Fun (Nearby!) Activities for Your Family this Summer

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Adrienne

Ah, those endless days of summer vacation.  No school, no homework and no schedule.  With all this free time, your family will be able to explore a variety of exciting activities in and around the state. 

Here are some options that your family is sure to love:

Center for Wildlife – This little treasure is right over the border in York, ME.  They’ve just announced their Tuesday Afternoon Summer Tour Series, with weekly tours from 2:00-3:00 pm. Participants will learn about New England wildlife, get an up-close look at animals, observe baby birds being fed, hear about medical techniques used on sick or injured animals, and much more.  Reservations are required, space is limited to 12 people per tour, ages 5+, please.

Fort Foster  - Another nearby gem, this large, scenic area is located in Kittery Point, ME.  Explore the seaside path and breathtaking rocky shore, as well as crumbling WWII cement forts and bunkers.  Fort Foster offers marked walking trails and picnic areas.  Open daily from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm.

Odiorne Point State Park – Enjoy a beautiful, natural setting along Southern NH’s 18-mile coastline. The 135-acre seaside park has plenty of walking trails (some are handicapped accessible), a picnic area, and a modern playground.  The park is beloved for its diverse natural habitats, which can be easily visited and viewed, including the rocky shore, woodlands, uplands, salt marsh, freshwater and salt ponds, and (non-swimming) sandy beach.

Whale Watch – Your whole family will be amazed by the whale sightings right off of the NH Seacoast.  Several companies operate out of Rye, NH, including Atlantic Whale Watch and Granite State Whale Watch.  Both offer clean, safe, large boats with large viewing areas (and snack bars) so you can enjoy multi-hour adventures at sea.

Marginal Way - Your family will get exercise and fresh air on one of New England’s most spectacular nature walks.  Marginal Way in Ogunquit, ME is a paved, public shoreline footpath, spanning about a mile along the gorgeous coast, connecting Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach.  The path offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, with an abundance of beautiful flowers, trees and other scenery along the way. 

Monadnock State Park - Take your kids on a family-friendly hike at this Jaffrey, NH-based park. Mount Monadnock offers 40 miles of trails, many of which lead to the rock summit, at 3,165 feet.  At the top, visitors can see gorgeous views of six New England states (which your kids will surely think is cool!).  The area also offers exhibits and lessons on the area’s history, ecology and trails.

Clark’s Trading Post - Kids of all ages will enjoy Clarks’ Trained Bear show!  This “roadside attraction” in Lincoln, NH offers an excursion on The White Mountain Central Railroad through an authentic covered bridge, impressive acrobatics from the Yandong Chinese Acrobatic Troupe (your kids will be AMAZED when the acrobats stuff their bodies into tiny wooden boxes), and the headline act – the trained bears, who perform a fascinating, hugely entertaining show.  There’s also a variety of unique shops, snack shacks and more.

See Science Center – This Manchester, NH-based museum offers fun, science based displays, exhibits and experiences.  Learn about forces, light, electricity, and machinery, view the LEGO® Millyard Project, and participate in science-based workshops, camps and courses.  There’s even a “moonwalk” and options for overnight experiences. 

With so much to do in New Hampshire (and right over the border in Southern Maine), you’ll find plenty of options to keep your kids not only entertained but educated as well this summer!

Filed under: Educational, NH hikes, NH mountains, Outdoor fun, Quality time with kids, Summer activities, Summer attractions | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Celebrate the Weeks Act Centennial Festival on July 29th

Posted on July 12, 2011 by The Mom Entrepreneur

The Weeks Act, passed in 1911, is marking its 100th Anniversary. Mountain National Forest, along with several partner organizations, is hosting a family-friendly festival on July 29 at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road. This free, public event is part of a coordinated New Hampshire effort celebrating the Weeks Act Centennial.

The Weeks Act made the creation of the National Forests east of the Mississippi River possible. This landmark piece of conservation legislation helped to create 41 National Forests in the Eastern United States, including the White Mountain National Forest. These valuable forests now provide clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, forest products, and so much more.

To commemorate this important anniversary, the Society for Protection of NH Forests, Appalachian Mountain Club, NH Department of Resources and Economic Development, Plymouth State University, Weeks State Park Association, Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association, members of the Weeks family, and the White Mountain National Forest, have come together to celebrate the Weeks Act Centennial throughout the year.

The Main Pavilion of the festival will highlight these partnerships in conservation, recreation, and a White Mountain Marketplace that showcases area services, products, and attractions. The Main Pavilion will also host the stage where entertainment will be ongoing throughout the day.

