17 Best and Things To Do In Laconia, NH
Are you planning a trip to Laconia, New Hampshire, and looking for fun activities to make your trip memorable? Look no further! You’re at the right place, as we’ll explore the 17 best and most fun things to do in Laconia, NH, making your trip unforgettable.
Laconia, New Hampshire, is a city nestled amidst beautiful lakes in Belknap County. First explored in the 1620s, Laconia was originally part of Meredith and Gilford. In 1855, it was incorporated as a town, and in 1893, it became a city.
Laconia is geographically well-positioned, bordering Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest freshwater lake entirely within New Hampshire’s borders. Laconia also includes parts of Lake Winnisquam, Opechee, and Paugus Bays
From beautiful museums and historic sites to outdoor adventures and cultural events, there is something for everyone in this desert town. Visitors can explore White Mountain National Forest and learn history at the Belknap Mill Society Museum
17 Best & Fun Things To Do In Laconia, NH (2024)
1. Belknap Mill Society Museum
The Belknap Mill Society Museum is one of the best places to learn about the history and culture of Laconia, New Hampshire. Established in 1988 by a dedicated group of volunteers passionate about preserving Laconia’s textile heritage.
The museum itself resides in a historic Belknap Mill building, originally built in 1823. This adds an extra layer of authenticity and historical significance to the exhibits.
The museum showcases the machinery, tools, and processes used in textile mills during their peak operations. This provides a glimpse into the Industrial Revolution and how textiles were manufactured.
What’s more, the museum offers interactive displays that allow visitors to engage with the machinery or textile-making processes in a hands-on way, making the experience more engaging, especially for children.
Address: 3 Mill Street, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
2 . Laconia Motorcycle Week
Laconia Motorcycle Week, also known as “Bike Week,” is a legendary rally that transforms Laconia, New Hampshire, into a biker’s paradise every June. Exploring Laconia Motorcycle Week is one of the most fun things to do in Laconia, NH, in the summer with friends.
Established in 1916, Laconia Motorcycle Week is the oldest national motorcycle rally in the United States. It began with a small climb up Mount Belknap and has grown into a massive annual event.
Laconia Weirs Beach becomes a lively beachfront during the Laconia Motorcycle, it becomes the epicenter of the rally, filled with motorcycles, vendors selling biker gear and souvenirs, live music stages featuring rock and country bands, and a festive atmosphere.
Bikers from all over the country come together to celebrate their love of motorcycles, creating a unique sense of community and camaraderie.
Address: 1105 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
3. White Mountain National Forest
Exploring White Mountain National Forest is one of the most fun things to do in Laconia, NH, with friends. The White Mountain National Forest is a federally managed forest located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and western Maine.
Established in 1918, the White Mountain National Forest encompasses over 750,000 acres of protected wilderness.
This National Forest is home to some of the highest peaks in New England, including Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States, reaching an elevation of 6,288 feet (1,917 meters).
White Mountain National Forest offers a vast network of hiking trails, catering to all skill levels. It also features numerous campgrounds scattered throughout the forest, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the outdoors under the stars.
During winter, the White Mountain National Forest transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Address: 30 Milk Street, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
4. Monkey Trunks at Funspot
Exploring Monkey Trunks at Funspot is one of the best and most fun outdoor activities to do in Laconia, NH, with your family and friends. Monkey Trunks at Funspot in Laconia, NH, is a high-ropes and zipline adventure park offering thrills for all ages and abilities.
Located at the Funsport Family Entertainment Center, the Monkry Trunk offers a variety of high ropes courses with varying difficulty levels. These courses involve navigating elevated platforms, bridges, and obstacles, requiring balance, agility, and a sense of adventure.
What’s more, you can Soar through the air on exciting ziplines that take you across the grounds of Funspot. The length and height of the ziplines may vary.
For younger children or those who prefer a less challenging experience, there is a separate mini-monkey course with lower obstacles closer to the ground.
Address: 579 Endicott Street, North Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
5. Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad offers scenic train rides along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.
The railroad operates historic trains that travel between Meredith and Weirs Beach, offering picturesque views of the lake, charming towns, and the surrounding countryside.
What’s more, the main route takes about two hours, while shorter, one-hour routes might be available depending on the season. Some journeys might have themes or special events, such as a fall foliage train or a Hobo Picnic Lunch experience.
Departures are available from either Meredith or Weirs Beach stations. You can purchase tickets online or at the station ticket office on the day of your trip.
