The 19 Best & Fun Things To Do In Gilford, NH (Updated 2024)

Things to do in Gilford. Are you from Gilford, New Hampshire, or are you just visiting and looking for fun things to do? Don’t look any further! You’re in the right spot.This guide will show you 19 of the best and most fun things to do in Gilford, NH, so you can get the most out of your time in this beautiful part of Belknap County.

Gilford, New Hampshire, is on the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee and has a lot to offer in the way of natural beauty, outdoor sports, family fun, and interesting history.

You can do many things on Lake Winnipesaukee, which is a big natural lake. You can take a kayak or paddleboard to get a better look at Ellacoya State Park, go on a scenic boat tour to enjoy the beautiful scenery, or just relax on the sandy shores of the park.

Put on your boots and walk the beautiful trails at Lockes Hill. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the nearby areas. For more difficult activities, the Belknap Mountain Range has hikes that will push you to your limits.

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2. Laconia Historical & Museum Society

The Laconia Historical & Museum Society is a great place for history buffs. It is in Laconia, which is only 10 minutes from Gilford, NH. The goal of this business is to preserve and show off Laconia’s past.

This museum actively gathers, stores, and shows off historical items, papers, and photos that tell the story of Laconia. These things show how the people who built the city lived, what they did, and their cultural background.

The Laconia Historical & Museum Society puts on educational events like lectures, workshops, and programs to teach people about the past of the area. This makes it easier to understand and value Laconia’s unique story.

Address: 695 N Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.

3. Ellacoya State Park

Ellacoya State Park is along the southwestern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, which is New Hampshire’s biggest freshwater lake. The 82.7-acre park is a great place to get away for nature lovers, children, and anyone who wants to spend a relaxing day by the lake.

From Ellacoya State Park, you can see Lake Winnipesaukee in a beautiful way.Take in the peace of the lake, the beauty of the mountains nearby, and the cool breeze from the lake.

The 600-foot sandy beach is the main attraction of this park. This is a great place to swim, lay out in the sun, make sandcastles, or just read a book.

There are other things to do at Ellacoya State Park, like picnics and a playground, so you can relax or enjoy the view while the kids play.

Address: Route 11A Entrance: 1 Ellacoya State Park Road, Gilford, NH 03244, United States. [This is the most common entrance], Route 11B Entrance: 13 Mile Island Road, Gilford, NH 03244, United States.

4. BankNH Pavilion

Explore the BankNH Pavilion in Gilford to make more fun family moments. This must-see site is an outdoor amphitheater that puts on concerts, plays, comedy shows, and other fun activities for the whole family all year long.

There are a lot of different kinds of events at the BankNH Pavilion, so there is something for everyone. On the list, you could find concerts by famous singers, Broadway shows, stand-up comedy, or even events for kids.

This fun place also has a venue with almost 9,000 seats, including seats under a covered pavilion, seats reserved on the lawn, and general admission seats on the grass.

In the BankNH Pavilion, there are bathrooms, food and drink stands, and booths selling goods.Since it’s outside, the weather can change the experience. Wear clothes that are right for the weather, and be ready for rain or cool nights.

Address: 1 Line Road, Gilford, NH 03244, United States.

5. First Congregational Church Of Gilford

One of the most interesting things to do this weekend in Gilford, NH, is to go to the First Congregational Church of Gilford. The First Congregational Church of Gilford is a big part of making the Gilford community love each other and stick together.

The First Congregational Church of Gilford has many organizations and programs that help the community and its people. This includes Bible study groups, youth groups, programs for seniors, social events or activities, and chances to do volunteer work in the community.

This old Congregational church also has a classic New England church style, which is a simple rectangular building with a steeple or bell tower.

Address: 10 Belknap Mountain Road, Gilford, NH 03244, United States.

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6. Beans & Greens Farm

One of the best things to do in Gilford, NH if you like being outside is to check out Beans & Greens Farm. With a horse zoo, this family-run farm is one of the best places for families with kids to go.

Beans & Greens Farm grows their own veggies and sells them at their farmstand. This means you can eat fresh, locally grown food when it’s at its ripest.

This place has a kitchen where you can get freshly baked breads, pies, cookies, and other treats. There is a Dili at Beans & Greens that serves hot or cold sandwiches and salads that have already been made. NH-made gifts and goods, like honey, maple syrup, and their own line of sauces and salads, are also for sale.

Address: 245 Intervale Road, Gilford, NH 03249, United States.

