Find fun and interesting Great Things to Do in Merrimack Valley

In fourteen hundred and ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue. But was he really the first European to reach North America? At America's Stonehenge in Salem, New Hampshire, some say there's evidence others got here first, perhaps by a thousand years. The pine woods here are full of stone megaliths like those built throughout Great Britain by Druid priests. Were they the first arrivals? Or maybe some other group with knowledge of astronomy and stone construction? Wander our woodland trails with your family, and let your kids see for themselves. We're near the New Hampshire seacoast, which makes America's Stonehenge a great destination for days when clouds keep you off the beach. We're got a picnic area, a museum, and a herd of friendly alpacas to greet you.

There’s a great day (and evening) waiting for you at Chuckster’s in Hooksett, where you can choose one of two challenging and fun 18-hole miniature golf courses to test your skills. The Fire Tower Course features multiple levels and you tee off onto the country’s longest mini-golf hole (tied with the course at Chuckster’s in Chichester) from inside a New Hampshire-style fire tower. The Cave Course is ADA-accessible and includes creative, challenging obstacles. Head over to the ice cream barn for a double-scoop of our 36 different flavors (including the popular Upchuck and Chuckster Chunk), or enjoy a nice thick milkshake. Sit outside at a table under a colorful umbrella and ponder how to improve that score.

The Shaker religious sect is considered by many historians to be the most successful communitarian society in American history. Throughout the 1800s some 300 members of the Shaker sect lived at the Canterbury Shaker Village site in Canterbury, NH growing their own food and supporting the community through their crafts and trades. Come see how the community thrived. Step inside 25 restored original Shaker buildings. Discover Shaker artifacts and photographs amidst 700 beautiful acres of forest, fields, gardens and mill ponds. The site offers workshops on woodworking, letterpress printing, broom making and more. Enjoy a simple lunch at the Horse Barn Cafe and shop for products made by local artisans at the Museum Store.

The award-winning Concord Arts Market at at 33 Bow Street in Rollins Park in Concord is a juried, weekly, outdoor artisan and fine arts market. In addition to Granite State artists, guest artists from all of New England bring the best variety of handmade goods our region has to offer. Blown glass, handbags, accessories, paintings, multi-media art, handmade baskets, pottery, handmade books and jewelry are just some of the items for sale at a variety of prices. Modern twists and traditional styles meld to create a lavish art experience. Admission is free. Market is open the third Saturday of each month from June to October, except in August. Email: info@concordartsmarket.net

Here’s a chance to get the fun of flying without the fear of flying. SkyVenture , located on Poisson Road in Nashua, is a vertical wind tunnel where visitors can experience the freedom of flight. There is no falling sensation. You just float above the trampoline floor with ease. The indoor vertical wind tunnel is not only used by the world’s best skydivers to train in but it was also designed for the general public to experience the sport of body flight. No experience necessary! Also: indoor rock climbing, indoor surfing. and water slides. Open Wednesdays through Sundays. 603-897-0002.

New Hampshire Heritage Trail is a 230-mile walking trail across New Hampshire from Massachusetts to Canada. Plymouth’s portion of the Heritage Trail, a 5.6-mile loop with 16 points of interest, begins at the Railroad Depot, constructed in 1909 for the Boston and Maine Railroad. Other highlights are a cottage where Robert Frost lived while teaching at Plymouth Normal School and Silver Cultural Arts Center, once a stop on the underground railroad. Park at the Plymouth Regional Senior Center on Green Street. The trail begins north of the Senior Center, past the District Courthouse. Follow the brown Heritage Trail directional signs. 603- 536-1001.

Founded in 1932, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is one of the oldest craft organizations in the country. The League was formed during the Depression to help New Hampshire craftspeople make a living through difficult financial times by building an audience and market for fine handmade craft. The League operates seven retail galleries throughout New Hampshire. The galleries present the work of juried craftspeople, along with demonstrations, exhibits and educational programs. Visit their gallery in Concord to see new collections and exhibits or to join in one of the crating classes that are offered.