In 1934 and 1935, when he was just a teenager, Mr. Ames had traveled on the carnival and fair circuit with some of the first pinball machines ever to be made. History. With an unusual density of arcades, it’s also an exceptional place to bring the kids. Perfect place to vacation at lake Winni! Like any northern area, it is seasonal. You can spend time at the Public Sandy Beach with a playground and picnic area, walk to mini golf and climbing walls, bumper boats or perhaps stroll along the boardwalk for fried dough, cotton candy, games, shops, and restaurants. The beach is well maintained, and it is a perfect place for a picnic. The lakeside getaway is an older style multi-tenant building that is slightly tucked behind the pier and almost in a summer residential neighborhood of … While staying at Half Moon cottages, my family visited the Weirs Beach. That is, only the best of the best machines that make the grade will you find here! Many good bars and dance floors in the summer. (In the year 2000, the Half Moon arcades had a one-time auction on a Games For Sale web page. Next to the beach along Lakeside Ave lies the boardwalk. Winnipesaukee Pier, Arcade. Set on the beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, Smitholm Cottages is in the beautiful Laconia, New Hampshire. There are actually TWO arcades: a Penny Arcade and a Family Fun Center. There's a 1,300-foot boardwalk with arcades, shops, and bites to eat, great views, and water that climbs above 70 degrees in the dead of summer. To the right is a full listing of all the games, sorted by category. Winnipesaukee Scenic train rides (1 min.) more. Adjacent to the beach and comprising the center of the village are a boulevard and boardwalk that run along a quarter mile stretch of Lakeside Ave. There are over 120 different games in the Half Moon Penny Arcade! Visit Weirs Beach or walk along the boardwalk and pier. Boardwalk. Boardwalk – 350′ feet away! Standard boardwalk fare is on hand at The Weirs with fried dough, pizza, ice cream stands, shopping, and arcades. What you get now is a run down tourist trap with putrid public bathrooms. Today, Weirs Beach is once again a dominant vacation destination drawing visitors from throughout the Northeast and around the world! At the opposite end you’ll find the Weirs Beach Drive … I was originally from Laconia and went to the Weirs as we stayed near by. People walk along the water. In 1967, another, larger arcade building was built, and the “New” arcade moved next door, becoming the Half Moon Penny Arcade. From 1936-1950, his family owned and operated an arcade in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. 9 Reviews (603) 366-4315 Website. Weirs Beach. The prize assortment is, in fact, one of the largest you will find anywhere! I love how the strip lines the breathtaking views of Lake Winni and the giant open doors allow you to see the many adults as well as children basking in the arcade glory. Weirs Beach. The arcade includes Cott apples, bowling, and penny arcade. Be sure to check out the prize assortment in both arcades, as you can redeem your tickets and tokens for prizes in either one! You can even buy a fishing license at the same time. The boardwalk begins on Lakeside Avenue and runs the full length of Weirs Beach.. If the machine you love isn’t there, it’s probably because it’s been “retired”. Walking distance from the beach, boardwalk, arcades and many other attractions... Posted by Brittany Josephine Foskitt on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Both arcades feature a large variety of video games, including the latest simulators; flashy pinball machines; antique games which you can play for a dime; and a tremendous, Accommodations On Weirs Boulevard (Route 3 South), Accommodations On Endicott Street North (Route 3 North). Weirs Beach and the historic boardwalk is filled with fun and entertainment for the entire family. Located along the boardwalk is Half Moon Amusement Arcades there are actually two gaming areas within this location. The arcade and boardwalk are in the back (mid ground). ), At the very center of Weirs Beach you’ll find the HALF MOON AMUSEMENT ARCADES. If you are interested in buying an old retired game, please contact us directly. The Weirs Beach Arcade has been around for over forty years, and this may be the last one. Mr. Ames was active in the business until the age of 92. of Weirs Beach boardwalk activities and easy walking distance to the world's largest arcade, Funspot ... fun for all ages! (There are multiple copies of some of the games.) I don't think I'm supposed to know this, but the owners have retired and sold the Weirs Beach "Boardwalk" Arcade and Shops just this year. The Weirs, as the locals refer to it, is located next to Endicott Rock State Historic Site, which has a stone engraved by surveyors of the area dating back to 1652. Boat rides (1 min.) This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Around 1980, the original arcade, which had existed continuously in the same location for 30 years, quadrupled in capacity, when it incorporated the location of the former bowling alley and became the Half Moon Family Fun Center. Dine on the Mount Washington Cruise Ship watching the sun slip into the lake. You are steps from the Winni Boardwalk/Pier, the beach, the stores, the boating, the restaurants, the arcade, etc. Now, this is a secret. He passed away on January 29, 2009. Arcades and Games: There are two main arcades at Weirs Beach. Visit the beach or docks from five different areas of the boardwalk while you are walking. Great Beach with plenty of things to do nearby. (The Half Moon Cabins, on a separate parcel of land, were purchased by Mr. Ames from Mr. Ballou on December 14, 1956. Bowling (1 min.) With over sixty years of experience in the arcade business, you might imagine the variety of machines you will find in the Half Moon arcades. Take a scenic train tour or try the elegant Dinner Train. Cottages line the background up on the hill. 9 reviews of Half Moon Amusement Arcades "If your looking for that Boardwalk Arcade feel look no further. Other than the Mount Washington cruise the Weirs is a giant waste of time. Channel Waterfront Cottages has been in business since the 1920’s, and 2020 will be our 29th season! Weirs Beach Today. Watch Friday Night Fireworks (weather and funding dependent); Water sports – swimming, boating, cruises, fishing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, jet skis, water skiing Arcades and amusements Built in the early 1930’s by Bob Wagner, the Half Moon at that time consisted of a restaurant, snack bar, and bowling alley. Color postcard of Weirs Beach pier. Manchester Scavenger Hunt: The Granite... Manchester to Manchester–Boston Regional... Hotels near (MHT) Manchester Municipal Airport, Hotels near (LEB) Lebanon Regional Airport, Hotels near (PSM) Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, Hotels near Lakes Region Community College, Game & Entertainment Centers in Weirs Beach, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Weirs Beach, Laconia Motorcycle Week: Tickets & Tours‎, Half Moon Family Fun Center: Tickets & Tours‎. Remember, kids 16 and under do not need a fishing license. Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach, New Hampshire features old time arcades, shops, ice cream stands and restaurants for family fun or a break from the beach. His three sons, Jeffrey, Michael, and Robert, now manage the arcades and the other Half Moon businesses. Boardwalk (1 min.) From 1936-1950, his family owned and operated an arcade in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. There are over 1000 items in stock at any one time, and the prizes not only include items to please children, but also items for the discerning adult: electronics, NH souvenirs, housewares, beach items, and gifts. And a T-shirt store almost entirely stocked with MAGA/ trump crap. Rebuilt in 2010, the boardwalk is over 1300 feet long and offers amazing views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee mountains. (603) 366-5188 There is the infamous Penny arcade which includes over 120 games from pinball to whack a mole, and the Family Fun Center arcade that offers classics from Pac Man to Galaga. 1500 signs telling you what you can and cannot do every step. If you get tired of the beach just a short walk you are shops and arcade area. The huge Victorian summer homes overlooking the beach and lake were beautiful too. Discover a gorgeous view of the lake and the mountains at every step. In 1948, Mr. Ames visited Weirs Beach, saw the potential of the area, and came back the following season to start the business. Visit Weirs Beach or walk along the boardwalk and pier. What a beautiful beach. York Beach, Maine | Skee-Ball, Goldenrod Kisses, and the Most Photographed Lighthouse in New England Tucked between Kittery and Ogunquit on the southern Maine coast, York Beach is a popular summer seaside destination thanks to its family-friendly vibe, beautiful beaches, fun downtown, and memorable attractions. Virginia Beach Boardwalk (Virginia Beach, Virginia) Virginia Beach's boardwalk is 28 feet wide and runs 3 miles for a bike ride, walk or, wait for it, rollerblade through time. Half Moon has it. Looking to Visit Weirs Beach in Lake Winnipesaukee, N.H., ... An iconic neon sign with a U-shaped arrow has pointed the way for generations of visitors to the video arcades, mini-golf courses, ... wooden boardwalk lined on the one side by shops and attractions, and on the other by picturesque views of … It was opened by then 21-year-old Bob Lawton as an indoor miniature golf course and penny arcade with $750 USD borrowed from his grandmother. Catalog Number: L1990.0009.J.0060 Earliest Date Affordable, Year Round Accommodations with Spectacular Views Cedar Lodge on Lake Winnipesaukee is the Perfect New Hampshire Getaway. Adults will like it and your children will be asking to go back again. There are over 140 different games in the Half Moon Family Fun Center! While each arcade has some of the same items, many other prizes are unique to each arcade. An information booth is seen along the boardwalk. Weirs Beach … The view, the lake, and the cruise ship that you can tour on. Getting an ice cream. Swimming at the beach with my cousins. It was on the boardwalk that Weirs Sport Center became the perfect place for families to go during the rainy days of a week-long vacation. Dine on the Mount Washington Cruise Ship watching the sun slip into the lake. In 1948, Mr. Ames visited Weirs Beach, saw the potential of the area, and came back the following season to start the business. To the right is a full listing of all the games, sorted by category. The business was founded in 1949 by Sidney E. Ames, who rented a small space adjacent to the Half Moon Snack Bar for an arcade. On the first day the center was open it made $36.60 from miniature golf admission and … There’s only so much room! We are still receiving inquiries about these games which are long gone. Batting cages & Climbing Wall 1 min.) Cedar Lodge is a hidden gem just steps from Weirs Beach and many local attractions as well as some of the best skiing New England has to offer. Rent a boat from Anchor Marine, located just north of the beach. Over the years, the arcade expanded tremendously in size. Weirs Beach, or "The Weirs" as it is referred to by locals, is named for a wide, sandy, public beach on Lake Winnipesaukee. They even have a drive in theater. Take a scenic train tour or try the elegant Dinner Train. The location is awesome. The beach is very clean, and provides spectacular views of the mountains, and the many boats that travel on the lake. Weirs Beach & Public beach (1 minute away.) Swimming, boating, golf, arcades, fireworks, horseback riding, hiking trails, tax-free shopping, wonderful restaurants, and even a drive-in theater! Less than 150 feet from any shoreline near a beach boardwalk, there's probably a video game arcade. Weirs Beach Drive-in theater (1 min.) Beautiful beach, lots to do especially in the summer.We went in the fall and saw the beautiful colors, went to 2 fall displays. And with a penny arcade, an indoor miniature golf course, and an active concession stand, there wasn't much more a family looking for a break from the beach needed. (This building currently houses the Half Moon Bumper Cars.) Get directions, reviews and information for Half Moon Amusement Arcades in Weirs Beach, NH. Weirs Beach Attractions Bank of NH Pavilion (6 mins) For more info about the history of the Half Moon, click here.). From our location you are just a short walk: Weirs Beach – just a short walk! My last trip to this location. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. (For more detail on Mr. Ames’s activities and family business during the 1940’s, click here. Now that the pier head been restored, there is more to do. Don't tell anyone. They have arcades and little food shops. Is located on the boulevard on a games for Sale web page now the... 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