25 Best Things to Do in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's independent spirit, rooted in the Revolutionary War, permeates the seven tourist areas of the Granite State. There is the tranquility of hiking the North Woods, the thrill of skiing the White Mountains, or the allure of boating the Lakes Region. Visitors escape to the Lake Sunapee region to de-stress, commune with nature in the Monadnock region, and explore the state's culture in Merrimack Valley. Here are the best things to do in New Hampshire. Photo: rruntsch/Fotolia

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, founded in 1966, is the only New England institution accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. It's dedicated to teaching visitors about ecology through exploring New Hampshire's natural world. They offer an informal public garden, lake cruises, live animal exhibits, and natural science education programs.

Guests can take self-guided or docent-led tours on the impressive grounds, into mature forests, across meadows, and along marsh boardwalks that connect to natural interactive exhibits. While walking or hiking the animal exhibit trail, visitors will have an opportunity to see native animals such as mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, and river otters. Contact: 23 Science Center Road, Holderness, NH, Phone: 603-968-7194 Photo: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center honors Alan Shepard and Sharon McAuliffe while simultaneously inspiring all generations to explore earth and space science, aviation, and astronomy through engaging educational activities. Visitors to the discovery center can explore their collection of over 15 inventive, hands-on exhibits in a fun, high-energy environment.

Two of the most popular exhibits are Living and Working in Space, equipped with simulators and a large-scale space shuttle model, and Sunstruck, where visitors can view the sun on a 3D screen. The center also offers programs and workshops, from Little Explorers to Educators, held in their high-tech observatory and the Planetarium Theater. Contact: 2 Institute Drive, Concord, NH, Phone: 603-271-7827 Photo: McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

Mount Washington Auto Road is the oldest manmade attraction in the United States. Opened in 1861, it's the premier self-driving adventure in Eastern North America. Guests may embark on this one-of-a-kind excursion from May to October.

Drivers pass through four distinct climate zones and experience ever-changing weather and terrain on their climb to the highest peak in the Northeast. They're rewarded with dramatic cloud formations, diverse foliage, above-tree line landscapes, and spectacular panoramic mountaintop views. Those who don't want to take on the challenge alone can opt for a Snowcoach guided tour, where they'll breathe easy and enjoy the ride. Contact: 1 Mount Washington Auto Road, Gorham, NH, Phone: 603-466-3988 Photo: Mount Washington Auto Road

Santa's Village in Jefferson is a year-round amusement-style park that features a variety of activities each season. Guests will have a ball on the wide range of Christmas-themed rides in the park and on slides, splashes, and climbs in the waterpark, aptly named Ho Ho H2O.

There are tons of fun activities like the Christmas Cookie Caper live puppet show, the Polar Theater's 3D animated movie A Tinkerdoodle Christmas, tours of Santa's House, and Christmas Carol-o-key singalongs. The park is open daily from Father's Day to Labor Day and weekends from Labor Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend. Day passes include unlimited park rides, attractions, and performances. Contact: 528 Presidential Highway, Jefferson, NH, Phone: 603-586-4445 Photo: Santa's Village

The The Mount Washington Cog Railway provides a completely unique experience aboard a vintage coach steam-powered train or aboard a contemporary eco-friendly locomotive with a biodiesel-powered engine. Both climb Mount Washington, the highest peak in New England.

The 3-hour guided tours gently climb the mountainside while guides explain the rich local history and guests take in panoramic views of the valleys and mountains of New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean. At the top of the 6,200-foot mountain, guests can disembark and spend an hour touring the Weather Museum, Mount Washington Observatory, and Sherman Adams Visitor Center, among other attractions. Contact: 3168 Base Station Road, Mount Washington, NH, Phone: 603-278-5404 Photo: The Mount Washington Cog Railway

The New Hampshire Telephone Museum (NHTM) provides visitors with a fascinating look into the history of telecommunications in the United States. Guests can view over 1,000 artifacts that offer insights into the amazing evolution of the industry.

The NHTM houses collections from the Bartlett and Violette families, who worked in the trade for a combined 85 years, as well as a collection from Garry Mitchell, an original telephone worker from Connecticut, among others. Tours are led by entertaining and knowledgeable staff and cover the industry's highlights such as the invention of the dial system and the race to the patent office. Contact: One Depot Street, Warner, NH, Phone: 603-456-2234 Photo: New Hampshire Telephone Museum

Castle in the Clouds offers guests a chance to explore the 1914 Lucknow mansion, a mountaintop estate built by architectural firm J. Williams Beal & Sons of Boston for Tom and Olive Plant. Open to the public since 1959, visitors have admired its Arts and Crafts architecture, which is an architectural philosophy of existing harmoniously with nature – a combination of handcraftsmanship and technological modernization.

