Some Fun Things ToDo in New Hampshire
Everything from family attractions and theme parks to the great outdoors awaits you throughout New Hampshire. Visit one of over 60 state parks; go white-water rafting; visit one of a hundred museums and historic sites that New Hampshire has to offer; hike one of 48 mountains over 4000 feet; take a ride to the top of Mount Washington or Cannon Mountain or Wildcat … the options are endless!
Browse the list below or select a region of New Hampshire from the map on the right. And enjoy!
Prescott Farm
Environmental Education Center
Lakes Region
Environmental education for all ages throughout the year including WildQuest camps, public programs, field trips, and long-term partnerships with local elementary schools. The farm is designated as an official NH Wildlife Viewing Area and offers hiking on more than three miles of woodland, pond and field trails. Visitors can also explore the three-story historic barn, beautiful heritage flower and vegetable gardens, and an old-fashioned maple sugar operation (during the month of March).
Polar Caves Park
A place to explore, discover, learn and enjoy!
Lakes Region
The Polar Caves were formed about fifty thousand years ago as the third continental glacier descended over New Hampshire’s White Mountains. When the ice retreated, it left behind an amazing series of caves and passageways for visitors to explore. Self-guided tours take you to the rock garden and nature trails and through the caves.
NH Grand
Experience New Hampshire’s Grand North
North Country
Just beyond the White Mountains and this side of Canada is New Hampshire’s Grand North, a land of sweeping forests, crystal clear lakes and rivers and scenery that make your heart soar. Fish where the fish are, where there are more trails than roads — and those roads are less traveled, and at night, the stars shine big and bright in the expanse of a dark night sky. Experience beauty around every turn. Conquer the highest peaks. Explore small towns full of friendly folks. Become a wildlife paparazzi. From skiing and hiking to fishing, snowmobiling and ATVing, canoeing, white water rafting and waterfall watching, the Grand North has an adventure waiting for you. Savor the flavor of the region at one of our outstanding restaurants, bistros and cafes. Visit our festivals and fairs. Shop our downtowns and main streets and farmers markets. Experience a very special place and a region rich in history.
McIntyre Ski Area
Celebrating 42 years of Skiing and Riding in Southern NH!
Merrimack Valley
Since 1971, McIntyre Ski Area has been Manchester’s backyard for winter fun. McIntyre Ski School, Inc. and began providing ski lessons in 1978. Hundreds of thousands of children and adults began their lifelong love for winter learning to ski or snowboard at the Mighty Mac.
Beech Hill Farm
Voted Best of New England
Dartmouth/Sunapee
Beech Hill Farm offers a variety of educational field trips and programs that are perfect for school and youth groups. Over 1,000 students came to the farm last fall for this unique learning experience, and we loved the enthusiastic responses!
Outdoor ESCAPES New Hampshire
Safety, fun, and learning!
Lakes Region
Grab your friends and family and get into NH’s wilderness, led by native expert guides. Since 2003, participants have enjoyed custom-guided adventures in all regions of the state – lakes, mountains, rivers, forests, seacoast, and countryside.
AKA Outdoors
Affordable Training & Tours in New Hampshire!
Merrimack Valley
Guide Paul Berry will take you or a group out for training or NH tours in hiking, kayaking, walking, canoeing, snowshoeing and more. Paul has been teaching and leading outdoor activities for over 25 years and he’ll customize your outing for content, duration, location, equipment, etc..
Poor Yorick’s Paddle Sports
Rentals, Lessons, Fitness Classes, Trips, and Excursions!
Merrimack Valley
The only locally-owned central New Hampshire company primarily focused on Stand Up Paddling. Now offering rentals, lessons, and fitness classes. Come along on some great trips and excursions, so watch their online calendar and rentals/events page for complete details.
Goodhue & Hawkins Navy Yard
Serving Lake Winnipesaukee since 1903!
Discount Coupon
Lakes Region
Located on scenic Wolfeboro Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee, Goodhue & Hawkins provides a full compliment of exceptional service — from boat purchases and rentals, to certified service and storage, making every customer’s boating experience outstanding and noteworthy.
Santa’s Village
It’s Christmas Today!
White Mountains
OH, WHAT FUN!! If you’re looking for some JOY, Santa’s Village is sure to be the “gift” that provides that experience for your family. Yes, Santa and his Helpers are eager to greet you into their village where fun is ever-”present.”
River Run Deli
Kayak Tours and Rentals!
Lakes Region
These tours are very popular and they can only take up to 20 people at a time. So, please book early. Just out of the Alton Circle, over the bridge, and you’re there! Look for the River Run Deli sign! Every Wednesday night LADIE’S DAM PIC-A-NOE throughout the summer.
SEE Science Center
Two floors of hands-on science fun!
Merrimack Valley
The SEE Science Center is an interactive learning center established to promote the understanding, enjoyment and achievements of science, mathematics and technology. Hands-on exhibits cover topics such as: forces, light, sound, electricity, simple machines and more. The kids will have a ball, and learn too!
