White Mountains

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

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 Trading Post and hop aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad and the Mount 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.

Ice Castles

24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: Toll-Free: 888-407-4054

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. Tickets are guaranteed to sell out each weekend - be sure to buy yours in advance at IceCastles.com!

Spring Golf Course - Mt. Washington Valley Chamber - North Conway, NH

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

Endless list of activities, adventures to excite every family member

Your challenge isn’t going to be finding fun family activities in the Mount Washington Valley region – it will be persuading the family it’s time to go home. In the winter, ski, skate, snowboard or take a dog-sled tour. In the summer, go kayaking, check out a water park or go ziplining over the forest. Take a cog railroad trip up Mount Washington, squeeze through caves, tackle a corn maze, visit a family farm, a 600-game arcade or the country’s oldest continuously operated general store. Go see the bear show at Clark’s Trading Post, the elves at Santa’s Village or fairy tale characters in Story Land. Visit a weather museum, a nature center or an inter-active science museum.

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

Adventures and attractions aplenty for kids and adults in the White Mountains

So many fun things to do in the White Mountains! Go ziplining or check out the jaw-dropping views from a gondola – or a helicopter! Kids and parents alike enjoy the rides and activities at Clarks Trading Post or Bretton Woods Adventure Center. Go for a family walk at The Rocks or Pondicherry, or if you’re feeling more ambitious, hike to a waterfalls or for a great view or to the top of a 4000 foot Presidential mountain. Visit a fish hatchery or wildlife refuge. Climb Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeast, either by foot, train or car—the Mount Washington Cog Railway and the Mount Washington Auto Road both provide a one-of-a-kind experience to take you to the peak. And that’s in addition to community theater, great restaurants and lodging for the whole family. Whether you are seeking adventures and thrills or a relaxing day swimming and picnicking by a waterfall, you will fall in love with this area.

Family Ride - Northeast AVT & Snowmobile - Gorham, NH

Northeast ATV & Snowmobile

325 Main Street Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-458-1838

An adventure worthy of the entire family!

At Northeast Snowmobile and ATV Rentals, there’s family fun to be had when there’s snow on the ground or when the summer sun is in the sky. Rent a one- or two-person Polaris snowmobile and hit the largest trail systems and best terrain in the area. Or, when it’s dirt, grass and mud time, rent a Polaris side-by-side and access the nation’s best interconnected summertime ATV trail system. With both, you get jaw-dropping views of waterfalls, lakes, mountains and wildlife (sometimes even a moose or two); marked trails and friendly locals along the way, with lots of stops for eating. With snowmobiles and ATVs, you get an operational video, a free trail map, helmet and GPS.

Climb NH's Mount Washington by train! The Mt. Washington Cog Railway

River Walk Resort at Loon - New England's Newest Grand Resort! In New Hampshire's spectacular White Mountains

Mount Washington Cog Railway

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

Travel aboard the world's most fascinating mountain-climbing railway

Children who climb Mount Washington aboard the historic Cog Railway never forget the experience. Our train climbs 6,288 feet to the highest summit on the East Coast. Spend some time exploring when you reach the top. On a clear day you'll see New Hampshire's White Mountains spread out around you, and all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Other days you'll be walking above the clouds. Visit the Weather Observatory, where scientists study extreme conditions in winter months. The three-hour round trip features an onboard audio tour. Learn about the construction of this 19th-century engineering marvel at our Base Station museum. You'll also find a restaurant where you and your family can enjoy breakfast or lunch. Trains run late April through November.

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.

Conway Scenic Railroad

38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251

Ride into the past aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad

Enjoy an old-fashioned family experience that begins with a visit to our 1874 station in the middle of North Conway Village. Children of all ages will be transported back to a simpler time in history, when railroads fueled the economic growth of this country. Ride in vintage coaches, some of which date back to the 1920s, or First Class cars, including an 1898 Pullman Parlor Observation Car. A 3-course luncheon is available on the Valley trains or as part of the First Class Package on the Mountaineer to Crawford Notch. Have your tickets hand-punched by a real conductor. Children under four ride FREE in Coach on the Valley Trains, and well-behaved dogs are always welcome.

Summer Dog Sled Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft Jefferson New Hampshire

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH

32 Valley Road Jefferson, NH, 03583 Phone: 603-545-4533

A family sojourn never to be forgotten

There’s adventure ahead on land and water and the whole family is invited. Enjoy warm weather rolling dog sledding that’s educational and hands on. Meet the sled dogs, help the musher harness and hitch the team, enjoy the dog sled ride, and share treats with the sled dogs after your ride. Get out on the water with Raft NH, a family-friendly, rafting outfitter offering whitewater trips for ages 6 and up. You’re in for unforgettable mild to wild rafting! Check out the “Paws & Paddles” package and enjoy a daytime whitewater raft trip and an evening rolling dog sled trek for a full day of outdoor fun.

New Hampshire Campground Owners Association

Family fun outdoors (and in) at wide variety of N.H. campgrounds

Whether your family likes to fish, frolic in the surf, climb mountains, visit museums, shop on friendly Main Streets or just roast marshmallows around the fire, New Hampshire has the perfect campground for you. Explore the state’s great outdoors from your tent, RV, cabin – or rental unit – with a fall foliage hike, rock climbing, beach retreat or, in the winter, a snowmobile ride or ski run. Visit our website for a guide to a huge variety of campgrounds, from the forested north (where you can see bald eagles) to the villages and countryside of the state’s center to its 18 miles of Atlantic coastline. Many campgrounds feature areas for family play, from horseshoes and bocce to tennis, golf and hiking.

