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Cheap Family Activities in New Hampshire abound, from snow-capped mountains to sandy shorelines. Enjoy fun and affordable experiences while exploring the state’s unique outdoor spaces.
If you are looking for a perfect combination of wilderness, museums, theme park attractions, and adventure, look no further than the New England state of New Hampshire. The following places are a mixture of local and expert advice on what to see and do on your upcoming visit.
1. Mount Washington Cog Railway, Campton
The White Mountain National Forest attracts many families looking to enjoy scenic views and participate in outdoor adventures. While some drive the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, others hop aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway to reach the summit, the highest peak in the Northeast!
Kids will love the excitement of an old-fashioned train ride. Plus, it allows the parents to relax and take in the scenery instead of driving. Once on top of the mountain, you will be greeted by a 360-degree view of the snow-capped mountains or colorful autumn leaves.
2. Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton
Hampton Beach provides the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled family outing. The sandy beaches are scattered in the summertime, with kids building sandcastles, searching for seashells, and playing in the water.
The park has picnic areas and playgrounds, making it one of the best beaches for locals and families on vacation looking to cool off in the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Ice Castles, North Woodstock
This attraction will immerse its visitors in the magical world of frozen caves, ice slides, tunnels, and fountains. Every day, the staff creates this one-acre winter wonderland from local icicles.
The park comes alive at night with hit song performances through synchronized LED lights. If your kids are fans of the Disney hit Frozen, they will love the experience of this playground.
4. Great Glen Trails, Gorham
It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit The Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center; you and your family will have a blast in the park. Located at the base of Washington, the park offers fun activities during all four seasons.
When it’s not snowing, visitors can rent kayaks, go on wildlife tours, rent bikes, or hike the many trails that lead to scenic views. The park is filled with cross-country skiers, snow biking, and snow tubing during the winter.
5. Clark’s Bears, Lincoln
Clark’s Trading Post has been mesmerizing its visitors for almost 90 years. Originally an old trading post, it is now a fully-fledged variety show and educational center for the local black bears.
Tourists can take in the 30-minute black bear show, watch the dazzling Chinese Acrobatic Troupe, ride blaster boats, climb rock walls, and explore Merlin’s Mystery Mansion. Make sure you ride the White Mt. Central RR train through the covered bridge and into Wolfman’s Territory.
6. Franconia Notch State Park, Lincoln
Franconia Notch State Park offers a plethora of outdoor activities for you and your family. The park is perfect for hiking, biking, off-roading, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and swimming.
You have two options if you are not into outdoor activities but want to enjoy the park’s natural beauty. You can take a scenic drive down Franconia Notch or the more exciting aerial tramway to the summit of Cannon Mountain.
7. Canobie Lake Park, Salem
This waterpark in Salem is a great way to cool down in the summer. The park caters to all ages, with attractions for toddlers and adrenaline-pumping rides for thrill-seeking teenagers.
In addition to the fun water rides, the park has carousels, car rides, swings, Ferris wheels, and various rollercoasters. With many dining options, you can easily spend an entire day or two having a blast in the park.
8. USS Albacore, Portsmouth
The USS Albacore was once built for a specialized submarine mission to test new technology for submarine designs. It has since become the standard that submarines must meet before they are put into action.
Nowadays, visitors can climb into the cabin and experience what life is like living below the surface. While it might give parents an added respect for the men and women who worked in submarines, kids will love to see the control room and pretend to operate the ship’s steering wheel.
9. Polar Caves Park, Rumney
Polar Caves Park is a fascinating underground maze of caves formed during the last ice age. The nine granite caves lead you through an ancient walkway that took over a million years to form. With safety handrails and lighted steps, it is a destination the whole family can enjoy.
After exploring the tunnels, kids can visit the petting zoo to hand-feed goats, ducks, deer, and baby cows.
10. Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, Dover
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is designed for kids 12 and under to learn and discover through play and hands-on interaction. Kids visiting the center will learn how to build mini-flying machines, explore a massive sandbox, and create sounds in an interactive sound sculpture.
Other attractions include learning centers focusing on world culture, local history, and nature. Exhibits change with the seasons, so you never know what fun you can have on your next visit.
11. Funspot, Laconia
Funspot claims to be the largest arcade in the world. The arcade was built in 1952 and has grown to over 600 games, including a 20-lane bowling center, mini golf course, restaurant, and tavern.
What better way to relax after a long day than beating your kids at the arcade games you grew up playing? You can also give your kids some quarters while you relax in a nice tavern sipping on local craft brews.
12. Seacoast Science Center, Rye
There is no better place to discover and learn about the diverse sea life native to the Gulf of Maine than the Seacoast Science Center. The facility provides an underwater petting zoo featuring sea stars and urchins, a coral reef tank filled with colorful fish, and a resorting reef community.
Kids will learn about these beautiful creatures, sea birds, and marine mammals, specifically the humpback whale.
13. Conway Scenic Railroad, North Conway
All aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad, where riders will experience an old-timey train ride leaving the station in North Conway. Riders can choose from several excursions ranging from less than an hour to a five-hour trek through Mt. Washington Valley and Crawford Notch. Excursions can be viewed on the Conway Scenic Railroad website, where riders can choose which adventure they want.
14. Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel, Jefferson
Have you ever wanted to experience what it would be like to man your own dog sled team and explore the open wilderness? With year-round dog sled tours, you and your family can feel the thrill of being pulled along by world-class dog sledding teams.
While these pups are cute and playful, they mean business once strapped into their sled. Tour options vary in length, but all tours are geared towards passengers aged two and up. You don’t want to miss watching these dogs race through the snow, reaching speeds up to 20 miles per hour.
15. Santa’s Village, Jefferson
Come celebrate Christmas year-round at this holiday-themed park filled with rides, attractions, and events. Kids will have a blast at Elf University, where they can learn how to fly a sleigh, build crafts, and ride Santa’s Express Train.
While most people visit during Christmas, Santa’s Water Park is open during the summer. It has splash pads, water slides, lazy rivers, obstacle courses, and private cabanas you can rent to relax in the sun.
16. Story Land, Glen
This fairy tale-themed amusement park will spark nostalgia as soon as you enter the gate. The colorful rides and decorations bring some of the children’s most famous stories to life.
Rides like Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach, Alice’s Tea Cups, and the Huff Puff Railroad will surely bring a smile to your kid’s face. The park is designed for kids under 12, so be cautious of taking older kids as they might get bored.
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