Summer Attractions for the Whole Family
There is no shortage of family fun in the Western White Mountains. There are trains, waterparks, and even a bear show to keep you entertained all summer long. Bring the whole family and create memories that will last a lifetime in the Western White Mountains.
Whales Tale Waterpark
Cool off this summer at New England’s favorite waterpark located in the heart of Lincoln. Whale’s Tale Waterpark is a family-friendly waterpark where the whole family from baby to grandma can enjoy the cool, clean water.
Adventurous kids will love surfing the big waves at Akua Beach and the dual Plunge slides where you can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour! For the little ones, Whale Harbor offers shallow waters and lots of fun things to climb on and splash around. Everyone will love spending an afternoon leisurely floating around the ¼ mile lazy river in their bright yellow inner tube. Make sure you bring tons of sunscreen!
Clark’s Bears
Clark’s Bears has been a Western White Mountain staple for over 90 years. Florence and Ed Clark opened their roadside attraction in 1928, and the family-owned and operated business has grown over the decades to include the famous Black Bear Show, the Anaconda Escape, and Merlin’s Mystical Mansion among many other attractions.
Board the whole family on the White Mountain Central Railroad and take a 25-minute train ride along the scenic Pemigewasset River in search of the infamous and elusive Wolfman. His antics will undoubtedly keep you entertained! Along Main Street, you’ll find several museums that will take you back to yesteryear. You’ll find plenty of treasures from our early electrical and mechanical marvels. If you get hungry during your visit, stop by the Whistle Stop Snack Bar for burgers and fries or ice cream and hand-squeezed lemonade.
Alpine Adventures
Have you ever wanted to fly? Now’s your chance at Alpine Adventures! Home to New England’s first treetop canopy tour, you can test your fear of heights on one of three zipline courses or the Thrillsville Aerial Park. Located at Alpine Adventure’s headquarters on Main Street in Lincoln, the Thrillsville Aerial Park is a ropes course like no other. With bridges, cargo nets, a climbing tower, and the Colossus Stunt Ramp, you’ll certainly get your adrenaline pumping!
If you’d like to see the White Mountains from a birdseye’s view, take a spin on one of the ziplines on Alpine Adventure’s private 300-acre Barron Mountain. If you’re new to ziplining, try the six zipline Tree Top Canopy Tour that will have you flying 80 feet above the forest floor. For the thrill seekers, try the largest, highest, and most extreme tour – the Super Skyrider Zipline. On the “Super White Knuckle” zipline you can reach a speed of over 60 miles per hour!
Granite State Scenic Railway
Train fans will love the opportunity to ride the Granite State Scenic Railway. Ideal for families of all ages, you can take the historic Hobo Railroad along the twisting Pemigewasset River through the woods of the western White Mountains. The journey will leave you in awe of Mother Nature’s beauty. Love trains? Lincoln is the place for you.
Loon Mountain
Loon Mountain is a popular place during the winter months, but did you know it’s open during the summer months as well? Enjoy a 1.3-mile scenic ride to the summit of Loon Peak in their four-person Gondola Skyride. At the end of the ascent, enter a high alpine world of refreshing breezes and stunning mountain views encompassing adventure and an array of summit activities. Test your agility, strength and speed in the Wild. Ninja Wild is an outdoor ninja course packed with wilderness-themed obstacles that puts kids (and adults) to the test. Loon also has an impressive downhill mountain biking trail network and bike park!
Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
Located in the heart of Kinsman Notch in North Woodstock, the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves is a popular natural geological attraction for all ages to enjoy. Formed over 300 million years ago during the last Ice Age, Lost River Gorge is filled with blocks of granite, boulder caves, and waterfalls. Open daily from May through October; there are tons of things to see and do at Lost River Gorge.
While visiting the Gorge and caves during the day is pretty cool, discovering them by night is a whole new experience! During the summer months, you can take a Guided Lantern Tour through the caves. The two-hour tour begins at dusk, and you’ll be guided through the lantern-lit caves and boardwalks ending around the campfire complete with s’mores.
If you’re more of a morning person, consider an 8am Yoga in the Woods in the Forest Treehouse.
Polar Caves
Offering family-friendly adventures since 1922, the Polar Caves are a “can’t miss” stop while in the Western White Mountains. The caves were formed during the last ice age, which through the movement of the glacier forced giant granite boulders to the base of what is now Hawk’s Cliff. Passageways were formed throughout the boulders, which have become even more accessible thanks to the boardwalks and stairs that have been built!
There are a total of nine granite caves to explore – including Fat Man’s Misery and The Lemon Squeeze! Polar Caves also features an animal exhibit, which hosts European Fallow Deer and a huge variety of people-loving ducks. You can even purchase treats in the main lodge to feed them! Lastly, don’t forget to stop in at the gift shop for a memorable souvenir to take home with you.
The Western White Mountains are the ultimate summer destination for family fun. With tons of fun outdoor attractions, you definitely won’t get bored.
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