Currently scheduled to perform: musician, Jeff Warner performing Lumber Camp Songs; amazingly talented fiddler, Patrick Ross; Marek Bennett and his band Big Paws; very popular storyteller and comedian Rebecca Rule; and historical interpreter Dick Fortin.

The Forest and Family Experience Pavilion will have many hands-on, family-friendly activities, including hikeSafe instruction, Junior Ranger activities, a Mt. Washington Weather observatory demonstration, a US Forest Service soil investigation pit, and water, pond and stream discovery.

The NH Division of Forests and Lands will have a wildfire truck display and there will be a wild-land fire obstacle course for children of all ages to enjoy.

There are also several walk thru educational trucks scheduled to be on display including the “Way of the Woods” a mobile forest heritage museum and “Watershed on Wheels” – a hands on interactive display.

You will find forestry demonstrations from past and present, watch craftsmen create their wares from wood, and learn about all that the forests have to offer at the Woodlands Pavilion. Some of the demonstrations scheduled include: Old Tools of the Trade; A Cross Cut Competition with the UNH Woodsmen; Trail Building and Maintenance; What is Intargia?;  Wood and Art, The Art of Basket Making; a Wood Turner and Wood Carver/Doll Maker. You will also be able to learn how to build a bird house from expert woodworkers!

Food and refreshments will be available all day long under the Festival Food Pavilion.

Additional information about the Weeks Act Centennial Festival and a list of other events are available at www.weekslegacy.org and www.fs.fed.us/r9/white

Filed under: Educational, Festivals, NH mountains, Outdoors, Summer attractions | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Piper Mountain Trail – Belknap, NH

Posted on September 13, 2010 by Ray Bisson

Sometimes the trail less followed, even by mistake, can be a pleasant surprise. Our plan was to hike up Belknap Mountain’s Red Trail to a fire tower.  This was supposed to be a family hike with about a 700 foot elevation gain (from the parking lot). This peak is about 600 feet higher than Mount Major and is supposed to have much nicer views.

We drove up the Belknap Mountain Road and turned onto Carriage Road (see below for directions). We then reached a parking area near a gate. Unfortunately the gate was closed due to a tree down on a utility line.  Forgetting that the trail began 1 mile past the gate, we started our hike. Shortly, we crossed a bridge and saw a red blazed trail on the right.  We turned onto the trail and started our ascent.

The trail had a gentle and continuous slope, but watch your step because there are plenty of roots and rocks to step over. Once you approach the summit there are lots of wild blueberries to pick, which is a good incentive for the children.

Continuing to the summit, we came to a large exposed ledge area.  I noticed some people relaxing and I asked one of them where the fire tower was (since I did not see it). The man politely responded “The fire tower? That is over there,” as he pointed to the next mountain peak.

That is when I found out that we were on Piper Mountain. The Piper Mountain trail rises about 1,000 feet and is about 1 mile from the parking area. The peak elevation is approximately 2,000 feet above sea level. Piper Mountain is also part of the Belknap Range Trail, which runs from Mt. Rowe to Mt. Major. Be sure to check out the stone bench and chair on the summit. Unfortunately, the only view is northeasterly towards Lake Winnipesaukee.

On our descent, we chose to take the blue/white blazed trail towards Belknap Mountain.  We then  joined the Belknap Mountain trail, and descended towards the Carriage Road. We came out on the road just below the parking lot that we originally planned on parking in.  Now we had to walk about 1 mile down the road to our vehicle by the gate.

Overall the hike was good and it turned out better that we took the wrong red trail. We still want to hike Belknap Mountain to the fire tower and since we are hiking with kids (5 & 10 years old), we are hoping that the road will be open.

Finding the trail can be difficult, especially if you use a GPS. Our GPS sent us to the wrong side of the mountain where the Belknap Mountain Road is no longer passable. 

From Laconia, take Route 3 to Route 11A. Follow 11A towards Gilford Village, then take a right onto Belknap Mountain Road. If driving from the Alton area, follow Route 11 to Route 11A. Follow 11A towards Gilford Village and turn left onto Belknap Mountain Road. Follow Belknap Mountain Road for 2.4 miles, then turn left onto Carriage Road. Once on Carriage Road the gate will be in about .5 mile.

Filed under: NH hikes, NH mountains, Outdoor fun, Outdoors, Quality time with kids, Summer activities, Summer attractions | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Winter family fun in New Hampshire

Posted on December 15, 2009 by Adrienne

Now that the weather has gotten colder, our thoughts are turning to sledding, ice skating and other fun winter activities. New Hampshire has plenty of free (or inexpensive) places to sled and skate with your kids this winter.  Bundle up the kiddos – here are some “cool” activities to try this year:

Wagon Hill Farm – Durham – Their huge hill makes it one of the best places to sled (for free) on the Seacoast.   As an added bonus, there are also beautiful paths that are perfect for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

The Rinks in Exeter – If the weather outside is too frightful, try the indoor ice arena in Exeter, which features public skating, lessons, camps and clinics, figure skating and birthday parties. 

