Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Things To Do in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire 🍁 (for young families)
20
items The Lakes Region of NH is a busy place for NH visitors! Here are some of our favorite places to go. We are in the southern end of the Lakes Region so my recommendations will reflect that. With 4 kids in tow, we know what places are family friendly by...
Map
Sections
2
Places to Eat
Places to Go
Places to Eat
Here are my top picks for Lakes Region restaurants and quick stops!
Don’t sleep in on this awesome breakfast spot! The name is exactly what it sounds like - a play on “bagels”! Get there early to avoid the lines.
Winnipesaukee Bay Gulls 2
Fratello’s is a family favorite! We actually had our first date at the Manchester location. ❤️ This one is right in Laconia, and there are options for the whole family. Don’t forget to peek at the dessert keeper downstairs to see what is available fo...
Fratellos Italian Grille
We always get pizza from Lakeside! My husband loves their roast beef sandwiches. 😋
Lakeside Pizza Belmont
Beans and Greens is a fun little stop. They have a farm store, a deli, prepared foods, a beer garden and more! We like to get sandwiches here after church on Sundays. There is a play area for the kids while you wait.
Family Farm Fun | Beans & Greens Farm | Gilford
This is another post church favorite for a quick breakfast or lunch.
Country Cook'n by the Lakeside
Casalago Cantina offers Mexican food options mixed with some more American menu items - a little something for everyone.
Casa Lago Cantina | Tilton NH
This little coffee shop is worth the stop! The coffee is great and the bagels are from NY.
Odysea Coffee
If you are looking for a budget lunch, don’t forget about the food counter at Market Basket!! Many options are made to order. Our family loves MB sub sandwiches, sushi, and chicken tenders in particular!
Market Basket
Places to Go
Looking for something to do in the Lakes Region of NH?
If you are an outdoor loving family looking for a low pressure activity, check out the Squam Lake Natural Science Center! In addition to the Exhibit Trail, there are additional hiking trails on the property as well. Bring a picnic lunch and “ooh” and...
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Funspot is a traditional arcade with 3 floors of games and fun for the whole family. I advise you to bring cash for the coin machines and plan on staying a couple of hours to see it all.
Funspot
Ellacoya State Park is a great place to stop for a picnic lunch even out of season. Park outside of the gate, pay at the Iron Ranger, and enjoy the sights of Lake Winnipesaukee and the mountains beyond. On a clear day, you can see Mount Washington! T...
Ellacoya State Park
The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is a fun one for any train lovers! Bring snacks or a lunch and enjoy the trip from Meredith to Laconia and back. There are a couple of options for train rides along this same track.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
Dinner and a movie anyone? Smitty’s is a great option for a rainy day.
Smitty's Cinema
If you are looking for a different kind of church service, check out Alpine church on the summit of Gunstock Mountain! Climb to church via the hiking trails, or take the chairlift for a small fee per person. Tell the ticket booth attendants that you ...
Alpine Church
Lockes Hill is a just under 2 mile hike through the woods of Gilford, NH. There are multiple scenic overlooks of Lake Winnipesaukee, and on a clear-skied day you will hear and perhaps see small airplanes overhead coming in and out of Laconia Airport....
Lockes Hill Trail, New Hampshire
If your family likes mini golf, don’t miss a chance to play right next to the lake!
Weirs Mini Golf
Twin Designs Gift Shop is a cute little store nestled in the village of Bristol, NH. They have all kinds of kids toys, local made goods, souvenirs and more. They even have a special resident - Diane the Turtle!
TwinDesigns Gift Shop
Wellington is another of our go-to beaches. There’s also a hiking trail here, as well as a boat launch.
Wellington State Park
This one may be suited better for older children, but the Wright Museum is a must stop for any WWII history buff!
Wright Museum of World War II
Go skiing or snowboarding at Gunstock! There is also some year round activities here, like the mountain coaster and zip lining. Take note of seasonal closures and small children are not allowed on the chairlift.
Gunstock Mountain Resort