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New Hampshire > White Mountains > Families and Kids > Family Activities

Family Activities - White Mountains NH Region

Settle into the White Mountain state of mind for exciting year round family fun. Waterville Valley Resort has a self contained village with great food and shopping plus mountain biking, skateboarding, pedal boats, canoes and a sandy beach. Stock up at Clark’s Bears and hop aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad and the Mt. Washington Cog Railway for thrilling adventures. There are caves to explore, gondolas to ride, trails to hit, and zip lines to swing you through the treetops. At the end of the day, find some family friendly accommodations.

Roller Coaster at Story Land - Town of Bethlehem, NH
Town of Bethlehem

From skiing to shopping, there’s something fun for every member of the family

Bring the family to Bethlehem, N.H., and be prepared to be entertained, White Mountains-style. There’s fantastic alpine skiing and snowboarding, of course, at six nearby mountains: Cannon, Bretton Woods, Attitash, Loon, Waterville Valley and Wildcat. Miles of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing trails, snowmobile trails, and fat biking trails wind through the area. In the warmer months, those trails are great for biking and hiking for all ages. There’s also tennis and basketball on public courts, two golf courses, a movie theater, town pool, pristine rivers to cool yourself down and a lively downtown area with all sorts of shops and cafes. It’s a short drive to a variety of attractions including Santa’s Village, Story Land, Whale’s Tale Waterpark, the Flume Gorge and the Mount Washington Cog Railway.
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Penguin Kids Coaster - Santa's Village - Jefferson, NH
Santa's Village

528 Presidential Highway Jefferson, NH, 03583 Phone: 603-586-4445

Will the kids love going to an attraction named after Santa Claus? Of course!

With a name like Santa’s Village, how could the kids not have the time of their lives? There are enough rides to provide appropriate thrills for every member of the family. Soar on the Skyway Sleigh monorail or ride the Jingle Bell Express through the village. Go ‘round on the Reindeer Carousel or see the amazing views from the Ferris wheel. Slide downhill on the YouTubing ride or Yule Log Flume, drive bumper cars or antique cars. Then there’s the water park with three, three-story-high, twisty water slides, a splash pad for preschoolers and the Ho Ho H20 attraction with splashes, slides and other interactive fun. Plus, you can meet Santa, feed his reindeer and go on a park-wide elf scavenger hunt!
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Curious Kids - Mount Washington Auto Road - Gorham, NH
Mt. Washington Auto Road

Route 16, Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

Auto road has a long history of families traveling along it to reach the grand summit

For over 160 years, families have been traveling up the Mt. Washington Auto Road, first by horse-drawn carriages and wagons, now by cars and tour vans – and SnowCoaches in the winter! Reaching the Northeast’s highest summit means looking out over the grand Presidential Range and beyond. There’s also the Mt. Washington Observatory Museum to explore, a cafeteria and gift shop. And there are other ways to travel: via ATVs on certain days, hiking and, in the winter, you can even snowshoe or Nordic ski down after traveling up to the tree line in the SnowCoach. There are sunset and sunrise tours, and the Spring Adventure Tour lets you get up close to the process of clearing the road of giant snowbanks and drifts.
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Family at Mt. Washington Summit - White Mountains Attractions - New Hampshire
White Mountains Attractions

200 Kancamagus Highway North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-8720 Toll-Free: 800-346-3687

Every day in the White Mountains brings a new adventure or activity for fun-seeking families

You know what people who bring their families to the White Mountains never hear? The words “I’m bored.” There is simply too much to do! Shoot down North America’s longest alpine slide, visit a park where fairy tales come to life, explore the area in a Side X Side vehicle or on a cog railway. Let the kids poke their way through glacial caves, go mountain biking at a ski resort, slide and splash their way through a world-class water park. Learn about loons at a wildlife center or about rural living at a country doctor museum. Visit an aquarium, the largest arcade in the world or a sled dog kennel. From disc golf to gondola rides, there’s a thrilling family experience around every corner in the White Mountains. To find out more, follow our link above or call us today at 1-800-346-3687.
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New Hampshire's Androscoggin Valley - Your Adventure Starts Here! Click here to explore.
Great Glen Trails - Guided Kayaking in the White Mountains - Which is Your Adventure? Click Here for More Info!
Explore Ice Castles in North Woodstock, NH! Click here to explore.
Family Snow Day - Town of Bethlehem, NH - Photo Credit Town of Bethlehem
Town of Bethlehem