7. Escape Hour House

Compete with your friends at Escape Hour House to see how smart you are. This escape room is fun because you and your team have to work together to figure out secrets and puzzles in a themed room within a certain amount of time.

Escape Hour House has a number of different escape rooms, and each one has its own theme and story. Depending on the theme you choose, you could end up on a pirate ship, in the office of a secret spy, or even in an empty asylum.

Also, each room is full of puzzles, riddles, clues, and challenges that can only be solved by working together, talking to each other, and fixing problems.

Address: 401 Gilford Avenue, Gilford, NH 03249, United States.

8. Gilford Country Store

One of the best things to do with your family this weekend in Gilford is to look around the Gilford Country Store. People love this mall because it has a unique mix of stores, restaurants, and local charm.

Gilford Country Store specializes in selling and showing off a wide range of one-of-a-kind items made in New Hampshire. In 2020, people chose them as the “Best Place to Buy a Gift in the Lakes Region.”

In addition to local goods, they may also sell general goods, snacks, and other necessities. There is a cafe inside this store that serves a range of tasty foods. There may be soups, breakfast sandwiches, lunch wraps, and other light food.

The Country Store in Gilford People like to take pictures in front of the store with the big green chair. Inside the store, there is a big moose mount called “Major” that adds to the unique atmosphere.

Address: 475 Coolidge Highway, Gilford, NH 03247, United States.

9. Stone Brook Hill Farm, LLC.

Stone Brook Hill Farm, LLC is a business in Gilford, New Hampshire, that does many things. They work as both a real estate company and a blueberry farm owned by their family.

For free, you and your family can check out Stone Brook Hill Farm, LLC. in Gilford, NH. Stone Brook Hill Farm has beautiful views of the lake and the mountain. It is a great place to live if you want to relax in nature.

For those who want to keep in touch with their farming background, Stone Brook Hill Farm lets people pick blueberries in July and August. You can enjoy fresh, locally grown blueberries while doing this fun and satisfying activity with family or friends.

Address: 123 Glidden Road, Gilford, NH 03249, United States. 

10. Tannery Hill Covered Bridge

The Tannery Hill Covered Bridge is one of the best places to ride a bike in Gilford. This bridge was built in 1995 and is meant to be used by walkers and cyclists only. You can enjoy the scenery without having to worry about cars on this path, which is great for walking or riding a bike.

From the Tannery Hill Covered Bridge, you can see Gunstock Brook and the beautiful natural scenery around it. While passing the bridge, you can stop and enjoy the beauty of the area.

In addition, this bridge has a traditional lattice wooden structure, which is a popular style for covered bridges. This makes it look better and adds to its historic charm. A single span that’s about 42 feet long makes it easy and quick for people on foot or on bikes to cross.

As an important link between the Gilford Town Hall and Fire Department buildings, the Tannery Hill Covered Bridge gives walkers and cyclists a safe and beautiful way to get around the area.

Address: 47 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH 03249, United States.

11. Patrick’s Pub & Eatery

You can get American bar food with an Irish twist at Patrick’s bar & Eatery. Most people think that this famous restaurant is good for families during the day and early evening.

This bar serves traditional American pub food like burgers, sandwiches, wings, and pub snacks. There may also be Irish-themed dishes, such as shepherd’s pie or fish and chips.

There are many beers on tap at Patrick’s Pub & Eatery, both local beers and well-known national names. Most likely, they also serve wine, cocktails, and drinks without booze. On the weekends, you can enjoy live music,

Address: 18 Weirs Road, Gilford, NH 03249-6307, United States.

12. Funspot

Funspot is one of the best family-friendly things to do near Gilford, NH. It is in Weirs Beach, Laconia.According to Guinness World Records in 2008, Funspot was the “Largest Arcade in the World.” It’s a great place to have fun and play games in New Hampshire.

Funspot has a huge selection of video games, including old favorites from the 1970s to the late 2000s as well as newer games. There is something for every player, whether they want old-school fun or new, cutting-edge games.

You can let out your inner pinball wizard on a variety of pinball machines at this famous game spot called pinball prowess. These machines will test your reflexes and strategic thinking.

Funspot also has an interesting 18-hole indoor mini-golf course in addition to games. You can do it with your family or as a friendly game with your friends. The cash bingo hall gives people aged 18 and up a fun chance to win.

Funspot has both ten-pin and candlepin bowling, so people can choose the type they want to play. Put on your bowling shoes and have fun with a few games on the 20-lane bowling alley.

