Kid Friendly activities

Vicisam · 07-13-2016, 08:00 AM

Hi all,

We are visiting family that lives in Meredith this August and looking to compile a bucket list of things to do with my two children 4 and 2. We have done weirs, Fun spot, children's museum in Meredith, loon center on previous visits. We like to be outdoors so easy hiking trails, playgrounds, parks, beaches..open to all suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

AC2717 · 07-13-2016, 08:37 AM

Locke's Hill hike is a great one, just did it with a 10 year old, a 4 year old and a two year old, with the 2 year old walking about 50% of it believe it or not
we had a snack at the handmade rock chairs overlooking the lake

DBreskin · 07-13-2016, 08:41 AM

The Libby Museum in Wolfeboro is great for young kids, especially on a rainy day.

thinkxingu · 07-13-2016, 08:46 AM

On the Meredith/Center Harbor side of the lake:

The Center Harbor public beach/docks/playground is a great place to play and have a picnic--beautiful scenery, lots to look at, clean, and, most importantly, bathrooms!

A short drive will get you to Beede's Falls for a (very) short hike and, if you like, the Sandwich Creamery for ice cream.

Also check out Chamberlain-Reynolds Forest--great little network of trails that brings you along Squam Lake and includes a fun swamp walk.

A couple other things: the Loon Conservation place, the Squam Lake Science Center, the sculpture walk in Meredith, and Abenaki Tower in Tuftonboro.

Phew, that's a lotta stuff!

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thinkxingu · 07-13-2016, 08:50 AM

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

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MeredithMan · 07-13-2016, 08:56 AM

Awesome playground that was entirely rebuilt/replaced last year. My kids loved it from the time they could walk to their "tween" years. . Best part is there are no tourists, so keep it quiet!!

Crickets · 07-13-2016, 09:05 AM

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center's trails and animal exhibits (in Holderness), Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, mini golf (various places), ice cream at Flurries or Town Docks, lots of nearby beaches for swimming. West Rattlesnake Mountain (also in Holderness) is a good, short hike (with a great view) if you have small children.

Peter · 07-13-2016, 09:45 AM

We just had a great time hiking the trails just past the Castle in the Clouds entrance. About a 1/2 hour hike up to the fish pond where they can feed the fish. Wonderful side trails to some waterfalls!

songkrai · 07-13-2016, 09:48 AM

I can't remember that far back.

There used to be gondolas to go up mountain in North Conway. Still remember those rides.
Also the train at Mount Washington.
And if taking that train - take lunch at the restaurant at the Mount Washington Hotel. Ground floor - regular restaurant - with regular prices. Not the main dining room.

At this age for the kids I don't think that much matters. Just keep them occupied.
Check any and all state parks and have a picnic. Some parks have waterfront/swimming.

Not sure if the train is still going in Meredith. Nice train ride if possible.
There is also the train in North Conway. May need reservations for that one.

Visit some of the local restaurants for breakfast. Then take a ride in any direction.

Good Luck.

hd333 · 07-13-2016, 09:56 AM

Gunstock adventure park.

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noreast · 07-13-2016, 10:18 AM

Another vote for Squam lake science center, I don't remember what it's like to have a 2 year old, but that place is great, and use to be a mostly shaded walk. Short drive to the coast for Ordione point near Portsmouth Plus other stuff in town. Enjoy!

jbolty · 07-13-2016, 10:24 AM

Clark's Trading Post. A classic for over 80 years

http://www.clarkstradingpost.com/

camp guy · 07-13-2016, 11:02 AM

In Wolfeboro you could take them for a ride on the Millie B speedboat. This triple-cockpit is based at the Town dock. At their age, the children won't really understand the narration, but if you ride in the third seat (in the way-back) with a child on either side of you, they will get a thrill out of the vroom vroom noise, the spray (not too much), and the feeling of going really fast (not that fast). This is an "experience" ride they will enjoy even more than they realize it. This is information based on what I heard when my wife took two grandchildren about the same age - they all had a ball.

FarmLife · 07-13-2016, 11:15 AM

We are lucky to have so many family friendly activities available in the Lakes Region

.

For those interested in the Sculpture Walk, I wanted to share some links to more info.

This links to the walking map online so that you can take the walk any time: http://greatermeredithprogram.com/map. There are also brochures in kiosks along the walk.