The experience begins at the Carriage House, where guests explore the art gallery of ever-changing exhibits featuring both local artists and student works, followed by a trolley ride, brief orientation, and self-guided tour of the mansion. Contact: RT 171, 455 Old Mountain Road, Moultonborough, NH, Phone: 603-476-5900 Photo: Castle in the Clouds

The Currier Museum of Art is a world-renowned art museum in Manchester, New Hampshire, featuring photographs, sculptures, decorative arts, and American and European paintings. Visitors will enjoy perusing classic works by LeWitt, Wyeth, Monet, O'Keeffe, and Picasso, to name a few, and will have the opportunity to tour the Zimmerman House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The extensive collections featured at the Currier Museum cover every era from the Renaissance to the present and showcase everything from furniture to glass-blown figures. In addition, guests can opt to partake in one of several programs and classes offered for all experience levels. Read more Contact: 150 Ash Street, Manchester, NH, Phone: 603-669-6144 Photo: Currier Museum of Art

The USS Albacore Museum started out as a research submarine for the US Navy to test features for use on the next generation of submarines. It is currently open to the public as a meticulously preserved vessel providing guests with an in-depth look at the first true underwater submarine.

Visitors begin their journey at the park's visitors center, which houses a museum of historical artifacts and photos of the Albacore as well as additional submarines. The self-guided tour progresses from the visitors center to the submarine and is narrated via audio files recorded by previous crew members and others expounding on the daily happenings aboard the USS Albacore during that time. Contact: 600 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH, Phone: 603-436-3680 Photo: USS Albacore Museum

The Wright Museum of WWII was founded by visionary David Wright and opened in 1994. This nationally recognized museum is dedicated to the WWII era, when all Americans, at home and abroad, came together behind a common cause. Guests can tour the 20,000-square-foot museum featuring over 14,000 items in their collections of battlefield and home-front memorabilia, including operational military vehicles.

The Wright Museum also hosts traveling exhibits such as the Anne Frank exhibit, D-Day photographs, and the WWII Home Front Challenge Quilts exhibit. The museum provides educational programs and tours for all ages in the interest of expanding their guardianship of this cultural period. Contact: 77 Center Street, Wolfeboro, NH, Phone: 603-569-1212

More New Hampshire ideas: wedding venues, mountains, Lincoln, North Conway, Portsmouth, romantic getaways, attractions Photo: Wright Museum of WWII

You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in New Hampshire Today" Back to Top or Weekend Getaways Vacations with Kids, Trip finder, Getaways near me & Scenic places near me

Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire, is a vintage amusement park with roots dating back to the late 1800s. Over the years, the park went through many transformations until three close friends purchased it together in 1958. They've continually renovated the park throughout the years, adding new rides, games, and concessions, ensuring they remain a New England family-fun leader nearly 100 years later.

Guests will discover a wide range of thrill rides, family and kid-friendly rides, and water rides. Other highlights include arcade and carnival-style games as well as delicious fair-style eats like cotton candy, funnel cakes, and fried ice cream. Read more Contact: 85 N Policy Street, Salem, NH, Phone: 603-893-3506 Photo: Canobie Lake Park

"Top Romantic Tourist Attractions in New Hampshire" Back to Top or More Famous Landmarks, Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Food near me, Activities, Fall Honeymoon, Downtown Wedding Venues

The Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, New Hampshire, is the location of the studio, home, and gardens of one of America's finest sculptors, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Visitors to this site will have the chance to explore the impressive grounds featuring over 100 pieces of his artwork in both galleries and throughout the property.

Everything from gold coins and relief portraits to stately heroic monuments like The Shaw Memorial can be viewed within the Saint-Gaudens estate. In addition, guests can participate in a wide range of seasonal, educational, and artistic activities from summer concerts and nature hikes to snowshoe tours and sculpture classes. Contact: 139 Saint Gaudens Road, Cornish, NH, Phone: 603-675-2175 Photo: NPS Photo

"New Hampshire Things to Do & Cool Points of Interest" Back to Top or Best Towns and Historic Cities for Travel, Popular day trip ideas, Farmers Markets, Places to eat near me, Living & Vacation Deals

The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway in Franconia is the highest lift access point in New Hampshire. Open seasonally from late spring to mid-fall, guests can ride this exciting 80-passenger cable car to the summit of Cannon Mountain at just under 4,100 feet in less than 10 minutes.

