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Families

For Families–Newcomb | For Families–Paul Smiths

What makes the VICs family friendly?

Maybe it’s the myriad of weekend activities planned with families in mind, the safe and easy trail systems, the entertaining special events, or the hands-on exhibits. Better yet, let’s say it’s all of the above.

Nature’s Playhouse.Since 1989, thousands of families have felt comfortable visiting the VICs to experience memorable adventures in the Adirondack Mountains. They’ve learned about natural history, explored the scenic interpretive trails, found friends along the way, and discovered that they enjoyed having fun outside with the birds, the frogs, the deer and the squirrels.

The rolling, bark-surfaced trails are easy enough for most strollers, and all trails lead to points of interest, such as a pond or a marsh, where children will keep engaged in their natural surroundings.

Break Time. After your fun, rest in the lobby or have lunch in the picnic areas. Both facilities have rest rooms, soda machines, water fountains, snack concessions, spaces to eat lunches indoors and public phones. The Paul Smiths VIC even has a “Critter House” playground area.

Use Your Senses. Make a connection to the natural world of the Adirondack Park with activities for all the senses.

SIGHT. See butterflies and moths in all stages of development in the Native Species Butterfly House or watch wildlife at the birdfeeders and on the trails.

SOUND. Hear the cry of loons on Rich Lake in Newcomb or Black Pond in Paul Smiths.

SMELL. Have your breath taken away by the fragrant aroma of balsam fir.

TOUCH. Feel the rough surface of bark or smooth animal fur on the Touch Table.

TASTE. Sample the sweetness of maple syrup at the Paul Smith’s College sugarhouse tour.

Price is Right: FamilyFun.com says New York State’s Adirondack Park offers “memorable settings, lots of activities and a welcoming spirit to parents and children.” By those requirements alone, we’d say the Paul Smiths and Newcomb VICs pass the “FAMILY FUN test.” And by all means, the centers are easy on the wallet. Admission is FREE.


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			PAUL SMITHS VIC Adirondack Wildlife Festival Barnum Pond Canoe Paddles Bird of Prey Birding Walks Butterfly House Night Hikes Ski/Snowshoe Trips ----- NEWCOMB VIC Birding Walks Bird of Prey Naturalist-Led Trail Walks Snowshoe Workshops GPS Workshops Guided Backcountry Trips
	For Kids For Families For Teachers Paul Smiths VIC Newcomb VIC Newsletter Wildlife Watch Publications Research Program Partners	Family Friendly For Families–Newcomb \| For Families–Paul Smiths What makes the VICs family friendly? Maybe it’s the myriad of weekend activities planned with families in mind, the safe and easy trail systems, the entertaining special events, or the hands-on exhibits. Better yet, let’s say it’s all of the above. Nature’s Playhouse.Since 1989, thousands of families have felt comfortable visiting the VICs to experience memorable adventures in the Adirondack Mountains. They’ve learned about natural history, explored the scenic interpretive trails, found friends along the way, and discovered that they enjoyed having fun outside with the birds, the frogs, the deer and the squirrels. The rolling, bark-surfaced trails are easy enough for most strollers, and all trails lead to points of interest, such as a pond or a marsh, where children will keep engaged in their natural surroundings. Break Time. After your fun, rest in the lobby or have lunch in the picnic areas. Both facilities have rest rooms, soda machines, water fountains, snack concessions, spaces to eat lunches indoors and public phones. The Paul Smiths VIC even has a “Critter House” playground area. Use Your Senses. Make a connection to the natural world of the Adirondack Park with activities for all the senses. SIGHT. See butterflies and moths in all stages of development in the Native Species Butterfly House or watch wildlife at the birdfeeders and on the trails. SOUND. Hear the cry of loons on Rich Lake in Newcomb or Black Pond in Paul Smiths. SMELL. Have your breath taken away by the fragrant aroma of balsam fir. TOUCH. Feel the rough surface of bark or smooth animal fur on the Touch Table. TASTE. Sample the sweetness of maple syrup at the Paul Smith’s College sugarhouse tour. Price is Right: FamilyFun.com says New York State’s Adirondack Park offers “memorable settings, lots of activities and a welcoming spirit to parents and children.” By those requirements alone, we’d say the Paul Smiths and Newcomb VICs pass the “FAMILY FUN test.” And by all means, the centers are easy on the wallet. Admission is FREE.

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