This links to the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MeredithSculptureWalk

This links to info about guided tours:http://greatermeredithprogram.com/guided-tours

Hope you enjoy it as much as we have!

Descant · 07-13-2016, 11:31 AM

Belknap Mtn Fire Tower
Kellerhaus
Do Weirs and Funspot, etc. again. Kids like familiar, too.
When was the last time you took them to a fire station?
Pick one that you do every year as a family "Tradition"

Vicisam · 07-13-2016, 12:31 PM

Thank you all so much for the wonderful suggestions!! I will add them all to my list!

So glad I found and joined this great forum

ghfromaltonbay · 07-13-2016, 09:24 PM

My young nephews always enjoyed a visit to Klickety-Klack Railroad in Wolfeboro on Rt. 109A. There is a large layout of model trains with all the scenery. The kids can run the controls. If you are headed to Wolfeboro for any other sites such as the Libby Museum, this may be another stop that kids would like. They have a website.

wobbelbill · 07-14-2016, 06:09 AM

Might want to call Klickety-Klack RR first as there's a going out of business ad in local paper the wife picked up today. (If you'll be around soon and have an interest in model railroading they're having a 30% off sale!)

donmac · 07-14-2016, 07:31 AM

Don't forget the lake.

We just had a 4 year old and a 18 month old visiting for a few days.

If you have access to a boat, the 4 year old may enjoy slow tubing (with mom or dad), "driving" the boat (on captain's knee), or learning to cast and catch fish both from boat/dock/shore. The 18 month old enjoyed watching all of the above.

Not sure if anyone mentioned it, but there is a family circus setup at Faro's at the Weirs - have not been, but it may be entertaining for the young ones.

dt5150 · 07-14-2016, 09:19 AM

i'd highly recommend santa's village. we just took our kids there 2 weeks ago, they absolutely love it there. we do the rides and the main park until about 3 or 4, and then let them go at it in the water park. that's their favorite part. $31 a head, under 3 is free. oh, and get some of the mini donuts... they're fantastic

ChasesIslandOkie · 07-14-2016, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter

We just had a great time hiking the trails just past the Castle in the Clouds entrance. About a 1/2 hour hike up to the fish pond where they can feed the fish. Wonderful side trails to some waterfalls!

Is admission required to do this?

jbolty · 07-14-2016, 10:26 AM

Santa's Village reminds me of Storyland in Glen.

All across America there were hundreds of places that sprang up in the 40s and 50s to take advantage of people traveling by car. Tiny amusement parks, odd buildings and quirky little museums. PBS has had a couple of good documentaries about them over the years.

http://www.wqed.org/tv/sebak/amusement/index.php

http://www.wqed.org/tv/sebak/unusual/index.php

Most of them disappeared when the interstate highways took over but in New England there are a fair amount of them still left and thriving after all these years.

Santa's Village, Storyland and Clark's are some great examples of time gone by. Many, many years ago Storyland employees used to go through the parking lot and put little signs on all the car bumpers with a wire twist. It was a amazing how many cars you would see driving all over the state with those things on, until they blew off eventually.

DickR · 07-14-2016, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasesIslandOkie

Is admission required to do this?

If you go up Ossipee Park Road (not Ossipee Mountain Rd) to the north of the main Castle in The Clouds entrance on rte 171, you will find a hiker parking lot outside the gate, no entry fee. Walk past the gate, and just over the hill is the fish pond. The trail up Mt. Roberts (2.5 miles, but great views) starts to the left, first following the edge of a horse pasture. Off the right rear (southeast) of the pond is the start of one of the trails that provide very easy walking up into the woods and eventually going all over the property around the west side of the Ossipee mountains. A trail map is posted by the pond where the trail starts.

Vicisam · 07-14-2016, 11:40 AM

We did santas village over Thanksgiving week last year. Very fun! They enjoyed it.

jbolty · 07-14-2016, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicisam

We did santas village over Thanksgiving week last year. Very fun! They enjoyed it.

Do they still make the little ring from a horseshoe nail? I still have mine from 50 years ago.

Vicisam · 07-14-2016, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbolty

Do they still make the little ring from a horseshoe nail? I still have mine from 50 years ago.

