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.

Hobo Railroad

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 Hobo Railroad 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 Hobo Junction Gift Shop, grab snacks, ice cream and soda – or bring your own picnic lunch.

Kids on the Slopes - Mt. Washington Valley Chamber - North Conway, NH

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!

Curious Kids - Mount Washington Auto Road - Gorham, NH

Mt. Washington Auto Road

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

From top to bottom, and in between, there’s plenty to do on Mt. Washington

There are all kinds of fun things for families at the summit and the base of Mt. Washington, and connecting them is a terrific attraction all on its own: the legendary Mt. Washington Auto Road. Take your own vehicle to the summit or go on a two-hour guided tour to learn about the mountain’s history and wildlife. At the summit, there’s an observatory museum, and, on a clear day, you can see the Presidential Mountain Range and beyond, all the way to Canada and the Atlantic. At the mountain base, there’s the Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum, with memorabilia and vehicles from the road’s long history. At the Great Glen Trails Outdoors Center, you can book a kayaking cruise or mountain biking trip.

Campers Inn RV - Your Trusted Source Since 1966! Click Here to Explore.

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

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa - Casual Elegance, Stunning Views. Seasonal Promotions Available now!

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.

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

Clark's Bears has closed for 2021 - See you again in 2022!
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.

Great Glen Trails

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

There’s family fun to be had every season at this outdoor center at the base of Mt. Washington

Every season is family fun season at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, at the foot of magnificent Mt. Washington. In the warmer months, you can take family bike rides across the center’s miles of well-marked carriage roads and single tracks or go on a whitewater kayaking excursion or a wildlife tour (watch for moose!). There’s great hiking through meadows and woodland. In the winter, those trails become groomed pathways for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. There’s also fat biking in winter as well as an old-fashioned walk-up snow-tubing hill (with hot cocoa and s’mores at the top). And don’t forget the Mt. Washington Auto Road, taking you up to the summit for some pretty spectacular views.

New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival

Loon Mountain Resort - 60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-229-1975 Toll-Free: 800-358-7268

Fun for the whole family at this three-day Scottish festival

Bring the family and get your Scot on during the NH Highland Games & Festival at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH. This three-day celebration is one of the largest cultural events in the Northeast and has something for everyone! Kids will enjoy watching strongmen compete in heavy athletics like caber toss and stone carry or taking a photo with the friendly Highland cows. Try-It classes in stone lifting, drumming, and Highland dance will keep the whole family entertained while traditional Scottish cuisine will keep you well-fed. Don’t forget to stroll through the Clan Village, home to 60+ Scottish clans and also visit over 30 vendors selling tartan scarves, traditional sweets, bagpiping supplies, and various other Celtic items.

Event Date: September 15-17, 2023 - Visit our website at the link above for more details, or click the ticket icon below this listing to purchase tickets today!

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

New Hampshire's Androscoggin Valley - Your Adventure Starts Here! Click here to explore.

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

Variety of exciting activities, attractions every season of the year in this mountain region

Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods has fun activities and attractions for every member of the family! In the winter, enjoy alpine and cross-country skiing, snow-tubing, snowmobiling and plenty of s’mores around the fire. In warmer months, go golfing at one of five courses in the area or go for a ride up world-famous Mount Washington. Summer also brings horseback riding, helicopter tours, hiking, biking, and scenic tours. Try to spy a beaver along the trails in the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge or maybe even spot a moose. And don’t forget the bear shows at Clark’s Bears! Special events, fairs, & festivals are happening throughout the year in this lively region.

Conway Scenic Railroad

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

Kids love trains, which makes this scenic railroad’s excursions the perfect family adventure

You’re looking for a fun event for the kids? Conway Scenic Railroad to the rescue! The railroad, with a captivating 1874 departure station in historic North Conway Village, offers four fascinating excursions, all thoroughly engrossing for children, who love rumbling along in vintage train cars from one town to another, past trees and streams. The Conway Valley Train is especially great with little kids: It lasts 55 minutes, from North Conway to Conway, where you can watch the locomotive “run around the train” in preparation for the return trip. Other excursions go to Sawyer River, over rugged Crawford Notch and, in January and February, to the station at Attitash Mountain Village. You can buy snacks and beverages at the North Conway station to bring onboard.

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!

Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce

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

Here’s a guarantee: No one in the family will have time to be bored in this attraction-filled valley

There is simply no time to be bored in the Androscoggin Valley! A summer day might include whitewater kayaking, a dip in a swimming hole by a waterfall, zip lining through the trees or fishing for trout in the Androscoggin River. Fall foliage is spectacular as you bike or hike the area’s hundreds of miles of trails, many with spectacular mountain views, go on an ATV tour or horseback ride. Winter means downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, snow-tubing and snowmobiling (and Santa’s Village and Storyland!). When spring comes, it’s time for golf, fly fishing and canoeing. Whether your family opts for a moose tour, an outdoor concert or tax-free shopping, there really is an activity for everyone in this exciting valley.

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.

Mount Washington 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 Mt. Washington on the historic 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 from the mountain. Trains run from 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.

State

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee

Great North Woods

Lakes

Merrimack Valley

Monadnock

Seacoast