Along the way, visitors can indulge in panoramic mountainous views of Canada, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and New York. Atop the summit, guests will find a 360-degree observation deck, plus a café and bar. There are also a number of scenic walking, hiking, and biking paths to commune with nature more personally. Contact: 260 Tramway Drive, Franconia, NH, Phone: 603-823-8800 Photo: Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

"Fun Things to Do in New Hampshire this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top or Romantic Places to live, September Last Minute Travel, Beach Vacations, Photos and Map of Conference & Wedding Destinations near my location

Bretton Woods is the ideal place to enjoy skiing and snowboarding on the East Coast, as well as an array of summer adventures. Winter sports enthusiasts will find 460 acres of alpine skiing on 62 trails and 35 ungroomed glades in three distinct terrain parks.

As New Hampshire's premier ski area, Bretton Woods also features ten lifts, four of which are high-speed quads. The ski resort has racing courses for aspiring junior racers, plus guided winter adventures like mountain skiing, backcountry skiing, and cross-country and snowshoeing tours. Night skiing is also available. Contact: 99 Ski Area Road, Bretton Woods, NH, Phone: 603-278-3320 Photo: Bretton Woods

" New Hampshire Things to Do near Me Today" Back to Top or Best Restaurants near me, Images of Hotels, Discounts, Boutique Hotels, Inn & Bed and Breakfasts

Loon Mountain provides visitors with over 300 acres of outdoor entertainment. The resort has more than 28 miles of ski and snowboard trails and six terrain parks supported by 12 lifts. Depending on the time of year, guests to Loon Mountain can choose from a variety of activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice skating, hiking, and biking.

A few adventure amenities are offered all year round, including zip-lines, sky-ride gondolas, and an indoor rock climbing wall. Guests can also take advantage of special events and activities like the annual Monster Mud Run, Summit Worship Services, or snowboard and ski camps and lessons. Contact: 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln, NH, Phone: 603-745-8111 Photo: Loon Mountain

"Must See Places to Visit in New Hampshire & Destinations this Weekend" Back to Top or Free Beach vacations near Me, Dog Friendly & Known for Attractions this month

Vacation Ideas: Places to visit in Rhode Island, Places to Visit in New Hampshire, Weekend Getaways from Boston, Romantic Weekend Getaways in New Jersey, Best Texas lakes near me, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Louisiana, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Iowa

Polar Caves Park in Rumney is a spelunker's paradise. This is where visitors come to get a first-hand look at why New Hampshire has been dubbed the Granite State. There are nine boulder granite caves – the result of a glacier – tucked away on a cliffside in the midst of a pine forest.

Guests move from cave to cave along a series of boardwalks that allow for easy exploration on self-guided or docent-led tours. At Polar Park Caves, fun activities abound such as picnicking among the tranquil pines, feeding corn to park ducks, guided climbing and rappelling, and sluicing, among others. Contact: 705 New Hampshire 25, Rumney, NH, Phone: 603-536-1888 Photo: Polar Caves Park

"New cool stuff to do in New Hampshire" Back to Top or Romantic Getaways, Wedding Ideas, Honeymoon, Anniversary Ideas, Getting Married & Romantic Places

Free things to do near me: Places to Visit in Illinois, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Alabama, Maryland Things to Do, Things to Do in New York, Things to Do in Houston, Romantic Weekend getaways in PA near me, Fun Things to Do in Michigan, Things to Do in Philadelphia, Best Things to Do in Utah

Gunstock Mountain Resort is a year-round, family resort just 90 minutes outside of Boston in Gilford, New Hampshire. It offers a wide variety of seasonal activities, including mountain biking, hiking, alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing. Guests can ride fat tire bikes in the winter across 32 miles of cross-country trails while enjoying views of Lake Winnipesaukee.

The resort claims more than 220 acres of skiable land, accessible day or night, and the largest tubing run in the state. One of the resort's newest highlights is a 6-minute ride on the 4100-foot-long Mountain Coaster, which whizzes among the trees at up to 25 mph. Contact: 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH, Phone: 603-293-4341 Photo: per444inka/Fotolia

"What is There to Do with Kids in New Hampshire" Back to Top or Places to Eat, Excursions, Bucket list, Fun & Cheap Weekend Getaways, What's near me

Family vacation Spots near me, weather: Places to Visit in Maryland, Places to Visit in Georgia, Places to Visit in Hawaii, Places to Visit in Wisconsin, Things to do in Missouri, Things to Do in NYC, MN, Romantic weekend getaways in Vermont, Couples vacations, Places to Visit in Mexico, Things to Do in Destin Florida, Kentucky, Places to Visit in Nebraska, East Coast, Places to Visit in WY

From its humble beginnings in 1997, Alpine Adventures has evolved into a world-class outdoor adventure park. It sits on 300 acres in the White Mountains and invites guests to indulge in the biggest zip-line park in New Hampshire. There are three zip-line tours – a tame canopy tour that's perfect for the whole family, a mid-level zip-line tour, and an extreme zip-line adventure with nine lines, six suspension bridges, and a 30-foot vertical ladder climb.

