The Best Day Trips for Families in Southern New Hampshire
Charmingfare Farm
774 High St
Candia, NH 03034
http://www.charmingfarefarm.com
Charmingfare Farm is the perfect location for a family day trip. Calling it a farm is somewhat off base. Charmingfare farm does have farm animals, but it is more like a zoo. There are over forty different species of animals on the farm, ranging from the expected chickens, horses, and cows to the much less expected wolverine, black bear and mute swan. There is a petting zoo of course, as well as an amazing birds of prey presentation. There are also seasonal sleigh rides and hay rides. There is a summer camp available as well as other educational programs and seasonal events. Admission is $11 per person with children under 1 admitted free. Rides are at an additional cost. Charmingfare Farm is open daily from 11am to 4pm beginning in April and ending on Columbus Day. They are open on special dates for seasonal activities. They are also available for private gatherings. Charmingfare Farm is a spectacular place for families of all ages. Even older children can appreciate the different animals and this place is designed to engage even the youngest of children. Charmingfare Farm is the perfect, laid back day trip for families with children.
Tee Off at Mel’s
454 Charles Bancroft Highway Route 3A
Litchfield, NH 03052
www.teeoffatmels.com
Tee Off at Mel’s is an ultimate day trip for families with children of all ages. Tee Off at Mel’s offers two mini-golf courses, batting cages, go karts, driving range, arcade, and restaurant. The driving range is open daily from 10am to 10pm. The restaurant is open year round. All other attractions are open with weather permitting. It is advised to check the website prior to heading out for the day. The batting cages are a big draw for children of all ages, featuring 5 hardball cages and 5 softball cages at varying speeds. There is also a replica of the famed Fenway Green Monster. There are 24 go-karts and you must be 58″ tall to drive. Anyone under the 58″ can ride as a passenger with a driver over 18. The driving range features 13 grass tees, 20 grass mats, 10 covered stalls, sand traps, and color-coded distance markers. They do provide balls for a fee but do not provide clubs. While spending an entire day at Tee Off at Mel’s could be overwhelming with all the fun options to choose from, it can also be a hugely memorable family day. Children are sure to have an incredible day. Tee Off at Mel’s is one of the best day trips available in Southern New Hampshire.
Canobie Lake Park
85 North Policy St
Salem, NH 03079
www.canobie.com
Canobie Lake Park is the premier amusement park in New Hampshire. There are more than 85 different rides, games, and attractions to entertain the entire family. There is a special section for children of the toddler age. Many of the rides do require a height requirement of 48″ and several rides have recommendations for riding. In the past few years, Canobie Lake Park has added several new rides that are highly thrilling. The rides at Canobie Lake Park range from mild to wild. The park is open from 11am to 10 pm daily through July and August. Check the website for other hours during the other months. An all day pass for adults is $27, while children less than 48″ and seniors pay $18. Children under 2 are free. Canobie Lake Park is a great place to spend the day with family. Children of all ages will have a blast riding the rides, eating the food, playing the games, and watching the entertainment. It will be a long but thrilling day at Canobie Lake Park. Canobie Lake Park is a fantastic attraction found only in Southern New Hampshire.
Water Country
2300 Lafayette Rd
Portsmouth NH 03801
www.watercountry.com
Water Country is the largest water park in New Hampshire. Water Country has dozens of rides including several slides, slides on tubes, a wave pool, whirlpool, Adventure River, and several areas just for the younger crowd including toddlers. Water Country is a great place to cool down and spend an entire day. The hours vary by month and week and so you should check the website before planning your outing. There is plenty of food available in the park, however you are also permitted to bring in your own food. Anyone over 4′ will pay $32 for admission, under 4′ is $20, seniors pay $12 and children under 2 are free. A tube is provided for all slides that require one, however one must be rented if you want to use it in other areas such as the wave pool and whirl pool. Lockers are also available for a small fee and lifejackets are available for free. Heading out to Water Country is a great idea for families. There is more than enough entertainment to last the entire day and get your money’s worth. It is definitely recommended to go as early as possible. Water Country is a must visit for anyone in Southern New Hampshire.
See Science Center
200 Bedford st
Manchester NH 03101
www.see-sciencecenter.org
The See Science Center is a great place for families to have fun and learn some interesting things about science. The children are learning without having to be forced. Of course, we adults can learn a thing or two if we happened to have slept through a science class or two. The exhibits include a momentum chair, a moonwalk, reptile mountain, a Vande Graaf Generator, and chem. Lab among other things. Reptile Mountain has real reptiles such as iguanas and geckos. The moonwalk lets children experience the feeling of weightlessness. It is all quite fun and surprisingly interesting too. The See Science Center also caters to birthdays and events. They are open Monday through Friday from 10am to 3 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Admission is $5 per person. Children under 1 are free. This trip may not be an all day event, but it will certainly provide some quality time to your family for a few hours. Having fun and learning at the same time makes See Science Center one of the best family destinations in southern New Hampshire.
Chunky’s Cinema & Pub
150 bridge st
Pelham NH
www.chunkys.com
Chunky’s Cinema and Pub is a great place for the family to head out and see a movie. There are always several titles playing and usually include at least one title for children. Chunky’s is different because there is a full menu available before and during the show. The theater consists of several long tables with leather seats from a limousine. Essentially, it has a drive-in feel to it. The food is all named with famous people and movies in mind. Personally, the Pacino Parmesan is to die for! There is of course a children’s and even drink menu. The fact that there is food makes it more likely for a younger child to sit through a film. They also offer birthday parties and other functions. The admission is $6.50 for evening shows and $4.50 for matinees. Children under 4 are free. Besides being a great place for the family to go together, Chunky’s Cinema and Pub is also a great place for the parents to have a night out. Overall, Chunky’s is the best place in southern New Hampshire for a family with children to enjoy a movie.
The Met: Children’s Metamorphosis
6 West Broadway #24
Derry, NH 03038
www.childrensmet.org
The Met is a great place to take young children for a few hours of playtime. There are several different sections to the Met all in one large room. A lot of the sections revolve around dress up and imaginative play, such as a house with full kitchen, a dentist’s office, an emergency room, a fire house with fire engine, a post office, a camp site, a grocery store, and a construction zone. There is also an area with dinosaurs and an archaeological dig. Another great area is a large circular fenced in area where there are tons of toys especially for toddlers. The Met provides for endless possibilities where children are encouraged to use their imagination. It is also a great place for parents to connect with other parents. The Met is a nonprofit organization. Their hours vary so it is advisable to check their website prior to leaving. They are open 7 days a week. The cost is $5 per person with children under 1 free. They also offer a special on Friday nights where an entire family can enter for just $9. The Met regularly runs programs and also offers the availability for field trips and birthday parties. For $75, you can become a member of the Met and come and go as you please with any member of your immediate family. The Met is not going to be a day long trip, but it will keep younger children entertained for hours. This is the best place in Southern New Hampshire to entertain young children while giving parents a break.