Dover Arena – This indoor rink offers public skating, figure skating, skating lessons, youth and adult hockey programs; pick up hockey games and special events.

Alexander Carr Park – Derry – Have a blast sledding in the park, and then visit the on-site lodge to warm up with some hot cocoa and board games.

Derryfield Park – Manchester – A popular place for (free) sledding, right in the middle of town.  The great hills make it a go-to spot for many families, so it does tend to get crowded.

McIntyre Ski Area – Manchester – Features great tubing at (relatively) low prices.  Please note that children must be at least five years old and at least 44” tall to go tubing here.  Also has skiing and snowboarding lessons for all ages.

White Park – Concord – This gem of a park has a lovely pond for ice skating and great hills for sledding – both at no charge.

James Campion Rink – Hanover – This indoor rink features public skating at reasonable daily rates (season passes are also available), skating lessons and hockey.  They also have a store that sells skating supplies.

Filed under: Family fun activities, NH mountains, Outdoor fun, Winter activities | Tagged: , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Cathedral Ledge – North Conway, NH

Posted on October 1, 2009 by Ray Bisson
cathedral ledge 9-17-09s

Cathedral Ledge

I recently attended a quarterly meeting for the New Hampshire Land Surveyors Association, which was held at the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel.

I was not looking forward to the long ride from the Seacoast to Attitash along Route 16.  Luckily the meeting was short and I was able to start the drive home before it got dark. 

It was a gorgeous “fall” day and I was by-passing downtown North Conway and Conway by taking the scenic West Side Road. When I saw the sign for Cathedral Ledge I decided to take a detour and drive to the top. 

Cathedral Ledge is a very short distance, less than 2 miles, from Route 16 in North Conway, and has a summit road that meanders up to the top.  As you start your drive, you may be lucky to see rock climbers gathering their gear. This is a very popular cliff to climb, but no thanks…I will drive around.

Once at the top there is a short (5 minutes at most) hike to the cliff. There is a chain link fence that keeps people and kids from getting too close, but you can still get a good view at the steep cliff.

I remember every visit that I have taken to the top - from when I was a child on a family trip, to weekend getaways with my wife (then fiancée), to taking our oldest son on his first visit. Every time it is absolutely beautiful, and this time was no exception. I just wished my family was with me. 

This is a great side trip and does not take a lot of time. Once you come down from the ledge, drive into North Conway Village and get an ice cream or coffee and stroll through the town.

Filed under: Fall activities, Family fun activities, NH hikes, NH mountains, Summer activities, Summer attractions, Traveling with kids | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

South Mountain at Pawtuckaway State Park

Posted on May 26, 2009 by Ray Bisson

We recently took a hike to South Mountain at Pawtuckaway State Park. We wanted to go on an Pawtuckaway South Mtn 4-24-09heasy first hike in the hopes that our four year old would enjoy hiking and we could do additional hikes this summer. We wanted to stay close to home, but do a walk that we have not already done. I found this hike trough Trails.com (a pay site, but very good details about hiking trails).

The hike was supposed to be a 0.8 mile hike up a 885± foot high mountain to a fire tower, which on a clear day you are supposed to be able to see Boston. As we followed the directions to the parking lot we found the access road was gated.  The sign said that the trail head was 0.8 mile up this access road.  We decided to put our four year old in his stroller and push him to the trail head, then let him walk. (As long as the stroller has medium sized or larger wheels, the access road is not a problem to push the stroller along.)

As we started our hike we walked past a brook, pond with beaver dam, beaver hut and numerous stone walls. We also came across a small stone foundation on the right of the access road, an old cemetery and another stone foundation on the left. Since I am a Land Surveyor and like history, I wanted a closer inspection of the foundations and the cemetery.  This area was the homestead of Barnard & Sally Goodrich and later of George Goodrich, grandson. My curiosity was peaked and I wanted to learn more.  Later I found a book called “The Barefoot Farmer of Pawtuckaway” written by Paula Casey Wood and an article about George in the Bear-Paw Print with photographs of what the homestead used to look like.

Pawtuckaway South Mtn 4-24-09fJust after the homestead is the parking lot and trail head. We parked the stroller and started our climb.  The trail winds through mature woods and around multiple rock formations. The trail was a bit wet and slippery in spots. There was only a couple of steep sections of the trail and the hike to the top was fairly easy.  Our kids would take turns leading, which provided an incentive for our youngest son to walkPawtuckaway South Mtn 4-24-09o all the way to the top. 

