Family Fun at Clark's Bears and Lost River
title: "Family Fun Near North Woodstock: Clark's Bears and Lost River Gorge Adventures" slug: family-fun-clarks-bears date: 2024-06-15 author: "Inn 32 Staff" description: "Family itinerary featuring Clark's Bears and Lost River Gorge, tips for visiting with children, and family-friendly accommodations at Inn 32 in North Woodstock." keywords: "family activities North Woodstock, Clark's Bears, Lost River Gorge, White Mountains family vacation, Inn 32 family rooms" image: "/images/family-fun.jpg"
Family vacations to the White Mountains need balance: activities that excite adults alongside attractions that captivate children. North Woodstock delivers perfectly, offering classic attractions like Clark's Bears and Lost River Gorge alongside hiking, scenic drives, and peaceful nature time. This guide helps families plan a memorable White Mountains vacation, with practical tips for making outdoor adventures enjoyable for all ages.
Why North Woodstock for Families?
North Woodstock's position in the White Mountains provides a variety of activities within short driving distances. Unlike wilderness areas requiring serious hiking ability, the region's attractions mix outdoor adventure with family-friendly entertainment. Moreover, the region's modest size keeps traveling distances short—you're not spending vacation time driving between distant attractions.
Inn 32's location on Main Street puts your family within minutes of numerous activities. After a full day exploring, you retreat to comfortable accommodations rather than driving long distances. This efficiency maximizes vacation enjoyment for families managing different energy levels and interests.
Clark's Bears: A Classic New England Attraction
Clark's Bears has delighted families since 1946. Located in Lincoln (just west of North Woodstock), this unique roadside attraction combines wildlife education with entertainment in ways that captivate children while parents appreciate the quirky charm.
What You'll Find at Clark's Bears
Bear Enclosures - Clark's keeps trained bears in spacious outdoor habitats. Visitors watch bears swimming, climbing, and interacting. Despite their size and strength, these trained animals engage with visitors in entertaining ways. Children are fascinated by the combination of cuteness and danger bears represent.
Feeding Demonstrations - Staff members provide educational talks about bear behavior, feeding, and habitat. These aren't just animal facts—they explain why bears do what they do, making the experience educational alongside entertainment.
Gift Shop - The extensive gift shop sells bear-themed souvenirs, from plush toys to bear-themed clothing and decorations. Kids typically spend time here, and you'll likely leave with small items that remind them of their visit.
Photo Opportunities - Positioned viewing areas and gentle animals provide excellent photo opportunities. Families leave with memories captured in pictures of their kids' delighted faces.
Tips for Your Clark's Bears Visit
Timing - Visit in late morning or early afternoon, avoiding peak crowds. Arrival around 10-11 AM typically means shorter lines and fresher animals (less tired after morning interactions).
Duration - Most families spend 45 minutes to an hour at Clark's Bears. Plan accordingly in your daily itinerary. This makes it perfect for a mid-morning activity while other plans develop.
Photography - Bring a decent camera. Professional photos of bears and visitors make great vacation memories and souvenirs. The lighting in bear viewing areas varies—experiment with settings to capture good shots.
Heat Consideration - Many viewing areas are open-air. On hot days, bring sunscreen and hats. Most of the experience is outdoors, so sun protection matters.
Engagement - Talk to your children about bear behavior before and after your visit. What did the bears eat? Why do they swim? How do they move? Conversation deepens the experience beyond simple animal viewing.
Lost River Gorge: Adventure and Mystery
Lost River Gorge, carved by the Lost River over millennia, offers a genuine geological adventure. The narrow gorge, with walls rising 60-80 feet, contains caves, tunnels, and passages that visitors explore on foot. Unlike theme parks with manufactured attractions, Lost River is a real geological feature—dramatic and slightly mysterious.
The Lost River Experience
The Gorge Walk - Visitors enter the river bottom and navigate through sections of the gorge. Wooden bridges span the river in places, and carefully designed paths wind through passages. The entire experience involves moving through narrow spaces and moderate climbing—nothing dangerous, but enough to feel adventurous.
Natural Cave Sections - Several passages go through actual caves where the river disappears underground. Walking through these sections, with the river flowing beneath the cave floor, creates genuine wonder. The experience appeals to children's natural curiosity about caves and hidden spaces.
Geological Learning - Interpretive signs explain how the river created this dramatic gorge. Understanding the geological processes deepens appreciation. Children learn that landscapes aren't fixed—water continues sculpting mountains.