Address: 211 Lakeside Avenue, Weirs Beach, NH 03246, United States.
6. Gunstock Mountain Resort
Located just 20 minutes away from Locania, Gunstock Mountain Resort is a year-round outdoor recreation complex located on Gunstock Mountain in Gilford, New Hampshire, offering activities for all seasons, making it one of the best things to do near Locania, NH.
During the winter months, Gunstock transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The resort boasts 227 skiable acres with 48 trails, catering to all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert terrain.
Moreover, during the summer, the Adventure Park offers zipline tours, soaring high above the trees and providing breathtaking views of the Lakes Region.
It also features an aerial treetop course that allows you to navigate challenges and obstacles suspended between platforms, as well as a mountain coaster that provides a thrilling downhill ride with twists and turns.
Visitors can enjoy the scenic chairlift rides that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape without the physical exertion of hiking. The resort also features hiking and biking trails for those who prefer a more traditional way to explore the mountain.
Address: 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH 03249, United States.
7. Weirs Beach
One of the best things to do in Laconia, NH, in the summer is to escape the summer heat at Weirs Beach. Located on the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, this popular summer destination is known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful lakeside setting, and family-friendly fun.
The exciting Weirs Beach is a sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views of Lake Winnipesaukee. This beach also features a bustling boardwalk that stretches along the shoreline, lined with shops, restaurants, arcades, ice cream stands, and other entertainment options.
This lively atmosphere makes it a great place for strolling, grabbing a bite to eat, or trying your hand at classic arcade games. Weirs Beach also offers miniature golf courses, bumper car boat tours, and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
What’s more, as the sun sets, Weirs Beach transforms into a lively entertainment hub. You’ll find pubs, bars, and restaurants with outdoor seating offering live music or DJs, perfect for enjoying the evening with friends.
Address: 62 Canal Street, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
8. Ellacoya State Park
One of the fun outdoor activities to do in Laconia, NH, with your family is to visit Ellacoya State Park.
Established in the 1930s, Ellacoya State Park is a public recreation area situated on the southwest shore of New Hampshire’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Winnipesaukee.
The park provides a scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to unwind and connect with nature.
Ellacoya State Park features, a sandy beach, scenic views of the lake and mountains, swimming, picnicking, and a campground for RVs. It also offers breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor activities.
Ellacoya State Park is a fantastic option for a day trip from Laconia or the surrounding area. It offers a relaxing atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and various activities for a fun day outdoors.
Address: 601 Route 11, Gilford, NH 03244, United States.
9. Art Escape
Exploring Art Escape is one of the unique things to do in Laconia, NH, for art enthusiasts. Art Escape offers a variety of activities to get your creative juices flowing.
This art gallery provides a wide selection of pottery pieces like mugs, plates, bowls, and figurines. Paint them yourself and create a personalized piece of art to take home.
Art Escape also provides instructions or themes for specific events, or you can freestyle and create your masterpiece. This unique activity lets you get messy and express yourself in a fun, neon-lit environment. Throw paint on a canvas in the blacklight room and create a one-of-a-kind art piece.
This fun-filled gallery does not require any reservations for most activities, like painting pottery or canvas. Feel free to walk in during their operating hours and get creative!
Address: 636 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
10. Funspot
Established in 1952, exploring Funspot is one of the family-friendly things to do in Laconia, NH. According to the 2008 Guinness World Records, Funspot holds the title for the world’s largest arcade.
Funspot boasts an extensive collection of classic arcade games from the 1970s to the late 2000s, along with some modern options.
This fun and thrilling spot features a large collection of pinball machines for those who enjoy the classic pinball experience. With both retro and modern games, Funspot caters to a wide range of ages and interests.
Funspot provides classic favorites like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Galaga, and countless others, or try your hand at some newer titles as well as pinball machines, miniature golf, ten-pin and candlepin bowling, chah bingo, and a restaurant and tavern.
On your visit to Laconia, NH, explore Funspot, relive your childhood memories, or introduce younger generations to the classics!
Address: 579 Endicott Street N, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
11. The Escape Room Experience
Another interesting activity to do with family and friends in Laconia, NH, is to immerse yourself in adventure at the Escape Room Experience.
The Escape Room Experience offers themed escape rooms designed to be challenging and engaging. You’ll have to work together with your team using logic, puzzle-solving skills, and communication to escape within the time limit.
