Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Are you looking for the best family attractions in New Hampshire? We’ve got you covered. Exploring NH with kids is a great way to see the state and there are so many things for kids to do. Check out some of the activities and attractions in NH made just for kids, or get outside with your family for a day in the mountains, at the beach, or on a lake.
Whether you are looking for ideas for your NH family vacation, or just looking for a fun day in New Hampshire with kids, there are options for everyone on this list of family attractions in New Hampshire.
Looking for more information on planning a NH vacation? Check out the New Hampshire travel guide.
Best Family Attractions in New Hampshire
Sail on the Gundalow
Sailing out of Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH, the Gundalow is a wonderful sail to do as a family. Gundalows were local, historic vessel (much like a sailing barge) used to transport cargo around the region. The Gundalow Company operates the only existing gundalow today and offers trips on the Piscataqua River. Kids can set the sail, steer the boat and learn about history and the environment. Book tickets with the Gundalow Company.
Take a Hike
There are so many amazing hikes to do as a family in NH. You can find everything from short walks on the beach or to a waterfall to challenging summits. Some of our favorite hikes with kids include: Arathusa Falls, Mt. Major, Castle in the Clouds, Artist’s Bluff, Mount Percival and Mount Morgan, and Sabbaday Falls.
Canobie Lake Park
If you like amusement parks, visit Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH. With 85 rides, this is a fun amusement park for kids of all ages, and also has water features which are fun in the summer.
Children’s Museum of NH
The children’s museum is located right in downtown Dover, NH and has 2 levels of fun for younger kids. There is a submarine, sound area, art space, dinosaur dig, and more. It’s the perfect size for a few hours of fun and my kids have enjoyed the museum many times a year without getting bored.
Go to the Beach
You can’t make a list of great family attractions in New Hampshire and not include time at the beach! Most of the short coastline in NH is sandy beach with some rocky sections. Check out Hampton Beach, Jenness Beach, and Wallis Sands. These beaches get crowded in the summer and parking can be hard, so try to arrive early in the day.
Drive in Movie
Another fun thing to do in NH with kids is to go to a drive in movie. There are 3 spots still doing drive in movies in NH – check out Weirs Drive In, Laconia, Milford Twin Drive In, Milford, and Northfield Drive in in Northfield. There are also many towns that show outdoor movies during the summer as part of a series. Check out the Prescott Park Arts Festival in Portsmouth, NH for a weekly outdoor movie night in the park.
SEE Science Museum
Check out the SEE Science Center in Manchester for some fun and STEM learning. The exhibits are engaging and tie science to the real world. Learn more on their website.
Ice Castles
If you’re looking for great family attractions in New Hampshire during the winter months, than check out the NH Ice Castles. These award winning, man-made castles are great to explore with kids and are lit up at night. You should book tickets online in advance and they do sell out, so book early.
Visit Mount Washington
The tallest mountain in NH is also known as having the worst weather in the world. There are several ways to check out this majestic mountain. If you have older kids and are hikers, you can hike to the top. There is also a road that you can drive to the top on your own time, or for a bit of adventure, take the Cog railroad. If you are going in the summer, make sure you still pack warm clothes and remember that the weather here can change quickly. Make sure to keep this on your list of best family attractions in New Hampshire.
Take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad
This historic and scenic railroad leaves from the station in North Conway. There are several options for different rides and there is even a holiday trip with Santa. The Conway Scenic Railroad is fun to do during the fall foliage season.
Rent Kayaks or SUP paddleboards
Between the coastline and the lakes and ponds, NH is a great place to get out on the water. There are lots of places to rent kayaks or stand up paddleboards and it’s a fun activity. There are a few places that lead guided tours, or if you’re comfortable on the water you can rent your own. If you are in the seacoast area, check out 7 Rivers Paddling.
Morningside Flight Park
This adventure center is in Charlestown, NH and provides zip lining, hang gliding, paragliding and laser tag. Check out their website for more details and information about age restrictions. This is a fun adventure for the older kids.
Loon Mountain Resort
If you’re looking for a family vacation in NH, spend a few days at one of NH’s resorts. Loon Mountain Resort is fun to visit in the winter, but has lots of activities in the summer. There are several other fun resorts including Bretton Woods.
Visit Lake Winnepesaukee
Lake Winnepesaukee is one of the jewels of NH. You can drive around the lake, stop at a beach, take a boat cruise: check out Mount Washington Cruises, Millie B Antique Boat Rides or The EKAL Activity Center at Mill Falls. You can also hike all around the lake and there are several amazing towns with excellent restaurants.
Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel
Take your family dog sledding for a truly unique family experience. They offer year round dog experiences as well as summer rafting trips. The proceeds from your visit help to feed and care for over 60+ dogs. Check out Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel for more info.