At the top we found the fire tower, which we climbed up to a viewing platform.  The stairs are very steep, so if you have young ones you might want to stay close behind them. After sitting at the top for awhile, we descended the mountain and headed back down the access road.

Even though our hike became a 2.4 mile hike, it was an enjoyable way to spend a beautiful spring day and we are hoping to do this hike again this fall when the leaves are changing.

Click here for Pawtuckaway Trail Map

Click her for Directions and Additional Information about South Mountain

Filed under: Educational, Fall activities, Family Fitness, Family fun activities, NH hikes, NH mountains, Quality time with kids, Spring activities, Summer activities, Summer attractions, Wildlife | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Visit the Polar Caves for free until June 19th

Posted on May 20, 2009 by The Mom Entrepreneur

The Polar Caves in Plymouth, NH is a great family tourist stop. It includes a series of caves and passages formed by the falling of massive boulders nearly 50,000 years ago as the third continental glacier moved southward over New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

You can explore the Rock Garden, a jumble of glacially deposited granite boulders and take a self-guided tour of the caves. Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., early May to late October, weather permitting.

They also offer gemstone and fossil mining for the kids, a gift shop and ample picnic spots. Kids can also visit with the animals, which include Fallow Deer, Pheasants from around the world, Peacocks, Swans and a wide variety of ducks. We try to visit every year.

For a limited time, the Polar Caves in Plymouth, NH is offering a “buy one, get one admission for free”. The offer is valid Monday – Friday only and expires June 19, 2009. 

To print your coupon, click here…>

Filed under: Discounts and savings, Educational, Family fun activities, NH farms, NH hikes, NH mountains, Outdoor fun, Quality time with kids, Summer activities, Summer attractions, Wildlife | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

WikiHike

Posted on January 10, 2009 by The Mom Entrepreneur

nh-mountain1Recently, I discovered WikiHike.Org, which was launched on March 1, 2008 by two individuals desperate for a website with usable and accurate information about hikes around the world.

The two assembled a modest database of their past hiking adventures in an attempt to draw outside interest. After a month of allowing friends and family to add and edit articles WikiHike was released to the world.

The site includes a map where you can search for hikes that others have completed and learn the specifics about that hike. For instance, Mount Major located in Alton Bay, New Hampshireis on the map. Click on its location and up pops information about the mountain, trail-head, synopsis of hike and additional details.

In addition, since the site is a wiki, this allows others to add their hikes and information to the site so that others can benefit.

The goal of the site is to create and maintain the Internet’s greatest database for hiking knowledge and information. They are off to a good start. Make sure to check out WikiHike.Org before or after your next hike!

Filed under: Fall activities, Family Fitness, Family fun activities, NH hikes, NH mountains, Outdoor fun, Quality time with kids, Summer attractions, Wildlife | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Christmastime in North Conway

Posted on December 24, 2008 by The Mom Entrepreneur

A few weekends ago, we met one of Santa’s elves. Her name was Kathy Lewis and she is the Innkeeper of the Eastern Inns in North Conway, NH. When we arrived at the Inn on Friday evening, she greeted us with a smile and was wearing a red and green striped elf hat. There was a fire burning and the front lobby smelled like popcorn.

storytime-at-eastern-inns

Kathy Lewis, Innkeeper reads The Polar Express

Kathy was preparing for the evening’s family fun festivities, which included a reading of The Polar Express followed by popcorn and a movie with. In addition, she had gifts for all the children who attended story time.

Our family visits North Conway every December. It is part of our Christmas celebration. We love the decorated shops, sleigh rides, ice skating, train rides and many other activities that are held in the north country every year.

efficiency-suite

Two room efficiency suite great when staying with kids

Kathy at Eastern Inns invited us up for the weekend to participate in their family activities. I had not heard of this Inn before. We stayed in a two- room efficiency suite, which was perfect. We travel a lot with the kids and usually our accommodations consist of one room. The room at Eastern Inns had a separate bedroom area and a separate living room and kitchen area with microwave and refrigerator. At night we were able to put the kids to bed, close the door and watch TV.

continental-breakfast2

A complimentary continental breakfast is offered at the Inn

The next morning, we enjoyed a complimentary, full continental breakfast, which is available to all guests of the Inn. There is ample seating as well so that you are not cramped with the kids in a corner trying to eat breakfast.

indoor-pool1

Indoor heated swimming pool

After breakfast, we took a swim in the large indoor, heated pool. The kids love to swim and this was great exercise for them since the day was very chilly and we did not play outside.

