9 Best Things to Do in New Hampshire

Mount Washington towers above its surroundings and is the highest peak in the northeastern United States. From hiking to skiing, mountain climbing, and trail riding, Mount Washington abounds with outdoor recreation throughout the year. One fun destination on Mount Washington is the Mount Washington Observatory. From here, you can learn about regional conservation efforts and enjoy the picturesque views. Many places on the mountain are accessible by vehicle, and families love to pack a picnic and spend the day in Mount Washington State Park.

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, is one of the most unique and wonderful destinations you can ever experience. The setting is one of intense natural beauty, with hundreds of wooden steps and boardwalks that take you down into the gorge where you can walk past the mist of cascading waterfalls as you smell the refreshing forest. You could spend hours admiring the way the stream has cut into the granite creek bed. For the adventurous, you can head into the caves for a guided tour of deep caverns and gemstone mining.

The old-fashioned Conway Scenic Railway is a beacon of heritage that chugs its way through the New Hampshire hillsides and mountains. The railway has multiple rail lines for you to enjoy while taking a historic journey. One rail line cuts through the valleys where you can see the banks of passing streams, while another one heads north of the mountains where you can enjoy the scenic views for miles and miles. Each ride is also a fascinating lesson about the history of the rail line and the region it passes through.

Families with young children can’t get enough of Story Land. With Story Land's 30-plus attractions that will leave your kids excited for more, you could easily spend more than a day enjoying the immersive fun. The scenery and magical environment enhance the experience all the more, and there are water rides that are perfect for a trip on a hot summer day. If you want to take a break from the rides, there are stage shows you can watch, like a magic show and a vegetable puppet show.

Clark's Trading Post, now known as Clark's Bears, is an incredible and unusual place to see the famous trained bears in the quaint small town of Lincoln. In addition to the most popular attraction, the bears’ circus show, there are multiple attractions like rock climbing, steam engine rides, family shows, water rides, and scooter tours throughout town. You will never leave hungry because there are homemade ice cream and goodies on the premises. When you stop by for a day of family fun, you are getting to enjoy one of New Hampshire’s hidden gems.

History comes to life in fascinating and interactive ways at the Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The Strawbery Banke Museum is a collection of 32 historic buildings and 8 heritage gardens that feature traditional crafts and a living history of Colonial America. You will feel like you are in early America with a fully immersive experience of educational crafts, learning trades of the day, and enjoying the costumed role-players who bring everything to life. The museum displays over 30,000 artefacts that tell the storey and history of the Portsmouth region and early America.

Santa’s Village, located in Jefferson, New Hampshire, offers a day of family fun with amusement rides in a delightful, Christmas-themed park. Not only are there amusement rides, but there are also attractions like an interactive family scavenger hunt, a real blacksmith shop, a visit to Santa’s house, and a small petting zoo. If you visit on a hot summer day, you can take advantage of water rides like the log flume and tube rides. For more relaxing fun, you can take Santa’s Express Train around the whole park.

The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a popular destination for art enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a range of historic and modern art. The museum has acquired 2 houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that can be seen on a guided tour. While many exhibits rotate, the museum is dedicated to promoting cultural and modern art. The museum makes a concerted effort to represent mediums of art from local and international artists that kids and adults of all ages can enjoy.

Canobie Lake Park offers outdoor fun and amusement for your next holiday in New England. With 85 attractions for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy, Canobie Lake Park has thrill rides, roller coasters, an arcade, kiddie rides, water rafting, and delicious food. At the nearby lake, you can take a lazy cruise to explore the beautiful shoreline, or you can experience the many family amusement rides like bumper cars and rides for young kids. If you plan your visit during the summer, there is a full water park where you can have fun splashing in the sun.