Go Downhill Skiing
Downhill skiing is a great activity to do as a family whether you are travelling with young kids or teens. There are many ski mountains in NH with large resorts as well as smaller mountains that are perfect for learning to ski.
Find an Ice Skating Rink
Another fun winter activity to do in NH with kids is to take them ice skating. Many ski resorts and towns have their own ice skating rinks and you can often rent skates. One of our favorites is the rink at Strawbery Banke Museum right in Portsmouth. The rink is lit up with music during the winter and a beautiful and fun place to skate.
Go on a Whale Watch
A whale watch is fun for the whole family. You can catch a boat out of Rye, NH with Granite State Whale Watch. Learn about whales and the environment while spending a day on the water.
Go Nordic Skiing
Downhill skiing may get all the attention, but spending a day nordic (or cross country) skiing is wonderful for the family. There are many nordic ski centers around the state and many centers have rental gear.
Visit Castle in the Clouds
Castle is the Clouds is a great spot to visit with your family. It’s enough just to walk around explore, but you can also visit during their holiday programs or check out pond or castle cafe.
America’s Stonehenge
This is NH’s version of Stonehenge. There is still some uncertainty about the origins, the structure is over 4,000 years old and is the perhaps the oldest man-made construction in the United States. Designed accurately on the astronomical calendar, America’s Stonehenge still functions and can be used to determine solar and lunar events.
Tube on the Saco
Spend the day tubing down the Saco River. Check out Saco River Tubing to check out tube rentals, packages and transportation.
Chuckster Family Fun park
Stop by Chuckster’s Family Fun Park (and the home of the world’s longer mini-golf hole). Zip line, bumper boats, batting cages, go carts and more. Located in Chichester, NH you can stop by for a visit or host a party here.
Seacoast Science Center
The Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne State Park in Rye, NH is a marine science center. You can visit the touch tank, aquarium area and the exhibit center, and also take a walk along the shoreline or go tide pooling. The Seacoast Science Center also offers events and opportunities to participate in Citizen Science.
Visit Squam Lake Nature Center
Squam Lake Nature Center is full of walking trails, open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks that connect to interactive natural exhibits with native animals including: black bear, mountain lion, raptors, river otter, bobcat, and more.
Strawbery Banke Museum
Strawbery Banke Museum, located in downtown Portsmouth, NH, is a step back in time. Walk the grounds and check out the historic homes from different eras in NH history. There are also lots of events hosted throughout the year including baby animals and fairy house tours.
Drive the Kancamangus Highway
Explore the White Mountains as a family with a drive along the Kanc. Late Sept and early Oct are the best times of year, but it’s a beautiful drive anytime you go. In the summer, stop for a dip in the Swift River and enjoy the many scenic overlooks.
Visit Santa’s Village
Jefferson, NH is home to Santa’s Village, a small Christmas themed amusement park. Best for younger kids, you can enter the magical world of Christmas all year long.
Storyland
This classic New England park is located just north of North Conway. Celebrating fairy tales of the past the attractions are designed around the imagination “dine with Cinderella, listen to the tales of Mother Goose, and high-five Humpty Dumpty.”
Take an Ice Cream Tour
Our family loves ice cream and we’ve done several ice cream tours around the state. New England is great for small and local ice cream stands. We usually pick a flavor of the day and then stop as a few place and share an ice cream. At the end of the day, we decide on the favorite.
Cannon Mountain Ariel Tramway
Take a ride to the top of Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch in an aeriel tramway. At the top you can take a walk, and check out the views of the nearby mountains and on a clear day see 4 states.
Visit a Waterpark
A waterpark is a great summer activity with your family and there are a few in NH to choose from. You can visit Water Country in Portsmouth, Whale’s Takes in Lincoln, and Candia Spring Adventure Parks. You can also visit and stay at an indoor water park at Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park.
Check out Great Bay Discovery Center
The Great Bay Discovery Center in Greenland, NH offer lots of walking trail and boardwalks along Great Bay. You can also visit their thoughtful and informative exhibits inside and check out the shoreside gundalow.
The USS Albacore
Take a tour of the USS Albacore. This experimental submarine is high and dry on land and you can take a self guided tour of the submarine.
Visit an Apple Orchard
NH is a wonderful place to go apple picking and NH farms have taken it on themselves to make apple picking a wonderful family experience. Many apple orchards also have animal petting, hay rides, pumpkin picking and more. There are many many apple orchards worth a visit and they make great family attractions in New Hampshire.
Visit a Petting Farm
There are many small scale farms that offer farm experiences for kids. Stop by one to pet the animals. You can find some petting farms at: Beech Hill Farm, Hopkinton, NH, Carriage Shack Farm, Londonderry, NH, Charmingfare Farm, Candia, NH, Emery Farm, Durham, NH, and J and F Farms, Derry, NH.
NH is a great place to visit with your family and this list of the best family attractions in New Hampshire is a great place to start.
