New Hampshire, nestled deep within the New England mountains of the United States, is a wonderful family popular destination filled with natural beauty perfect for outdoor activities. If youíre considering a vacation in the northeast this year, you wonít be disappointed if you choose to live out the New Hampshire experience.
There are loads of fun things to do for adults and kids alike, and there are some things that are intrinsic to the region, as well. Since this area of the country is best known for its fall foliage, consider visiting the area during the height of color! Here are some great ideas for family fun in the state thatís known for its White Mountains.
Best Places to Visit in New Hampshire
Glen is a Great Place to Start
Story Land, located in Glen, New Hampshire, is an ideal vacation spot for families with young children. Sitting in the White Mountains, the rides and attractions are built into the landscape itself, making the scenery as much a part of the experience as the amusements.
Boasting 20 rides, including a pumpkin coach, a pirate ship and whirling whales – and 5 shows, as well as play areas and shops, your family can spend an entire day here, enjoying the atmosphere and picking up a unique souvenir or two for the return trip. While you’re there, take a ride on one of the Swan Boats. These beautiful boats were built to resemble graceful swans. You can pilot one of these boats yourself, and the whole family is welcome to take this wonderful ride.
Jefferson is Beautiful in the Summer
Santa may live at the North Pole, but Jefferson, New Hampshire is home to Santa’s Village. The Yule Log Flume, Santa’s Skyway Sleigh, The Christmas Ferris Wheel, The Great Humbug Adventure and the Pixie Mix are among the many rides that make up this marvelous childrení’s park and one of the best places for kids.
Kids will also delight in a show at The Polar Theater and a visit to the Elf University, where theyíll receive an official diploma. They will be able to feed Santa’s reindeer at the Reindeer Ranch, and then test their detective skills by playing the Elfabet Game where children need to scour the park to find all 26 elves in the Elfabet in order to win a prize. You can spend all day here!
Also in Jefferson you will find Six Gun City and Fort Splash Waterpark – a family theme park set in the Wild West, complete with rides, activities and shows. Rides include Bumper Boats, Prospectors Plunge Raft Ride (take a ride in the dark, in this fully enclosed amusement), Gold Rush Express (a rollercoaster in the guise of a runaway train) and Tomahawk Run Waterslide (boasting a 360 degree turn), as well as many others.
The youngest children won’t be left out since there are a number of rides that are suitable for them, including a waterslide which allows parents to go down while holding youngsters on their laps. In addition to the typical western shows and re-enactments, your family will be delighted by the Miniature Horse Show.
Other activities include Laser Tag, Go Karts and miniature golf, to name a few, as well as a museum.
Salem is a Perfect Place to Visit
Canobie Lake Park, in Salem, New Hampshire is full of rides and shows for the whole family to enjoy. The Boston Tea Party is a watery rollercoaster ride that will drench, but delight, the kids. The Starblaster ride simulates an actual blast-off experience, showing kids what it would be like to take off for space and they get to go twice in a row for extra fun!
Other rides include a Giant Skywheel, Corkscrew Coaster, Yankee Cannonball and Jungle Bounce, just to name a few. There are also 14 kiddie rides for the younger set, as well as shows and special events for the whole family.
Canobie Lake Park is one attraction that youíll definitely have to include on your vacation itinerary.
Lincoln
Lincoln offers a lot of attractions that make it one of the best cities to visit in the state. From thrilling bear shows to breathtaking natural wonders and historic homes, this charming town has something for everyone.
At Clark’s Bears, visitors are treated to an unforgettable experience with these magnificent creatures. Witnessing entertaining bear shows is a highlight for both kids and adults alike. Get up close and personal with black bears as they showcase their intelligence and agility through various tricks and activities. These incredible animals never fail to captivate audiences with their playful antics.
But Clark’s Bears isn’t just about black bears. The park also provides opportunities to interact with other fascinating animals such as deer, ducks, and even porcupines. Explore the wildlife exhibits where you can learn more about these creatures’ habitats and behaviors. It’s a chance to deepen your understanding of the animal kingdom while having fun.
Nature enthusiasts will be enthralled by Flume Gorge, a natural wonder that showcases the beauty of New Hampshire’s landscapes. This picturesque granite gorge features towering cliffs adorned with lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls that create a symphony of sounds.
