The holiday season has officially arrived and the break from work and school feels more needed than ever before. Whether you’re celebrating with a festive feast or just planning lots of time cozied up by the fire, we hope your next few weeks are merry and bright! But, if you’re looking forward to quality time with the whole family, it may be hard to pry everyone away from their shiny new toys. Why not take a trip to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire? We have events, attractions, deals, and more that the whole family will adore. So, get ready to pack everyone up for a week of activities and explorations! Want more? Our events calendar is filled with fun things to see and do, too.
Where to Stay
Who doesn’t love a good deal? After all, savings are especially important once all the holiday gifting bills have been paid. Luckily, the Fairfield Plymouth White Mountains is offering a “Come Home for the Holidays” special now through December 31st. You can save up to 15% on your stay and its location makes it ideal for hitting up the many ski areas the region has to offer (more on snow below).
Snow Day
Let’s work off some of those holiday sweets and treats by hitting the slopes! The Lakes Region and White Mountains have a number of winter resorts ready to host you (Ragged Mountain, Gunstock Mountain Resort, King Pine Ski Area, Attitash Mountain Resort, and Wildcat Mountain just to name a few). Skiing or snowboarding not your speed? Don’t worry, all of our local resorts and mountains have activities for all ages and skill levels including ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and more! From the grandparents down to the toddlers, everyone can get out and get active—followed by generous mugs of hot cocoa, of course.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of winter sports, you might be looking for a more relaxed outdoor activity to keep you occupied. We’d recommend a hike or bike down one of our many trails. If you’re looking for a very diverse range of sites and attractions along your path, check out the Northern Rail Trail. Along the route, you’ll find a landscape of historic covered bridges, sustainable farms, orchards, and horse and alpaca farms—not to mention lakes and streams all blanketed in stunning snow and ice. Discover a plethora of wildlife along the rail trail routes along with historic places situated in quaint and vibrant New England towns reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell scene. The four-season trail has been completed from Lebanon, NH through Grafton, NH and Danbury, Andover to Depot Street in Franklin.
Indoor Activities
It wouldn’t be winter in New England without the occasional snow, rain, or sleet storm. It’s always good to have some warm places on your must-visit list in case the weather turns, or just because!
A stay at Steele Hill Resort will give you access to their two indoor pools as well as a plethora of fun activities the whole family will love like walking trails, sledding hills, campfires by the pond, ping pong competitions, and more!
For a day of play, head on over to Funspot. With over 600 games (including 300 classic arcade games that are sure to make mom and dad feel like kids again), Funspot is hailed as the biggest arcade in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records. Along with its never-ending pinball options, this Weirs Beach landmark since 1952 boasts 20 lanes of 10-pin or candlepin bowling, as well as an indoor mini-golf course.
Looking for a combination of activities you just won’t find anywhere else? Head on over to White Lake Speedway! This family fun center offers go-kart racing, laser bowling, and a game room home to arcade entertainment and massage chairs (for family members who want to take it easy). They even have a laser tag arena that features multiple gameplay experiences and DMX game-controlled LED lighting.
If your family is dying to see the latest blockbuster, you can take are of dinner and a movie in one stop at Smitty’s Cinema. This dine-in theater offers seating 30-60 minutes before each show time so you have time to order your dinner (and dessert) before the movie starts. Their kid-friendly menu is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters!