Top Ten Screen-Free Family Activities
Waterville Valley is a kid's paradise. This summer, our calendar is chock-full of kid-centric events, such as outdoor movie nights and live animal presentations. But what really makes this alpine village an extraordinary place for kids is its abundance of screen-free adventures within a safe, secluded environment. There's only one major road in & out of Waterville Valley, so there's no passing-through. This has led to the development of a tight-knit community of both visitors and locals, where both residents and guests can let their kids be “free range”, looking out for one another and keeping a watchful eye on younger kids. This level of seclusion offers families of all ages serenity, privacy, and safety. Plus, with so many screen-free activities to choose from, fun in the sun is guaranteed for the whole family.
Biking
With over 50 miles of beginner-intermediate mountain biking trails weaving deep into the National Forest, Waterville Valley is the perfect place to introduce little explorers to the wonders of two-wheeled adventures. Whether you're looking to explore deep into the forest or find some scenic viewpoints, families of all ages can gain speed and mobility in their alpine exploration by renting a bike at Waterville Valley Resort's Adventure Center. Plus, you can always hop on Snow's Mountain chairlift to experience some lift-serviced fun!
2. Swimming
Here in Waterville Valley, there are a plethora of swimming spots for your family to choose from. From fresh, alpine swimming holes to professionally maintained pools, there are a variety of ways for families to cool off on hot mid-summer days. Families can discover our abundance of waterfalls, swimming holes, and cliff-jumping spots - simply embark on a hike up Cascades Path. Locals love Corcoran's Pond due to its convenience and proximity to Town Square, its panoramic mountain views, and the floating swim-up dock. For those looking to relax by the pool while the kids run free, the White Mountain Athletic Club is a splash-tastic paradise, with a 1,600 square-foot heated "splash pad", a 25-meter pool, family play areas, underwater benches, deck jets, underwater color lighting, a "pool temperature" whirlpool spa overlooking the White Mountains, plus built-in basketball and pool volleyball amenities. They also have a beach volleyball court and food/drink cabanas!
3. Legends Outdoor Adventure
If you've got any thrill-seekers in your family, be sure to put Legends Outdoor Adventure on your vacation bucket list. Kids can get a stellar adrenaline rush from bouncing around their bungee trampoline. Or they can test their skills on the 25-foot rock climbing wall. With such exhilarating experiences, there's no wonder Legends Outdoor Adventure is known for putting big smiles on kids' faces.
4. Tennis
The Waterville Valley Tennis Center is a Gold Medal Resort, ranking #13 Best Tennis Resorts in the world by Tennis Resorts Online. Nestled along the Valley floor, the Waterville Valley Tennis Center offers an extraordinary tennis experience for the whole family - 18 professionally-maintained clay tennis courts (+ 2 indoor courts) with clinics, lessons, and rentals available. Plus, the tennis courts are surrounded by gorgeous panoramic mountain views. Kids of all ages can develop their skills by attending their Junior Tennis Clinic or their nationally-acclaimed tennis camp - New England Tennis Holidays at Waterville Valley. This tennis camp accommodates players of all ages and ability levels (beginners welcome!) and also received Gold Medal honors, ranking #10 in the world for Best Tennis Camps. With extraordinary facilities, exceptional clinics, and phenomenal instructors - the Waterville Valley Tennis Center is a superb athletic adventure for both novices and pros alike!
5. Golf
Founded in 1898, the Waterville Valley Golf Course is the perfect spot to soak in the scenery while having fun in the sun. This 9-hole course (4 par fours, 5 par threes) offers a challenging, dynamic, traditional New England golf experience for families of all ages and ability levels. Little explorers will delight in the variety of terrain at each hole, with fairways that lead you from the expansive Valley floor into the alpine forest above. When the little ones get hungry you can wind down at the Golf Course Club House, providing pub fare and adult libations in their scenic, glassed-in dining room.
6. Boating
Boating on Corcoran's Pond is a great way to wind down or embark on a new challenge. Boat rentals are available right from Town Square docks, and free daily boat rentals are included with your Freedom Pass. Launch into a soothing summer sail around the pond via pedal boat or canoe and take in the stunning natural beauty surrounding the pond. Looking for something more engaging? Kids are captivated by the challenge of mastering stand-up paddle-boards or maneuvering kayaks independently. There's something for the whole family at Corcoran's Pond.
7. Snow’s Mountain Chairlift
Snow’s Mountain Chairlift offers families of all ages a chance to appreciate the grandeur of the White Mountain range. From scenic round-trip chairlift rides where you bask in the scenery, to lift-serviced mountain biking through the lush forest, there’s fun for the whole family on Snow’s Mountain. On hot days, you can hop on Snow’s Mountain Chairlift to shorten your hike up to Cascades Path, where waterfalls and swimming holes are aplenty. Or embark up the chairlift for a friendly-round of disc golf (see below for more details).
8. Disc Golf
Disc Golf provides the perfect amalgamation of hiking, hand-eye coordination, scenery, and friendly competition. Most kids can pickup the game rather quickly, as it simply requires throwing a disc (frisbee) into metal baskets. Waterville Valley is home to two disc golf courses. Our 18-Hole Course is situated atop of Snow’s Mountain. This course offers players the chance to ride up Snow’s Mountain Chairlift and hike back down the mountain, all the while taking in the gorgeous mountain views and engaging in a rousing game of disc golf. Town Square 8-Hole Disc Golf Course is on an expansive field boasting panoramic mountain views, with holes weaving into the woodlands and all the way to the banks of Corcoran’s Pond. This course’s central location offers families connivence and flexibility – older kids can go play a round of disc golf while parents enjoy some bites and brews at one of Town Square’s dining establishments.
9. Fishing
Those looking to cast their line will not be disappointed by Waterville Valley’s fishing locales. Corcoran’s Pond is stocked with fish at the beginning of the summer season, making it a popular fishing spot among visitors and locals alike. The Mad River is home to rainbow trout, offering fly fishing opportunities for the whole family. Nestled in the notch in between Mount Osceola and Mount Kancamagus sits Greeley Ponds – the headwaters of the Mad River. Greeley Ponds is only accessible via hiking or biking and is stocked with eastern brook trout. This pond offers a nice beach and views of the cliffs of Mount Osceola.
10. Hiking
Waterville Valley is home to the first network of trails in the United States. For generations, families have flocked to the Valley to explore the wonders of the White Mountain National Forest. This fir-dominant forest offers hikers a chance to explore the enchanting woodland scenery, crystalline alpine brooks & waterfalls, plus awe-inspiring mountain ridges. From challenging climbs to soothing strolls - there's a hike for every little explorer here, no matter their ability level.
