Family Fun in the Lakes Region: Kid-Friendly Stops

The Lakes Region has been a family vacation spot for generations, and it is easy to see why. Lake Winnipesaukee gives kids beaches, boats and docks to jump from, while the towns around it offer farms, nature centers and old-fashioned summer entertainment. The challenge for parents is not finding things to do with kids in the Lakes Region NH; it is choosing the ones that fit your children's ages, your patience for crowds and the weather on a given day. This guide collects reliable, kid-friendly stops that make sense year after year, with local businesses from our directory to plan around.

Getting oriented

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire, roughly 21 miles long and from 1 to 9 miles wide. Most family trips cluster around a few towns:

• Laconia and Weirs Beach on the southwest side of the lake, for the classic boardwalk-and-beach summer scene.
• Meredith at the northwest corner, a resort town whose village sits right on the lake.
• Holderness, just north on Squam Lake, quieter and more focused on nature.
• Gilford, east of Laconia, with farms and access to the lake's western shore.

Distances are short, so you can base yourself in one town and reach the others in a reasonable drive. That flexibility matters with kids: you can change plans quickly when a rain cloud rolls in or someone needs a nap.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness

If you pick one educational stop, make it Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness. The center was founded in 1966 and opened to the public on July 1, 1969. It is both an environmental education center and a zoo focused on New Hampshire's natural world.

The center uses live animal exhibits, natural science programs and lake cruises to teach visitors about the outdoors. Native New Hampshire animals serve as its teaching ambassadors, which means kids see the kinds of creatures that actually live in the woods and waters around them, not exotic species from far away. The exhibits are laid out along outdoor trails, so plan on walking and dress for the weather.

For families, the appeal is that learning happens without anyone noticing. Kids come away knowing more about how animals adapt and where they live, and parents get a calm, shaded few hours. Check the center's website for current hours, admission and cruise schedules before you go.

Farm days: animals, produce and fresh treats

Farms are one of the best kid-friendly options in the region because they combine animals, open space and snacks. Two are especially easy to fit into a lake trip.

Beans & Greens Farm in Gilford has served the Lakes Region for more than 30 years. Alongside a farmstand and bakery, the farm runs a cafe, a fun park, barnyard animals and, in season, a corn maze. That mix makes it an easy half day: let the kids see the animals and burn off energy, then pick up lunch and local produce before heading back to the lake. Seasonal hours apply, and the farm closes for winter, so check before you drive.

Moulton Farm in Meredith sits at the north end of Lake Winnipesaukee and has been providing locally grown food since the 1890s. Its farm market carries fresh produce and a bakery with pies, breads, cookies and whoopie pies, and the farm kitchen makes soups, sandwiches and meals. In the fall it adds a corn maze, pumpkins and wagon rides. In summer it is a handy stop for picnic supplies on the way to the beach.

A few tips for farm visits with kids:

• Wash hands after touching animals, and bring wipes for the car.
• Closed-toe shoes are best on uneven ground.
• Ask staff before feeding any animal.

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, Laconia

For families who prefer trails over crowds, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia welcomes visitors year-round to explore more than 160 acres of farmland, forest and pasture. The trails are a gentle introduction to hiking for younger children, and the center runs programs, camps and workshops for kids and families through the year.

Prescott Farm is a good choice for an hour or two of quiet between busier stops. Bring water and bug spray in summer, and check the center's site for any dog policy and trail guidance before you go.

Weirs Beach: the classic Lakes Region summer

No family trip to the region feels complete without a stop at Weirs Beach. It is an area in the northern part of Laconia on the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, and it has long been one of the lake's best-known summer gathering spots. Expect a busy, cheerful scene in July and August, with lake views, a beach and plenty of seasonal attractions nearby.

Weirs Beach is also a port for the lake's cruise boats, which lets kids get out on Winnipesaukee without you needing a boat of your own. On busy weekends, arrive early for parking and set a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated.

A night at the drive-in

For an evening outing that most kids have never experienced, try the Weirs Drive-In Theater in the heart of Weirs Beach. The drive-in hosts movie nights under the stars along with special events and summer RV camping. It is seasonal, so check its schedule for the current summer.

Drive-in tips with kids: bring pillows and blankets, pack snacks and drinks, arrive early to get a good spot, and put small children in pajamas so the ride home doubles as bedtime.

Rainy-day backup: the movies in Meredith

Every Lakes Region vacation has at least one wet afternoon. BarnZ's Meredith Cinema on Route 25 in Meredith is a practical backup, with luxury recliners with footrests and showtimes listed on its website. A matinee buys you a dry, comfortable couple of hours when the beach is out of the question.

Other rainy-day ideas: the indoor portions of nature centers, a farm bakery for a warm treat, or a slow drive around the lake with stops in village shops.

Sample family days

A nature day: Morning at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, picnic lunch, an afternoon at a quiet beach, and an early dinner in Meredith.

A farm-and-beach day: Breakfast and barnyard animals at Beans & Greens in Gilford, a swim at the lake in the afternoon, then the drive-in at Weirs Beach after dark.

A low-key day: A gentle walk at Prescott Farm, lunch supplies from Moulton Farm, an afternoon on a dock, and a movie in Meredith if the weather turns.

Practical tips for the Lakes Region with kids

• Book lodging early for July and August, when demand peaks.
• Plan one big thing per day. Kids enjoy the lake itself as much as any attraction, so leave time for swimming and downtime.
• Pack layers. Evenings near the water can be cool even after a hot day.
• Watch for ticks and use bug spray on trails and in fields.
• Check hours every time. Many family businesses here are seasonal and adjust hours by month.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best rainy-day activity in the Lakes Region for kids?

A movie at BarnZ's Meredith Cinema is an easy option, and farm bakeries and village shops make good short stops.

Is Squam Lakes Natural Science Center good for young children?

Yes. Its live animal exhibits feature native New Hampshire species along outdoor trails, which suits most ages. Strollers and good walking shoes help.

Where is Weirs Beach?

In the northern part of Laconia, on the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Are there farms to visit with kids near Lake Winnipesaukee?

Yes. Beans & Greens Farm in Gilford has barnyard animals and a fun park, and Moulton Farm in Meredith has a farm market and seasonal fall activities.

Sources

• Lake Winnipesaukee, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Winnipesaukee
• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Wikipedia (founding, opening date, mission, live animals, cruises): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squam_Lakes_Natural_Science_Center
• Weirs Beach, Wikipedia (location, cruise port): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weirs_Beach
• Meredith, New Hampshire, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meredith,_New_Hampshire
• Beans & Greens Farm official site (30+ years, farmstand, cafe, fun park, barnyard animals, corn maze, seasonal closing): https://www.beansandgreensfarm.com
• Moulton Farm official site (Meredith, since the 1890s, market, bakery, kitchen, fall corn maze): https://www.moultonfarm.com
• Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center official site (160+ acres, year-round, programs): https://prescottfarm.org/
• Weirs Drive-In Theater official site (movie nights, RV camping, events): https://www.weirsdrivein.com/
• BarnZ's Meredith Cinema official page (Route 25 address, recliners): https://www.barnzs.com/our-locations/x02eo-barnzs-meredith-cinema/