Family-Friendly Activities from Spring through Fall
We promise these nearby attractions will keep the iPads down.
If you have found yourself in the White Mountains in spring, summer, or fall, you will be happy to know there is no shortage of activities for you and your family. From horseback riding to train rides, we have rounded up a list of recommendations that will allow you and your loves ones plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and the other gems that make this area so special.
Open from late May to October, Story Land is an amusement park for families filled with experiences and scenes that will make your child’s eyes light up. There are over 30 attractions, such as the Roar-O-Saurus and Polar Coaster for big kids as well as the swan boats and tea cups for younger ones. And don’t forget your bathing suits! The Moo Lagoon has water slides, farm-themed fountains, and more geared towards children of all ages, from toddlers to tweens.
Apart from the rides, the park is filled with opportunities to interact with fairytale characters, such as princesses and pirates. Families can visit the park early and have breakfast with Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat, or reserve a tea party with Cinderella and friends. Check the calendar of events before you go: Oftentimes there are live shows that can be entertaining for the whole family.
Visit Story Land’s website for days and hours of operation. In the summer, the park is open daily. In May, September, and October, the park is only open on weekends.
Embark on a nostalgic journey with the Conway Scenic Railroad, a family friendly experience that brings the charm of vintage rail travel to life. Open in late spring, summer, fall, and for special rides in winter, the railway departs from the 1874 train station in North Conway Village and offers a variety of rides on beautifully restored train cars. Train lovers both young and old can’t help but smile at the sights and sounds of steam locomotives chugging along and whistling through the mountains.
The Conway Scenic Railroad is an immersive experience that transports passengers back in time. Families learn about the railway history and interact with friendly staff dressed in period costumes. On board passengers will find amenities, such as a cash-only snack bar. The staff encourages passengers to order lunches, which are fresh and made to order, 48 hours in advance.
Excursions vary in scenery and length. Popular rides include the Sawyer River Excursion, which is a little over two hours to the Sawyer River, and the Mountaineer, which is between four and five hours and chugs through the Crawford Notch. Little ones might prefer the Bartlett Excursion, which is just under two hours. Check the website because there are special train rides throughout the year, including a few in the colder months, such as Santa’s holiday express in December and a Snow Train in February. Dogs are allowed on the valley trains but not on the Mountaineer.
Hiking
North Conway and Bartlett are surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making the towns ideal destinations for family hikes. From some of our properties, such as Mountainside Retreats and Sunset Over Stanton, you can simply take a trail that connects to the back yard. But there are numerous options that are just a car ride away, too. One of the area’s most popular spots is Diana’s Baths. This family-friendly hike is an easy trail suitable for all ages and passes through forests and by babbling brooks. The end of the trail reaches waterfalls and pools filled with fresh cool water from Attitash Mountain.
Close by is Cathedral Ledge, an easy hike known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ascent to the summit is challenging; however, families can take the Cathedral Ledge North End Trail, which is a more gradual climb. Both of these hikes are part of the U.S. National Forest System, which means they are maintained, marked, have large parking lots, and self-service pay stations.
No matter where you go, getting outside is a great way to unplug from daily distractions and connect as a family. Pack a picnic, hit the trails, and enjoy the beauty of nature together! For more hiking recommendations, including some more challenging hikes, read “5 Scenic Hikes Near North Conway & Bartlett.”
Echo Lake State Park
60 Echo Lake Road
Conway, NH 03818
603-356-2672
nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/echo-lake-state-park
At Echo Lake State Park the granite, tree-studded faces of White Horse Ledge and Cathedral Ledge provide a beautiful backdrop from the shores of Echo Lake. Not only is the park a beautiful natural setting, there are a variety of activities such as hiking, swimming, canoeing, picnicking, and rock climbing.
While you can access the park and its trails year-round, the park’s amenities are open on weekends starting at the beginning of May and daily at the end of June through Labor Day. Chances are on warmer days there are lots of families with little ones making sandcastles or wading in the calm waters. In the warmer months, the park is staffed with rangers and lifeguards and the bathhouses are open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. When the park isn’t staffed in spring and fall, visitors can park and pay the entrance fee at the self-service pay station.
Biking
Whether you are planning to BYOB (bring your own bike) or rent one from a local shop (Red Jersey Cyclery, Great Glen Outfitters, Stan & Dan Sports, Sun & Ski Sports, and Bob & Terry’s Ski & Sports), biking in North Conway can be as challenging as you want, but also very fun and scenic. Beginning in May, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center rents bikes on site and offers smooth, well-marked carriage trails that pass by rivers, meadows, and mountain views. Trails are marked green for beginners and blue for intermediate riders, and the Great Angel Cabin is a great spot to stop for a picnic.
Popular trails rides for mountain bikes, include Attitash Mountain Resort, which has over 20 miles of trails. Some require lift access while others are more scenic and follow cross-country trails. Cranmore Mountain Resort has over six miles of downhill lift-access trails. More mountain biking spots include the Red Tail Trail, which is over three miles long, Stick and Stones, and Lower Nanamocomuck, which is more challenging and runs parallel to the Swift River. If you are renting from one of the local shops, the staff and owners are your best resource for road and trail recommendations.
May and daily at the end of June through Labor Day. Chances are on warmer days there are lots of families with little ones making sandcastles or wading in the calm waters. In the warmer months, the park is staffed with rangers and lifeguards and the bathhouses are open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. When the park isn’t staffed in spring and fall, visitors can park and pay the entrance fee at the self-service pay station.
