White Mountain Area
Conway Scenic Railway, North Conway - Enjoy the scenery of the White Mountains from the comfort of a train. The Conway Scenic Railway provides a variety of train rides through the Mt. Washington Valley. A 55-minute ride takes to you from North Conway to Conway and back. A five-hour roundtrip excursion takes you all the way to Crawford Notch. Enjoy lunch on the Crawford trip in the newly acquired 1949 D-1 class dining car. The antique trains used by the Conway Scenic Railway date back as far as 1898 and include a Pullman Parlor-Observation Car. Special events during the year include: “Day Out with Thomas;” “The Dog Daze of Summer” (bring your dog on the train); and “The Polar Express.” Kid Comment -- Go across the street and get candy at Zeb's General Store after the train ride. www.conwayscenic.com
Zeb’s General Store, North Conway - No visit to the North Conway area would be complete without a trip to Zeb’s Country Store. Especially for the kids, Zeb’s extensive old fashion “penny” candy section is a huge draw. Mom and dad are also certain to find a childhood favorite among these jarred sugary delights. Zeb’s sells more typical general store items as well like jam, soaps, maple syrup, and souvenirs. Make sure to head upstairs where you will find stuffed woodland creatures and a toy section. http://zebs.com
Story Land, Glen - New Hampshire’s answer to Disney World! Story Land started out as an amusement park that captured children’s imaginations through rides and exhibits drawn from storybook classics such as The Three Little Pigs, Heidi, Mother Goose, Mary Had a Little Lamb, and Cinderella. While maintaining the charm of its naissance, Storyland provides an up-to-date park with 21 rides including favorites such as the antique cars, the Polar Coaster, Bamboo Chutes, Dr. Geyser’s Raft Ride, Buccaneer Pirate Ship, Slipshod Safari Tour, Cuckoo Clockenspiel, and many more. Kid Comment - Make sure to go on the Swan Boat water ride where you can drive your own swan. www.storylandnh.com
Santa's Village, Jefferson - Christmas in July, and all summer long! Santa’s Village is a magical place where children can enjoy 17 holiday-themed rides. Start your Christmas adventure with an overview of the park as you ride the Skyway Sleigh. Other family favorites include: the Yule Log Flume, Rudy’s Rapid Transit Coaster, Red Hot Racers, the Antique Cars, and the Great Humbug Adventure. New this year is the Ho, Ho, H20 Water Park. Not to be missed! The Santa theme is carried out throughout the park with holiday shows, gingerbread cookie decorating, and a post office where you can write Santa a letter. Combine a trip to Santa’s Village with a trip to Storyland. Stay in the North Conway area and explore one park each day. Kid Comment - The Humbug ride is also a haunted house. But don’t worry, it’s not too scary and really fun.
The Cog Railway, Bretton Woods - The Cog Railway chugs and whistles for three miles up the side of Mt. Washington to the mountain’s summit at 6,288 feet. The views on this 3-hour roundtrip journey are some of the best in New Hampshire without actually hiking the mountain. Built in 1869, the Cog Railway holds the distinction of being the second steepest mountain climbing train in the world and the steepest in North America. At the top of the mountain, you can get out and visit the Mount Washington Observatory Center and Museum before your return ride down the mountain. www.thecog.com
Kahuna Laguna, North Conway - The Kahuna Laguna at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort is 40,000 square feet of water fun. Kahuna Laguna offers fun for kids of all ages. Perhaps most thrilling are the multi-story tubes which you ride down either on rafts or by body surfing. The tubes twist and turn like corkscrews as you descend into a landing pool. There is also a wave pool, water basketball, and a younger children’s section (shallow pool, smaller slides, play tower, and 150 gallon tipping bucket). When you are done sliding, swimming, and splashing around, check out the 25-person hot tub. The Red Jacket Mountain View Resort is great too, but you don’t need to stay there to take advantage of the Kahuna Laguna. Kid Comment - Go on the purple tube ride. It's pitch dark inside and you ride down on your back. www.kahunalaguna.com
Loon Mountain Scenic Gondola Skyride, Lincoln - Ski areas aren’t just for winter fun. They are also great destinations in the summertime too. The views from the Loon Mountain Scenic Gondola skyride are spectacular. As your ride on what is purported to be New Hampshire’s longest skyride, you can look back on the White Mountain Presidential Range. Once at the summit of this 3,050 foot mountain, you’ll find a wonderful children’s playground, glacial caves to explore, local artisans working on their crafts, and the summit cafe. Loon Mountain has recently added a plethora of summer activities at the base of the mountain, including a rock climbing wall, a bungee trampoline, and a zipline ride across the Pemigewassett River. www.loonmtn.com/info/summer/summer-activities.aspx
Southern New Hampshire
