My children believe that every day is Adirondack Kids Day. There is certainly enough for them to do around the Adirondack Park to make them feel that way. Though they may think every day is about them, there is only one official Adirondack Kids Day. It takes place on the first Saturday in October in Inlet, New York.

My family participates in a lot of events and activities throughout the Adirondack Park. Autumn is no exception. We enjoy harvest celebrations and  catching views with the leaves in full color. Our draw to be part of Adirondack Kids Day is its unique blending of meeting local children’s book authors and illustrators, and outdoor recreation experts.

Adirondack Kids Day kicked off eight years ago as an idea from Gary VanRiper, co-author of the popular Adirondack Kids children’s book series. The event’s focus remains the same as it did when the Town of Inlet, Kiwanis of the Central Adirondacks, and other local Inlet businesses brainstormed ways to get children away from video games and out exploring. Now Adirondack Kids Day continues to provide a day full of free activities showcasing all that Inlet has to offer.

French Louie ADK Sports provides all equipment for the annual Catch and Release Kids Fishing Derby with the help of the Inlet Area Business Association. Open to all children 12 and under and accompanied by an adult, the Fishing Derby is a wonderful way to introduce children to the sport of fishing. A boat ride is provided through the channel at Arrowhead Park to the dock at Fifth Lake. Prizes are awards, but contestants must be present at the 3 pm award ceremony to win.

For looking for a local hiking challenge, there will be a booth with information about the Fulton Chain Trifecta, Inlet Outdoor Family Challenge, and Hikes 4 Tykes.

Some other activities available throughout the day are the Adirondack Outdoor Expeditions knot-tying workshops; Mark Manske and his Adirondack Raptors (11 am to noon); Jim Oakley’s magic shows (11 to 11:30 am and 1 to 1:30 pm); my family’s own Adirondack Family Time balloon animals and metal stamping craft (10 to 11:30 am); and an Adirondack ABC’s artist workshop (10 am to noon). Children can enjoy the petting zoo with llamas, face painting, horseback riding, and the Inlet Community Church bounce house. The highlight of the event is the Children’s Authors and Illustrators Book Fair from 1 to 3 pm.

Adirondack Kids Day takes place this October 5 from 10 am to 3 pm with headquarters at Chambers Commons, near the Adirondack Reader and French Louie ADK Sports. Other events and activities are located at Arrowhead Park, Inlet Town Hall, and the Inlet Library.

Adirondack Kids Day photo used with the permission of Diane Chase, AdirondackFamilyTime.com