Our roundup of the Lake Sunapee region activities for kids of all ages
If you are looking for some family bonding time with the kids, there is a variety of activities in the Lake Sunapee area that will get you out of the house to have some fun, even on those rainy days.
Looking for the perfect kids adventure? Mount Sunapee Adventure Park
Mount Sunapee Adventure Park is the perfect place to have an adventure with the kids. Check out the canopy zip line tours at the Adventure Park.
Visitors can choose from the beginner loop, the two intermediate loops, advanced loop, or the climbing wall/gravity jump. Adventure goers will zip through oak, birch, and maple trees while keeping on the lookout for wildlife below.
If zip lines are not your forte, play a round of mini golf. The 18 hole mini golf course is at the base of the Adventure Park. There is also an 18 hole disc golf course that players take the chair lift up to play the first teebox. From there, players will follow the winding course through the woods.
Occasionally, there are races for all ages held at the Adventure Park. Some of the races incorporate an obstacle course and others are a trail run. Check out the website for the races that have cash prizes for the winners.
During the winter months, Mount Sunapee Adventure Park is well known for the excellent slopes for skiers and snowboarders.
MountSunapee.com
Have the perfect family picnic at the John Hay Estate at The Fells on Lake Sunapee
The Fells is one of New England’s Finest Early 20th-Century Summer Estates. Eighty-three acres of woodlands and grounds and nearly half a mile of undeveloped Lake Sunapee shoreline is the perfect setting for a family picnic.
Discover The Fells beauty and tranquility, learn the legacy of diplomat and statesman John Milton Hay, tour the 22-room Colonial Revival home; explore the forests, walk the woodland trails and enjoy the renowned gardens. There is an admission charge to The Fells.
The Perfect Family Beach – Mount Sunapee State Park Beach
Mount Sunapee State Park is a great way to get the family re-connected with nature all year round. The park features a 4,085 acre lake that is the perfect spot for a family get together or lounging at the beach. If you are interested in some fishing or a boat outing, there is a boat launch and boat rentals available.
From hiking and mountain biking to the spacious campgrounds, there is a multitude of recreational activities that can please everyone.
In the winter, there are some great trails for snowmobiling and NHStatepParks.org/mount-sunapee-state-park
Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum
Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum is an educational and cultural center that inspires and educates visitors about environmental action and cultural diversity. The educational and self-guided tours are great for families learning about the Native American culture by viewing the gallery and walking on the nature trail quest.
IndianMuseum.org
New London Barn Playhouse
Kids love watching performances at the Barn Playhouse. There is a variety of shows for kids that are entertaining for the whole family. Check online for tickets and show times. website: nlbarn.org
Mini mini golf at the rear of Stacy’s Smoothies – free on Saturday mornings for kids under 10 years of age, Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. Open sun up to sunset during the summer.
Disc golf in Tilton Park – Tilton Park is home to Sunapee’s only free 9-hole disc golf course, is great for beginners and experienced but you must bring your own Frisbees. It also features the Abbott Library Story Walk and the Nona Park Playground, making it a favorite spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. This area has a rich history of recreation, once serving as the site of our beloved Ski Tow Hill. Easy parking and not crowded at all. In the winter great hill for sledding woods are large. It has some easy holes and some challenging holes. Dogs are allowed here and there is plenty of romping space. Doggy bags are available when you walk in. No restrooms are available. But across the street or at the post office down the road restrooms are available.
Story Walk at Tilton Park – combines our love of reading with the outdoors! The pages from a children’s picture book are displayed in 10 stations along a hiking trail at Tilton Park. Residents and visitors of all ages will enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, while reading and spending time together. The 1 mile trail begins just past the playground at the top of the hill and consists of hills, grassy areas and woods. We recommend you wear sturdy shoes and bring some water. There are some portions of the trail that can be wet. The StoryWalk map can be accessed by a QR code at Tilton Park.
Clark Look Out – is a spectacular scenic overlook on the North end of Lake Sunapee. Just a short 10 minute hike up a small hill, it is a perfect spot for a family picnic or just to relax a bit viewing the most amazing view of Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee. To reach Clark Lookout park at the Exit 12 Park-and-Ride on I-89. The trailhead is located across the road from the park and ride, on Davis Hill Road. From there, you’ll walk a short, easy hike up Davis Hill Road, following the trail signs to the lookout point. more information
Veterans Field – is a year-round hub for sports and community gatherings. In the fall, it is one of the town’s primary soccer fields, bustling with games and practices. During winter, the park transforms into a lively ice-skating rink, complete with a warming hut where visitors can borrow skates or take a break from the cold. Spring brings daily baseball and softball action, while summer sees “Vets”—as it’s commonly known—hosting Soccer Camp, Summer Camp, and countless pickup basketball games on the court. Exciting updates are coming in 2025, including the addition of two pickleball courts, a newly designed half-court basketball area, and a walking track around the field.
