New Hampshire Attractions for Kids
Story Land, Lost River and Santa’s Village in the White Mountains
Besides simply hiking, biking and otherwise playing in the scenic NH mountains, families on vacation here can enjoy a number of major attractions. Here are six faves.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire provide a glorious backdrop for a summer vacation. Theme parks, scenic drives and nature walks are only a few of the ways families can enjoy the great outdoors here. Consider these options:
Story Land For more than 50 years this charming theme park has been delighting visitors. When it first opened in the 1950s, attractions were as simple as three pigs in a pen (“The Three Little Pigs”) and a horse-drawn pumpkin carriage ride to Cinderella’s Castle (likely before Walt Disney trademarked his). Today, you can take a flume ride (“Bamboo Chutes”), scream on a a roller-coaster and hop on a Ferris wheel. The park has exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks to promotion from New Hampshire tourism folks, and is continually expanding. It’s not unusual to find new rides, shows or play areas each year. Glen, NH.
Polar Caves Park This theme park has been around since 1922! Tour the glacial caves, make your way through a giant boulder maze, sample treats at the Maple Sugar Museum. The grounds are a lovely place to take walks through pine forest and otherwise enjoy nature. Plymouth, NH.
Lost River Gorge Squeeze through boulders, walk along narrow wooden bridges, explore lantern-lit caves, and otherwise follow the mysterious trail through Lost River Gorge. Kids can pan for gold; also check out the cool indoor waterfall--open to the public last year for the first time in two decades. N. Woodstock, NH
Mount Washington There are two ways to journey to New Hampshire’s highest peak. Take your own car along the Mount Washington Auto Road (America’s oldest manmade attraction) and return home with a coveted “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington” bumper sticker. Or ride to the top on the world’s first mountain-climbing railway. Either way, pack appropriate outwear (rain gear or warm fleece), since Mount Washington is known as the home of the “World’s Worst Weather.” The scenic views and feeling of being “on top of the world” are worth a few moments of discomfort (seek refuge in the gift shop or café if the weather is really bad). Gorham/Bretton Woods, NH.
Santa’s Village Enjoy Christmas in July at Santa’s Village, another attraction that boasts a long history in New Hampshire, dating back to the 1950s. Visit with Santa, feed his reindeer and see the 3-D film, A Tinkerdoodle Christmas. More than a dozen rides—bumper cars, coasters and Santa’s Express Train—also delight kids of all ages. Jefferson, NH.
Whale’s Tale Water Park New Hampshire isn’t known for its unusually steamy temperatures—especially in the mountains—but if you want a place to cool off, and have a ball doing it, check out this full-size water park. A lazy river and large pool occupy guests (and little kids) who are all about relaxation. Whale Harbor is a water-based activities area for toddlers and preschoolers; older, more adventurous kids will love the Eye of the Storm, Harpoon Express or The Plunge. New for 2007: the Bonzai Pipeline. Lincoln, NH.
