Destination New Hampshire: Family Fun in the Lakes Region
August 28, 2008
Filed under Destinations
The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is a glorious spot for a summer or fall vacation. Visitors flock to towns like Weirs Beach, Laconia and Wolfeboro to swim, boat and fish on Lake Winnipesaukee, the state’s largest lake.
Naturally the giant body of water and acres of sandy shoreline provide plenty of entertainment for the kids. But there is a whole host of man-made attractions to keep kids occupied, too:
Weirs Beach Boardwalk
Lots of old-fashioned fun at this historic resort area on the lake, such as bumper cars, skee-ball, mini-golf and arcade games. Kids love the four twisting and turning rides at Weirs Beach Water Slide – each is rated beginner to expert, so you can choose how thrilling you’d like your ride to be. Don’t miss the local favorite food: fried dough is a huge disc of doughy goodness topped off with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or butter – or all three!
M/S Mount Washington Cruises
Take a scenic tour around Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the majestic, historic, 230-foot M/S Mount Washington. The M/S Mount Washington picks up and drops off passengers for two- and three-hour cruises at five different ports of call around the lake: Weirs Beach (the Mount’s home port), Wolfeboro, Alton Bay, Center Harbor, and Meredith. Evening cruises include Tuesday “Family Night,” where each child under 13 cruises for free with a paying adult.
Funspot Arcade
This giant arcade in Meredith claims to be the largest arcade in the world. With hundreds of classic pinball and video games, a bowling alley, mini golf and much more all under one roof, it just could indeed be the world’s biggest. On a rainy day in summer, the arcade is absolutely packed, but if you don’t mind crowds, children love spending your money here.
Winnipesauke Scenic Railroad
Little train lovers will appreciate this scenic excursion along the rails that skirts Lake Winnipesauke. Sit back and enjoy the scenery out the large picture windows in your car. Or pay a bit extra to perch in the cupola of the caboose. In September and October, the railroad runs fall foliage trips through the White Mountains, so participants can relax (instead of navigating the wheels of their own cards) and enjoy the stunning colors of the changing leaves.
