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Kids & Family
Top 10 Kid-Friendly Attractions
Whether you've lived in the Granite State your whole life or are visiting for the first time, it's always tough to know which of the state's many attractions will elicit choruses of "Can we go home yet?" from the kids or, better yet, leave you with frazzled nerves after spending countless hours screaming "Don't touch that!" and hoping you can move fast enough to head off a disaster. Below we have compiled a top ten list of places that should be a pleasure to visit for you and your preteens.
8 North Policy St.
Salem, NH 03079
Ph: 603-893-3506
Canobie Lake Park is New Hampshire's favorite amusement park. Traditional themes and high-tech thrills are combined for an unsurpassed entertainment experience for all ages. Rides include the corkscrew roller coaster, the Turkish Twist, the Boston Tea Party water ride, an authentic 24-gauge steam train, an antique carousel, and more! The park also features a variety of entertainment, including fireworks displays, live shows, costumed characters and specialty acts.
481 Route 3 North
Lincoln, NH 03251
Ph: 603-745-8810
Located in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Whale's Tale offers the best value for family fun in the sun! A huge wave pool, eleven amazing water slides that will twist, turn and speed you through the water park and a children's play area with great fountains and mini-slides.
Don't miss Castaway Cove, the Banzai Pipeline and the Eye of the Storm, where you'll hit speeds of 35mph!
774 High Street
Candia, NH 03034
Ph: 603-483-5623
Visit the largest collection of agricultural animals and North American wildlife in New Hampshire. A visit to this 180-acre farm is affordable, educational, and exciting for children and adults. The farm is home to more than 200 animals consisting of 30 different species. Encounter wolves, lynx, fishers, reindeer, river otters and more. The barnyard offers traditional farm animals, hands-on petting, pony rides, and horse-drawn hayrides.
2 Institute Drive
Concord, NH 03301
Ph: 603-271-7827
The planetarium serves as a living memorial to Christa McAuliffe. The shows blend computer generated effects, video, slides and music into an awe-inspiring experience. Take a trip to the stars and beyond at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium.
Route 16, P.O. Box 1776
Glen, NH 03838
Ph: 603-383-4186
Story Land is the children's theme park where fantasy lives! With wonderfully themed rides, lively shows, friendly storybook characters, unique play areas, and so much more, there's a smile and adventure around every corner. Whether it's a family tradition or a family first, a visit to Story Land creates memories to last a lifetime.
Route 3
North Woodstock, NH 03251
Ph: 603-745-8913
You're invited to visit one of the White Mountain's most outstanding attractions featuring trained North American Black Bears, antique Americana, steam trains and a whole lot more. In addition to the best bear show you'll ever see, you must pay a visit to Merlin's Mystical mansion. It will turn your world upside down! And, Tuttle's Rustic House will make you see things in a whole new way. The Clarks have been providing quality family entertainment for over 70 years. An admission ticket will provide fun for any age as you step back in time.
Off Route 4 at the Village Green
Grafton, NH 03240
Ph: 603-523-4275
In 1803 Sam Ruggles discovered Mica in Grafton. Rediscover this 200-year-old, spectacular open-pit mine: shining white walls, huge rooms, and tunnels. Over 150 minerals: mica, feldspar, beryl, amethyst, rose/smokey quartz, garnet, and Uranium minerals (gummite, autunite) prized by collectors/museums. Mineral collecting permitted with admission tickets.
Route 1A
Rye, NH 03870
Ph: 603-436-8043
On the last undeveloped stretch of New Hampshire coastline. Cultural and natural history exhibits for the entire family. Visitors can touch and learn about tide pool animals in the indoor tide pool touch tank and learn about the seven habitats found on the 350-acre park.
280 Marcy Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Ph: 603-436-3853
This hands-on arts and sciences museum offers engaging exhibits, including a dinosaur dig, space shuttle cockpit, and lobster boat. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. When school is not in session, the museum is also open Monday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission charged.
Route 101
Dublin, NH 03444
Ph: 603-563-8444
Farm animals and their young to pet and feed in a natural setting. Chicks hatching; baby animal area; picnic area; gift shop. A clean farm where children are encouraged to hold and pet the animals or simply observe them at play, nursing, eating or "talking" with each other.
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Canobie Lake Park
Whale's Tale Water Park
Charmingfare Farm
Christa McAuliffe Planetarium
Story Land
Clark's Trading Post
Ruggles Mine: The Mine in the Sky
Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point State Park
Children's Museum of Portsmouth
The Friendly Farm