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Things To Do in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire š (for young families)
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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 5 kids in tow, we know what places are family friendly by...
Map
Sections
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Free Fun
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Places to Eat
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Places to Go
Free Fun
We love a good āfreeā outing. Check out these options that donāt break the bank.
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We love our local libraries. Laconia Library has an awesome childrenās space downstairs. The childrenās librarians are really wonderful at what they do and have curated a lovely space to play and read a book or 5. You do not have to be a resident to ...
Laconia Public Library
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This rail trail is 2 miles out and 2 miles back (or however far you want to go) at minimal elevation gain makes this an easy walk for all ages. The trail boasts that it is handicap accessible too! During the summer, there is a story walk to follow al...
Belmont Branch Trail in Belmont, NH
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Filed Under: Free Things to Do! The Meredith Art Walk is fun for all ages. Leave some room in the budget to end the walk with ice cream at Ben & Jerryās or Town Docks!
To make a day of this, hit the playground just down the street on the other s...
Meredith Sculpture Walk in Meredith, New Hampshire
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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
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Thereās so much you can do here! Itās dog friendly too. Thereās a paved way that takes you across the dam to a gazebo and there is a new playground near the parking lot. There are also multi use trails for hiking and biking. Plus there is a disc golf...
Franklin Falls Dam (Franklin, N.H.), New England District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Places to Eat
Here are my top picks for Lakes Region restaurants and quick stops!
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Donāt sleep in on this awesome breakfast spot! The name is exactly what it sounds like - a play on ābagelsā! Get there early to avoid the lines.
Winnipesaukee Bay Gulls 2
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Fratelloās is a family favorite! We actually had our first date at the Manchester location. ā¤ļø This one is right in Laconia, and there are options for the whole family. Donāt forget to peek at the dessert keeper downstairs to see what is available fo...
Fratellos Italian Grille
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We always get pizza from Lakeside! My husband loves their roast beef sandwiches. š
Lakeside Pizza Belmont
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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
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This is another post church favorite for a quick breakfast or lunch.
Country Cook'n by the Lakeside
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Casalago Cantina offers Mexican food options mixed with some more American menu items - a little something for everyone.
Casa Lago Cantina | Tilton NH
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This little coffee shop is worth the stop! The coffee is great and the bagels are from NY.
Odysea Coffee
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If you are looking for a budget lunch, donāt 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
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South End is another go to for us for takeout. They are especially good on an off weekend day!
South End Pizza & Seafood
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Be sure to check out Sawyerās in Gilford. They make their own ice cream and often have seasonal flavors!
Sawyer's Gilford
Places to Go
Looking for something to do in the Lakes Region of NH?
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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 āoohā and...
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
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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
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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
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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
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Dinner and a movie anyone? Smittyās is a great option for a rainy day.
Smitty's Cinema
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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
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If your family likes mini golf, donāt miss a chance to play right next to the lake!
Weirs Mini Golf
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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
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Wellington is another of our go-to beaches. Thereās also a hiking trail here, as well as a boat launch.
Wellington State Park
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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
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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