Alpine Adventures' outdoor thrills continue with 90-minute off-road tours aboard custom Pinzgauers, guided backcountry snowshoe tours, and a challenging aerial course that includes a Powerfan free-fall drop and their BigAirBag Stuntzone. Contact: 41 Main Street, Lincoln, NH, Phone: 603-745-9911 Photo: Alpine Adventures

"Bucket List in New Hampshire" Back to Top or Essential Conference Venues & Places to Get Married, Where is the Closest Great Place to Elope

More: Family amusement parks near DC, DC restaurants, wedding venues DC, DC weather, vegetarian in DC, DC Italian, Montana Mountains, Best South Dakota Points of Interest, BBQ restaurants near me, Tulsa hotels, Best North Dakota Destinations, North Dakota Wedding Venues, Best Things to Do in Bismarck, Best Wedding Venues in South Dakota, North Dakota Breweries, Things to Do in the Maldives, Italian restaurants near me, Honeymoon Ideas

When you have a need for speed, New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) is your New Hampshire destination. They've been providing thrills for racing enthusiasts since 1990. This multi-use complex sits on roughly 1,200 acres with a 1.058-mile oval speedway and 1.6-mile road course, making it the largest sports venue in the New England area.

NHMS can accommodate more than 80,000 visitors each year and hosts several top-notch speedway events and races, including the only NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Monster Energy NASCAR XFINITY Series events. Additionally, they host monthly race weekends and Amateur series events such as the Vintage Racer Group and the Sports Club of America. Contact: 1122 Route 106 N, Loudon, NH, Phone: 603-783-4931 Photo: New Hampshire Motor Speedway

You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in New Hampshire with Kids" Back to Top or Places near me, Threeday weekend, Solo travel, National parks, Day trip, Travel inspiration

Weekend getaways: Things to Do in Norfolk, Things to Do in St. Pete, Things to Do in San Jose, Things to Do in Wilmington, day trips from Houston, Things to Do in Mackinac Island, DC for families with kids, Things to Do in Knoxville, Things to Do in Daytona Beach, Things to Do in Ft Lauderdale, Things to Do in Minneapolis, Family Things to Do in Houston, Things to Do in Austin, day trips from Chicago , Things to Do in Topeka

Charmingfare Farm is a working farm in Candia, New Hampshire, that raises livestock, grows crops, and offers visitors a wide selection of seasonal activities to delight in. Guests can feed and pet farm animals, join in the CSA program to get their share of weekly vegetable harvests, and hit the trails on horseback when the seasons permit.

In winter months, guests will enjoy festive holiday activities such as sleigh rides – including one that features a cabaret dinner – holiday lights, and live music. Other events and activities that occur throughout the year are hayrides, magic shows, concerts, and pumpkin picking. Contact: 774 High Street, Candia, NH, Phone: 603-483-5623 Photo: Charmingfare Farm

Fun places to visit, events, facts, tours, all inclusive & photos of fun things to do near me last minute: Great Family vacations, Attractions near my location & Free Activities

Trips: Things to Do in Portland, Things to Do in Fort Worth, New England Beaches, Things to Do in Hilo, Romantic weekend getaways in CT, Things to Do in New England, Vegas wedding venues, Georgia beaches, Things to Do in Carmel, Things to Do in Healdsburg, Things to Do in Madison, Things to Do in Dayton OH, Things to Do in Woodstock, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Utah

The 1763 Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden has been a National Historic Landmark since 1912. A rarity, this Georgian mansion is one of America's finest reflections of 18th-century architecture. Over the years, it has been carefully renovated and restored to maintain its historical integrity.