Lots to keep every member of the family happy in this fun White Mountains region

Make family-friendly Bethlehem, NH your headquarters for your White Mountains adventure. Comfortable lodging options include summer campgrounds to winter ski resorts and year-round inns. And fun activities are everywhere, from downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding to golfing and hiking. Take the kids out on a bike trip through forests and along the river or visit a water park. See Santa’s Village or Story Land, or amaze them with a trip up Mt. Washington on a cog railroad train. Visit the Flume Gorge or arrange for a wildlife or maple-sugaring tour at The Rocks. See a movie in the Colonial Theatre, one of the country’s oldest continuously operating movie theaters. The area boasts plenty of fun places to shop and to eat, as well as a variety of festivals.
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Face Painted Kids 500x250 - Clark's Trading Post - Lincoln, NH
Clark's Bears

110 Daniel Webster Highway (Route 3) Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-8913

See a show, ride a train, try out a Segway - So much to do at this family amusement park

There’s so much to see and do at Clark’s Bears. On the seeing front, there’s the famous trained bear show, or Yandong's Chinese Circus with amazing acrobats, or the Pemigewasset hook-and-ladder fire station with its antique horse-drawn fire engines. On the doing side, there’s the White Mountain Central Railroad trip, the Anaconda Escape water raft ride, a rock-climbing wall, water blaster boats for those who don’t mind getting soaked, Merlin's Mansion for those with a mystical mind, and places to mine for gemstones and fossils. Food ranges from burgers, subs and pizzas to a dish of something special at the Peppermint Saloon ice cream parlor. Tickets include all rides, all shows, all day.
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Family Activities Spring-Summer-Fall - Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods Chamber - New Hampshire
Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 194 Twin Mountain, NH, 03595 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-245-8946

There really is something for everyone, all year long, in this fun mountain region

Here’s your dilemma: Everyone in the family wants to do something different on vacation. The Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods, NH region of the White Mountains says: No problem. A partial list of family activities would include the shows at Clark’s Bears and visits with Santa at Santa’s Village. There are exciting rides at Story Land, water parks, and ski resorts. Check out the lakes via pontoon boat, pedal boat, canoe or kayak. Go on a horseback ride in the summer or a dog-sled ride in the winter. Take a scenic railroad tour, moose tour or tour to the summit of Mt. Washington. Learn how to make maple syrup, hike to a waterfall, go mountain or fat biking. Ski, snowboard, snowshoe and skate. There’s something for everyone in this fun region.
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Waumbeck Station Spring View - Mt. Washington Cog Railway - Bretton Woods, NH
Cog Railway

Off Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH, 03589 Phone: 603-278-5404 Toll-Free: 800-922-8825

Thrill ride up Mt. Washington continues to delight railroad fans of all ages

Families from all over the world come to the majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire to be thrilled by the ride up on the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway. The dramatic ascent to the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak features amazing views of lush forests, deep chasms and the steepest railroad trestle in the world in Jacob’s Ladder. (Yes, the trees are straight: It’s you who are at an angle!) Kids will love the commentary of the entertaining and knowledgeable engineer and brakeman or brakewoman. The journey begins at a base station with a great interactive museum and observation deck and, at the summit, there’s an interactive weather exhibit as well as a summit post office to mail postcards direct fro
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Family Biking - Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce - Berlin, NH
Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce

961 Main Street Berline, NH, 03570 Phone: 603-228-0836

The list of fun things to do in this family-friendly part of N.H. is almost endless

Make sure you have your list ready when you tell the kids you’re going to the Androscoggin Valley, NH and they ask what there is to do there. Because here’s a partial selection of activities: skiing, snowshoeing, ATV and snowmobile riding, horseback riding, hiking up mountains, biking past rivers, whitewater rafting, canoeing, zip-lining. You can visit a sugar house to see how maple syrup is made, go fat biking or watch for moose on a guided tour. There are scenic gondola rides, rock-climbing walls, nature refuges. Take a sleigh ride or go dog-sledding. Indoor activities include everything from concerts to sporting events. The busy region includes restaurants to please everyone, and lodging options range from camping and glamping sites to hotels and resorts with pools.
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Granite State Scenic Railway - Lincoln, NH
Granite State Scenic Railway

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

Travel back into the country’s railroad past in vintage cars, along a winding river

All aboard the Granite State Scenic Railway for a relaxing journey into America’s railroad past. Climb into restored vintage coaches, breathe in that crisp White Mountains air, sit back and enjoy the scenery through the woods and banks along the winding Pemigewasset River. During the 80-minute, 15-mile round trip, you’ll see swimmers, kayakers and fishermen in and along this picturesque waterway. The rail system dates back to the late 1800s, when trains pulled by steam locomotives moved tourists from Boston, Hartford and New York north to the pristine lakes and mountains of New Hampshire. The family owned and operated train runs late May through October, then Thanksgiving through mid-December. At the Gift Shop, grab snacks, ice cream and soda – or bring your own picnic lunch.
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Green Cavern at Ice Castles in North Woodstock, NH - Photo Credit Mary Siversten
Ice Castles

