New Hampshire - Kids Trails

Kids Trails in New Hampshire

People who love outdoor adventure, spectacular vistas, and towering mountains need to make tracks to New Hampshire and begin their tour with a nod of thanks to the glaciers, which helped create the region’s mountains, caves, and mineral deposits. From the beaches of the Seacoast region to the windy peaks of Mount Washington, New Hampshire has outdoor activities galore for kids and families. Offerings include railway trips through mountain gorges, mineral collecting, water fun (at natural sites and water parks), as well as science and history museums. For younger children, Santa and Mother Goose are waiting. A New Hampshire vacation is the New England pleasure that families should not miss. Also, be sure to check the Children & Families page for more information on entertainment and lodgings that welcome children.

Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum
Kearsarge Mountain Road
Warner, NH  03278  
Phone: 603-456-3244

Open: Early May-Thanksgiving, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; November-December, open Saturday and Sunday only.

This museum offers a journey into the world of the American Indian, with guided tours for kids and families. The outdoor Medicine Woods Nature Trail winds among many plants used by American Indians. The museum gallery presents Native murals, new displays, a library, and a museum store. Open daily May 1 to October 31.

Sunapee Cruises
Sunapee Harbor
Bradford, NH  03221  
Phone: 603-938-6465

For outdoor fun that is restful for parents and fun for children, pull up a deck chair on the MV Mount Sunapee II and enjoy Lake Sunapee while the ship’s captain describes the history, landmarks, and lore of the region. Operates daily July through Labor Day, weekends Memorial Day through June and Labor Day through Columbus Day.

The Fells -- John Hay National Wildlife Refuge
Route 103A
Newbury, NH  03255  
Phone: 603-431-7511

The Fells, which was the estate of John Hay, secretary to Abraham Lincoln, is an early 20th-century summer estate with outstanding gardens and Colonial Revival buildings. Tours of the Main House offered Memorial Day to Columbus Day. When the kids need to get outdoors, the property’s hiking trails along Lake Sunapee are open year-round.

New Hampshire Boat Museum
395 Center St.
Wolfeboro Falls, NH  03896  
Phone: 603-569-4554

Near Lake Winnipesaukee, this museum presents many examples of vintage and antique boats. The displays, with archival photos, trophies and models, bring to life a grand era of boating. Special events include vintage boat auctions, youth and family boat building, youth sailing, and boat shows. Check for seasonal changes in hours and programs.

Polar Caves
Tenney Mountain Highway (Route 25)
Plymouth, NH  02360  
Phone: 603-536-1888

Thousands of years ago, a glacier moving south loosened great blocks of granite that formed the spectacular Polar Caves. Adults and kids can explore the cave along winding trails and boardwalks. There is also a petting zoo, with Indian peacocks and Asian pheasants. Open early May until late October. Check for seasonal changes in hours.

Ruggles Mine
Off Route 4
Grafton, NH  03240  
Phone: 603-523-4275

For an outdoor geology adventure, drive to the top of Isinglass Mountain and walk through this “Mine in the Sky,” a mountain of sparkling mica, quartz, beryl, amethyst, garnet, and feldspar, to a panoramic view of Ragged and Kearsarge Mountains. Mineral collecting allowed. Open mid-May to mid-October. Check for seasonal hours and events.

Lawrence L. Lee Scouting Museum
571 Holt Ave.
Manchester, NH  03109  
Phone: 603-669-8919

Open: September-June, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; July-August, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

The museum and the scouting library contain an extensive collection of Boy Scout memorabilia. Some highlights are Scouts on Stamps, original paintings of Boy’s Life covers, and a flag carried to the moon by New Hampshire Scout and astronaut Alan Shepard. The library has complete collections of Scouting periodicals and yearbooks.

Museums of Snowmobiling, Camping, and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Bear Brook State Park
Deerfield Road
Allenstown, NH
Phone: 603-485-3782

This complex offers three historic museums and a nature center. At the Snowmobile Museum, fans of the sport can enjoy exploring antique snowmobiles and other artifacts. The Camping Museum includes antique equipment and a model of campground from the early 20th century. At the museum of the Civilian Conservation Corps, guides explain to kids and parents what the Corps was and how it helped rebuild the nation during the Depression. The Nature Center is packed with animal and plant exhibits and offers a chance to do hands-on activities. Open Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

See Science Center
200 Bedford Street
Manchester, NH  03101  
Phone: 603-669-0400

Open: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This hands-on science center has nearly 100 exhibits where children and adults can do actual science experiments. The museum’s Millyard Project is a scale model of the Amoskeag Millyard of Manchester circa 1900, built entirely of Lego blocks – 2 million in all. Other activities include the Science of Ice Hockey; Reptile Mountain, and Moonwalk. Check for seasonal changes in hours and programs. Cost: $5 per person over age 1.