Yep, they sure do! Lol!

chasedawg · 07-14-2016, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camp guy

In Wolfeboro you could take them for a ride on the Millie B speedboat. This triple-cockpit is based at the Town dock. At their age, the children won't really understand the narration, but if you ride in the third seat (in the way-back) with a child on either side of you, they will get a thrill out of the vroom vroom noise, the spray (not too much), and the feeling of going really fast (not that fast). This is an "experience" ride they will enjoy even more than they realize it. This is information based on what I heard when my wife took two grandchildren about the same age - they all had a ball.

I also recommend the MIllie B. As a past Captain we had kids of all ages ride with us. Also while you are in Wolfeboro a MUST STOP TO SEE is the Klickety Klack Railroad. It is a very large display with all kinds of HBO model trains. The kids can actually run the trains. This is perfect for all ages. Parents will love it too. One of the best kept secrets in the Lakes Region. You can get a sample of what is like by going to Youtube and search for Kiickety Klack Railroad. Enjoy.

ericnh · 07-15-2016, 05:55 AM

Amazing place for kids with live animal exhibits (bears, mountain lions, otters, bald eagle and more) as well as play areas. Only !5 minutes from Meredith. http://www.nhnature.org

michael yopp · 07-15-2016, 07:30 AM

Have you gone on the tram at cannon mtn. This is awesome, have been skiing there since I was five. also there is a company on RT 49 on the way to water villve valley called ski fanatic's. They will bring you and others up river with canoe's and let you off and pick you up at end of trip. Don't for get to bring lunch, yes you can fish.
Michael

We are visiting family that lives in Meredith this August and looking to compile a bucket list of things to do with my two children 4 and 2. We have done weirs, Fun spot, children's museum in Meredith, loon center on previous visits. We like to be outdoors so easy hiking trails, playgrounds, parks, beaches..open to all suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

LuvLake · 07-15-2016, 07:48 AM

I would also recommend Squam Lake Science Center and Gunstock Adventure Park.

Lakeboater · 07-15-2016, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeredithMan

Awesome playground that was entirely rebuilt/replaced last year. My kids loved it from the time they could walk to their "tween" years. . Best part is there are no tourists, so keep it quiet!!

The Imagination Station at Gilford Elementary School is temporarily closed. The dates listed in The Sun Public Notice are from July 11th to Friday August 26th.

Mr. V · 07-15-2016, 11:13 AM

I plan to take my two year old grandson (and his parents) to Ellacoya state beach this August when we visit the big lake.

Nice, big beach, and the lake has a sandy bottom, shelves off very gradually so he can walk and splash in the water for a bit before it gets too deep.

07-13-2016, 08:00 AM	#1
Vicisam Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Kid Friendly activities Hi all, We are visiting family that lives in Meredith this August and looking to compile a bucket list of things to do with my two children 4 and 2. We have done weirs, Fun spot, children's museum in Meredith, loon center on previous visits. We like to be outdoors so easy hiking trails, playgrounds, parks, beaches..open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance!

07-13-2016, 08:37 AM	#2
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,580 Thanks: 755 Thanked 355 Times in 267 Posts	Locke's Hill hike is a great one, just did it with a 10 year old, a 4 year old and a two year old, with the 2 year old walking about 50% of it believe it or not we had a snack at the handmade rock chairs overlooking the lake __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

07-13-2016, 08:56 AM	#6
MeredithMan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bedford, NH; Meredith, NH Posts: 957 Thanks: 263 Thanked 818 Times in 335 Posts	Imagination Station Playground in Gilford Awesome playground that was entirely rebuilt/replaced last year. My kids loved it from the time they could walk to their "tween" years. . Best part is there are no tourists, so keep it quiet!!

07-13-2016, 09:45 AM	#8
Peter Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Windham, NH Posts: 69 Thanks: 8 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Castle in the Cloud hiking trails We just had a great time hiking the trails just past the Castle in the Clouds entrance. About a 1/2 hour hike up to the fish pond where they can feed the fish. Wonderful side trails to some waterfalls!

07-13-2016, 11:02 AM	#13
camp guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: formerly Winter Harbor, still Wolfeboro Posts: 1,191 Thanks: 302 Thanked 528 Times in 295 Posts	Kid friendly activities In Wolfeboro you could take them for a ride on the Millie B speedboat. This triple-cockpit is based at the Town dock. At their age, the children won't really understand the narration, but if you ride in the third seat (in the way-back) with a child on either side of you, they will get a thrill out of the vroom vroom noise, the spray (not too much), and the feeling of going really fast (not that fast). This is an "experience" ride they will enjoy even more than they realize it. This is information based on what I heard when my wife took two grandchildren about the same age - they all had a ball.