Water Country, Portsmouth -- Splish, Splash! Water Country is an invigorating and cool way to spend a summer’s day. The variety of water slides and mini water parks easily provides a day of nonstop fun. Start your trip off with a leisurely ride down the quarter-mile Adventure River. Or, zip on over to experience the thrill of the Dragon’s Den (easily the park’s most popular ride with the longest line). In addition to the more than 16 water rides, there are three water parks (one exclusively for young children), a giant wave pool, and a large whirl pool. The water slides range from body slides, to double inner tube rides, to rafting rides the whole family can enjoy. Not to be missed for daring children and adults is the double Geronimo - not for the faint of heart! Water Country offers season passes, which can easily be paid for with two trips to the park. Also, check out AAA or on-line offers for significantly discounted tickets. Kid Comment - The Geronimo is the best ride. You feel like you're airborne! www.watercountry.com
Seacoast Science Center, Rye - The Seacoast Science Center introduces children to marine science through the center’s many hands-on exhibits. Located in Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH, the Seacoast Science Center commands an enviable spot on the New Hampshire coast. Highlights of the center include a 32-foot skeleton of a humpback whale, a tide pool touch tank where you can pick up various marine life, and the Gulf of Maine exhibit hall. The exhibit hall includes a number of aquarium-style tanks with Maine sea life. Make sure to look for the rare blue lobster. A great way to explore the Seacost Center is by using the scavenger hunt sheets they provide. There are also regular talks and activities. We learned about jelly fish and then made a jelly fish out of paper plates, crayons, and colored string. www.seacoastsciencecenter.org
The Beach Plum, North Hampton - The Beach Plum has some of the yummiest lobster rolls, lobster bisque, and foot-long hotdogs. In 2009, their lobster rolls won best lobster roll kudos from New Hampshire Magazine, and their lobster bisque is chock full of chunks of lobster. They also serve up huge portions of their marvelous ice cream. The Beach Plum is located on route 1A across the street from the North Hampton State Park Beach. Enjoy your food at one of the many outdoor tables at Beach Plum or walk across the street and sit on the beach. Kid Comment - Get soft-serve ice cream dipped in chocolate or cherry AND sprinkles on top. http://thebeachplum.net
Keene Pumpkin Festival - This is the pumpkin festival to beat all pumpkin festivals. Imagine viewing almost 30,000 lighted jack-o’-lanterns at one time! The Keene Pumpkin Festival was once the Guinness Book record holder for most carved pumpkins lit at one time. In 2006, they were eclipsed by a one-time festival with 30,128 pumpkins. Each year the festival seeks to regain its world crown. In addition to viewing the jack-o’-lanterns, the festival offers loads of activities such as face painting, a costume parade, and live music. www.pumpkinfestival.org
Conway Scenic Railway, North Conway - Enjoy the scenery of the White Mountains from the comfort of a train. The Conway Scenic Railway provides a variety of train rides through the Mt. Washington Valley. A 55-minute ride takes to you from North Conway to Conway and back. A five-hour roundtrip excursion takes you all the way to Crawford Notch. Enjoy lunch on the Crawford trip in the newly acquired 1949 D-1 class dining car. The antique trains used by the Conway Scenic Railway date back as far as 1898 and include a Pullman Parlor-Observation Car. Special events during the year include: “Day Out with Thomas;” “The Dog Daze of Summer” (bring your dog on the train); and “The Polar Express.” Kid Comment -- Go across the street and get candy at Zeb's General Store after the train ride. www.conwayscenic.com
Zeb’s General Store, North Conway - No visit to the North Conway area would be complete without a trip to Zeb’s Country Store. Especially for the kids, Zeb’s extensive old fashion “penny” candy section is a huge draw. Mom and dad are also certain to find a childhood favorite among these jarred sugary delights. Zeb’s sells more typical general store items as well like jam, soaps, maple syrup, and souvenirs. Make sure to head upstairs where you will find stuffed woodland creatures and a toy section. http://zebs.com
Story Land, Glen - New Hampshire’s answer to Disney World! Story Land started out as an amusement park that captured children’s imaginations through rides and exhibits drawn from storybook classics such as The Three Little Pigs, Heidi, Mother Goose, Mary Had a Little Lamb, and Cinderella. While maintaining the charm of its naissance, Storyland provides an up-to-date park with 21 rides including favorites such as the antique cars, the Polar Coaster, Bamboo Chutes, Dr. Geyser’s Raft Ride, Buccaneer Pirate Ship, Slipshod Safari Tour, Cuckoo Clockenspiel, and many more. Kid Comment - Make sure to go on the Swan Boat water ride where you can drive your own swan. www.storylandnh.com
Santa's Village, Jefferson - Christmas in July, and all summer long! Santa’s Village is a magical place where children can enjoy 17 holiday-themed rides. Start your Christmas adventure with an overview of the park as you ride the Skyway Sleigh. Other family favorites include: the Yule Log Flume, Rudy’s Rapid Transit Coaster, Red Hot Racers, the Antique Cars, and the Great Humbug Adventure. New this year is the Ho, Ho, H20 Water Park. Not to be missed! The Santa theme is carried out throughout the park with holiday shows, gingerbread cookie decorating, and a post office where you can write Santa a letter. Combine a trip to Santa’s Village with a trip to Storyland. Stay in the North Conway area and explore one park each day. Kid Comment - The Humbug ride is also a haunted house. But don’t worry, it’s not too scary and really fun.