Swimming Holes
Many locals will argue that a New Hampshire summer vacation is not complete until you take a dip in a nearby swimming hole. Finding swimming holes can be tough, and many folks are pretty reluctant to give up their favorite spots. Fortunately, we have you covered as there are some spectacular spots near our rentals that are fun for the whole family. We mentioned Diana’s Baths as a hiking spot, but in the warmer months, this is a great swimming hole. Hike in your bathing suits, and take a dip at the end of the journey.
On the Saco River in Bartlett is Sawyer Rock (Crawford Notch, Route 302), a popular, but slightly hard-to-find spot. If you are driving west on 302, the parking area is on your right after the Sawyer Rock Picnic Area. Walk down a dirt path and you and your family will find a beach, boulders, and large pools that it seems nature made for swimming. Also on the Saco River is Humphrey’s Ledge where there is a deep hole for swimming that isn’t usually crowded. Park at Humphrey’s Ledge Recreation Area then walk across the road and down the path to the swimming area.
One of the most popular spots on the Kancamagus Highway is Lower Falls in Albany. The swimming hole here on the Swift River has large granite rocks and pools of fresh cold water. The spot is easy to find as there is an 80-car parking pot. If convenience is what you seek then you’re in luck as the area has restrooms and picnic tables with charcoal grills. Please remember at every swimming hole, the rocks are typically very slippery. Use caution and always keep an eye on your family members.
Saco River Tubing & Canoeing
558 White Mountain Highway
North Conway, NH 03860
603-447-4275
sacorivertubing.com
The Saco River winds its way through the White Mountains from Crawford Notch to Maine. In our area, the average depth is about three feet and while there are small rapids and rope swings, the river experience is mostly slow, offering you the chance to paddle or float in the crystal clear waters and embrace the relaxation you came to find. Your family can stop and take a break on the many sandy beaches that stretch along the river’s shore.
Saco River Tubing offers different float options, from the 1.5 mile float to three-mile covered bridge float. The company supplies life jackets and tubes (and canoes if you prefer to paddle) and provides you and your family with transportation back to your car.
Guided Kayaking Tours
1 Mount Washington Auto Road
Gorham, NH 03581
603-466-3988
greatglentrails.com
Great Glen Trails offers half- and full-day kayak tours on the Androscoggin River in Gorham, New Hampshire. The mostly gentle journey means anyone over the age of 5 can join from beginners to the advanced paddler. The guided tour gets your family out on the water searching for wildlife such as moose, osprey, eagles, and other animals. Great Glen Trails has packages throughout the summer, such as a Sunset Tour and—their most popular—the Guided Wildlife Tour. (They also have whitewater kayaking tours, which may not be suitable for a family excursion. You can find more information on adrenaline-inducing activities in our Adventurous Friends’ Trip Guide.)
Horseback Riding
310 Mount Washington Hotel Road
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
603-278-3388
Bretton Woods Stables
Does taking a horseback ride through the trails of the White Mountains sound appealing to you? Taking the reins and enjoying a nature trail on horseback is a truly unique way to experience nature from an elevated point of view while you slowly trot along. Local stables, such as Bretton Woods Stables, offer pony rides for the smallest riders, and trail rides for older kids from May through October. Carriage and sleigh rides are accessible to all and are available year-round.
Right next door to Story Land is Living Shores Aquarium. Open year-round, the indoor aquarium offers an interactive and educational opportunity to learn about the ocean and its many inhabitants. In the touch pools, you and your family can feel the backs of friendly stingrays and touch horseshoe crabs, sea urchins, and white spotted bamboo sharks. In the aviary, visitors can watch the lorikeets fly around. The otter exhibit is often a favorite where four Asian small-clawed otters like to put on a cute show.
In addition to walking through the exhibits, you and your family can book additional tickets to feed the stingrays and lorikeets. You will be accompanied by a staff member who will keep everyone safe and also provide your group with fun facts about the animals. Check the calendar for hours and also for information on the aquarium’s daily talks.
Shopping
Downtown North Conway
Settler’s Green Outlet
You might think shopping with kids doesn’t sound like vacation, but there are a variety of fun stores in the area that the kids will enjoy too. A popular strip is downtown North Conway, where there are charming boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries. The Penguin Gallery is sure to inspire a few smiles with its selection of whimsical gifts, toys, and games. Zeb’s General Store is another favorite, featuring nostalgic candies, local treats, and unique gifts. The Toy Chest, right next door to Frontside Coffee Roasters, is a local, independently owned store with great items to choose from.
Throughout the year, there are seasonal craft fairs and farmers’ markets, where families can discover handmade crafts, local products, and artisanal goods. For example, the Mount Washington Valley Farmers’ Market is right in downtown North Conway from mid-June through September. Stop by for the live music and yoga or to pick up some farm-fresh produce to make a meal back at your mountain rental.
If your older kids are looking for more brand-names, you can pop over to Settlers Green Outlet Village, where there are over 60 brand-name outlet stores like Nike Factory Store, Champion, American Eagle, and more. There are also some great restaurants such as Barley and Salt and Black Cap Grille, public art installations, and Ryan’s which is filled with games.
In addition to all of these nearby activities, many of our rentals are stocked with options for family fun. Bluebird North Conway and Mountain Vista Retreat have boardgames as well as arcade games on the lower levels. Mountain Valley Home and White Mountain Retreat have fire pits, which offer a great place to gather under the stars and catch up on the day’s adventures. (Remember to stop for firewood!)
Whether your itinerary is action-packed or assembled more spontaneously, we hope that you and your family have a wonderful experience with us. Booking the trip and spending time together is what matters most.