24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: Toll-Free: 866-201-1726

A spectacular frozen fantasy for the young – and young at heart

Ice Castles in North Woodstock is a fun-filled winter activity that has everything a child – or a child at heart – could fantasize about: ice slides, mazes of tunnels, crawl spaces, frozen fountains, thrones and towers of cascading ice. This frozen fortress is the perfect place to make unforgettable memories as a family. But the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. In fact, there’s always a spectacular light show at night, as LED lights embedded inside the ice turn the castles from brilliant shades of blue, to vibrant red, purple, and green. Families are advised to buy tickets online in advance (you can spend as much time as you like once you’re inside), to dress warmly with boots, and to consider a small sled instead of a stroller for really little ones. There’s also a concession stand with hot chocolate, cider, and warm treats.
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New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival - Lincoln, NH - Photo Credit NHSCOT
NHSCOT & NH Highland Games Festival

Loon Mountain Resort - 60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH Phone:

Find Scottish Fun for the Whole Family

Get your kids interested in Scottish culture from an early age with the help of NHSCOT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Scottish culture year-round. Join Highland Dance of NHSCOT to learn the steps of the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, and the Strathspey and Reel. Prefer to explore your musical abilities? Sign up for classes with the Pipes & Drums of NHSCOT.  In the winter, enjoy ice skating in your kilt or a Curling on Ice Try It Class. Or celebrate the New Year, Scottish style, at NHSCOT’s family-friendly Hogmanay event. And don’t forget about NHSCOT’s annual NH Highland Games & Festival, a “must-attend” event for all ages, which takes place each year during the third weekend in September. 
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Kids in the Windows 500x250 - Conway Scenic Railroad - North Conway, NH
Conway Scenic Railroad

38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251 Toll-Free: 800-232-5251

Popular scenic railroad offers a journey back in time the whole family will love

Family-friendly options at the Conway Scenic Railroad include everything from a 55-minute excursion to a four- to 5.5-hour tour offering spectacular views of the Mt. Washington Valley. It all starts at the charming 1874 station in North Conway Village, NH, where you’ll board your vintage passenger train car. Diesel engines glide along the tracks to either Conway, NH (where kids love to see the locomotive “run around” the train before the return trip) or, a slightly longer trip, to the Sawyer River. There’s also a Snow Train in winter that goes to Attitash and, for true railroading fans, the Mountaineer, which rumbles through the valley and rugged Crawford Notch, NH. Lunch can be pre-ordered for the Mountaineer and river train; all trains have snack bars and historical commentary.
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Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves Suspension North Woodstock NH
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

1712 Lost River Road -- Route 112W North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-8031

Trek through a White Mountain wonderland at Lost River Gorge

Take your family on a journey beneath the earth at Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in New Hampshire's White Mountains. You'll find yourself exploring a spectacular wilderness wonderland formed millions of years ago by glaciers, water, and wild weather. Located on a preserve owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Lost River Gorge is home to granite cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, rugged caves, and a river that plays hide-and-seek amid the rocks. Hike along a three-quarter mile boardwalk, or step off and explore the boulder caves, including the Sun Altar, Thor's Workshop, the Devil's Kitchen, the Lemon Squeezer, and the Judgment Hall of Pluto. Sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing are recommended. Open early May to mid-October.
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Paddling with Guide - Great Glen Trails - Gorham, NH - Photo Credit Dan Houde & Mt. Washington Auto Road
Great Glen Trails

Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

Fun all four seasons for all the members of your family at this active outdoor center

Fun for everyone in the family, every season of the year: That’s the goal at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road. That might mean searching for moose and eagles as you paddle along the Androscoggin River on a wildlife kayak cruise. Or, packing a picnic lunch and hiking up to the Great Angel or Cadiddlehopper Cabin. Or biking over smooth, well-marked carriage roads. In the winter, it means superior cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and, a favorite with families, snow tubing down Tubing Hill, enjoying s’mores and hot cocoa by the fire pit on weekends and holidays. The comfortable base lodge has lockers, showers and a fireplace. The Outfitters Shop has all the best in outdoor gear to buy or rent.
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Rock Climbing - Mt. Washington Valley NH Chamber of Commerce
Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

So many activities in this popular N.H. region, everyone in the family will have a good time

It’s a paradise for families, four seasons of the year: In the Mt. Washington Valley, there are so many things to do, everyone will go home happy! There are water sports in the summer, from kayaking to finding the perfect swimming hole; winter means exceptional alpine and cross-country skiing, fat biking, tubing and snowshoeing – and Santa’s Village. Spring is a good time to hit the bike trails, break out the canoe or visit a museum. And fall, of course, means leaf-peeping, whether you drive the Kancamagus Highway or take a trip on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Kids will love the fun shops in the valley’s villages, and adults will love comfortable lodgings with pools and on-site restaurants. Click above to visit our website or call our friendly concierge at 800-337-3563 for more info on first class lodging and exciting events to plan your next adventure!
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