This escape room provides different escape room themes and is also a fantastic way to test your teamwork skills and communication with friends, family, or colleagues.
Address: 555 Main Street, Suite A, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
12. T-BONES Great American Eatery
One of the romantic things to do in Laconia, NH, for couples, is to enjoy a fancy dinner at T-Bones Great American Eatery, a family-friendly restaurant chain with a focus on steaks in the greater New Hampshire area.
T-Bones is known for its steaks, with various cuts and preparations available, and they also offer different varieties of seafood, as well as a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and wraps.
This eatery provides lighter options like salads and a dedicated menu for children.
Address: 1182 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
13. The Colonial Theatre
Visiting the Colonial Theatre is one of the fun things to do in Lacona, N.H., at night with your family. The Colonial Theatre is a beautifully restored historic venue that offers a variety of entertainment options.
Established in 1914, the Colonial Theatre was originally a Vaudeville theater.
The theater hosts a wide range of live performances, including concerts by national touring artists, local bands, and various musical genres. It also offers plays, musicals, comedy shows, stand-up comedy acts, community events, and lectures.
What’s more, the Colonial Theatre has approximately 761 seats, offering an intimate and comfortable atmosphere for enjoying the performances. The theater offers a diverse program, catering to different interests and ages.
Address: 609 Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
14. Jon’s Roast Beef & Deli
Jon’s Roast Beef & Deli is one of the best places to eat in Laconia, NH. This fancy food establishment is famous for its delicious roast beef sandwiches and other deli favorites.
Jon’s Roast Beef & Deli is known for its thinly sliced, rare, and delicious roast beef. Customers can customize their sandwiches with a variety of toppings and cheeses. They’re known for their thinly sliced, rare, and delicious roast beef.
What’s more, in addition to sandwiches, they also offer soups and salads for a lighter option.
Address: 1367 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
15. Laconia Antique Center
Shopping for rare treasures at the Laconia Antique Center is one of the unique things to do in Laconia, for antique lovers.
The Laconia Antique Center is a treasure trove boasting the title of Central New Hampshire’s largest antique and collectible emporium. The Laconia Antique Center offers a vast selection of antique hunters.
With over 150 quality dealers offering unique and hard-to-find items, which include glassware and ephemera, linens, coins, art, and furniture, the possibilities are endless!
What’s more, the Laconia Antique Center adds a touch of nostalgia, occupying the building of a former Newberry’s Department Store built in the 1950s. Stepping inside might feel like a trip down memory lane!
Address: 601 Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.
16. Ahern State Park
Ahern State Park is one of the must-visit attractions in Laconia for families who wish to explore the great outdoors.
Located on Lake Winnisquam, Ahern State Park offers beautiful lakefront views. The park itself is 128 acres, with over 3,500 feet of shoreline.
Ahern State Park provides well-marked trails suitable for all skill levels, as well as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding on the lake. It also features fishing, swimming, and mountain biking trails available for those seeking a more adventurous experience.
On your visit to Laconia, NH, explore Ahern State Park and enjoy the scenic views, have a picnic, or simply relax in nature.
Address: 43 Great Bay Lane, Laconia, NH, 03246, United States.
17. Mount Major State Forest
One of the many free things to do near Laconia, NH, with friends is to explore the Mount Major State Forest. Mount Major State Forest is a 200-acre conservation area located in Alton, New Hampshire.
Mount Major State Forest is part of the Belknap Mountain Range and offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains. The highlight of the park is Mount Major, which has an elevation of 1,786 feet.
The Mount Major State Forest features exciting activities, which include, several trails that lead to the summit of Mount Major. The most popular trail is the Brook Trail, which is a moderate 3.6-mile loop trail.
This state forest provides cliffs near the summit and is a popular spot for rock climbing. However, a permit is required from the Division of Forests and Lands. Keep an eye out for deer, moose, and a variety of bird species as well.
What’s more, the Mount Major State Forest has several picnic tables located near the parking area.
Address: Mt. Major Rock Fortress, Alton Bay, NH 03810, United States.
Plan Your Trip To Laconia, NH
Laconia, New Hampshire, is a unique world of experiences, offering an ideal mix of culture, fun and entertainment.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, each experience beckons you to immerse deeper into the heart of this picturesque city, illuminating layers of history, creativity, and community spirit.
So, get your shoes laced up, embrace the cultural nuances, savor the flavors, and let Laconia charm your senses in ways only this unique city can.
