Your Ultimate Summer Guide to Family-Friendly Fun, Outdoor Thrills, and Scenic Wonders Around Lincoln, NH
Lincoln, New Hampshire offers a plethora of summer attractions perfect for families, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re staying at South Peak Resort or just visiting the region, you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the most iconic and exciting attractions in all of New England. From alpine thrills and scenic train rides to glacial caves and blooming wildflower fields, there’s something here for every type of traveler. This guide covers ten must-visit attractions within easy reach of Lincoln, complete with everything you need to plan your next summer adventure—what to expect, when to go, how much it costs, and why each spot belongs on your itinerary.
1. Whale’s Tale Waterpark
Located just three miles from South Peak Resort, Whale’s Tale Waterpark is a premier destination for aquatic fun in the White Mountains. The park boasts a variety of summer attractions catering to all ages, ensuring a full day of excitement and relaxation.
One of the park’s standout features is Willie’s Wild Waves, the only wave pool in the region, offering both thrilling waves and gentle swells for all comfort levels. For adrenaline junkies, slides like Banzai Pipeline and Poseidon’s Voyage provide heart-pounding descents, while the 360-foot tube ride offers a twisting journey through clear, filtered water.
Families with young children will appreciate Whale Harbor, a shallow pool area designed for toddlers, featuring four waterslides and interactive water fountains. The park also offers amenities such as cabana rentals for private relaxation, a full-service restaurant, and the Oasis Beach Bar for refreshing cocktails. Guests are welcome to bring their own coolers, provided they adhere to park guidelines.
Operating daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during peak summer, ticket prices are $50 for a full day or $29 after 3 p.m. With its diverse attractions and family-friendly atmosphere, Whale’s Tale Waterpark is a quintessential summer experience in Lincoln.
2. Alpine Adventure
Situated in downtown Lincoln, Alpine Adventures is a haven for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a range of activities designed to challenge and exhilarate visitors of all ages.
The zipline tours, including the Super SkyRider, provides a bird’s-eye view of the lush forests and rugged terrain, delivering an adrenaline rush as you soar through the treetops. For those seeking ground-based excitement, the Off-Road Adventure Tour takes guests on a journey up Barron Mountain in Swiss military Pinzgauer vehicles, offering breathtaking vistas and a roller-coaster-like experience.
The aerial ropes course challenges participants with a series of obstacles suspended high above the ground, testing balance and courage. Alpine Adventures operates year-round, but the summer months provide optimal conditions for clear views and comfortable temperatures. Zipline tours typically start at $89, and reservations are highly recommended to secure your adventure.
3. Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park
Approximately an hour’s drive east in North Conway, Cranmore Mountain transforms into a summer playground offering a variety of attractions for families and adventure enthusiasts. During the core season from June 14th to Labor Day, visitors can enjoy unlimited access to the Mountain Coaster, Soaring Eagle Zip Line, Giant Swing, and scenic chairlift rides.
The Mountain Coaster winds through the woods, providing a thrilling ride with twists and turns, while the Soaring Eagle Zip Line offers panoramic views as you glide above the landscape. The Giant Swing delivers a heart-pounding experience as it propels riders into the air, and the scenic chairlift offers a more relaxed journey with stunning vistas.
Cranmore also hosts Après Adventure evenings on Wednesdays and Saturdays, featuring extended hours and twilight rides. All-Day Adventure Passes start at $49 for guests 54 inches and taller, and $39 for those between 38 and 53 inches.Children 37 inches and under are admitted free. With its diverse offerings and family-friendly environment, Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park is a must-visit summer destination.
4. Loon Mountain Resort
Located in Lincoln, Loon Mountain Resort offers a plethora of summer activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. The resort’s Adventure Center serves as the hub for various experiences, including a scenic gondola skyride that transports visitors to the summit, offering panoramic views of the White Mountains.
For those seeking active pursuits, Loon boasts over 14 miles of mountain biking trails suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned riders. The alpine-style Loon Peak Disc Golf course, situated at the summit, provides a unique 18-hole experience amidst stunning natural scenery.
Additional attractions include the Aerial Forest Adventure Park, featuring bridges and ziplines set among the trees, and a climbing wall for those looking to test their skills. For those who want to test their agility, strength, and speed, the Ninja Wild course in the place for them.
Loon Mountain Resort’s summer operations typically run from mid-May through mid-October, making it an ideal destination for warm-weather adventures. Ticket prices vary between all activities, with a starting price of $13. Book your adventure online now for a chance to save and reserve your spot!
5. Flume Gorge
Situated within Franconia Notch State Park, just six miles north of South Peak, Flume Gorge offers a captivating natural experience. This 800-foot-long gorge features towering granite walls rising up to 90 feet, creating a dramatic landscape for exploration.
