Summer is a great time for family vacations, but this is especially true in the Lakes Region where there are exciting activities for all to enjoy! If you’re in need of inspiration for your New Hampshire vacation, look no further than our summer activity list:

Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society 2018 Lecture Series

Embrace the history of New Hampshire and exercise your intellectual side with this free lecture series! These informative talks, ranging in topic from hospitality tourism to steamboats, are given by local experts from the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society and will add new meaning to your overall vacation experience. Check out their upcoming lectures below:

Steamboats of Winnipesaukee | Wednesday, August 22, 7pm

Picturing the Past | Saturday, August 25, 11am

For more information on the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, click here.

 

The Lakes Region Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

This annual outdoor festival is one of the highlights of the summer in the Lakes Region. Featuring works by over 80 artists and craftspeople, it’s a great way to spend the afternoon! Explore the arts and crafts exhibitions, splurge on a wide variety of fine crafts to bring home, or simply enjoy the lively ambience created by quality music, entertainment, and food. Stop by the Meredith Village Shops and Mill Falls Marketplace on August 25-26 to experience a special event for the whole family!

 

New Hampshire Boat Museum

This museum celebrates the unique role that the New Hampshire lakes have played in people’s lives through the ages. While the museum was founded by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, it is certainly an experience anyone can appreciate. The Millie B Boat Tour remains ever popular with its fun, interactive, and informative introduction to Lake Winnipesaukee. It is one of the best ways to gain an appreciation of the region.

 

Weirs Beach

Weirs Beach is the perfect place to spend an entire day with the family! Start the day off with a scenic tour on one of the Mount Washington Cruises’ boats—the M/S Mount Washington, M/V Sophie C., or M/V Doris E. There are many great places in the area for lunch. For example, stop by the ever-popular Town Docks for classic summer favorites like fried seafood plates and burgers. Once you’ve had your fill, visit Daytona Fun Park with the kids, or enjoy a simple stroll down the boardwalk. In the evening, head to the Weirs Beach Drive in Theater for a great movie before closing out your day with a spectacular fireworks display on the beach.

 

NH Motor Speedway

This is the perfect place for thrill seekers and sports fans! NH Motor Speedway is the largest sports facility in New England, hosting major NASCAR races in addition to amateur series events, regional professional racing series, monthly race weekends, and biking competitions.

To view their upcoming events, click here.

 

Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad

If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is a good alternative to a boat tour out on the lake. This railroad travels between Meredith and Lakeport, providing great views of the lakeside resort homes, and of course, Lake Winnipesaukee itself!

 

Polar Caves

Choose your own adventure at Polar Caves in Rumney! Delve into the granite caves to take a trip back in time to the last Ice Age, observe different types of mica minerals as you ascend the Glacial Wall, feed fallow deer in the Animal Parc, or mine for gemstones in the Baker River the way the miners of the gold rush would. This unique destination will leave you with enough fun and memories to last a lifetime!

 

Gunstock Zipline Tours

Calling all adventurers! This exhilarating trip takes you from the summit of Gunstock to Pistol to the Aerial Treetop Course. No experience is required, as the guides will train you to use the equipment before you head out on your journey. Are you ready to soar?

For more information, click here.

 

Mt. Major

Get your hiking boots on! Located in Alton, Mt. Major provides amazing panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee as well as access to the Mt. Major State Forest. This hike is perfect for all experience levels and can be an especially rewarding experience for the whole family.

 

Castle in the Clouds

Castle in the Clouds is a mountaintop mansion in Moultonborough, open daily through October 21. With a 2-mile scenic road that includes breathtaking views of the White Mountains and the Lakes Region, this estate truly lives up to its name!

For more information, click here.

 

White Mountain National Forest

While technically not a part of the Lakes region, it is worth the visit! Featuring clear mountain lakes, majestic hardwood forests, and all-around breathtaking scenery, the White Mountain National Forest is a top New Hampshire attraction. There are also plenty of opportunities for camping, biking, swimming, picnicking, and even fishing!