Wildflower Areas - The gorge bottom supports unusual plant communities. In spring and early summer, wildflowers bloom. Point these out to children, explaining how unusual gorge conditions support plants.
Tips for Lost River Gorge
Footwear - Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots with good traction. The gorge contains wet rocks and slippery surfaces. Lightweight water shoes work well here. Avoid sandals or flip-flops.
Duration - The gorge walk takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on pace and how much time you spend exploring caves and reading signs.
Timing - Visit early in the day when crowds are minimal. The narrow gorge can feel crowded when many visitors are present simultaneously.
Age Considerations - Most children age 5 and up manage the gorge walk successfully. Very young children might struggle with climbing or feel anxious in narrow spaces. Gauge your children's comfort with tight spaces before visiting.
Water Level - River water level varies seasonally and with rainfall. In dry periods, less water flows. After heavy rain, water increases but rocks become more slippery. Generally, moderate water levels provide the best experience—exciting but not hazardous.
Flashlights - Bring flashlights for the cave sections, though some lighting is installed. Personal flashlights let children explore shadows and alcoves more thoroughly.
A Perfect Family Day Itinerary
Morning - Return to inn32 for a substantial breakfast fueling the day. Discuss the plan for the day's adventures.
Mid-Morning (10-11 AM) - Drive to Clark's Bears in Lincoln. Spend an hour watching bears and enjoying gift shop browsing.
Late Morning - Drive to Lost River Gorge (about 10 minutes from Clark's). Begin your gorge adventure.
Midday - Complete Lost River Gorge exploration. Have picnic lunch near the gorge or drive back to North Woodstock for restaurant lunch.
Afternoon - Options vary based on energy levels. Consider:
- Easier hikes near North Woodstock
- Scenic drives (Kancamagus Highway is spectacular)
- Visit to local shops or ice cream
- Return to inn for rest and pool time
Evening - Dinner at family-friendly restaurant, then evening stroll through North Woodstock or board games/relaxation at your room.
Family Rooms at Inn 32
When you're traveling with children, room selection matters. Inn 32 offers family-friendly rooms designed with families in mind. Look for:
- Rooms with multiple beds or suites with separate spaces
- Amenities appealing to kids (pools, game areas if available)
- Ground-floor access if traveling with young children
- Comfortable common areas for rainy-day activities
Our staff understands families need rooms that work for multiple age groups and activity levels. Discuss your family composition when booking to ensure perfect room selection.
Practical Family Vacation Tips
Packing
- Sunscreen and bug spray (essential)
- Hats and sunglasses for all family members
- Layers for temperature changes
- Sturdy shoes for all
- Snacks and water bottles
- First aid supplies
- Small games or entertainment for vehicle driving
Meals
North Woodstock offers various dining options suitable for families. From casual to more refined, you'll find restaurants that welcome children. Many feature outdoor seating or casual atmospheres where kids feel comfortable.
Pack snacks and water bottles for day activities. Mountain activities burn energy, and proper fueling keeps everyone happy.
Managing Energy Levels
Balance activity with rest. Families with young children might alternate between structured activities and free play. Older kids might push for more intensity; set realistic expectations about how much can fit in each day.
Weather Considerations
White Mountains weather changes rapidly. Even in summer, afternoon thunderstorms develop. Have indoor backup plans. Museums, visitors centers, and covered attractions provide alternatives when weather requires indoor activities.
Other Family Activities Near Inn 32
Beyond Clark's Bears and Lost River Gorge, explore our complete things to do guide for other family-friendly activities including:
- Easier hiking trails suitable for children
- Scenic drives
- Local attractions
- Swimming and water play
Extended Family Getaways
Many families extend their White Mountains trip beyond a single day. With numerous activities, different difficulty levels, and varying interests available, North Woodstock easily accommodates week-long vacations where each day brings different adventures.
Plan longer stays to avoid rushing. Families often return year after year once they discover how perfectly North Woodstock balances outdoor adventure with family-friendly attractions.
Your Family Adventure Awaits
Inn 32 at 180 Main Street in North Woodstock is perfectly positioned for family vacations combining outdoor adventure, wildlife education, and memorable experiences. Clark's Bears and Lost River Gorge represent just the beginning of what families discover here.
Book your family getaway today. The White Mountains are calling, and your family adventure awaits.