Embark on an adventure through well-maintained trails that wind their way through this enchanting forested area. As you traverse the paths, you’ll encounter breathtaking views at every turn. Cross quaint bridges suspended over crystal-clear streams as you make your way deeper into the heart of Flume Gorge.
Plymouth for a Good Time
Be sure to visit Polar Caves Park, located in Plymouth. While you are there, stop in at the animal park and see the deer yard, pheasants, peacocks and the duck pond. Move on to Kissing Bridge and the Sugar House Maple Museum, followed by a trip to the Rock Garden and a hike through the nature trails.
Don’t leave the park without exploring the famous caves! As the result of glacier movement, massive blocks of granite cracked and fell from Hawk’s Cliff to form the Polar Caves at its base. From May through October, you and your family can walk through the amazing labyrinth of caves. Just be sure to wear sneakers! Cave exploration is recommended for those who are in good health, as it can be a strenuous trek.
Manchester is for History Buffs
If you’re looking to explore the vibrant art scene in Manchester New Hampshire, a visit to the Currier Museum of Art is an absolute must. This renowned museum offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to discover an extensive collection of American art spanning centuries.
One of the highlights of the Currier Museum is its captivating exhibitions featuring works by renowned artists. From classic masterpieces to contemporary installations, there’s something for every art enthusiast. The museum constantly rotates its exhibits, ensuring that each visit offers a fresh and exciting experience. Whether you’re a fan of paintings, sculptures, or photography, you’ll find it all here.
But the Currier Museum goes beyond just showcasing the best artwork. It also provides educational programs and workshops for all ages. Whether you’re a curious child or an adult looking to deepen your understanding of art, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and engage with the exhibits. These programs offer a chance to explore different artistic techniques, gain insights into the creative process, and even try your hand at creating your own masterpiece.
Portsmouth has Rich History
Portsmouth, one of the largest cities in New Hampshire is home to Water Country, a family water park that boasts the largest wave pool in New England, containing 700,000 gallons of water! Pirate’s Lagoon is host to a 40-foot pirate ship with lots of slides, as well as some fun little nooks and crannies.
Shoot and Screamer is a double-tube ride, which consists of two inner tubes which are attached, so that you can ride the slide with a friend or family member. Other water park attractions include Thunder Falls, Wild Canyon, Whirlpool, Black Hole, Warp 8 and more. For the youngest members of the family, there is Kiddie Cove, sporting a shallow pool, a sandy area with slides and a miniature play village.
Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, Prescott Park is a hidden gem that offers visitors a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This picturesque park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking tranquility amidst stunning surroundings.
As you step into this enchanting oasis, you’ll be greeted by vibrant blooms that paint the landscape with an array of hues. The meticulously maintained gardens are a testament to the park’s commitment to preserving natural beauty. Take your time meandering through winding paths lined with tulips, daffodils, roses, and many other floral delights. Each season brings its own unique palette of colors, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
Before leaving the Portsmouth area, be sure to stop at the Children’s Museum of Portsmouth. This must-visit attraction and wonderfully educational facility offers hands-on exhibits, such as Dino Detective, Yellow Submarine, Space Shuttle, Trolley and Magicam, as well as many others. There is even a cafe that is kid sized called Kid’s World Cafe. It is a replica of a small Mexican restaurant, complete with everything needed to make scrumptious dishes. When they are finished, kids can pay their bill with Mexican money! The Children’s Museum can be a day-long experience if your kids make the most of the interactive exhibits and play areas.
In addition to the mentioned destinations, state parks, historic sites, ski resorts, cultural activities, art museums and beautiful scenery visitors often enjoy exploring the White Mountains, visiting the Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, and taking a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway.
The annual Pumpkin Festival in Laconia, Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Competition, and the League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair are just a few examples of the vibrant events that take place throughout the year. With its vast natural landscapes of the great outdoors, New Hampshire offers ample opportunities for the best hikes, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, and fishing any time of the year. It’s truly an outdoor enthusiast’s playground!
Before leaving the granite state, be sure to sample some of the maple sugar products for which New England is so well known. If you have never tried them, you will be delighted by the rich, creamy candies and full-bodied syrups that are intrinsic to this area of the country.
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