Now that the holidays have come to a close and your cabin fever is reaching its peak, you and your little ones are probably eager to bust out of the house and into the snow. Thankfully, New Hampshire really shines this time of year (and not just after a crisp, white snowfall!)
People from all over flock to the Granite State to experience a classic New England winter. The Lakes Region has many ski-worthy mountains, silky smooth skating rinks, winter-walk-ready trails, and more! Spring will be here before you know it; here are 10 of our favorite family-friendly winter activities for you to take advantage of in the Lakes Region this season!
1. Cross-Country Skiing AND Snowshoeing
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are easy to come by all across the state. With the most extensive network of cross-country trails in the East, you have your pick of some of the best places to play in the powder. Gunstock Mountain, King Pine Ski Area, Prescott Farm, and Castle in the Clouds are just a few of our favorites, and each offers trails with varying difficulty so every family member can get in on the fun.
2. downhill skiing
Calling all alpine aficionados! New Hampshire is home to a plethora of scenic mountains and can’t-miss slopes to ski. With gorgeous Lake Winnipesaukee views, Gunstock Mountain features 227 skiable acres and 49 trails — don’t leave without warming up with a cup of hot chocolate at the resort’s Powder Keg Restaurant! In the White Mountains, King Pine Ski Area is an excellent option for first-timers and expert skiers alike, boasting everything from bunny hills to black diamonds. Spread over 250 acres, Ragged Mountain Ski Resort is home to a total of 250 skiable acres of terrain, as well as the state’s only high-speed six-person chairlift. Mount Sunapee in Newbury has a designated learning area for beginners, as well as 66 skiable trails to choose from. Last but certainly not least, Wolfeboro’s Park and Recreation’s Abenaki Ski Area is the oldest community-run ski area in the country and one of the most affordable options for hitting the slopes.
3. Ice Skating
Slide and glide to your heart’s content through the Tohko Dome Ice Skating Rink, located across the street from the King Pine Base Lodge. The outdoor dome welcomes skaters of all levels and ages and features a cozy warming station, so you don’t have to let the chilly temps stop you from skating! Use of the skating rink is included in lift tickets, season passes, and the Skate & Trails ticket, which gives you access to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skating. The Wolfeboro Department of Parks and Recreation also has an indoor facility at the Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center, open from mid-October through March, where residents can hit the ice for $6.
4. Snowmobiling
Frozen lakes and remote hillsides become much more accessible in the colder months, providing an ideal landscape for snowmobiling. Take a guided tour with Northern Extremes Snowmobiling, and explore the Bear Notch snowmobile trail system, a 50-mile, closed-loop trail system complete with four scenic overlooks of Mt Washington and Presidential Range! With over 7,000 miles of trails in the Lakes Region, we guarantee you will be able to find your new favorite!
5. McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Dedicated to the lasting legacy of New Hampshire space pioneers Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard, this two-floor science museum in Concord is home to both permanent and special exhibits on aviation, astronomy, and Earth and space science. General admission tickets are offered Wednesday-Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (hours differ on holidays, school vacation weeks, and in the summer).
6. Sled Dog Races
Have a furry friend in tow for your Lakes Region winter adventures? Mark your calendars for the Sled Dog Races held each February by the Lakes Region Sled Dog Club. This year, the event occurs on February 21, 22, and 23 at Opechee State Forest.
7. prescott farm
A visit to Prescott Farm is a no-brainer when you’re searching for winter activities. The environmental educational center hosts year-round educational programs for all ages, offering hands-on learning experiences for adults and little ones, plus an array of programs sure to interest any nature lover (snowshoe yoga, anyone?). Prescott Farm boasts 160 acres of fields, forest, and gardens, plus more than 3 miles of nature trails to explore. Find a complete list of programs on offer at the Laconia farm from January through March here.
8. Ride the cog railway
Although the Mount Washington State Park summit facilities close during the season in mid-October, you can still take a scenic trip up to the Waumbek Station. Situated at an elevation of about 4000’ in an alpine meadow, you’re bound to experience incredible panoramic views from the southern Presidential Range to the Canadian border. When you reach the station, you have approximately 25 minutes to explore the warming huts, sip on warm beverages, and defrost by the fire pit. The entire trip is about 1 hour long and tickets are available at a reduced fee.
9. hit the arcade
Not in the mood to layer up and explore the outdoors? We don’t blame you — and when you suggest bringing the family to this video arcade instead, they’ll be right on board. The largest arcade in the world, Laconia’s Funspot was founded in 1952 and boasts more than 600 games, a 20-lane bowling center, and an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course. While in Laconia, you’ll also find the American Classic Arcade Museum, where you can play hundreds of coin-operated arcade games and immerse yourself in video game history.
10. new england racing museum
With 23 race cars and 12 race motorcycles on display, the New England Racing Museum is the premier spot for any racing enthusiast. Visitors of this 10,000-square-foot museum in Loudon can explore hundreds of artifacts — from photos to trophies to helmets — all of which tell the history of New England motor racing.
