Kid's Day Out

Need a break from the lake? There’s lots to do with the kids in the the next 48 hours, starting today:

10am The Adventures of Mr. Toad presented by the Hampstead Stage Company @ The Boat House. Free.

10:00 -  10:.30 am Kids Yoga at True North Yoga. Deb Philp will have your little ones stretching while having a load of fun. (Ages 5 – 12)

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Adirondack Tall Tales@ The Paradox House. Read a review here.

Wednesday

11 am Theseus And The Mintour, a special kids performance by Schroon’s own ADK Shakes @ The Boat House.

6 pm Co-Ed Basket Ball @ The Town Courts. Grades 7 – 12.



Tall Tales Of The Adirondacks

By Heather Dibble

If you are looking for a unique Adirondack experience this summer for kids, be sure to check out "Adirondack Tall-Tales: Storytelling for Children",  each Tuesday night at the historic home of Merritt Hulst and Analise Rigan.

Kids young and old gather at The Paradox House at 7 pm for this delightful hour in which local storytellers and authors share memories, folktales and stories of the Adirondacks and wilderness.

Two children’s authors, a novelist, the daughter of the town's doctor of long ago and a maple sugar farming couple are just a few of the story tellers who have shared their tales. This week we were treated to stories from a guest who has been learning about and teaching Native American culture for more than 60 years. She shared her collection of crafts and tales with five children and their parents.  The children were curiously attentive and especially pleased to have a hands-on learning experience.  

My favorite part of the evening largely centers around the setting itself. It is great to sit in the parlor room, where Mr. Hulst says "we were never allowed as children" and listen to the conversations focused on real-life experiences in the Adirondacks.

For my sons, seven and five-years-old, it is likely a toss-up between participating in the story of Polly the Polliwog and eating cookies with lemonade (to say nothing of the fresh mint leaf to drop in the drink) that stole their hearts. 

Mr. Hulst said that their hope in creating this storytelling session was to bring local children and those visiting for the summer together and establish friendships. He and Ms. Rigan gave interested guests a tour of the retreat and provided refreshments following the story hour.

Mr. Hulst has long-been restoring the house his great-grandfather built over a hundred years ago on Route 74 in Severance. Ms. Rigan is an accomplished artist. Her studio will be up and running from the home in the near future.  The couple hopes many locals and out-of-townspeople will use their house as a retreat, as it is now open and designed to house guests in five bedrooms with private bath and kitchen accommodations. 

For more information about Adirondack Tall-Tales or the Paradox House Gallery Retreat, call 518.351.5003 or email analise@riganstudios.com



Schroon Lake: Kids Town USA

If you are visiting for the first time, or hadn’t paid much attention in the past, there’s a ton for kids to do right here in Schroon.

Swimming, tennis, yoga, golf, soccer and basketball are just a few of the activities kids can participate in, if you ever hear the mantra “I’m bored”.

Swimming Lessons

Everyday, Monday through Thursday, The Town offers free swimming lessons at the Town Beach, taught by the lifeguards. We’ve heard rave reviews from families who have told us that how well their kids swim after their kids learned to swim here. Sign up with the guards.

Yoga

For the young Yogi in your home, there is Kids Yoga, at our favorite studio, True North Yoga, every Tuesday from 10 am to 10.30 am. Deb Philp combines story telling, games and yoga poses for kids ages 5 – 12. @ 1073 Main Street. $5.  518-810-7871.

Tennis

Tuesday and Thursday each week the Town offers Youth Tennis. The lessons are free and are available to players of all levels.  If your kids are newbies, they will learn the game and if they are budding Williams sisters in the making, the coaches will put them through their paces. For information contact the office at the Town Youth Commission at 518 532-7170 or 532-9309. Tuesdays @ 9 am and Thursdays @  4 pm, at the courts across from the Health Center.

Basketball

Co-ed games for kids in grades 7 – 12 are at the Town Courts (opposite the Health Center) @ 6 pm – 8 – pm every Monday and Wednesday

Soccer

For kids in grades 9 – 12, there is a soccer game each Thursday night from 6 pm – 8 pm at the field behind Schroon Lake Central School.

Golf

Golf Lessons tee off beginning on July 25 at the Town Course 6 pm – 7.30pm. Details at 518-532-9359.

Square Dancing

This is a whole lot of fun for young kids, who we have seen with wide smiles on their faces, with this old school interactive dance. Every Wednesday in the Town Park, starting at 7pm. Hit Stewart’s for a cold cone after, and make small talk with dozens of your new friends who have the same idea.