The 2-mile loop trail guides visitors through moss-covered forests, across covered bridges, and past cascading waterfalls, including the notable Avalanche Falls. Wooden boardwalks provide safe passage through the gorge, allowing for close-up views of the geological formations. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and includes moderate uphill sections and stairs, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Flume Gorge is open from early May through late October, with adult admission priced at $18. Due to its popularity, especially during peak summer months, advance reservations are advised to ensure entry.
6. Polar Caves Park
A 35-minute drive south to Rumney brings you to Polar Caves Park, a family-owned attraction offering a unique blend of adventure and education. Formed over 50,000 years ago by glacial activity, the park features nine granite caves with intriguing names like “Polar Pinch” and “The Lemon Squeeze,” inviting visitors to explore their narrow passages and cool interiors.
Beyond the caves, the park offers a boulder maze, nature trails, and an animal park where guests can interact with fallow deer and ducks. The combination of natural wonders and interactive exhibits makes Polar Caves Park an engaging destination for visitors of all ages. Open daily during the summer, admission is approximately $24 for adults and $18 for children.
7. Sugar Hill Lupine Fields
Each June, the town of Sugar Hill, located about 30 minutes from Lincoln, bursts into color as fields of purple, pink, and white lupines bloom across the landscape. This natural spectacle is celebrated with the annual Lupine Festival, featuring artisan markets, concerts, farm tours, and pancake breakfasts at the Sugar Hill Meetinghouse.
The festival provides an opportunity to explore the town’s scenic vistas, historic sites, and local businesses, all while enjoying the vibrant floral displays. While many of the lupine fields are accessible to the public, visitors are encouraged to respect private property boundaries. With its picturesque setting and community-driven events, the Sugar Hill Lupine Festival offers a quintessential New England experience.
8. Clark’s Bears
A staple of Lincoln’s attractions, Clark’s Bears combines entertainment, history, and family fun. Just a mile from South Peak, the park is renowned for its trained bear show, a tradition spanning over 70 years, where resident black bears perform a variety of tricks and stunts.
Visitors can also embark on a steam-powered train ride into Wolfman’s Territory, an interactive experience featuring a wild mountain man in pursuit. Additional attractions include water rides, bumper boats, museums, and unique exhibits like Merlin’s Mansion. Tickets range from $31 to $35, with children under 3 admitted free, making Clark’s Bears a family-friendly destination with something for everyone.
9. Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
Located in Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon Mountain is a year-round destination—but in summer, its Aerial Tramway steals the show. This historic tram, the first of its kind in North America, whisks passengers to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in just under ten minutes. The ride itself is breathtaking, but the real reward comes at the top: panoramic views that stretch across four states (New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and New York) and even into Canada on clear days.
At the summit, visitors can explore short walking trails leading to scenic overlooks, a 360-degree observation deck, and informative displays about the region’s geology and wildlife. It’s an easy way to access some of the most stunning vistas in the White Mountains without a strenuous hike—perfect for families, photographers, and anyone looking to soak in the natural beauty of New Hampshire.
Tramway tickets are typically around $28 for adults and $23 for children ages 6–12 (kids under 5 ride free).
10. Conway Scenic Railroad
The Conway Scenic Railroad offers a magical blend of mountain beauty and vintage charm. Departing from a grand 1874 Victorian station in downtown North Conway, the railway brings you aboard lovingly restored coaches for a slow-paced, unforgettable ride through the heart of the White Mountains. The real star of the summer season is the Mountaineer to Crawford Notch, a 5-hour round-trip journey that winds through dramatic cliffside passes, over historic trestle bridges, and into one of the most scenic notches in New England.
For those looking for a shorter option, the Conway Valley Train follows the Saco River on a gentle, narrated loop ideal for younger families or visitors with tighter schedules. Each train car is a step back in time—with polished wood interiors, wide viewing windows, and friendly conductors who share stories of the railroad’s rich history. You can even ride in the dome or first-class cars for enhanced views and comfort.
Prices vary depending on the route and class, but the Crawford Notch trip typically costs around $83 for adults and $63 for children, with premium seating upgrades available. The station itself also houses a museum, gift shop, and plenty of local dining within walking distance—making it a great half- or full-day outing.
Make Lincoln Your Summer Basecamp
With so much to do in and around Lincoln, NH, it’s easy to see why the area is one of New England’s most beloved summer destinations. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls through mossy gorges, flying through the forest on a zipline, paddling across alpine lakes, or just relaxing in a mountain town filled with charm, Lincoln offers something for everyone.
South Peak Resort is perfectly situated to be your basecamp for all these adventures. With luxurious accommodations nestled at the foot of Loon Mountain and direct access to both nature and local attractions, you can spend less time driving and more time enjoying all that summer in the White Mountains has to offer.
From wild rides to quiet trails, from vibrant festivals to scenic railways, this list of top 10 summer attractions is just the beginning of your unforgettable Lincoln getaway.