It was once the home of William Whipple, New Hampshire representative of the Continental Congress and signatory on the Declaration of Independence. Guests are welcome to take self-guided or docent-led tours of the house and gardens from June to October each year and the site is open to the public for educational, social, and musical events. Contact: 154 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH, Phone: 603-436-8221 Photo: Moffatt - Ladd House & Garden

You are reading "What to Do in New Hampshire this Weekend" Back to Top or More Unique Family Vacations, Pet-friendly, Interesting Excursions, Food near me, Road trips & Cool places to visit

Vacation ideas: Things to Do in Durango, Things to Do in Carmel, Family Things to Do in Chicago, Things to Do in Hot Springs, Tree House Hotels, Romantic weekend getaways in Montana, Things to Do in Chapel Hill

The Children's Museum of New Hampshire is dedicated to inspiring the innovators of the future with hands-on museum experiences. Families will find more than 15 museum exhibits, including the Thinkering and STEAM innovation labs, Dino Detective, and Music Matrix & Sound Watch. Kids will have fun playing interactive games within the exhibits.

Mindball, in the Play it Cool exhibit, pits kids in head-to-head competitions using an electrode headband to see who can stay the most relaxed. This is a great space for keeping kids engaged and making learning fun. In addition, the museum hosts several annual events, including Earth Day Celebration and Books Alive! Contact: 6 Washington Street, Dover, NH, Phone: 603-742-2002

Next read: Hobo Railroad, Attitash Mountain Resort, Ice Castles Photo: Children's Museum of New Hampshire

"Best Attractions in New Hampshire" Back to Top or Traveler trip finder, Air travel, Guide App channel, Live music, Art institutes

Fun things to do near me now with friends, weather, beaches, cheap weekend Getaways: Jacuzzi, Things to Do in Arlington, Things to Do in Omaha, Things to Do in Cape Cod, Things to Do in Park City, Things to Do in Kirkland

The SEE Science Center, dedicated in 1986, is an interactive learning center designed to engage the public and foster a better understanding of science, mathematics, technology, and engineering for all ages.

Guests to SEE will have the chance to experience a variety of activities including hands-on exhibits covering subjects like sound, electricity, light, simple machines, forces, and more. The center hosts several traveling exhibits throughout the year, daily demonstrations, educational programs, workshops and mini-courses, and a technology academy. Visitors will appreciate the science center's permanent displays, such as the LEGO Millyard Project, and relish exploring the science gift shop, among other activities. Contact: 200 Bedford Street, Manchester, NH, Phone: 603-669-0400 Photo: SEE Science Center

"Best Attractions in New Hampshire" Back to Top or Contemporary art, Spa Treatment, Watch live, Trip ideas, Beach vacations, Weekend getaways

Free vacation ideas, family getaways: Things to Do in St. George UT, California vacation, Things to Do in Chandler, Art museums, Things to Do in Harrisburg, Smoky Mountains, Weekend trips

Strawbery Banke Museum is an outdoor history museum sprawling across 10 acres of downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The museum gives visitors a unique look at over 300 years of American history. Guests can explore more than 40 historic buildings, eight heritage gardens, annual exhibits, traditional crafts, hands-on activities, and local preservation programs.

Museum visitors immerse themselves in an experience of the past with costumed role-players telling tales that utilize a collection of over 30,000 artifacts. These displays allow visitors to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing re-enactments of what life was like in Portsmouth's Puddle Dock neighborhood in the 1700s. Contact: 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, NH, Phone: 603-433-1100 Photo: Strawbery Banke Museum

"Best Attractions in New Hampshire" Back to Top or Travel tips, Hiking trails, Beach vacations, Golf courses, Arts center, Travel guide, Amusement parks

More places to see: Things to Do in Allentown, Things to Do on Pawley's Island, Things to Do in Plano, July, Things to Do in Del Mar, Things to Do in Calistoga CA, Tree House Hotels, More fun stuff to do near me

Mount Washington Observatory manages several facilities on Mount Washington's summit and in downtown North Conway, New Hampshire. Guests can choose from a variety of activities all year round, such as touring the weather observation station, where they get a behind-the-scenes look at working and living above 6,000 feet. Extreme Mount Washington offers access to the mountain's peak during winter, which is otherwise only accessible to expert-level ice climbers.

During summer, interactive exhibits feature high-tech simulations of winter conditions like piloting a snowcat, learning about rime ice formation, and exploring data collection under treacherous winter mountain conditions. A unique research library is also available. Contact: 2779 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH, Phone: 603-356-2137 Photo: Mount Washington Observatory

"Best Underrated Romantic Things to See in New Hampshire for Couples" Back to Top or Travel destinations, Family Travel, Summer Getaways, Travel Tips, More Unique Elopement Ideas & Sights

Fun places to go near me & affordable weekend getaways near me: Things to Do in Fort Walton Beach, Things to Do in Newark, Things to Do in Half Moon Bay, where to get married, New York castles, Things to Do in Palm Desert, Places to visit in the South, Alaska romantic honeymoon getaways