Later that day, we rode the Conway Scenic Railroad and visited with Santa. The trip took us from North Conway to Conway and back. About a one-hour ride.  We have taken this train ride many times and I was actually quite disappointed this time around. By the time Santa visited with our kids, he was out of “gifts” and ended up giving the kids a canvas bag. They would have preferred the activity book. The scenery was beautiful and I suggest sitting in first class if you take the ride. I accidentally bought the wrong tickets.

cookie-decorating-at-eastern-inns

The kids decorate cookies for the Inn's Christmas tree

When we returned to the Inn, the kids got to decorate two sugar cookies with different colored icings and sugar candies. They loved being creative and messy with their designs. One cookie was hung on the Inn’s Christmas tree in the front lobby and the other the kids got to eat.

That evening, we had dinner at Tuckerman’s Restaurant and Tavern, which is located at the New England Inn in Intervale, just three miles outside of North Conway Village. Route 302 to Route 16A. Dinner was great and so was the atmosphere. It was a very good place to bring kids.

Before turning in for the evening, we watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Inn. The kids got their pajamas on and brought their stuffed buddies to the Inn’s upstairs rec room.

The Inn, built in 1979, is a budget-friendly place to take the kids. It offers 55 guest rooms and suites in a motel-style setting located on eight acres. Besides a rec room and indoor pool, the Inn has an outdoor playground and basketball hoop. Miles of trails connect to Whitaker Woods and begin right outside their door. The trails are perfect for mountain biking, cross country skiing or just walking in the woods.

For adults, the Inn has an exercise room, sauna, Jacuzzi and in-house massage therapy services.

The Inn is located minutes from StoryLand, Conway Scenic Railroad, Mt. Washington Auto Road, Settlers’ Green Outlet Village, Mt. Washington Valley Children’s Museum and five ski areas. Santa’s Village in Jefferson is about a one-hour drive, but well worth the trip. In addition, the Inn is near water slides, an alpine slide, chair lift rides, horseback riding, etc. Visit their Events Page to see what is happening in the area.

To get to the Inn, take route 16 and 302 north through North Conway Village. Their driveway is located on the right a 1/2 mile north of Schouler Park and the Conway Scenic Railroad.

To learn about the Inn’s latest package deals and incentives, click here…>

You can also visit EasternInns.com or call (800) 628-3750 to make a reservation.

Filed under: Fall activities, Family fun activities, NH mountains, Summer attractions, Traveling with kids, Winter activities | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

REI Invites Children to Get Outside This Summer with Kids’ Passport to Adventure

Posted on August 20, 2008 by The Mom Entrepreneur

Free National Program Engages Families in Outdoor Recreation and Stewardship

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) invites children, adults and families to get active in the outdoors this summer with Kids’ Passport to Adventure. Designed for children ages five to 12, the national program encourages kids to participate in at least one outdoor recreational activity, such as cycling, hiking, camping, kayaking and more.

Now through Labor Day, families can stop by any local REI store to register for the program and pick up a complimentary adventure journal to help guide them in their outdoor experiences. Chock-full with recreational-related games, information and stickers, the journal is a fun and engaging keepsake for children to use while experiencing the outdoors. After at least one activity, parents can send in a tear-off postcard from the journal to receive a certificate of completion and a special prize for their children – a multifunction whistle that includes a thermometer, magnifier and compass.

“A growing body of research shows that nature experiences can help children become healthier, happier and smarter,” said Richard Louv, REI member and author of the book, “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.” “In fact, all the gifts of nature that come to children – including stress reduction, longer attention span, better physical and mental health – also come to the good adult who introduces a child to nature.”

Adults can also visit REI.com for a list of kid-friendly hikes and bike rides in their local area, or to download and print a copy of the adventure journal. Recommended by local REI employees, with the support of FalconGuides® in select cities, the information online includes trail descriptions, distances, driving directions and tips.

“Today’s youth are tightly scheduled, leaving little time to play outside and experience the joys of nature and exploration. Another obstacle is that families often don’t know where to begin,” said Sally Jewell, REI president and CEO. “Kids’ Passport to Adventure helps remove barriers to families by providing tools to help inspire more children to get outside. Just one hike or bike ride can help them begin a lifelong appreciation of the outdoors.”

The concept for Kids’ Passport to Adventure was developed from a program created by an REI employee in Tacoma, Wash. in 2003 to help parents and their children discover the joys of the outdoors together. The program launched nationally in 2006. For additional information, visit REI’s Kid’s Passport to Adventure.

To download the passport, click here…>

Filed under: NH mountains, Summer attractions, Wildlife | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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