Coffin Park – is a hidden gem among Sunapee’s local parks, offering a scenic and historic escape along the Sunapee Riverwalk. Accessible from the Town Hall parking lot, this narrow green space winds its way toward the harbor, blending nature with history. As you explore the park, you’ll find exercise equipment donated by a local Scout, along with interpretive signage at the base of the hill detailing the park’s industrial past. Midway up, a refreshing swimming hole provides a perfect summer retreat for locals looking to cool off. Continuing along the trail, you’ll spot remnants of the area’s industrial era on both sides of the river, offering a glimpse into Sunapee’s rich history. In the winter, Coffin Park transforms into a favorite spot for sledding, with ski and snowboard jumps often built along the hillside for added fun. This is the starting point for the River walk.
Sunapee Harbor Riverwalk – is a 1/2 mile scenic and historic trail along the Sugar River from the Information Booth on Route 11 to the bridge near the dam that controls the height of Lake Sunapee to “October Glory Maple” tree at 81 Main St. by the boat launch. More information
Dewey Beach – Throughout the season you can take advantage of kids swim lessons, paddle boards and kayaks rentals, and a snack shack for cool treats. Whether you want to swim to one of the floating docks, build a sandcastle on the beach, swing on the playground or play some basketball, Dewey Beach has something for everyone.
Sunapee Hiking Trails – a full list of hiking trails in Sunapee can be found at: Town.sunapee.nh.us/conservation-commission/page/hiking-trail-maps
Abbott Library LSPA – Kid’s Ecology Corner – Lake Sunapee Protective Association shares resources to seasonal topics that include stories, on-line resources, additional books to read, downloadable prints and more! And check out their ongoing Watershed Explorer program to get out, explore, and earn a patch! The library is located just outside Sunapee Harbor at 11 Soonipi Circle off Route 11. Visit Abbottlibrary.org/events-calendar for a calendar of events at the library including – story time, teen activities, author visits and more.
LSPA Kids Programs – LSPA educators offer engaging, nature inspired pre-school programs. These programs are specifically designed for early childhood and kindergarten learning objectives. The programs are scheduled monthly, focusing on seasonal phenology. LSPA educators begin with a story connecting the theme of the lesson, and then provide an opportunity for hands-on learning and techniques for observing the natural world. Nature based songs, games or activities, along with special items from nature, have the children exploring and learning about habitats and wildlife right in their own backyards. For a full list of programs visit Lakesunapee.org/parentfamily-resources
Seasonal Events for Kids
July 4th Celebration – Every year the Town of Sunapee sponsors a July 4th Celebration, including an Independence Day parade, fireworks at dusk in the harbor with live music, a watermelon derby
Town of Sunapee Recreation Kids Programs – include baseball, softball, track, soccer, basketball, soccer camp, summer camp and swim lessons. Visit Town.sunapee.nh.us/recreation-department for program specifics.
Movie Nights Under the Stars – join us at the Ben Mere Bandstand in Sunapee Harbor on Thursdays in August for a fun, family-friendly movie night. Bring your own chairs or blankets. Popcorn, snacks and drinks are available for purchase. Rain location – The Livery on Main St.
Sunapee Farmers Market – kids activity table, Every Saturday, Rain or Shine.
Free kids activities at Ben Mere Park in Sunapee Harbor – Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend – from 9 am until 12 noon. Each week we offer a different fun activity. Join us for arts, crafts, and more! No sign-up is necessary. We hope to see you there! Sunapeefarmersmarket.com/kids-program
Teddy Bear Picnic – a teddy bear picnic takes place on a Saturday in July, 11 am to 1:30 pm in Sunapee. If you go down to the Harbor, you’re in for a big surprise. Bring your Teddy, a blanket & picnic. Entertainment, prizes & the Traditional Teddy Parade. Everyone welcome. Free. Visit here for dates Projectsunapee.org/teddy-bear-picnic/
Sunapee Village Christmas – visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, decorate gingerbread cookies, see a Santa fire truck parade, face painting, horse and carriage rides, follow an I Spy sheet to participate in a scavenger hunt, listen to a barber shop quartet and much more. Visit Projectsunapee.org/sunapee-village-christmas/ for details.
Lake Sunapee Turkey Trot – has become a wonderful family tradition for more than 800 racers that starts and ends in Sunapee Harbor. Grab your family and friends, throw on a costume (optional, but really fun and highly encouraged), work off some calories, and make this great event a part of your Thanksgiving tradition! The Sunapee Parent Teacher Organization holds a pie sale during the Pre-Registration as well as on race day. In an effort to reduce waste, we set up water stations at the start and finish lines. Please bring your own reusable bottle, and fill up whenever you’re thirsty. 8:15 am: 1K Chicken Run (kids fun run down Lake Avenue and back)