Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark in Queensbury, NY

The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water park located in Queensbury, NY, is ideal for a short, family oriented vacation. While visiting the lodge and water park over the Memorial Day weekend, my family and I were able to experience the thrill of a big water park located inside our own hotel.

The Lodge was a beautifully designed hotel, with a "camp" feel to it. The large lobby and foyer was inviting and friendly. The lobby boasted numerous comfortable overstuffed seats and couches, and was very warm and welcoming. The charm in the lodge lies in its ability to comfortably in the visitor, while allowing one to feel as if they are at a small, woody, camp. Upon your entrance, you are greeted by large, wooden, black bears, woodsy chandeliers, fireplaces, and a very welcoming feeling.

Check-in was brief and pleasant, even during the heavy traffic of a holiday weekend. The lodge staff were friendly and courteous, however, we were not offered assistance with our bags to our room. Struggling with baggage while carrying an infant and toting a three year-old is not an easy task. Our room was ready upon our arrival, with no issues. Our "traditional suite" consisted of a large room, with two queen-sized beds, and one pull-out sofa. The room was nicely divided, with the queen beds on one side, and the sofa positioned on the other side of a half-wall. This allowed for perfect, undisturbed positioning of our infant in her crib. The traditional suite was the only available suite left, so remember to make reservations well in advance to ensure desired sleeping arrangements. The room was also conveniently equipped with a microwave, mini-refrigerator, hair dryer, coffee pot and television. The local newspaper was placed outside out door each morning.

The most attractive feature to a young family is the housing of the water park inside the hotel. The park opens at 9 am each morning, and remains open until 10 pm Monday through Saturday, and until 9 pm on Sunday evenings. An important detail to remember is that the water park closes for lunch daily from 11 am- 12 pm. Many a cranky child were seen being wrangled out of a pool by a tired parent after the unexpected announcement was made. Plan your breakfasts and lunches accordingly to optimize your time at the park. The water park is indoors, which offers the perfect summer weather all year round. The water park boasted several water slides, a lazy river, a large-tube water slide, a hot- tub, and a child-sized activity pool. The child activity pool was wonderful, providing a safe place for infants, toddlers, and small children to play with their parents. The area was large enough for children up to about age five, but not so large that a child can go unseen with proper supervision. Lifeguards are present at all times, and I found them to be friendly and helpful, offering assistance without being asked. There were no lines for the water park activities, and the park ran very smoothly, even during a busy holiday weekend. The park also has a snack bar conveniently located inside. Lockers are also available to rent.

The ability to play, eat, towel off and go back to your room for a well-deserved nap before going back for more water fun, was the best feature of the lodge and park. Breakfast with Looney Tunes Characters, tea-time with Tweety and Granny, meet and greets with Looney Tunes characters, cartoon afternoons, family movie nights, and bedtime stories with Bugs Bunny are added bonuses to your stay (some activities are at an additional charge). The lodge also has a restaurant, grille, and coffee corner to tease your taste buds. Our family opted for the "bed and breakfast" package, which provided your lodging, water park entrance, and daily breakfast buffet for one price. The breakfast buffet was quite delicious, and was very fresh. A fifteen-minute wait was required during one particularly busy morning; dining early or a bit later than usual would be suggested. After breakfast, it is down the hall and off to the water park!

All in all, we had a wonderful stay; we were close to home, with the feeling of being far away. The lodge and water park are a nice vacation option for families with young children, who are not quite prepared for the larger theme parks. The indoor water park also allows for beautiful, water park-worthy weather all year long. The local areas include beautiful Lake George, with its natural beauty an busy setting. The local outlets provide the opportunity for great shopping, and include Coach, The Gap, Carters, Yankee Candle Co., Bass, Dress Barn, Lane Bryant, Coleman, The Paper Factory, and many more. A trip well worth the time and money!