Millyard Museum
Telling the story of Manchester … and the people who lived and worked here.
Merrimack Valley
In this self-guided museum, you’ll find activity stations for children, videos, a model of the Millyard, looms from the mills, an animated explanation of how water power works and a re-creation of Elm Street on a Thursday night – complete with lighted arches, “cobblestone” pavement, a variety of stores and the State Theatre gallery for changing exhibits.
Clarks Trading Post
Home of Clark’s Trained Bears and the White Mtn Central Railroad
White Mountains
Clark’s has been offering visitors the best in family entertainment and good honest fun since 1928. Enjoy an exciting ride on The White Mountain Central Railroad and into Wolfman’s territory! Browse museums filled with Americana and visit the many unique shops. And don’t forget the featured attraction The Bear Show—a truly original experience. Clark’s Trading Post—a White Mountain classic… (read more)
Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH
Summer Whitewater Rafting & Year-round Dog Sledding
North Country
Family adventures abound from float trips to Class IV whitewater and the chance to experience summer or winter dogsledding. The most experienced, licensed, and professional guides and rescued sled dogs will make your day the best!
Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride
Ski & Ride with the whole family!
North Country
Excellent family ski mountain, great snowmaking equipment, and just 30 minutes from Manchester, makes Crotched Mountain a very popular ski destination. And check out the Midnight Madness from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. every Friday and Saturday night with Concert Series music, bonfire, drinks, 100% lighted slopes, and 2 terrain parks!… (read more)
Mariposa Museum
Celebrating World Cultures
Monadnock Region
A ‘hands-on’ museum of artifacts from around the world, located in the center of Peterborough in the historic Baptist Church building. Visit a celebration other cultures with regional exhibitions, performances, and programs. The second floor contains the main gallery, performance space, and “hands-on” costume and puppet/marionette alcoves. The third floor loft contains the gallery and “hands-on” musical instrument collection. Fun for kids and handicap accessible.
Canobie Lake Park
Just For Fun!
Merrimack Valley
Canobie Lake Park, with over 85 rides, has been offering fun for all ages since 1908. Check out the new roller coaster called Untamed, get soaked in the Castaway Island water park, or take the little ones to the kiddie rides! If it gets too hot, enjoy one of the many live performances in air conditioned facilities.
Strawberry Banke Museum
Come Explore the Past
Seacoast
Visitors to Strawbery Banke have the opportunity to experience and imagine how people lived and worked in this typical American neighborhood throughout four centuries of history. Through its restored houses with role actors, its featured exhibits, its historic landscapes and gardens, and its interpretive programs, Strawbery Banke tells the stories of the many generations who settled in the Portsmouth, NH, community from the late l7th to the mid-20th century.
Mount Washington Cruises
Cruise Lake Winnipesaukee on the M/S Mount Washington
Discount Coupon
Lakes Region
Mount Washington Cruises offers Scenic Daytime and Sunset dinner dance cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee from late May through late October. The M/S Mount Washington visits five ports on Lake Winnipesaukee and takes on passengers in Wolfeboro, Meredith, Center Harbor and Alton Bay on alternating days of the week with daily cruises from Weirs Beach.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Get Nearer to Nature
Lakes Region
Open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks connect interactive natural exhibits where native animals reside: black bears, mountain lions, raptors, river otters, bobcats, and more! Spend a day – walk the trails, take a Science Center Lake Cruise, enjoy the beauty of Kirkwood Gardens, have a snack at Kirkwood Cafè, and shop naturally in the Howling Coyote Gift Shop.
Isles Of Shoals Steamship Company
Exploring the Islands off New Hampshire’s Coast
Seacoast
Join us for the tour that started it all, The Historic Isles of Shoals & Portsmouth Harbor Tour. Little known but historically crucial, the legendary Isles of Shoals, located 9 miles off our coast, are an intriguing archipelago of nine islands steeped with history.
Silver Ranch Air Park
Come Fly with Us!
Discount Coupon
Monadnock Region
Silver Ranch is an operating airpark in Jaffrey offering scenic flights, opportunities for aerial photography, and business & personal charter flights anywhere throughout the Northeast. Come fly with us for an experience you’ll never forget!
Ruggles Mine
The oldest and most spectacular mica, feldspar, barrel, and uranium mine in the USA
Dartmouth/ Sunapee Region
While mostly an open pit mine, there are also giant rooms and tunnels with arched ceilings to explore at your leisure. Mineral collecting permitted. Over 150 minerals are to be found here including beryl, mica, amethyst, rose and smokey quartz, garnet, etc.
MV Kearsarge Dinner Cruise
Fine Dining on the Water
Dartmouth/Sunapee Region
The MV Kearsarge has been sailing the waters of Lake Sunapee for over 30 years. The boat operates seasonally from May to October. Each cruise is narrated by the Captain, and lasts for two hours. Two decks of enclosed dining and an open air walkway around the top deck create an ambience like no other. A Roast Beef Buffet is served nightly with full bar available.
Conway Scenic Railroad
Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride!
