Lakes

A second season of exciting Concerts in the Clouds at spectacular Castle in the Clouds has been announced by Great Waters, which has been entertaining visitors to the New Hampshire Lake Region for over 25 years. Opening night kicks off a stellar season with “1964: The Tribute,” a popular Beatles performance. The summer lineup continues with Electric Light Orchestra tribute band and then ultra classic sound of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours.” Michael Cavanaugh will play the songs of Billy Joel & Elton John. Act fast if you want tickets to “One Night of Queen: Gary Mullen and The Works.” Jaw-dropping mountain views, hiking trails, a duck pond and historic Lucknow Mansion add to this not-to-to-missed family event.

Wouldn’t you like to go on a vacation where tons of family activities are all in the same area? That’s on tap in the Lakes Region, where you’ll find everything from entertainment centers with over 600 arcade games to natural science centers with 20 types of rescued animals in natural habitats to Ice Age caves kids can scramble through to horseback riding and mountain biking. Lake activities include dinner and sunset cruises, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and swimming. There’s a speedway with go-karts and mini golf, trolley tours, drive-in movies and family farms where you can meet the animals. In winter, there’s skiing, ice skating, snowboarding and snowshoeing. The region boasts a huge selection of restaurants and a variety of accommodations from camping to resorts.

There are so many things for kids to explore at Castle in the Clouds, they’ll want to visit more than once! At the 1914 Lucknow Mansion, they can check out vintage clothing and, on the basement tour, see how the servants lived, or go on a scavenger hunt. (Check the website for other interactive activities.) Outside, there are 28 miles of hiking trails and carriage roads, many of them going past cascading waterfalls. In the winter, the trails are perfect for skiing and snowshoeing. After grabbing a snack and an ice cream at the Cafe in the Clouds, it’s a guarantee that your children will want to buy some fish food there to toss to the trout in Shannon Pond, who jump out of the water for the food.

Come join the families who make memories at the Margate on Winnipeaukee, a great home base for your New Hampshire getaway. Just steps from the lake’s calm, scenic Paugus Bay, the resort has a 400-foot private sandy beach and kayak and paddle board rentals. Glide around the bay’s islands, swim out to the raft or just relax in your beach chair. (Kids will love the complimentary popcorn and snow cone carts!) There’s a heated indoor pool and oversized whirlpool, large outdoor pool, fitness center and an arcade game room. Area activities include hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, boat cruises, a scenic railroad, ice arena, Funspot (the largest arcade in the world) and fun shopping. Dine in the Gazebo Beach Bar or in one of many local restaurants.