Of course, it doesn’t hurt having New York’s largest water theme park right next door! Enchanted Forest Water Safari has endless fun for everyone of all ages. There are over 30 heated water rides and plenty of dry rides to complement them. There are so many thrills in the park it’s hard to write them all down; you must experience it for all yourself! Between Calypso’s Cove and Enchanted Forest Water Safari, your crew will be entertained with a whole day dedicated to fun!

The fun in Old Forge extends beyond Calypso’s Cove and Enchanted Forest Water Safari – feel like renting a boat for the day? On Big Moose Lake, Dunn’s Boat Rentals can hook you up with just that. There are many lakes and rivers around Old Forge and you will never run of options to explore on the water. There is nothing quite like an experience on the Adirondack waterways.

Just past Old Forge is the fantastic family hiking experience of Bald Mountain. It is a suitable climb for all ages and abilities with a beautiful view from the summit; including the Adirondack Fire Tower on the summit which furthers this magnificent view from the top of Bald Mountain. It is a must-hike location for all visiting the Old Forge area to go explore and a local favorite.

If you and the family are staying at Old Forge Camping Resort or Water’s Edge Inn and need some fuel, look no further than Calypso’s Cove! They even deliver to your campsite or hotel room. Calypso’s Cove is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family and its right in the heart of the action in Old Forge New York. Whether you and the kids want to race the Go-Karts (which have a kiddie option as well), splash each other with the bumper boats, win some cool prizes at the arcade, or play some mini-golf, Calypso’s Cove is the location for you! Get out to Old Forge before this Summer ends, there is so much to do right at your fingertips!

So you want to have a fun time but you’re strapped for cash? Not to worry, Old forge features northern New York in all its natural splendor, and best of all, you can enjoy it for free!

Take a Dip
The greater Old Forge area is home to numerous lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers in the Adirondacks. Your options include public beaches and swimming holes fed by underground springs. Old Forge Pond, Moose River, 4th Lake –your Google Map can help you locate and research a few.

Can you Canoe?
If a canoe is your favored mode of transportation the area offers nearly unlimited miles of water. The Fulton Chain of Lakes is a string of eight lakes containing nearly 6.8 billion gallons of water.

The chain begins in Old Forge and ends before Raquette Lake. The lakes are named for Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat, who proposed connecting the lakes to create an Adirondack canal. The chain is part of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which begins on First Lake and ends in Maine.

The Fulton Chain is the start of the Adirondack Canoe Classic, a three-day, 90-mile (140 km) canoe race. This canoe race is for anyone from beginners to experts, and although many people train very hard for this 90-mile race, some just go out there for the comradery of it all and just to have fun with friends.

By the way, while you’re in your canoe, drop a line as the lakes feature some of the best fishing in the northeast.

Take a Hike (seriously)
Hiking is a very popular activity in the Old Forge area because of the vast numbers and varieties of hikes available. Some of the varieties of hikes include anything from the High Peaks to level trails. Bald Mountain (also known as Rondaxe Mountain,) is one of the most popular mountains to hike largely due to the amazing views of the lakes. At the top of this mountain, there is the Rondaxe Fire Tower that has been restored to allow hikers to climb to the top of it in order to enhance the incredible views. It has some inclination however it is nothing too drastic. This hike is good for families with younger children because it is not very rigorous or challenging.

Stroll
So, you want to take a hike, but a mountain is too strenuous and you’re not exactly a nature lover, fear not! Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Old Forge’s main street. Window shop along the number of shops and art galleries, while you also enjoy the company of visitors and locals.

By the way, wherever you are, keep your eyes open for limitless beauties of nature, including the flowers, landscapes, and wildlife on the ground and in the air…. that’s all amazing, and free.

If you are considering a family weekend getaway that keeps everyone entertained, there is no better place to travel than to Old Forge, NY in the Adirondacks. Below are just some of the many activities the hamlet offers!

Enchanted Forest Water Safari
Open mid-June through Labor Day, New York’s Largest Water Theme Park has been a family fun staple in the Adirondacks for decades. Admission into the park gives you access to over 50 rides and attractions including 32 heated water rides, and access to shows and activities in the park. While you are there, do not forget to take a picture with “Tall Paul” – the 19-foot high statue of giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan!

Calypso’s Cove
Located right next door to Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove offers families afternoon and evening fun! With go-karts, zip lining, arcade games, great food and so much more, everyone is destined to have a great time at Calypso’s Cove! Head on over after some fun in the sun at Water Safari or make it a separate trip!

McCauley Mountain Scenic Chairlift
Great views are what make the Adirondacks such a memorable place to visit, so while you are here, be sure to head up the McCauley Mountain Scenic Chairlift to enjoy the breathtaking views of the historic Fulton Chain of Lakes. Open from late June to the beginning of October, you might even get a chance to see Whiteface Mountain and Mount Marcy if it is a clear day!

Old Forge Lake Cruises
All aboard the Clearwater, Old Forge Lake Cruises’ signature vessel for a sightseeing voyage. Located right next to Water’s Edge Inn, across the street from Calypso’s Cove, this excursion is 2 hours and follows a historic steamboat route that starts at Old Forge Pond goes to Forth Lake all the way around Alger Island State Campground and back. Check out their website for more info on what the cruises offer!
https://oldforgelakecruises.com/

View Arts
Add an artistic twist to your family weekend getaway by heading over to View Arts for a premier arts experience! Check out a performance, or activate your creative side by taking a workshop. View offers workshops in fine arts, pottery, basketry and much more! If getting creative is not your thing, stop by their unique gift shop for handmade gifts!

Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company (MOSC)
Immerse yourself in the Adirondacks by exploring the lakes and rivers in the Old Forge area. Whether you are looking for a leisurely 3-hour paddle on the Moose River, a day or weekly rentals or even a multi-day trip along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, MOSC will set you up with education, details, and the gear for you and your group. Buy or rent, go out on your own or follow their tour – your trip is up to you.

Adirondack Scenic Railroad

Since 1992 The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society in Upstate New York has been operating the former New York Central line thru the Adirondacks. Create lasting memories on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad with their various scenic excursions to choose from. Chugging out of the Thendara Train Station, the rail line offers many different train ride excursions; take a ride with Princesses and Superheroes, be entertained by the Loomis Gang Train Robbery, learn Hobo Code on the Hobo days ride, or sit back and relax with the Beer and Wine Train. Did we mention they even have a ride to the North Pole in the winter time?! For more information, see their website below: http://www.adirondackrr.com/adkrr/thendara/

All the little shops on main street
With all the specialty shops and restaurants on Main Street in Old Forge, NY, you can shop ‘till you drop and then grab a delicious bite to eat afterwards! Check out all the unique Adirondack treasures each shop has to offer – there is guaranteed to be something for everyone! When you are shopped out, dine in at one of the many staple restaurants on Main Street.