Attractions

April 25. 2011 5:00PM

NH Kid Friendly Attractions

Whether you've lived in the Granite State your whole life or are visiting for the first time, it's always tough to know which of the state's many attractions will elicit choruses of "Can we go home yet?" from the kids or, better yet, leave you with frazzled nerves after spending countless hours screaming "Don't touch that!" and hoping you can move fast enough to head off a disaster. Below we have compiled a top ten list of places that should be a pleasure to visit for you and your preteens.

Canobie Lake Park

8 North Policy St.

Salem, NH 03079

Ph: 603-893-3506

Canobie Lake Park is New Hampshire's favorite amusement park. Traditional themes and high-tech thrills are combined for an unsurpassed entertainment experience for all ages. Rides include the corkscrew roller coaster, the Turkish Twist, the Boston Tea Party water ride, an authentic 24-gauge steam train, an antique carousel, and more! The park also features a variety of entertainment, including fireworks displays, live shows, costumed characters and specialty acts.

Whale's Tale Water Park

481 Route 3 North

Lincoln, NH 03251

Ph: 603-745-8810

Located in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Whale's Tale offers the best value for family fun in the sun! A huge wave pool, eleven amazing water slides that will twist, turn and speed you through the water park and a children's play area with great fountains and mini-slides.

Don't miss Castaway Cove, the Banzai Pipeline and the Eye of the Storm, where you'll hit speeds of 35mph!

Charmingfare Farm

774 High Street

Candia, NH 03034

Ph: 603-483-5623

Visit the largest collection of agricultural animals and North American wildlife in New Hampshire. A visit to this 180-acre farm is affordable, educational, and exciting for children and adults. The farm is home to more than 200 animals consisting of 30 different species. Encounter wolves, lynx, fishers, reindeer, river otters and more. The barnyard offers traditional farm animals, hands-on petting, pony rides, and horse-drawn hayrides.

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

2 Institute Drive

Concord, NH 03301

Ph: 603-271-7827

The planetarium serves as a living memorial to Christa McAuliffe. The shows blend computer generated effects, video, slides and music into an awe-inspiring experience. Take a trip to the stars and beyond at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. In March 2009, the name of this educational center changed to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, in memory of Alan Shepard, the first American astronaut in space, who was from Derry, NH. Prior to this grand re-opening, the facility underwent a $15 million expansion.

Story Land

850 Route 16

Glen, NH 03838

Ph: 603-383-4293

Story Land is the children's theme park where fantasy lives! With wonderfully themed rides, lively shows, friendly storybook characters, unique play areas, and so much more, there's a smile and adventure around every corner. Whether it's a family tradition or a family first, a visit to Story Land creates memories to last a lifetime.

Clark's Trading Post

Route 3

North Woodstock, NH 03251

Ph: 603-745-8913

You're invited to visit one of the White Mountain's most outstanding attractions featuring trained North American Black Bears, antique Americana, steam trains and a whole lot more. In addition to the best bear show you'll ever see, you must pay a visit to Merlin's Mystical mansion. It will turn your world upside down! And, Tuttle's Rustic House will make you see things in a whole new way. The Clarks have been providing quality family entertainment for over 70 years. An admission ticket will provide fun for any age as you step back in time.

Ruggles Mine: The Mine in the Sky

Off Route 4 at the Village Green

Grafton, NH 03240

Ph: 603-523-4275

In 1803 Sam Ruggles discovered Mica in Grafton. Rediscover this 200-year-old, spectacular open-pit mine: shining white walls, huge rooms, and tunnels. Over 150 minerals: mica, feldspar, beryl, amethyst, rose/smokey quartz, garnet, and Uranium minerals (gummite, autunite) prized by collectors/museums. Mineral collecting permitted with admission tickets.

Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point State Park

570 Ocean Boulevard

Rye, NH 03870

Ph: 603-436-8043

The Seacoast Science Center is located on the last undeveloped stretch of New Hampshire coastline. Cultural and natural history exhibits for the entire family. Visitors can touch and learn about tide pool animals in the indoor tide pool touch tank and learn about the seven habitats found on the 350-acre park.

Children's Museum of New Hampshire

6 Washington Street

Dover, NH 03820

Ph: 603-436-3853

This hands-on arts and sciences museum offers engaging exhibits, including a dinosaur dig, a throne room, a kaleidoscope exhibit, a yellow submarine, a post office, a music matrix and more. It's an interactive delight for all the senses! Admission charged.

The Friendly Farm

716 Main Street

Dublin, NH 03444

Ph: 603-563-8444

Farm animals and their young to pet and feed in a natural setting. Chicks hatching; baby animal area; picnic area; gift shop. A clean farm where children are encouraged to hold and pet the animals or simply observe them at play, nursing, eating or "talking" with each other.