The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is the perfect place to go for a summer getaway. The area gets its name from the four lakes which are surrounded by lush green forests. There’s plenty to do for the whole family, from hanging out at the beach and hiking to checking out the local history. Keep reading below for ideas on how to spend a truly memorable vacation in the Lakes Region:
1. Alpine Adventures Outdoor Recreation in Lincoln
If you want to get the heart pumping, then head to Alpine Adventures Outdoor Recreation in Lincoln. This park offers more than three miles of ziplines to fly through, an aerial park with bridges and cargo nets and a treehouse. People who are feeling even more adventurous can try being launched from a ramp into a giant air bag.
2. American Classic Arcade Museum at Weirs Beach
Visitors looking for indoor fun should check out the American Classic Arcade Museum at Weirs Beach. This museum has more than 250 games, from Pac Man and Frogger to pinball. There are also a few rare games to try, such as Atari’s Cloak and Dagger and Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator by Sega. Head to the museum on Tuesdays for their competitive Bingo nights where people can win cash prizes.
3. Gunstock Mountain
Also a popular winter destination, Gunstock Mountain is a great place to go with the family or a group of friends for a weekend trip. The mountain has about 31 miles of bike trails at all levels of difficulty and hiking trails with views of Lake Winnipesaukee and Mount Washington. It also has an adventure park with zip lines and a roller coaster that winds through the mountainside. Visitors can rough it in a tent or book a cabin for the weekend.
4. Visit a Winery Nearby
Adults visiting the Lakes Region should make time to visit one of the many wineries in the area. Try a glass of red or white while enjoying panoramic lake and mountain views at Haunting Whisper Vineyards in Danbury. People who want a bite to eat with their brews should take a drive to try Hobbs Tavern & Brewing Company in West Ossipee. Food options include the classic Hobbs meatloaf and marinated steak tips.
5. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness
The best place to hear everything that chirps and roars is the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness. This zoo offers a live animal exhibit trail which takes visitors past bobcats, mountain lions, river otters and owls. Visitors can also take a cruise on Squam Lake and look out for bald eagles in their nests.
6. Art Escape in Laconia
Get inspired during your Lakes Region stay with a trip to Art Escape. This studio offers a variety of art classes, such as pottery wheel and fused glass, where people can create pieces to take home the same day. The studio also has paint and sip classes in the evenings for adults and painting parties for families with children.
7. Belknap Mill in Laconia
Belknap Mill is a great place for learning more about the local history. Located in Laconia, this place is the oldest, unaltered brick textile mill in the nation. Visitors can take a tour of either the Hosiery Museum or the Powerhouse Museum, which displays the uses of hydro-power in the region. Afterwards, people can take a stroll on the Riverwalk and learn more about the history of Laconia.
8. Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee
Soak up the sun with a trip to Weirs Beach. Located right along Lake Winnipesaukee, this beach has a hoppin’ boardwalk, mini golf, and shopping. There are plenty of fun water activities, from fishing to scuba diving past old shipwrecks. During the summer the drive-in theater opens, playing blockbuster hits such as Disney’s “Aladdin,” and “Avengers: Endgame.”
9. Santa’s Village in Jefferson
It doesn’t have to be Christmas to enjoy a trip to Santa’s Village. This Jefferson theme park has a water park and rides, including a Christmas-themed Ferris wheel. Younger kids will enjoy a spin around the reindeer carousel, and the older ones will have a blast on the Yule Log flume. The theme park also has live entertainment and a Christmas light show where bright lights blink along to classic holiday tunes.
