Lakes

Indoors and out, there are plenty of activities to entertain and enlighten the whole family at Castle in the Clouds. Explore the 1920s mansion (kids can win small prizes in a scavenger hunt), including a basement tour that shows how the servants lived. Or, feed leaping rainbow trout (seriously!) at beautiful Shannon Pond, hike past water falls or, in the winter, cross-country ski or snowshoe over groomed trails. Grab some pizza and a cone at Cones in the Clouds in the summer, picnic in a meadow or soak in mountain views at the Carriage House Restaurant. Go for a winter carriage or sleigh ride or a summer horse ride (there are pones for kids under 8).

Families will find so much to do in central New Hampshire in the winter that they will need an itinerary. The Lakes Region Tourism Association can help, offering suggestions on all sorts of family activities, from skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing down one of the region’s many slopes to ice skating, sleigh-riding across a snow-filled field, a museum, doing a little boutique or outlet shopping (tax-free!), taking in a craft show or scarfing down breakfast at a down-home pancake house round out fun winter outings. The holidays bring special treats, from Santa Express trains to festivals celebrating the lights of the season.

Make The Margate on Winnipesaukee, right on the pristine lake’s shore, part of your family’s memories and traditions. You’ll experience all the comforts of home in your family suite, with mini fridge and free wifi. Resort activities include sunbathing and swimming off the 400-foot private sandy beach. Swim out to the floating raft, or rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board to glide around the islands of Paugus Bay. There are summertime beach campfires (don’t forget your s’mores), fireworks and movies as well as a game room. There’s an outdoor pool and a large indoor heated pool and oversized whirlpool. Nearby activities include a huge arcade center, farms to visit, lake cruises, old-fashioned train rides and guided rail bike tours.

Outstanding concerts in a tent set in one of New England’s loveliest spots: That’s great entertainment for everyone in the family. This season, Great Waters, which has been entertaining visitors to the Lakes Region for over 25 years, is holdings its concerts in a tent in the meadow of the spectacular Castle in the Clouds, where the views are breathtaking. This summer’s concerts include jazz, a Bee Gees tribute band, a comedy night, rock ’n’ roll, a Broadway spectacular and a free folk festival. There truly is something for everyone’s musical tastes. The picturesque Castle in the Clouds estate includes miles of hiking and walking trails, the historic Lucknow Mansion with exhibits, gardens – and a pond where the kids can feed the ducks.