How to Keep Kids Entertained on a Rainy Day in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region
May 23, 2025
Rainy days are bound to pop up during a vacation—especially in New England. But that doesn’t mean your trip to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire needs to come to a halt. Whether you’re staying in a cozy lakefront cabin, like Belleau Lake Escape, or renting a home near towns like Wolfeboro, Ossipee, or Meredith, there are plenty of ways to keep the kids busy and happy when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
In fact, a rainy day can be the perfect excuse to slow down, explore local indoor favorites, or try something new together as a family.
Make the Cabin Part of the Fun
If you’re staying in a vacation rental, a rainy day doesn’t have to mean cabin fever. With a little creativity, staying inside can feel like an adventure of its own.
Create an Indoor Campout– Build blanket forts, string up twinkle lights, and turn the living room into a “campsite.” Break out flashlights, tell silly stories, and enjoy snacks like popcorn or s’mores made in the oven.
Family Game Tournament– Most cabins stock a few board games—but bringing your own favorites (or a deck of cards) can go a long way. Create a scoreboard and rotate through games like Uno, Go Fish, Jenga, or charades. Let the winner pick dinner or dessert.
Rainy Day Movie Marathon– Bring a laptop or streaming stick and plan a movie marathon. Choose a theme—adventure, animals, classics—and let each kid pick a movie. Don’t forget the blankets and a big bowl of popcorn.
Indoor Craft Station– Pack a small “just in case” kit with coloring books, crayons, glue sticks, and construction paper. Or pick up supplies locally and create keepsakes like hand-painted rocks, pressed-leaf bookmarks, or nature journals.
Explore Local Indoor Attractions
If you want to get out of the cabin for a few hours, there are plenty of indoor attractions around the Lakes Region that are just right for families.
Wright Museum of World War II (Wolfeboro)– This is one of the most kid-friendly museums in New Hampshire. It’s full of immersive exhibits—like a recreated 1940s street scene and vintage vehicles—that are interesting for adults and accessible for younger kids.
Funspot Arcade (Laconia)– Funspot is the largest arcade in the world and is practically built for rainy days. It offers hundreds of classic and modern arcade games, bowling, indoor mini golf, and a snack bar. Budget-friendly and great for all ages.
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (Dover)– A short drive from Wakefield or Wolfeboro, this museum is designed for hands-on learning and discovery. Kids can play grocery store, climb through tunnels, and build in the maker space—all indoors.
Castle in the Clouds (Moultonborough) – While the outdoor trails may be wet, the Castle’s Carriage House gallery, gift shop, and exhibit spaces are worth a visit. Grab lunch at the Café in the Clouds and enjoy watching the rain roll in over the mountains from the covered porch.
Visit a Cozy Local Café or Bookstore
Bayswater Book Co. (Center Harbor)– This independent bookstore often hosts children’s story times and has a well-stocked kids’ section. It’s a great place to grab a rainy-day read or souvenir.
Lydia’s Café (Wolfeboro)– Grab hot chocolate and homemade muffins at this family-friendly spot. Bring a coloring book or small puzzles to extend your visit.
Rainy Day Treats and Eats
Sometimes, the best plan is a relaxed meal with a fun treat at the end. Consider heading out for something special:
- Bailey’s Bubble (Wolfeboro) – Grab ice cream under the covered patio.
- Hart’s Turkey Farm (Meredith) – A classic family-friendly restaurant with comfort food and plenty of indoor seating.
- El Centenario (Ossipee) – Cozy Mexican food and big portions perfect for sharing.
Let the kids bring a game or coloring sheet to keep them entertained while waiting for food.
Make Rain the Main Event
Sometimes the best thing to do is lean into the weather.
Suit Up and Splash– If it’s warm enough and there’s no thunder in the forecast, throw on rain jackets and boots and let the kids splash in puddles or play on a covered deck. A little wet weather can actually be part of the fun—with towels and dry clothes waiting back inside.
Go for a Rainy-Day Drive– Pack snacks and take a drive around the lake or through the back roads. Look for covered bridges, waterfalls, or wildlife. Stop at roadside farm stands or scenic pull-offs and make the journey part of the memory.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Rainy days are part of life in the Lakes Region—but they don’t have to be a vacation bummer. Pack a few indoor essentials, keep a list of local rainy-day activities handy, and treat it like a change of pace rather than a change of plans.
And when the skies clear? The trails, beaches, and docks will be waiting.