The Cog Railway, Bretton Woods - The Cog Railway chugs and whistles for three miles up the side of Mt. Washington to the mountain’s summit at 6,288 feet. The views on this 3-hour roundtrip journey are some of the best in New Hampshire without actually hiking the mountain. Built in 1869, the Cog Railway holds the distinction of being the second steepest mountain climbing train in the world and the steepest in North America. At the top of the mountain, you can get out and visit the Mount Washington Observatory Center and Museum before your return ride down the mountain. www.thecog.com
Kahuna Laguna, North Conway - The Kahuna Laguna at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort is 40,000 square feet of water fun. Kahuna Laguna offers fun for kids of all ages. Perhaps most thrilling are the multi-story tubes which you ride down either on rafts or by body surfing. The tubes twist and turn like corkscrews as you descend into a landing pool. There is also a wave pool, water basketball, and a younger children’s section (shallow pool, smaller slides, play tower, and 150 gallon tipping bucket). When you are done sliding, swimming, and splashing around, check out the 25-person hot tub. The Red Jacket Mountain View Resort is great too, but you don’t need to stay there to take advantage of the Kahuna Laguna. Kid Comment - Go on the purple tube ride. It's pitch dark inside and you ride down on your back. www.kahunalaguna.com
Loon Mountain Scenic Gondola Skyride, Lincoln - Ski areas aren’t just for winter fun. They are also great destinations in the summertime too. The views from the Loon Mountain Scenic Gondola skyride are spectacular. As your ride on what is purported to be New Hampshire’s longest skyride, you can look back on the White Mountain Presidential Range. Once at the summit of this 3,050 foot mountain, you’ll find a wonderful children’s playground, glacial caves to explore, local artisans working on their crafts, and the summit cafe. Loon Mountain has recently added a plethora of summer activities at the base of the mountain, including a rock climbing wall, a bungee trampoline, and a zipline ride across the Pemigewassett River. www.loonmtn.com/info/summer/summer-activities.aspx
Southern New Hampshire
Water Country, Portsmouth -- Splish, Splash! Water Country is an invigorating and cool way to spend a summer’s day. The variety of water slides and mini water parks easily provides a day of nonstop fun. Start your trip off with a leisurely ride down the quarter-mile Adventure River. Or, zip on over to experience the thrill of the Dragon’s Den (easily the park’s most popular ride with the longest line). In addition to the more than 16 water rides, there are three water parks (one exclusively for young children), a giant wave pool, and a large whirl pool. The water slides range from body slides, to double inner tube rides, to rafting rides the whole family can enjoy. Not to be missed for daring children and adults is the double Geronimo - not for the faint of heart! Water Country offers season passes, which can easily be paid for with two trips to the park. Also, check out AAA or on-line offers for significantly discounted tickets. Kid Comment - The Geronimo is the best ride. You feel like you're airborne! www.watercountry.com
Seacoast Science Center, Rye - The Seacoast Science Center introduces children to marine science through the center’s many hands-on exhibits. Located in Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH, the Seacoast Science Center commands an enviable spot on the New Hampshire coast. Highlights of the center include a 32-foot skeleton of a humpback whale, a tide pool touch tank where you can pick up various marine life, and the Gulf of Maine exhibit hall. The exhibit hall includes a number of aquarium-style tanks with Maine sea life. Make sure to look for the rare blue lobster. A great way to explore the Seacost Center is by using the scavenger hunt sheets they provide. There are also regular talks and activities. We learned about jelly fish and then made a jelly fish out of paper plates, crayons, and colored string. www.seacoastsciencecenter.org
The Beach Plum, North Hampton - The Beach Plum has some of the yummiest lobster rolls, lobster bisque, and foot-long hotdogs. In 2009, their lobster rolls won best lobster roll kudos from New Hampshire Magazine, and their lobster bisque is chock full of chunks of lobster. They also serve up huge portions of their marvelous ice cream. The Beach Plum is located on route 1A across the street from the North Hampton State Park Beach. Enjoy your food at one of the many outdoor tables at Beach Plum or walk across the street and sit on the beach. Kid Comment - Get soft-serve ice cream dipped in chocolate or cherry AND sprinkles on top. http://thebeachplum.net
Keene Pumpkin Festival - This is the pumpkin festival to beat all pumpkin festivals. Imagine viewing almost 30,000 lighted jack-o’-lanterns at one time! The Keene Pumpkin Festival was once the Guinness Book record holder for most carved pumpkins lit at one time. In 2006, they were eclipsed by a one-time festival with 30,128 pumpkins. Each year the festival seeks to regain its world crown. In addition to viewing the jack-o’-lanterns, the festival offers loads of activities such as face painting, a costume parade, and live music. www.pumpkinfestival.org
New Hampshire with Kids
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