Address: 579 Endicott North Street, Weirs Beach, NH 03247, United States.

13. Gilford Cinemas 8

One of the best things to do in Gilford, NH, at night is to check out Gilford Cinemas 8. Gilford Cinemas 8 has a range of new movies, so you can see the newest blockbusters and have a great time at the movies.

This theater has high-quality digital sound so you can really feel like you’re in the show. The number “8” in the name makes it sound like they have more than one screen showing different movies at the same time.

There is a snack stand at Gilford Cinemas 8 that sells drinks, popcorn, and candy to make your movie night more fun.

Compared to the big chain houses, this movie theater feels more like a home. Gilford Cinemas 8 focuses on certain types of movies or a smaller group of carefully chosen movies.

Address: 9 Old Lake Shore Road, 6524, Gilford, NH 03249, United States.

14. White Mountain National Forest

Outdoorsy people! Getting out into White Mountain National Forest with your friends is a fun thing to do near Gilford, NH.

This well-known park has many climbing trails, such as the beautiful boardwalk through Flume Gorge and the difficult trail to the top of Cannon Mountain.

This beautiful road runs through the middle of the White Mountains and gives you stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and fall foliage. You can ski or snowboard downhill in White Mountain National Forest, and the views from the top are stunning.

This beautiful lake is surrounded by mountains and mirrors the peaks around it. You can swim, boat, and fish in the lake. This glacial cirque is close to Franconia Notch and has beautiful views. It’s a popular place to hike and take pictures.

An interesting toll road in this park leads to the top of Mount Washington, which is the highest hill in the Northeast.

15. Paugus Bay

You can get away from the summer heat in Gilford, NH, by taking your family on a trip to Paugus Bay. This beautiful 1,227-acre body of water has many fun things to do and amazing views, making it a great place to visit for the day or for a longer stay.

The calm water in Paugus Bay is great for taking your favorite boat out for a ride. The bay has something for everyone, whether you like the speed of a speedboat, the slow pace of a pontoon, or the peace and quiet of a kayak or paddleboard.

You can also throw your line and catch great fish like largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, rainbow trout, white perch, and more. Paugus Bay is a popular place for fishermen of all skill levels to go because it has a lot of fish.

Address: 131 Lake Street, Gilford, NH 03249, United States.

15. Ahern State Park

If you like being outside, going to Ahern State Park in Laconia, NH is one of the best things to do near Gilford, NH. On the sandy shore of Lake Winnisquam, you can enjoy the lakefront setting and unwind. It’s a great place to sunbathe and build sandcastles with your kids.

There are many easy-to-climb trails in the park that wind through the trees and give you beautiful views of the lake. People of all skill levels can use these paths, which makes them great for a family trip or a casual stroll.

Bring your animal friend with you on the trip!Dogs on leashes are welcome on the walks at Ahern State Park, making it a fun place for dog owners to enjoy nature with their dogs.Always pick up after your pet and follow the rules for leashes at the park.

Address: 43 Great Bay Lane, Laconia, NH 03246, United States.

16. Lake Winnipesaukee

The Lakes Region is at the base of the White Mountains. One of the best summer things to do in Gilford, NH, is to explore Lake Winnipesaukee.

Great Lake Winnipesaukee It covers 71 square miles and gets as deep as 180 feet. Lake Winnipesaukee is a big and beautiful lake. The spring-fed water is so clear that it reflects the mountains and woods around it, making a beautiful background.

There are more than 264 islands in this lake, ranging from small islets to bigger ones with historical significance or private homes. You can add more excitement to your lake experience by exploring these islands.

Many types of boats can be used on Lake Winnipesaukee because the water is calm and strong winds don’t bother the boats. You can motorboat or pontoon around the lake, explore secret coves in kayaks or canoes, or try paddleboarding for a different view.

Address: 1934 Lake Shore Road, Gilford, NH 03249, United States.

17. Alton Mountain Winery

One of the best things for wine lovers to do near Gilford, NH is to check out Alton Mountain Winery. Alton Mountain Winery lets you enjoy locally made wines while taking in beautiful views.

Start your taste adventure by having one of their handcrafted wines. Alton Mountain Winery lets you find your favorite wines by giving you tasting groups or single glasses.

This winery is tucked away in a valley with rolling hills and vineyards. It makes for a beautiful setting for drinking wine. As you sip their wines, take in the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Address: 103 Croydon Road, Alton, NH 03809, United States.