"Things to do near me" is a very popular search on Google. If you plan on vacationing in North Conway, this article will give my personal favorite things to do.
If you're looking for a great vacation spot that will provide things to do in North Conway with kids, elders and everyone in between then Russ-Tee Bucket Ranch, a great North Conway cabin rental is for you!
Grab your family and bring them to North Conway, NH where there are endless things to do and adventures year-round.
If this list doesn't give you perfect suggestions for you and your group, type in "things to do near me" and you'll get an endless list of activities in North Conway.
North Conway is a family oriented and family-friendly town. We truly value events that entire families can enjoy. Consider us for your next family reunion or family vacation!
We have things to do ranging from hiking, to resorts, lakes, skiing, snowmobiling, swimming, and even rock climbing. Hopefully, we did enough research for you in this blog, if not, the world is at your fingertips and your next family adventure awaits.
I've spent many a summer at Diana's Baths, playing around in waterfalls and sliding down nature-made water slides and infinity pools. It's one of the best places to cool off on a hot summer day in North Conway, NH.
Lucy Brook flows down from Big Attitash Mountain. The flows cool, refreshing and clear. This stretch of the brook is made up of pools, falls and very light rapids (depending on the seasons and the amount of rainfall of course).
It's a great place to just sit and let your feet dangle in the water, or for the kids to jump around and slide down the small rocky water slides.
The hike (if you want to call it that) to Diana's Baths is 6/10's of a mile and is relatively flat the entire "hike". It's really a stroll and is perfect for those that are not in tip top shape and kids.
If you happen to break a sweat, you'll end up at the baths where you can cool off!
There is a large parking lot that is $3 for the day and it works at other National Park sites as well! You're pretty close to Cathedral Ledge, which we mention further down on the list, and Echo Lake State Park.
Take the whole family to enjoy the natural beauty of Diana's Baths. Kids and adults, and even dogs can enjoy the beauty of nature and North Conway weather all together.
The best way to enjoy a hot summer day is to go Saco River tubing.
Locals and tourist alike agree that is is one of the best Things To Do in North Conway.
Rent a tube, leave your car at the lot and gently float down the Saco River to the landing at the end where a truck will bring you back to your car.
There are slight rapids at times, but there are also calm parts where you can float on a naturally lazy river without dealing with all of the chlorine and screaming children.
The water is typically clear and sandy bottomed, most places you can even walk easily, although there are some deeper parts and it can be mostly pebbles - so water shoes are great if you have sensitive feet.
Years ago I used to untack my horse, swim across the river on her back and go through the drive through at McDonald's! I think there's still a photo of us in the wall in the restaurant.
Kids can enjoy rope swings (created by 13 year old budding engineers!) along the way and there are calm sections to swim.
Don't forget to pack a picnic as there are also sandbars along the way where you can sunbathe, enjoy the vistas and have a bite to eat!
Rent a canoe or a kayak and bring the kids and dog too! (Although, we don't take pets at Russ-Tee Bucket Ranch since we cater to folks with pet allergies and sensitivities)
There are a few starting and landing points along the river. Some floats are short and some longer so pick the route that best suits you, your family and your vacation plans!
It's one of the best things to do with kids in North Conway, NH - and it's right in the backyard of Russ-Tee Bucket Ranch!
A beautiful sight to behold in Echo Lake State Park is Cathedral Ledge.
Cathedral Ledge is a 700 foot granite incline that overlooks Echo Lake. The view from the top of the ledge looking down toward the lake is almost magical.
My most favorite thing to do in North Conway on a full moon night is drive, hike or snowshoe to the top of Cathedral Ledge and enjoy a star-lit twinkling view of the valley below!
The entire area around Echo Lake provides hiking trails, rock climbing, picnic areas, plenty of parking, and of course swimming in the lake!
During the height of the summer there are lifeguards on duty and there are even bathrooms and changing areas at the lake.
The ledge itself provides a variety of levels for rock climbers and is the Trad (traditional) Climbing epicenter of New Hampshire.
If you're looking for a great group of folks to show you the "ropes" around the north country, pick Redline Guiding. They are very professional and safety and fun are both at the top of the list of what's important for your trip! They will even make your dream wedding happen atop a local mountain!
If you are looking for a family-friendly or kid-friendly hike, don't worry. There's a 3/4 mile loop hike around Echo Lake that will make all your young-uns feel like they have mastered a 'real' hike!
This kid-friendly hike is flat, short and has a few fallen trees where the youngsters can take a rest and enjoy a granola bar and a sip of water. You can even carry in a fishing rod and take a shot at catching a kibbie!
After the hike, you can drive one mile to the top of Cathedral Ledge as well. They have improved the walking paths to the overlooks at the top.
You used to have to scramble over exposed roots. Thankfully, they have filled them all in and my hope is the trees will flourish and thrive now that their roots are cared for!
A short walk to the edge of the overlook will reward you with almost 360 derees of gorgeous views!
It's truly is a beautiful site to behold (my good friend even got married up there)!
If this is your kids first hike, which it often is, here is REI's list of how to best prep them and keep them happy.
If they have a fantastic time you might also check this list of other great kid-friendly places to hike with kids in New Hampshire.
If you caught our last blog, Mt Washington Auto Road Here We Come, then you know all about how to get to the Observatory at the top of Mt Washington!
This blog is where I will tell you what you'll see once you're up there!
Besides stunning panoramic views, potentially unapologetic, unpredictable weather, even on the most beautiful of days, you get to learn all about how we are continuously trying to understand Earth's weather and climate.
In 2014, Extreme Mt Washington was built in the Visitors Center at the top of Mt Washington.
Whether you are a science or excitement junkie, you'll love the hands-on and high tech exhibits.
Feast your eyes on exhibits where you can get a taste for life in the alpine zone, drive a Snowcat, see how rime ice forms and see how the scientists at the Mt Washington Observatory observe and record the infamous conditions at the summit.
Check out my Youtube video about Extreme Mt Washington.
The observatory houses the Mt Washington Weather Archives going all the way back to 1935. It explains the norms, means and extremes of the peak plus lots more information that I really didn't understand!
For those that are wildly into weather, there are webcams all around and atop Mount Washington where you can view time-lapsed videos and still photos of user-submitted photography. If you don't get enough of the weather on Mt Washington on your vacation, fear not, you can view all the information on their website from the comfort of your home.
The Observatory also provides weather station tours and Summit Adventures for the brave at heart.
Summit Adventures has winter day tours, partner-led climbing trips, and even overnight stays where you can experience Snowcat transportation and a night in the Observatory at 6,288 feet above sea level.
No matter which way you choose to experience the Observatory, make sure you bring a good camera and enjoy time with your whole family!
The amount of winter sports that North Conway has to offer are quite honestly, off the charts.
North Conway has everything including (but not limited to) snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, downhill skiing and riding, horseback riding, ice skating, ice fishing, and tubing plus, my favorite - world class outlet shopping!
As long as you pack up warm gear you will find great activities for the entire family. Most of it is quite active which kids will love (and you will love how tired out they get) but there is nothing stopping the adults from enjoying themselves just as much as the kids.
Use the snow to your advantage and enjoy all of the wonderful adventures it creates for the entire family.
I hope this list has excited you enough to come pay us a visit in North Conway, NH! There are so many options they were hard to sort through so I chose some of my personal favorites.
Please don't be afraid to reach out to me so I can help you plan your vacation!
Teena
603-662-5391
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