Family Attractions in Lincoln & Loon

Lincoln and neighboring North Woodstock are one of the most family-friendly corners of the White Mountains — you could fill a week without driving more than a few minutes. Here are the local favorites, and what to actually expect at each.

Clark’s Bears

A Lincoln institution for generations, Clark’s Bears (long known as Clark’s Trading Post; 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln · (603) 745-8913) is the quintessential White Mountains family day, about two miles from town. The headline is the 30-minute trained black-bear show, but one admission covers the whole park: ride the White Mountain Central Railroad — a real locomotive that rumbles over a covered bridge into “Wolfman’s Territory,” where a costumed Wolfman “chases” the train to the kids’ delight — then work through the climbing tower, the Anaconda Escape water-raft ride (300 feet of twists), Merlin’s Mystical Mansion, Segway tracks, a summer acrobatic troupe, and five Victorian-era museum buildings. Plan on a half to full day.

Hobo Railroad

For a gentler outing, the Hobo Railroad (~1.5 miles, 64 Railroad St, Lincoln · (603) 745-2135) runs restored vintage coaches on a scenic 15-mile, roughly 80-minute round trip along the Pemigewasset River valley, right from downtown Lincoln — plus mini golf on site. It’s easy and low-key for all ages, with seasonal themed rides (fall-foliage trains and a holiday Santa Express) through the year.

Whale’s Tale Waterpark

Come summer, Whale’s Tale (~3 miles, 481 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln · (603) 745-8810) is the hot-day answer: around a dozen water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river to float for hours, and shallow play areas for little ones. Bring towels and plan to make an afternoon of it.

Alpine Adventures

Right on Main Street in Lincoln (~1 mile, 41 Main St · (603) 745-9911), Alpine Adventures is one of New England’s original and largest zipline operations. Families and first-timers can do the Tree-Top Canopy Tour — five ziplines from 250 to 1,000 feet through the forest canopy — while thrill-seekers take the SkyRider, a 1,500-foot zip that hits up to 60 mph some 240 feet above the ground. They also run 6×6 off-road “safari” tours and the Thrillsville aerial challenge park, year-round.

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

A few minutes away in North Woodstock (~7 miles, 1712 Lost River Rd · (603) 745-8031), Lost River is one of the most memorable stops in the area. A one-mile boardwalk with about 1,000 stairs winds down through a 300-foot-deep glacial gorge past waterfalls and towering granite walls, with 11 optional boulder caves to squeeze and climb through — with names like the Lemon Squeezer and Devil’s Kitchen (each can be bypassed if tight spaces aren’t your thing). Budget 1.5–2 hours, wear sturdy shoes, and pack a layer: the notch runs about 10°F cooler than town. Note it’s not stroller- or wheelchair-accessible.

Loon Mountain, Year-Round

Loon Mountain ((603) 745-8111) isn’t just for ski season. In summer and fall, ride New Hampshire’s longest scenic gondola skyride, explore the glacial caves at the summit, brave the mountain coaster, tackle the Aerial Forest Adventure Park and ziplines, or turn the kids loose at Bunyan’s Bouncin’ Backyard. In winter it’s snow tubing and the slopes — see our Loon skiing guide for the cold-weather details.

Franconia Notch State Park

Ten minutes north, Franconia Notch State Park ((603) 823-8800) lines up several highlights along one parkway. The Flume Gorge ((603) 745-8391) is an 800-foot natural chasm you walk through on boardwalks between granite walls 70–90 feet high, past waterfalls and covered bridges (timed tickets in season). Echo Lake is a 39-acre spring-fed lake with a sandy beach and kayak and pedal-boat rentals. And Cannon Mountain offers skiing, hiking, and the site of the former Old Man of the Mountain. Note: Cannon’s aerial tramway is temporarily closed for replacement and expected to return, so don’t plan your trip around the tram ride for now.

Rainy Days & Evenings

When the weather turns, Jean’s Playhouse (~2 miles, 34 Papermill Dr, Lincoln · (603) 745-6032) stages professional theater, comedy, and live music in a renovated paper-mill venue. For a special night, the Café Lafayette Dinner Train serves a multi-course meal aboard restored rail cars on a leisurely scenic run — reservations required.

Worth the Drive

Seasonal Events

  • Ice Castles (~2 miles, North Woodstock, winter · (800) 326-4298) — thousands of hand-grown icicles sculpted into tunnels, slides, fountains, and a frozen throne; a seasonal pop-up, so check each year’s dates before you go
  • NH Highland Games & Festival (September, at Loon) — one of the biggest weekends of the year; see our dedicated Highland Games guide

Looking for more? See our full Things to Do in Lincoln, NH guide for dining, hiking, and attractions across every season.

Where to Stay in Lincoln NH

Hibernation Station offers remodeled condos, lofts, and king rooms right in Lincoln, NH — steps from the Pemigewasset River and minutes from Loon Mountain, with full resort amenities and the free winter ski shuttle. Browse all our rentals, or jump to hotel-style king rooms for a couples’ getaway, studio condos for a simple base, or large group & family rentals when you’re bringing the whole crew. Book direct with us and skip the online travel-site fees.