Q - Jeff L. of Trenton, New Jersey asks: My family, including a 1, 6 and 9-year-old will be spending a long weekend in Bethel, Maine and we are looking for some activities that include watersports, fishing, history and outdoor fun. Any ideas?

A - Your trip to Bethel, Maine, which has been welcoming summer guests since the early 1800s should give you many opportunities to enjoy a wealth of activities, clean mountain air and family-friendliness.

Known mostly as a winter destination, the summer's off-season rates are very reasonable and accommodations range from campsites in the White Mountaints to luxury suites at the Bethel Inn and Country Club with lots of B&Bs, inns, motels, cabins, cottages and condominiums in between.  Many accommodations are even pet-friendly and at most locations, children 5 and under stay free.  As for eating, most restaurants, and even fine dining establishments, offer children's menus.

As far as activities go, the list is long and varied:

•  Hike easy trails in the beautiful White Mountains National Forest.
•  Climb to "Step Falls Nature Preserve" to swim in the nature granite pools and frolic in the waterfalls.
•  Take a canoe trip on the Androscoggin River to view wildlife such as moose and osprey.
•  Take a scenic chair-lift ride.
•  Mine for gems such as quartz, mica and tourmaline in the many abandoned quarries.
•  Go mountin-biking at Sunday River Mountain Park or tour back country roads.
•  Go horse-back riding at local farms.
•  Don't miss Pooh Corner Farm where you can meet Roo (a wallaby), Piglet and Eeyore.

In inclement weather, take a history lesson with a tour of the Moses Mason House, an early 19th century home, or visit Crystal Cave.  Also,  Bethel has an adventure center with indoor laser tag, a climbing wall and outdoor waterslide and miniature golf course.

For more details, lodging suggestions and an events calendar, visit Bethel, Maine's tourism website.