Free Fun at Bretton Woods

We are always on the lookout for fun, outdoor activities and one that is FREE is even better!  During our week in the White Mountains we headed up to Bretton Woods ski area. During the summer, 6/23 - 9/23 Bretton Woods offers complimentary rides on their quad ski lift. More information can be found here.  

The lift brings you to their restaurant Lattitude 44, which serves lunch daily.  Normally I would bring a picnic lunch, but our traveling companion convinced me that eating at the restaurant was part of the experience.  The food was good ( hot dogs, grilled veggie sandwich, burgers, etc.) but pricey - well it is operated by the Mt. Washington Resort! There was no children's menu so my two shared an $8 hotdog!  Now, in defense of the hotdog, it had to be a one-pounder and was perfect for them to share and you couldn't beat the view you had with your meal.

After lunch my two loved exploring the summit while we soaked up the sunshine and the amazing views. I love watching my two enjoying the simple things - running, enjoying being outside, and entertaining themselves.

It was a gorgeous day to just enjoy the day and this special place.

I really think the time exploring at the summit - running free and finding natural treasures was even more enjoyed then the actual chair life ride up and down.  After a couple of hours up top we had sun-kissed happy children.

On our ride back down the mountain we noticed Kinderwoods Playground - a fabulous area for little ones- at the base near the lodge.  I was surprised my two still had more energy to explore!  They loved the gondola, child size zip line and large wooden play structure.  It was a fabulous summer day exploring a new area - and doing it for FREE!

Now we'll have to come back when the  snow is falling for a winter adventure too!

The WOW Trail

The Owl loves riding his bike so we decided to try the WOW trail with our friends. The WOW trail is a non-motorized pathway in downtown Laconia.  It is a three phase project with phase one complete.  The completed part of the trail is 1.3 miles each way. 

Owl and Sassy Sis were both ready to hit the trail on their bikes.  I have to say I LOVE this tricycle my FIL purchased for Sassy Sis. She can "pedal" while I push her and you can even control the steering from your handle.

WOW is a great place to get on a trail for stroller users.  Even Sassy Sis decided to let her friend try out her tricycle while she hopped a ride!

The Owl on the other hand road the whole trail - 2.6 miles - on his bicycle. I was shocked - he really was a pedaling machine. 

2.6 miles can be long for little legs on bikes.  

Luckily mamas are great bike and toddler carriers.

Don't worry though, there are some benches and gardens along the way for a short break or rest.

You can see the trail map for the WOW Trail here.  The trail is a great resource in our area. There is easy parking at both ends of the trail. My only complaint about the trail is that there is a section of this phase when you leave the trail and have to go on the sidewalk along Messer Street - crossing   some  side streets.  Otherwise, it is a fabulous place to let the little ones run, bike, skip, hop all of their energy out! 

Science Center Winter Walk

We LOVE Squam Lake Natural Science Center. It is one of our favorite places to visit during the spring, summer and fall months.

So, needless to say, I was thrilled to hear that they offered guided walks during the winter months. The good news is

the walk was GREAT, the bad news - today was the last day they offer their walks during this winter. However, don't worry they do have more events on their calendar before their season

opening, May 1st.

For example, did you know that the first Tuesday of every month they have a program for 4-6 year olds which covers the cycles found in nature?

WILD WINTER WALK

The Owl and I went on their 1pm walk. The Science Center charges $12 for nonmembers, $10 for members. They supplied snowshoes, but we brought our own.

The program started off in one of their classrooms.

Our guide showed us a 10 minute power point that talked about the adaptations animals use to survive during the winter season. Then it was time to head outside and gear up.

The path we took was modified from the path open to the public during their regular season and it is a guided walk. I've been to the center many times however, having a guide for our small group was very informative. I learned loads of informative tid-bits from the information she shared.

We were able to see: fisher cats, red fox, otters, mountain lions, bobcats, white tailed deer, owls, and some raptor birds. Since the animals do not have groups of visitors 7 days a week during the winter they were VERY active and VERY interested in us.

We walked mostly on the regular path, but did take some paths through the woods which Owl just loved.

Once back to the classroom the guide did a mini-talk about/with an opossum and of course Owl wouldn't let you forget the hot chocolate they had to offer!

As always the Science Center didn't disappoint and it was the perfect way to spend a fun afternoon, outdoors with my little guy!

We already have May 5th, New Hampshire Day, marked on our calendars for our first official visit to the center during the 2012 season however, I think , after looking at their calendar we will be taking part in a few more of their special programs between now and then!