Santa's Village

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

Pure Joy. Family Style. Every Summer.

Santa’s Village is Santa’s summer home in the White Mountains, and the only New England park listed by 2014 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards as one of the Top 25 Amusement Parks in the USA. With reindeer and elves, cookies and ice cream, a roller coaster, a log flume, a monorail, and plenty of other rides and activities, it’s everything you’d imagine Santa’s summer home to be. One low admission price covers an entire day of memory-making for families with young children. For over 60 years and three generations, from our family to yours – Santa’s Village is pure joy, family style. Seasons: Open Memorial Day weekend to Christmas.

White Mountains Attractions

Visitor’s Center at Exit 32 Off I-93 North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-8720 Toll-Free: 800-346-3687

Wonderful scenery; terrific lodging and dining

This vacation, make the White Mountains part of your trip. There's an exciting variety of things to see and do - for the individual and for the family, including the highly diversified man-made and natural attractions that make up this scenic and exciting part of New Hampshire. You can spend the entire day at one of the terrific family attractions; ride a slide, journey back in time or to a mountaintop, discover geological wonders, splash down a waterslide, visit the world of a child's imagination, or see the Old West and the North Pole. The distances between the attractions are short, the roads are scenic, and your vacation will be long on value and fun. To find out more, click on our website, or call us today at 1-800-346-3687.

Great Glen Trails

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

Outdoor Fun That's Just Right for The Entire Family

At the Great Glen Trails in Pinkham Notch, N.H., we offer adventures in all shapes and sizes. During the spring and summer you can set out on a hike, run, or bike ride on any of our scenic trails through New Hampshire's White Mountains. Or join us for a guided bird watching tour or a paddling trip on the Androscoggin River. In winter, the cross country skiing and snowshoeing is absolutely glorious. Our trail system of easy and rolling terrain allows skiers of all abilities to find the right level of activity, challenge, and fun. The trails are groomed with both double tracks and a skating lane and run through the forests at the base of Mt. Washington. And the SnowCoach makes everything accessible to all, with or without skis. It's the natural vacation plan for you and your family.

Loon Mountain Resort

60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-6281 Toll-Free: 800-229-5666

Outdoor fun, recreation and inspiration in the White Mountains

Pick a season and bring the family to New England’s most-accessible mountain resort destination. In summer and fall, ride New Hampshire’s longest gondola skyride to the 2,733-foot summit for breathtaking views of the White Mountains and great food at the Summit Café. Explore glacial caves and walk a scenic nature trail. At the mountain’s base, ride a zipline across the Pemigewasset River, scale a rock wall, navigate the LogJam Maze, or climb a 30-foot-tall spider web. Bunyan’s Bouncin’ Backyard has a bounce house. In winter, big mountain skiing and snowboarding features 2,100 feet of vertical with three peaks of terrain for all abilities – including an award-winning progression of terrain parks and New Hampshire’s only Superpipe. There’s also snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing.

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.

Waterville Valley Resort

33 Village Road Waterville Valley, NH, 03215 Phone: 603-468-2553 Toll-Free: 800-468-2553

Fun knows no age restriction at this family resort in the mountains

It’s hard to imagine a place where families have more fun than at the Waterville Valley Resort. The alpine and Nordic skiing, of course, is fabulous – and convenient for families with easy shuttles, repairs and rentals. But there are also scenic trails to hike (one to a swimming hole) or mountain-bike, snow tubing and snowshoeing in the winter and swimming and all sorts of boating in the summer. At Town Square, there’s live music, food festivals, outdoor movies, campfires and skating, as well as shopping and great places to eat from Mexican restaurants to pizzerias. A Freedom Pass gets you into all sorts of activities, from tennis to scenic chair lifts, as well as terrific kid-centered activities at the Curious George Cottage.

Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce

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

Let your family adventure begin in perfectly situated Androscoggin Valley

Nicely nestled between the White Mountains and the Great North Woods, Androscoggin Valley has the perfect adventure for every family. Ride your ATV through 1,000 miles of interconnected trails; explore gentle hills or steeper terrains on your road, mountain or fat bike; fish for trout; go on a moose tour; kayak or go rafting through the clear water of the Androscoggin River; or just seek out that perfect swimming hole (one has a 64-foot waterfall). In the winter, enjoy superb downhill and cross-country skiing, beautiful wooded dogsled trails and miles and miles of snowmobile trails. From Storyland and Santa’s Village to ziplines, museums and live entertainment, Androscoggin Valley is where your adventure begins, every season of the year.

Story Land

850 New Hampshire Route 16 Glen, NH, 03838 Phone: 603-383-4186

Every day is an unforgettable adventure!

Write your own tale of adventure with a day at Story Land! Every moment is an exciting chapter in your book of fun family memories. You’ll find your favorite Nursery Rhymes come to life along the pathways of Story Land. Experience an eye-popping kid friendly magic show at Loopy Lab and sing along with Daniel Tiger during his NEW Grr-ific Stage Show. Make a splash on the Bamboo Chutes, meet real-life storybook characters and scream aboard our thrilling roller coaster, Roar-O-Saurus. Have dinner with Humpty Dumpty and friends or sit with Cinderella at Tea Time. Uncover prehistoric fossils and enjoy an exciting array of games, shows and rides! There’s even a free kennel for your pooch. Then snuggle up together in one of the great family lodgings nestled among the scenic White Mountains.

State

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee

Great North Woods

Lakes

Merrimack Valley

Monadnock

Seacoast