Monadnock State Park
Route 124
Jaffrey, NH  03452  
Phone: 603-532-8862

At a height of 3,165 feet, Mount Monadnock offers 40 miles of maintained foot trails, many of which lead to the rock summit. The peak of this outdoor adventure for kids and families offers 100-mile views to six New England states. The Monadnock Visitor Center offers exhibits on the park’s history, ecology and trails. The park is open year-round.

Peterborough Players
55 Hadley Road
Peterborough, NH  03458  
Phone: 603-924-7585

This professional theater company’s summer 2006 offerings include two plays for families and children age 4 and older. Charlotte’s Web from the book by E.B. White will be presented on July 14, 15, 19, 21, and 22. The Players will present an adaptation of The Secret Garden, with performances on August 12, 14, 16, 18, and 19. Plan to make a day of it by packing a lunch to enjoy on the grounds. Performances are at 2 or 7 p.m. Call for details.

Children's Museum of Portsmouth
280 Marcy Street
Portsmouth, NH  03801  
Phone: 603-436-3853
Fax: 603-436-7706
Email: questions@childrens-museum.org

Get curious! Explore music, brain waves, dinosaurs, lobstering, space shuttle, walk-in kaleidoscope and more. Nineteen hands-on exhibits for children ages 2-12 have been created by museum staff, creating a unique environment for family fun and learning. There are also daily creative or science activities, special events, and family programs.

Strawbery Banke Museum
68 Marcy Street
Portsmouth, NH  03802  
Phone: 603-433-1100

Open: May through October, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; November through April, (guided tours only),Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday, noon-2 p.m.; closed January and first two weekends of December

Adults and kids looking for fun outdoors can discover life from the late 1600s to the 1950s in this neighborhood known as Puddle Dock. The site offers a glimpse into the lives of people over four centuries. Children can visit historic houses or join costumed role-players as they go about their daily lives. Check for seasonal changes in hours and programs.

Water Country
2300 Lafayette Road
Portsmouth, NH  03801  
Phone: 603-427-1111

More ways to get a splash out of life than you can imagine, for everyone from young children to parents. Some highlights are the Giant Wave Pool; Kiddie Cove, a shallow pool is in a secluded area; Pirates Lagoon, a pirate ship with lots of slides and places to hide; and Racing Rapids and The Plunge. Open mid-June through Labor Day.

Alpine Adventures Outdoor Recreation
41 Main Street
Lincoln, NH
Toll-Free: 888-745-1919
Email: chief@alpinesnowmobiling.com

The Summer Safari Tour offers an off-road, adrenaline packed ride to Barron Mountain in a Pinzgauer, a 6-wheel-drive military vehicle with an open design for great visibility, bucket seats for comfort, and a state-of-the-art sound system. The guided tour traverses a scenic woods trail and ends with spectacular views. For families, children, and groups.

Attitash
Route 302
Bartlett, NH  03812  
Phone: 603-374-2368

This skiing resort bursts with dynamic outdoor activities for kids and families throughout the warm seasons. Among the offerings are the Alpine slide, for thrill seekers or people who prefer a leisurely ride down the mountain; four waterslides; horseback tours; mountain biking; a golf driving range; a skate park; and a scenic skyride.

Clark’s Trading Post
U.S. Route 3
Lincoln, NH  03251  
Phone: 603-745-8913

This traditional family attraction offers excursions on the White Mount Central Railroad across the Pemigewasset River; a trained bear show; water bumper boats; Merlin’s Mystical Mansion; a climbing tower; and the Seyranyan Family Circus. Open weekends Memorial Day through October. Check for seasonal changes in hours and programs.