White Mountains
Enjoy old-fashioned train rides, from on the five hours long, all departing from the beautiful 1874 Victorian Station. The Valley Train goes from North Conway to Conway which is a one hour 11 mile round trip. This is an “over the river and through the woods” ride for kids of all ages who may never have even been on a train before.
Northern Forest Heritage Park
A Living Logging and History Museum
North Country
The Park is a re-creation of a logging camp from the 1800s. Kids will love exploring the buildings and talking with role actors. The park hosts forest, river and art exhibits, lectures, seminars, concerts, major cultural festivals, lumberjack competitions, special blacksmith demonstrations and special events throughout the year.
Story Land
Come play and be a kid again!
White Mountains
Story Land is a children’s theme park that has entertained thousands of families with young children for almost 60 years. New generations of children, their parents, and grandparents visit year after year to share past memories and create new ones in the Land Where Fairy Tales Come to Life!
Cathedral of the Pines
All Faiths, One Family, One Earth
Monadnock Region
Situated on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Grand Monadnock, the Cathedral of the Pines is a breathtaking open-air cathedral and meeting space on 236 acres. The historic monuments honor the service of American men and women—both military and civilian. Visitors are welcomed from all over the world to participate in the events and to explore the extraordinary sanctuary grounds, meditate in outdoor chapels and gardens, and learn the history.
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Have fun and learn about space!
Merrimack Valley
The Discovery Center offers an amazing collection of innovative, interactive exhibits to explore. Delve into the worlds of astronomy, aviation, Earth and space sciences and become immersed in this entertaining learning environment. From the state-of-the-art planetarium theater to the high-tech observatory to workshops for Little Explorers and educators alike … there’s something for everyone at your Discovery Center!
Amoskeag Fishways
Celebrate the Magic of the Merrimack
Merrimack Valley
Visit this award-winning environmental education center located in the heart of Manchester. Come experience the fun, interactive exhibits that help visitors explore the Merrimack River watershed and learn the importance of wise stewardship of our water resources.
Canterbury Shaker Village
Discover and Learn
Lakes Region
Dedicated to preserving the 200-year legacy of the Canterbury Shakers and to providing a place for learning, reflection, and renewal of the human spirit, visitors are encouraged to learn about the life, ideals, values, and history of the Canterbury Shakers through tours, programs, exhibits, research, and publications.
Currier Museum
Focused on art. Centered on people
Merrimack Valley
The Currier features European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs and sculpture, including works by Picasso, Monet, O’Keeffe, Wyeth, and LeWitt with exhibitions, tours, and programs year-round.
New Hampshire School of Falconry
Touch the Wild in a way you never dreamed possible!
Monadnock Region
Choose a falconry experience that meets your level of expectations and desires, from an educational program geared to all ages to actually flying a bird or to following a real hunt in which a raptor and a pointing dog work as a team with a master falconer, Nancy Cowan.
Gorham Moose Tours
Scenic Moose & Wildlife Tours
White Mountains
Moose – you see them on store signs, you’re warned to look out for them on the roadway, but if you really want to see them up close, you gotta take a Moose Tour! Knowledgeable, experienced drivers will make this tour one of your favorites.
The Inn At East Hill Farm
Where traditions and family values reign
Monadnock Region
Hosting family farm vacations, senior programs, bus groups, square dance weekends and lots more! A full working farm where kids are kings!
Castleberry Fairs & Festivals
Over 22 Craft Shows a Year!
Statewide
Being craftsmen ourselves, we have the unique perspective to know what exhibitors expect and need. Our shows feature unique crafts and gifts such as pets, pillows, scarves, slides, silk products, photography, furniture, gourmet goodies and more.
Gunstock Mountain Adventure Park
Pick your season. Pick your passion!
Lakes Region
This popular ski mountain in Gilford features 49 trails and eight lifts. Plus tubing, 50km of trails groomed for both nordic and skate skiing, and snowboarding park. When the snow melts, it’s all about family camping, hiking, Aerial Treetop adventures (New England’s Largest Aerial Obstacle Course), guided Segway tours, and horseback riding. Gunstock Mountain Resort is nature’s playground!
New Hampshire Telephone Museum
“Hello? It’s for you!”
Discount Coupon
Dartmouth/Sunapee
Discover 130 years of telephone history at one of our country’s finest exhibits of antique telephones and equipment. This educational resource starts with a look at Alexander Graham Bell’s invention and travels through the era of crank phones, local operators, party lines, automatic dialing systems, and wireless technology. Visitors will take a walk down memory lane and experience a working demonstration of an operator switchboard, payphone and automatic dialing system.
Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum
One Circle, 1000 Stories, Experience It!
Dartmouth/Sunapee
Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Education and Cultural Center, is dedicated to connecting people of today with 20,000 years of ongoing Native American cultural expression. The Museum embraces cultural diversity and encourages responsible environmental action based on respect for nature. Through exhibitions and programs, the Museum seeks to challenge and inspire all of us to improve the quality of our lives and our world.
