Guest Author - Kimberly Misra
The White Mountains area of New Hampshire is one of the best destinations for families. The area has something for everyone, from lakeside beaches, outlet shopping, and train rides to hiking, waterfalls, and great scenery. Following are just a few of the available activities.
Clark’s Trading Post. The big draw at this old time village is Clark’s trained black bears. The half-hour show is a bit corny, but kids will love watching the bears balance on balls, play basketball, and perform other tricks. There’s a train ride here too, but it’s probably too much for younger kids since part of it involves the legendary “Wolfman” chasing the train. Other attractions include Merlin’s Mystical Mansion (best for kids who aren’t afraid of the dark), bumper boats, an Americana Museum, and a circus show.
Franconia Notch State Park. The Old Man in the Mountain is long gone but there is an exhibit about the famous rock outcropping here. You’ll also find several nice hiking trails, a large glacial pothole, and a series of waterfalls. Take a swim at beautiful Echo Lake and ride a tram to the top of Cannon Mountain where on a clear day you can see all the way to Canada.
Flume Gorge. Admission is a bit pricey to this White Mountains attraction but it’s considered a must-do. This is a gorgeous two mile walk through a natural granite gorge. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, covered bridges, and lots of great photo-ops. The terrain is easy (though not stroller friendly due to the number of stairs). The Flume gets very crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to visit early in the day.
Hobo Railroad. Unlike the train ride at Clark’s (above), this is a great ride for young kids. Order a hobo lunch in advance (a sandwich, chips, cookie, and beverage tied in a bandana on the end of a stick) and enjoy the views as the train rumbles by the Pemigawasset River. There’s also a good playground here and a gift shop with railroad souvenirs.
Hartmann Model Railroad Museum. This small museum in Intervale is worth a stop if you’ve got a train fanatic in the family. There are several operating model train layouts, a well-stocked hobby shop, and an outdoor train.
Lost River. Kids of all ages will enjoy a trip here, but it’s best suited to ages five and up since there are a lot of stairs to climb (no strollers allowed). You’ll follow a boardwalk through the woods and along Lost River. Along the way kids can climb through caves and narrow passageways with exciting names like the “Lemon Squeezer”. Adults can try too but you’ll definitely need to be on the thin side for some of the caves. A boardwalk lets you bypass any of the caves. Have the kids wear sturdy shoes.
Mount Washington. If you get a clear day on your trip, make it a priority to visit Mount Washington (claim to fame: highest wind gust ever recorded).. You can drive to the top if your nerves can take the steep and narrow roads, or take a guided van tour or cog train to the summit. Once on top, the views are amazing on a clear day. A foggy day will also please kids (it’s a bit spooky walking around in the clouds). If you drive you can get an audio tour to listen to on your way up. Be sure to bring sweatshirts; the weather on top is much cooler than down bottom. There’s also a nice gift shop and small museum up top which is worth visiting to learn about the mountain’s often tragic, but always fascinating history.
