New Hampshire attractions easily accessible for Merrimack Valley visitors

The forests near Salem, NH are wondrous, but there's more to see here than just the trees. At America's Stonehenge off Rte. 111, you could be following in the steps of an ancient tribe of mystery men. In the woods you'll find a maze of rocks, stone chambers, and megaliths they may have left behind. Who were they? Native Americans? Or Old World voyagers who crossed the Atlantic well ahead of Columbus, people with knowledge of astronomy and stone construction? The questions have stymied scholars for generations. Our museum includes an orientation film, and our gift shop includes books with more information. In winter months our one-hundred-plus acres are also great for snowshoeing. And sharing the property is a small herd of gentle alpacas who love greeting visitors.

The only thing small about the mini golf courses at Chuckster’s two New Hampshire locations is the name. The courses themselves are huge, with water in play, some with multiple levels (at the Hooksett Chuckster’s you tee off from a fire tower) – and, of course, each location has the world’s longest mini golf hole. Over at Chuckster’s Family Fun Park in Chichester, you can also zip from tree to tree on an Aerial Adventure (or climb them in harness on TimberClimb), jump and flip up to 18 feet on the Jumpster, scale a 27-foot climbing wall, spin around a go-kart track (or pedal it on a handlebar-free chuckcycle) or prepare to get doused playing Shoot-N-Shower or Balloon Blast. Also: batting cages and trampoline volleyball/basketball. Little ones will love the kid’s bumper boats.

One of New England’s premier family attractions for more than a hundred years has lots to offer kids of every age just 30 miles north of Boston. Start with your day’s special needs. There’s an ATM, lockers, available services for expectant mothers, and accommodations for all physical abilities. Bring your own or rent a wheelchair, electric scooter stroller or double seat stroller then get rolling. There are breathtaking thrills, amusements, prize games in three arcades, more than 50 rides, a dedicated kiddleland with kiddie rides, a water park and entertainment on two stages and the renown Dance Hall Theater. You’ll love the special events, lots of great food choices, nearby lodging packages, tax free shopping and free parking every day. Canobie Lake Park was ranked as one of the 2018 top ten amusement parks in the U.S. by Time’s Money Magazine.

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a stunning achievement and a living memorial to lives of two true pioneers: New Hampshire native son and America’s first astronaut, Alan B. Shepard, and Sharon Christa McAuliffe, America’s first private citizen sent to space. The Center’s mission is to inspire every generation to reach for the stars, through engaging, artful and entertaining activities that explore astronomy, aviation, earth and space science. Opened in 1990 the planetarium combines her dream of traveling through space with her dedication to teaching. Visitors take an unforgettable space expedition while seated inside the domed theatre and the Center has an amazing collection of innovative, interactive exhibits in a wholly entertaining learning environment from the planetarium theater to the high-tech observatory to workshops for Little Explorers and educators alike.

Parking: trailer, 6 a.m.- 8 p.m., no fee. Caution: varying current, keep craft under control. Restroom: none. Information: New Hampshire Fish & Game Department at 603-271-3511.