Family Activities at Lake Winnipesaukee: Unplug, Explore, and Make Lifelong Memories
May 7, 2025
Planning a family vacation to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region? Lake Winnipesaukee is a standout destination—and not just because it’s the largest lake in the state. This iconic lake offers a blend of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and kid-friendly activities that make it easy to spend days (or even weeks) enjoying everything the area has to offer.
Whether you’re staying on the lake or in a nearby town like Wakefield, Wolfeboro, or Meredith, there’s no shortage of things to do with kids, teens, and multi-generational families. In this guide, we’ll cover the best family-friendly activities at Lake Winnipesaukee, plus a few helpful tips to make your trip as smooth and memorable as possible.
Lakefront Adventures for Every Age
Go for a Swim at the Beach
Public beaches around Lake Winnipesaukee offer shallow entry points, clean sand, and calm water perfect for families.
Top Spots:
- Weirs Beach (Laconia): The most popular beach, with a boardwalk, restrooms, and plenty of space for the kids to play.
- Albee Beach (Wolfeboro): Quieter and perfect for families looking for a low-key beach day.
- Ellacoya State Park (Gilford): Features a 600-foot sandy beach with lifeguards and picnic areas.
Bring water shoes, a cooler with snacks, and sand toys—some beaches offer concessions, but not all.
Take a Scenic Boat Ride
If you want to see the lake from a new perspective, a cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington is a must. The narrated cruise runs daily in summer and offers:
- Beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains
- A snack bar and open-air decks
- Family-themed cruises and special events
You can also rent a pontoon boat for a few hours and explore at your own pace. Local marinas in Meredith, Wolfeboro, and Alton Bay offer hourly and daily rentals, with options to include tubes, life jackets, and fishing gear.
Paddle, Pedal, or Sail
Lake Winnipesaukee is perfect for families looking to explore under their own power. Many waterfront areas offer:
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Pedal boats for younger kids
- Sailing lessons for teens or adventurous parents
Wolfeboro and Meredith are great towns to start from, with outfitters that include instruction and gear for all skill levels.
Off-the-Water Family Fun
Explore the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
Hop aboard this relaxing ride along the lake’s western edge, offering short round-trip journeys with great views and fun narration. Kids love the vintage train cars, and adults enjoy the nostalgia. The train departs from Meredith and Weirs Beach, with seasonal events like:
- Fall foliage rides
- Polar Express-style Christmas trips
Mini Golf and Arcades
Looking to keep things light and playful? Spend an evening at one of the local mini golf spots or family arcades.
Popular spots include:
- Funspot (Laconia): One of the world’s largest arcades with video games, pinball, bowling, and indoor mini golf.
- Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf (Weirs Beach): Themed mini golf in a fun pirate setting—great for younger kids.
Visit the Wright Museum of WWII (Wolfeboro)
This isn’t your typical stuffy museum. The Wright Museum is highly interactive and well laid out, with exhibits designed to engage kids and educate all ages about life in America during WWII. Great for a rainy day and surprisingly fun for the whole family.
Stroll the Boardwalk at Weirs Beach
Packed with ice cream stands, bumper boats, souvenir shops, and lakeside restaurants, the boardwalk at Weirs Beach is ideal for an afternoon stroll or post-dinner treat. There’s a public dock where you can watch boats come and go, and the vibe is energetic without being overwhelming.
Seasonal Highlights for Families
Spring:
- Take a quiet hike or walk on one of the many nearby trails.
- Visit a sugarhouse for maple syrup tastings during maple season.
Summer:
- Farmers markets in Wolfeboro and Meredith
- Outdoor concerts and fireworks around the 4th of July
- Water ski shows and weekly family-friendly events
Fall:
- Leaf-peeping boat rides
- Apple picking and corn mazes
- Pumpkin festivals and harvest fairs
Many of these events are just a short drive from towns surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee and can easily be worked into a weekend itinerary.
Tips for a Smooth Family Trip
- Plan Ahead: Summer is the busiest season. Make dinner reservations, boat rentals, and lodging plans early.
- Pack Layers: Even in summer, lake breezes can cool things down fast in the evening.
- Take Breaks: With younger kids, balance busy activity days with quieter mornings at the beach or back at your rental.
- Look Local: Many rental homes, like Belleau Lake Escape, offer quieter stays near Lake Winnipesaukee with easy driving access to all major attractions—often at a better value.
Why Lake Winnipesaukee Is the Perfect Family Destination
What sets Lake Winnipesaukee apart isn’t just the lake—it’s the laid-back energy, natural beauty, and variety of family-focused activities within easy reach. You can fill a week (or two) without ever doing the same thing twice, or keep it simple and just soak up the sun and views.
Whether you’re cruising the lake, hiking with the kids, or playing Skee-Ball after dinner, Lake Winnipesaukee has a way of bringing families together. And that’s what a great vacation is all about.
Looking for a place to stay while you explore the area? Book your trip at Belleau Lake Escape and enjoy the perfect mix of peace, comfort, and easy access to family-friendly fun.
Let me know if you’d like a companion post focused on rainy-day activities, local eats, or a printable itinerary for families!
