New Hampshire Attractions
New Hampshire Attractions
 | Flume Gorge Franconia Notch State Park I-93, exit 34A Franconia, NH • 603-745-8391 The half-mile hike along the gushing torrent of Flume Brook might just be the ultimate family outdoor experience. Much of the hike is along a wooden walkway built into the sides of the gorge, making it easy for the youngest (or oldest) family members to keep up. At the same time, the scenery of leaping waterfalls and soaring granite-walls is absolutely top-notch, right out of the car. Only 20 feet wide at its widest point, the gorge was carved by glaciers centuries ago, and continues its dance with erosion to the present day. For hardier hikers, a two-mile loop trail continues through pine woodland back to the parking lot. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Fort at No. 4 Living Museum 267 Springfield Road Charlestown, NH • 603-826-5700 Even kids who hated history class will love this little-known "living history" museum in the corner of the state that recreates the daily life of a colonial military fort during the French & Indian War. Costumed interpreters actually live at the fort for extended periods, practicing skills from churning butter to musket shooting they are more than happy to demonstrate for young guests. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Hampton Beach Ocean Boulevard/Route 1A Hampton Beach, NH • 603-926-8717 The ultimate family beach destination, Hampton has been luring kids of all ages for decades with its potent blend of honky-tonk amusements, fried seafood and active waves. The long, wide beach provides plenty of elbowroom for stretching out -- and is surprisingly clean for all of the activity it receives during summer. But it's the swirl of activities around it that is apt to draw in your young ones, including video arcades, penny-candy counters and beach toy stores, not to mention all of the people watching you could ask for. You won't necessarily find relaxation here, but you can guarantee everyone will go home happily exhausted. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Island Cruises 1870 Ocean Boulevard Rye, NH • 603-431-5500 The nine rocky islands several miles off the tiny New Hampshire coastline form the perfect day trip for an adventurous family. With a history that includes shipwrecks, pirates and even a grisly murder back in 1873, there is something to excite every imagination. Now, the islands are mostly deserted with the exception of seabirds and hiking trails. Bring a picnic lunch and soak in the sun and the sea on a summer afternoon and you'll be convinced you've found paradise. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Mt. Washington Cog Railway Base Rd./Off Rte. 302 Bretton Woods, NH • 603-278-5404 In the early 1800's, when New Hampshire native Sylvester Marsh declared his intent to build a railroad up the side of New England's tallest mountain, detractors scoffed he might as well build a "railway to the moon." Well, more than a century later, "the Cog" is still ferrying generations up the side of Mt. Washington with its ingenious rack-and-pinion technology that has stood the test of time. Half the fun is riding the 30-degree railway, while marveling at the antique steam engines and coaches still in use. The other half is enjoying the spectacular view of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains and beyond -- one of the most inspiring sights in New England or anywhere. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12) |
 | Ruggles Mine Route 4 at Village Green Grafton, NH • 603-523-4275 There's nothing like whacking into a piece of granite to find a shiny gemstone to set the pulse to racing. For more than 40 years, rock hounds of all ages have been trekking into the caves and canyons of a former mica mine founded by Sam Ruggles in the 19th Century to try their hand at prospecting for semi-precious stones. Kids are given their own rock hammers to search for quartz, beryl, aquamarine, tourmaline and even amethyst and uranium. Best of all: finders, keepers. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12) |
 | Squam Lakes Natural Science Center 23 Science Center Road Holderness, NH • 603-968-7194 This excellent nature center may be the only place in the world you will be thrilled to encounter a mountain lion while hiking through the woods. A rare catamount is one of many native New England animals inhabiting spacious natural environments along a densely-wooded hiking trail that also features black bears, bobcats, deer and a bald eagle, offering the illusion of discovering these critters naturally in the wild. In addition to the animal enclosures, the center goes out of its way to provide interactive exhibits and educational games to teach kids from toddlers to teens about respecting nature. The center also sponsors pontoon boat trips onto Squam Lake in search of eagles and loons. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Strawbery Banke Museum 14 Hancock Street Portsmouth, NH • 603-433-1110 The Strawbery Banke Museum is an outdoor living museum that portrays what Colonial life was like for villagers in Portsmouth, NJ from the late 17th century to the mid-20th century. You should plan for at least two hours at this museum and tickets are good for two consecutive days. Open May 1 to Oct. 31 daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 5 to 17 years old and free for children younger than 5 years old. There is an attractive family rate of $40. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
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