Summer Vacation Ideas : Adventure in New Hampshire

Vacationing in New Hampshire is exciting in every New England season! Our family’s favorite NH vacations have been both in the winter months to ski and seeking outdoor adventure in the summer months. Once my children outgrew Storyland and Santa’s Village, we developed a new summer adventure list with recommendations from friends and research we did online. Continue reading to learn about exciting  new adventures for your family’s summer vacation … Destination North Conway, New Hampshire!

Adventure Parks – Many of New Hampshire’s ski resorts transform into mountain adventure parks during the summer months. The adventure parks offer a wide variety of outdoor skills and thrills to achieve, such as ropes courses, trampoline jumping, mountain coasters, ziplining and many more exciting adventures! Our family skis in the winter and plays in the summer at Cranmore Mountain. Cranmore has activities for varying ages and a great transition away from the younger aged themed amusement parks. Visit http://cranmore.com to learn more and to start planning your mountain adventure today! Other mountains that also offer summer activities include Attitash and Loon. They have been added to our vacation to-do list!

Nature Adventures – An amazing and natural adventure activity is an afternoon spent at Diana’s Bath. Diana’s Bath is a hidden gem that offers fresh water swimming in streams and waterfalls and hiking on rocks and paths. Don’t forget water shoes, towels, bathing suits and snacks. Enjoy a picnic with amazing views and nature sounds! Take a hike up Mount Washington! Hiking to the top may not be an option (our family of 4 and small dog only made it about 1/3 of the way up), take your time, enjoy the fresh air and beautiful nature views. Each year, try and climb a little higher. For those that may not enjoy the hike, but want to take in the breathtaking views, take the ride to the top of Mount Washington in your vehicle on the Auto Road.  Visit http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com or https://www.mountwashington.org/visit-us/getting-and-staying-here/  and http://northconwaynh.com/dianas-baths/ for more information.

A Rainy Day Activity – It’s raining out, now what? Call Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park to see if they have day passes available. A fun way to splash around inside while it’s raining outside. Kahuna Laguna is an indoor water park that has water slides, splash pools, a lazy river and a wave pool. Food, lockers, and showers are also available. Visit http://www.kahunalaguna.com for more information.

Evening Activities – Take a ride to Settler’s Green Outlets for special evening events in the summer months. Our family has enjoyed Movies on the Green. Enjoy stars in the sky while watching a movie on a big outdoor screen. Lawn chairs are available, but just in case, pack your own chairs, snacks and bug spray! Visit http://www.settlersgreen.com/calendar/20/314-Movies-on-the-Green for movies and dates. After dinner, enjoy a delicious ice cream treat at Lickety Splitz right up the road! Lickety Splitz also has a great playground for the kids to enjoy !

Dining Recommendations – Some local restaurants where we have had pleasant experiences and were family friendly (and some were even pet-friendly on their dining patio)include : Muddy Moose http://muddymoose.com Flatbreads Co. http://www.flatbreadcompany.com Black Cap Grille http://www.blackcapgrille.com Peaches http://peachesnorthconway.com/mobile/index.html Chef’s Bistro http://chefsbistronh.com

Hotel Recommendations – We have rented houses and condos in the past, but lately we have been staying at the following two family friendly hotels and have had great experiences. Both have indoors pools and/or water slides, are pet friendly and offer free breakfast : Hampton Inn and Suites and Residence Inn by Marriott. Visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pwmcw-residence-inn-north-conway/ or http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/new-hampshire/hampton-inn-and-suites-north-conway-NOCNHHX/index.html

Note: This information is only my opinion and based on my personal experiences. I was not reimbursed to write these recommendations and reviews.