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LucyLou (07-14-2016)

07-13-2016, 08:41 AM	#3
DBreskin Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Wolfeboro NH Posts: 283 Thanks: 143 Thanked 121 Times in 76 Posts	The Libby Museum in Wolfeboro is great for young kids, especially on a rainy day.

07-13-2016, 08:46 AM	#4
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,303 Thanks: 1,174 Thanked 2,091 Times in 1,294 Posts	On the Meredith/Center Harbor side of the lake: The Center Harbor public beach/docks/playground is a great place to play and have a picnic--beautiful scenery, lots to look at, clean, and, most importantly, bathrooms! A short drive will get you to Beede's Falls for a (very) short hike and, if you like, the Sandwich Creamery for ice cream. Also check out Chamberlain-Reynolds Forest--great little network of trails that brings you along Squam Lake and includes a fun swamp walk. A couple other things: the Loon Conservation place, the Squam Lake Science Center, the sculpture walk in Meredith, and Abenaki Tower in Tuftonboro. Phew, that's a lotta stuff! Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

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FarmLife (07-13-2016), KeepItSimple (07-13-2016)

07-13-2016, 08:50 AM	#5
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,303 Thanks: 1,174 Thanked 2,091 Times in 1,294 Posts	Oh, and welcome to the forum! Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

07-13-2016, 09:05 AM	#7
Crickets Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Meredith Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Squam Lakes Natural Science Center's trails and animal exhibits (in Holderness), Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, mini golf (various places), ice cream at Flurries or Town Docks, lots of nearby beaches for swimming. West Rattlesnake Mountain (also in Holderness) is a good, short hike (with a great view) if you have small children.

07-13-2016, 09:48 AM	#9
songkrai Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 733 Thanks: 35 Thanked 147 Times in 99 Posts	I can't remember that far back. There used to be gondolas to go up mountain in North Conway. Still remember those rides. Also the train at Mount Washington. And if taking that train - take lunch at the restaurant at the Mount Washington Hotel. Ground floor - regular restaurant - with regular prices. Not the main dining room. At this age for the kids I don't think that much matters. Just keep them occupied. Check any and all state parks and have a picnic. Some parks have waterfront/swimming. Not sure if the train is still going in Meredith. Nice train ride if possible. There is also the train in North Conway. May need reservations for that one. Visit some of the local restaurants for breakfast. Then take a ride in any direction. Good Luck.

07-13-2016, 09:56 AM	#10
hd333 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 143 Thanks: 16 Thanked 48 Times in 29 Posts	Gunstock adventure park. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

07-13-2016, 10:18 AM	#11
noreast Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 648 Thanks: 316 Thanked 120 Times in 93 Posts	Another vote for Squam lake science center, I don't remember what it's like to have a 2 year old, but that place is great, and use to be a mostly shaded walk. Short drive to the coast for Ordione point near Portsmouth Plus other stuff in town. Enjoy!

07-13-2016, 10:24 AM	#12
jbolty Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 665 Thanks: 320 Thanked 252 Times in 151 Posts	Clark's Trading Post. A classic for over 80 years http://www.clarkstradingpost.com/

07-13-2016, 11:15 AM	#14
FarmLife Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 6 Thanks: 8 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Another plug for the Meredith Sculpture Walk We are lucky to have so many family friendly activities available in the Lakes Region . For those interested in the Sculpture Walk, I wanted to share some links to more info. This links to the walking map online so that you can take the walk any time: http://greatermeredithprogram.com/map. There are also brochures in kiosks along the walk. This links to the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MeredithSculptureWalk This links to info about guided tours:http://greatermeredithprogram.com/guided-tours Hope you enjoy it as much as we have!

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thinkxingu (07-13-2016)

07-13-2016, 11:31 AM	#15
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,399 Thanks: 1,360 Thanked 1,632 Times in 1,064 Posts	Short hike Belknap Mtn Fire Tower Kellerhaus Do Weirs and Funspot, etc. again. Kids like familiar, too. When was the last time you took them to a fire station? Pick one that you do every year as a family "Tradition"

07-13-2016, 12:31 PM	#16
Vicisam Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you all so much for the wonderful suggestions!! I will add them all to my list! So glad I found and joined this great forum

07-13-2016, 09:24 PM	#17
ghfromaltonbay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clifton, NJ, Alton Bay Posts: 829 Thanks: 255 Thanked 225 Times in 131 Posts	Klickety-Klack Railroad My young nephews always enjoyed a visit to Klickety-Klack Railroad in Wolfeboro on Rt. 109A. There is a large layout of model trains with all the scenery. The kids can run the controls. If you are headed to Wolfeboro for any other sites such as the Libby Museum, this may be another stop that kids would like. They have a website.

