Hidden in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, North Conway offers a plethora of family-friendly activities and attractions that promise to create lasting memories. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, indulging in local cuisine, or seeking fun-filled adventures with your family members, North Conway truly has something for everyone. Here’s a brief guide to some of our favorite family-friendly activities in the area.
1. Take the Gang on a Hike
Fun for everyone in the family, every season of the year, hiking is one of the best ways to experience everything that beautiful North Conway has to offer. Luckily, the region has no shortage of awesome hiking spots and trails; plus, the weather is quite pleasant during the summer months!
A few local favorites include the Great Glen Trails, Cathedral Ledge, Sabbaday Falls, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, and Diana’s Baths – the latter of which is a short, easy hike that’s suitable for all ages and skill levels. Plus, it features some of the most beautiful, cascading waterfalls in the whole area!
2. Enjoy a Scenic Railroad Ride
When you visit North Conway, one of the best ways to truly take in all of the breathtaking natural beauty is by seeing it via train. The Conway Scenic Railroad offers a journey back in time the whole family will love; you’ll board a charming vintage train car and glide along the tracks, allowing you to comfortably experience some of the most impressive landscapes this side of the country has to offer in a unique, old-fashioned setting that you can’t find anywhere else.
Another similar and just-as-exciting ride includes the Mount Washington Cog Railway, which includes a dramatic ascent to the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak and features amazing views of lush forests and deep chasms.
3. Shop, Eat, and Play All Day
You’re going to need places to eat when you and your family are here – and you’ll be happy to hear that North Conway has several fantastic spots to grab a bite to eat. While there are plenty of excellent pubs and breweries for the older crowd, a few of our favorite restaurants that everyone can enjoy are Chef’s Bistro, Black Cap Grille, and Vito Marcello’s Italian Bistro. Of course, the Buttonwood Inn has you covered for breakfast!
To pass more time, one more fun spot we recommend is Settler’s Green; combining shopping with family-friendly amenities, this spot offers a variety of stores, playgrounds, and seasonal events, making it a great place for you to take the kids so they can burn off some energy! Another popular nearby spot is the Cranmore Mountain Resort, which in the summer, transforms into an adventure park with plenty of riveting attractions.
North Conway is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities, offering countless ways to bond and create cherished memories with those closest to you. That said, you’ll still need a place to stay while you enjoy this charming town, and the Buttonwood Inn will provide you with the perfect base to relax and everything else you’ll need to truly make your trip one to remember!
About the Buttonwood Inn
The Buttonwood Inn on Mt. Surprise has proudly served guests in the North Conway area for over 75 years, and we’d love to host you and your family during your visit this upcoming summer! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to book a visit, please visit us online or call us at (603) 810-0642 for assistance.