Hobo Railroad
Main Street
Lincoln, NH  03251  
Phone: Phone: 603-745-2135

Fifteen-mile, 80-minute train excursion through a beautiful, woody countryside along the Pemigewasset River in restored vintage coaches. Outdoor activities include hobo picnic lunches and ice cream for the kids. Daily departures from late June to mid-October. Check for seasonal changes in hours.

Loon Mountain
Kancamagus Highway (Route 112)
Lincoln, NH  03251  
Phone: Phone: 603-745-8111

The Summit Skyride sweeps kids and parents up to a beautiful mountaintop. Attractions at mountaintop include glacial caves, a boardwalk, an artist village, a children’s playground, gift shop and dining indoors and outdoors. At the mountain’s base, activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, climbing walls, festivals, and concerts.

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
Route 112W
North Woodstock, NH  03262  
Phone: Phone: 603-45-8031

During the age of the glaciers, forces of water, wind, and weather created Lost River, where granite walls erupt from the earth and a river dodges in and out of view. Kids and families will genuine outdoor adventure when they follow Lost River through the narrow steep-walled gorge. Children can pan for gemstones at the Lost River Mining Co. Check for seasonal changes in hours and programs.

Mount Washington Auto Road
Route 16
Gorham, NH  03581  
Phone: Phone: 603-466-3988

Guided tours are offered in the Auto Road van to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. Families also are welcome to drive their own vehicles and receive an audio tour on CD or cassette. Features and activities at the top for kids and adults are a restaurant, gift shops, indoor climbing wall, and museum.

Mount Washington Cog Railway & Ski Trains
Off Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH  03589  
Phone: Phone: 603-278-5404

For adventurous kids and parents who love coal-fired steam trains, this railway offers a three-hour round trip journey to the top of Mount Washington. Fun for rainy or sunny weather. Activities at the Marshfield Base Station include a museum, restaurant, and gift shop.

Santa's Village
528 Presidential Highway
Jefferson, NH  03583  
Phone: 603-586-4445
Email: Santa@Santasvillage.com

Christmas-themed rides, musical shows, dance, entertainment, food, and gifts. Some of the shows are Jingle All the Way, with singing, dancing, and charades; Jingle Jamboree, a computer animated production; a Holiday Baloo, with singing elves. Rides include a carousel, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and a Yule Log flume. Open weekends Memorial Day to mid-June; daily through early September; some weekends through Christmas.

Six Gun City & Fort Splash
Jefferson, NH  03583
Phone: Phone: 603-586-4592

This Western village and water park offers indoor and outdoor fun for kids. Activities include the Gold Rush Express runaway train family coaster, go-cart riding at the Tumbleweed Speedway and laser tag at Desperadoes’ Ambush. Display of wagons and sleighs, mini-horse show, rides, waterslides, and wading pool. Gift shops and snack bar.

Story Land
Routes 16
Glen, NH  03838  
Phone: 603-383-4186

The Children’s Theme Park Where Fantasy Lives!

This is the dream destination for families with young kids who love the classics of children’s literature. Playgrounds, rides, storybook characters, a maze, and a mist tent for hot days are among the fun activities for young children and their parents. Playgrounds include a talking treehouse, Peter Pumpkineater's House, and the Loopy Lab.

The Flume Gorge
Route 3
Franconia Notch, NH  03580  
Phone: 603-745-8391

Adventurous walk through a natural chasm, over covered bridges and past waterfalls and a scenic pool. A 15-minute movie at the Visitor Center provides an introduction to Franconia Notch State Park and the Flume Gorge. Kids are invited to explore the Wolf's Den. Open mid-May to late October. Check for seasonal changes in hours.

Whale's Tale Water Park
Route 3
Lincoln, NH  03251  
Phone: Phone: 603-745-8810

Full-size water park offers entertainment and activities for kids and parents. Eye of the Storm thrill ride, huge warm water pool, underwater seating, giant hot tubs, save pool, lazy rives, and 11 waterslides. Live entertainment also is offered.

Wildcat Mountain Gondola
Route 16
Pinkham Notch, NH  03846  
Phone: Phone: 888-SKI WILD

Four-passenger gondola skyride, the Wildcat Express, whisks visitors to the 4,062-foot summit in just 12 minutes. Views of Tuckerman Ravine and the stunning Presidential Range. Activities at the top for kids and parents include fishing in a stocked trout pond, a one-mile walk to Thompson Brook Falls, picnicking, and special events.