Outdoors in Laconia and NH Lakes Region

You’ll be wowed by the beauty in much of this part of the state, some of which may be found on the WOW Trail, a recreational trail for biking and walking along scenic Lake Opechee from Laconia to Lakeport. WOW stands for Winnipesaukee, Opechee and Winnisquam, the three most significant lakes of the region. The trail, most of which was built on old railroad tracks, now measures 4.25 miles, however, know that it is continually expanding and also incorporating other trails such as the Winnisquam Scenic Trail. It’s a great place to recreate and to access different parts of Laconia.

Not far from here–although off the trail–you can check out the State Champion White Oak tree that is more than four hundred years old. It’s worth a look, especially when you consider that oaks are slow-growing trees. Check your Discovery Map to locate it.

If you continue in that direction, take yourself out to the ballgame! They might not be the Yankees but the Winnipesaukee Muskrats, an amateur baseball team that plays in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, provide lots of fun and entertainment for families most nights during June and July.

Meredith offers many opportunities for being out and about both within its historic town and on its village and lakeside pathways all of which are super pedestrian friendly whether you’re walking or are on a bike. Stop into the Meredith Chamber of Commerce to pick up a map that includes the five recreational pathways in the area as well as the Meredith Village Historic Walking Map that highlights the most interesting sites along Main Street and the waterfront area. Settled during the Colonial Days, this quaint little town is characterized by period buildings and Old World charm.

You can also pick up the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, a rail company that operates passenger excursions along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, from Meredith. Hikers enjoy the Stonedam Island Conservation area, which you can also access from Meredith. Note that Meredith borders both Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Waukewan. Pretty cool.

Stop into the Innisfree Bookshop at the Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith to pick up a book or two about the region. Allocate a good amount of time for this area since the Mill Falls Marketplace stands out in the area as one of the leading places to shop, dine, experience a spa and enjoy a nice place of lodging. OK, some of that constitutes indoor activities but this place is a must.

There’s so much to do in the Lakes Region that you won’t want to leave. But if you do, consider two different excursions, each just over an hour from Laconia. The Children’s Museum in Dover delights one and old with their hands-on opportunities for learning. Most everything here is interactive and geared toward exploration. Want to learn about flying? Chances are you can find out here in the most creative manner. Check the museum’s calendar ahead of time because they always have lots of events and some of them are surely geared to the likes and interests of your wee one.

Watercountry, a New Hampshire waterpark for over thirty years located in Portsmouth, offers all kinds of fun from family-friendly rides and attractions to lots of splash-worthy features, including their own adventure river. Pack your bathing suits, special water shoes, sunscreen and maybe even a sunhat and head out for some energetic and affordable family fun. The lakes are lovely but sometimes you have to mix it up with a big ‘ole gnarly slide that plunges you into the water.