If the weather turns foul or you just need a break from basking in the sun’s rays while visiting the Lakes Region, here are a few places to check out for some fun.
Funspot: The Guinness World Record holder for the largest arcade in the world is located in Laconia. Funspot is open year round with more than 600 games, including 300 arcade classics, 20 lanes of bowling, 18-hole indoor mini golf, cash bingo, a tavern, a restaurant and much more. Tokens are used to play games and tickets can be exchanged for hundreds of different prizes. A party room for event hosting is available free of charge. The Braggin’ Dragon Restaurant serves classic family-friendly food and pizza. The D.A. Long Tavern serves alcohol for age 21 and older guests and has pool tables, darts and TVs for watching the game. It is open everyday mid-June through Labor Day 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., except Saturdays when it’s open until midnight. From Labor Day on, it’s open Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight. 579 Endicott St., Laconia. 366-4377, funspotnh.com.
Half Moon Penny Arcade: Located at the center of Weirs Beach, Half Moon Penny Arcade actually houses two arcades, a Penny Arcade and a Family Fun Center. The Penny Arcade has more than 120 games while the Family Fun Center has more than 140. There are classic arcade games, flashy pinball machines, antique games and more. The arcades boast one of the largest prize assortments found in the area with over 1,000 prizes on hand at any given time. It is open daily, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. 240-260 Lakeside Ave., Laconia. 366-4315, halfmoonarcades@weirsbeach.com
Crack the Code: This Escape Room is currently offering a pirate adventure and a KGB revenge story for you and your friends to solve the puzzles and escape. Participants have one hour to solve the clues and escape the room. Visit the website to select a time that works best for your group. Plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of time for paperwork and instructions. Cost is $25 for one hour. 8 Maple St., Meredith. (833) 843-2633, crackthecodenh.com.
Escape Hour House: This Escape Room is offering three different adventures for groups to experience. Groups can choose from solving the mystery of Area 51, figure out why your Russian comrade is not in their room when they called you or investigate the absence of a musician ahead of his rumored last show all within one hour. Rooms are available every one-and-a-half hours from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m. Rooms can be booked and paid for on their website. Plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of scheduled time. Cost is $25 for the hour. 401 Gilford Ave., Gilford. 707-1254, escapehourhouse.com.
The Escape Room Experience: This escape experience is currently offering two different escape rooms. You and your friends can choose from solving some remaining mysteries from Leonardo Da Vinci or try to make it to the airport in time after a long night out in Las Vegas. You’ll have one hour to complete either escape. Rooms can be booked and paid ahead of time online. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the time you booked. Cost is $25 for the hour. 555 Main St., Laconia. 366-6296, theescaperoomexperience.live.
Bristol Historical Society Museum:
Wright Museum of WWII: This World War II museum hosts more than 14,000 different artifacts to show the contributions of WWII-era U.S. citizens both at home and on the battlefield. The nonprofit museum is open during the summer months with its permanent collection and fully operational WWII vehicles. Various educational activities and tours are available. Children 4 and under are free for admission, students age 5 to 17 are $6, adults are $10 and all military and seniors are $8. 7 Center St., Wolfeboro. 569-1212, wrightmuseum.org.
New Hampshire Boat Museum: The New Hampshire Boat Museum uses their exhibitions, collections, programs and events for visitors to gain a better understanding of the importance of New Hampshire’s lakes to the lives of the people who live around them. Current exhibits at the museum highlight boats that marked a turn in the economy and culture from 1900-1940 and a collection of mid-century toy boats. Admission is set at adults 18 to 64 for $7, seniors age 65 and older for $5, children age 7 to 17 for $3, age 6 and under are free, a family pass (two adults and two children) for $17, active military and their families are free, tour groups (defined as 10 or more people) $3.50 per person, with driver and guide free. Open Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. 399 Center St. Wolfeboro. 569-4554, museum@nhbm.org.
Belknap Mill:
Castle in the Clouds: The Lucknow estate sitting atop the Ossipee mountains overlooks parts of Lake Winnipesaukee. The museum and history center offers a look into the arts and crafts style architecture from New England. The original owner of the house, Thomas Plant, made his fortune in the shoe manufacturing industry. His success didn’t last long, taking a tour through the mansion and visitors will learn about his rise and fall while looking at features installed in the house from period it was built. Admission is set at $17 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $12 for veterans, $10 for children 5 to 17, children 4 and under and active duty military are free. 455 Old Mountain Road, Moultonborough. 476-5900, castleintheclouds.org.
Lake Winnipesaukee Museum: The Lake Winnipesaukee Museum serves the mission of preserving and sharing the vast history of Lake Winnipesaukee. Visitors can look at the over 150 years of history in the museum, see a working replica of the old steamboat the “Mount” and memorabilia from competitions hosted on the lake. The museum also hosts a lecture series every Wednesday at 7 p.m. with topics pertaining to the history of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Lakes Region. 503 Endicott St., Laconia. 366-595, lwhs.us.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: This nature center offers a glimpse into the native animals to the Lakes Region. Through live exhibits, educational programming and tours, visitors will get up close and personal some of the wildlife that calls this area home. Admission prices are set at adults for $20, youth ages 3 to 15 for $15, senior age 65 and older for $17 and children age 2 and under are free. Open daily from May 1 through Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 3:30 p.m.) 23 Science Center Road, Holderness. 968-7194, nhnature.org.
Hobo Railroad and Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad: The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad offers one and two hour trips on a train in restored coaches from the Meredith station or Weirs Beach station. The train travels down the west shore of Lake Winnipesaukee offing scenic views of the Lakes Region. Tickets are available for purchase online at hoborr.com/tickets.html. Two-hour ride for adults is set at $20, one hour for $18. Children age 3 to 11 are $16 for two hours and $14 for one hour. Children age 2 and under are free. Picnic lunch is available for $12. 154 Main St., Meredith, and 211 Lakeside Ave., Laconia. 745-2135, info@hoborr.com.
Lakes Region Casino: