Each summer parents are faced with the age-old dilemma, “What should we do with the kids this summer?” Finding something fun, unique, and convenient can be challenging. And if you have pets, it gets even trickier—“What about the dog?”
Enter Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa. Nestled in the White Mountains, it’s the perfect backdrop for your next adventure, offering an ideal getaway for the entire family—including its four-legged members.
From the moment you walk through the door, the staff greet every member of your family, furry ones included, with warmth and hospitality. That’s right—the resort is proudly pet-friendly.
The offerings at Mountain View reflect a bygone era, when families would vacation together for the entire summer. And while modern life is busier and more screen-filled than ever, the resort makes a conscious effort to provide a slower, more connected experience.
“We try to make sure our activities offer something unique—something you can do without committing your whole day, but still walk away feeling like, ‘Hey, I did something special,’” says Lloyd Van Horn, General Manager.
This includes plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities like tennis and pickleball, swimming, disc golf, biking and walking on dedicated paths—and even axe throwing!
If the forecast is less than ideal, families can keep busy at the activity center, which has video games, coloring stations, and board games. Or take in a film at the on-site movie theater. “The game room and movie theater downstairs are really important,” Van Horn adds. “When we think about offerings for kids, I always ask: ‘If it’s raining, can they still say they had a good time?’”
No matter your interests or skill level, there are family-friendly options for everyone. Even the spa has a kid-friendly twist, with the “My Grown-Up + Me Spa Day” package designed to give children a chance to enjoy the spa alongside their parents. “The goal is to create experiences that don’t rely on good weather, or on handing kids a screen. We design activities that will keep them entertained,” says Van Horn.
The rooms at Mountain View are spacious and offer stunning views—whether of the deluxe nine-hole golf course or the breathtaking White Mountains. Rooms designated for guests with pets are thoughtfully spaced out to minimize noise and ensure a comfortable stay for those with and without animal roommates.
And speaking of family-friendly, four-legged members get the VIP treatment too. As part of the “Mountain Paws Experience,” pets are allowed throughout the property, including the lobby and outdoor areas, though not in the main restaurant. Dogs can explore off leash across most of the resort’s 1,700 acres, including the hiking trails, as long as they remain under voice control.
While the resort provides a specific pet-relief station for convenience, other areas are not off limits for pets to do their “business,” provided the pet owner cares for the property.
What to expect for your pet:
- Welcome kit: On arrival, your pet receives a drawstring bag stocked with essentials—a collapsible water bowl, a durable frisbee, a waste bag dispenser, and house-made treats.
- Comfort and convenience: The resort provides a cozy pet bed and food dishes for use during your stay.
- Safety first: You can monitor your pet’s location and activities (or naps) using a Tractive GPS & Health Tracker.
The original Mountain View House, affectionately known as “the first place,” began as a modest family farm in 1866 that welcomed local tourists. Today, those historical roots are alive and well on the resort’s working farm.
Dogs aren’t the only animals you’ll encounter here. The on-site farm is a highlight—especially for families with young children. Sheep, goats, chickens, a friendly barn cat, llamas, alpacas, miniature donkeys, and rabbits all call the resort home. Kids can interact with the animals, help brush them, collect eggs, and even share breakfast with their furry and feathered friends.
And for golf lovers: By special request, you can even book a llama caddy. Yes, we said “llama.” You can stroll the nine-hole course with a new, furry golfing partner!
Traveling with kids or pets can be stressful—but it doesn’t have to be. At Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, every detail is designed to include and delight every family member, human and animal alike—making it easy to relax, recharge, and create memories you’ll all wag your tails about.
If it’s raining, can they still say they had a good time?
We try to make sure our activities offer something unique.