07-14-2016, 06:09 AM	#18
wobbelbill Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 36 Thanks: 85 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Might want to call Klickety-Klack RR first as there's a going out of business ad in local paper the wife picked up today. (If you'll be around soon and have an interest in model railroading they're having a 30% off sale!)

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ghfromaltonbay (07-14-2016)

07-14-2016, 07:31 AM	#19
donmac Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 47 Thanks: 17 Thanked 12 Times in 9 Posts	Don't forget the lake. We just had a 4 year old and a 18 month old visiting for a few days. If you have access to a boat, the 4 year old may enjoy slow tubing (with mom or dad), "driving" the boat (on captain's knee), or learning to cast and catch fish both from boat/dock/shore. The 18 month old enjoyed watching all of the above. Not sure if anyone mentioned it, but there is a family circus setup at Faro's at the Weirs - have not been, but it may be entertaining for the young ones. __________________ 'Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING— absolute nothing— half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.'

07-14-2016, 09:19 AM	#20
dt5150 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 401 Thanks: 4 Thanked 107 Times in 72 Posts	i'd highly recommend santa's village. we just took our kids there 2 weeks ago, they absolutely love it there. we do the rides and the main park until about 3 or 4, and then let them go at it in the water park. that's their favorite part. $31 a head, under 3 is free. oh, and get some of the mini donuts... they're fantastic

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thinkxingu (07-14-2016)

07-14-2016, 10:26 AM	#22
jbolty Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 665 Thanks: 320 Thanked 252 Times in 151 Posts	Santa's Village reminds me of Storyland in Glen. All across America there were hundreds of places that sprang up in the 40s and 50s to take advantage of people traveling by car. Tiny amusement parks, odd buildings and quirky little museums. PBS has had a couple of good documentaries about them over the years. http://www.wqed.org/tv/sebak/amusement/index.php http://www.wqed.org/tv/sebak/unusual/index.php Most of them disappeared when the interstate highways took over but in New England there are a fair amount of them still left and thriving after all these years. Santa's Village, Storyland and Clark's are some great examples of time gone by. Many, many years ago Storyland employees used to go through the parking lot and put little signs on all the car bumpers with a wire twist. It was a amazing how many cars you would see driving all over the state with those things on, until they blew off eventually.

07-14-2016, 11:40 AM	#24
Vicisam Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	We did santas village over Thanksgiving week last year. Very fun! They enjoyed it.

07-15-2016, 05:55 AM	#28
ericnh Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 96 Thanks: 18 Thanked 120 Times in 37 Posts	Squam Lake Natural Science Center is top rated Amazing place for kids with live animal exhibits (bears, mountain lions, otters, bald eagle and more) as well as play areas. Only !5 minutes from Meredith. http://www.nhnature.org

07-15-2016, 07:30 AM	#29
michael yopp Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: pelham,n.h. Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Things to do !!! Have you gone on the tram at cannon mtn. This is awesome, have been skiing there since I was five. also there is a company on RT 49 on the way to water villve valley called ski fanatic's. They will bring you and others up river with canoe's and let you off and pick you up at end of trip. Don't for get to bring lunch, yes you can fish. Michael We are visiting family that lives in Meredith this August and looking to compile a bucket list of things to do with my two children 4 and 2. We have done weirs, Fun spot, children's museum in Meredith, loon center on previous visits. We like to be outdoors so easy hiking trails, playgrounds, parks, beaches..open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance!

07-15-2016, 07:48 AM	#30
LuvLake Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 19 Thanks: 4 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	I would also recommend Squam Lake Science Center and Gunstock Adventure Park.

07-15-2016, 11:13 AM	#32
Mr. V Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: the left coast (Portland)and West Alton Posts: 1,415 Thanks: 65 Thanked 260 Times in 178 Posts	I plan to take my two year old grandson (and his parents) to Ellacoya state beach this August when we visit the big lake. Nice, big beach, and the lake has a sandy bottom, shelves off very gradually so he can walk and splash in the water for a bit before it gets too deep.