There are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ashland, New Hampshire! First, of course, is visiting the numerous parks and playgrounds the town has to offer. For a more educational experience, take a trip to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center to learn about the local flora and fauna. For some history, stop by the Ashland Train Station and see an old-fashioned steam train. Lastly, no trip to Ashland would be complete without visiting the Santa’s Village Theme Park!
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Ashland, New Hampshire
1. Visit the Cog Railway
The Cog Railway is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Hampshire. The railway offers a 3-mile (4.8 km) round trip that takes passengers to the top of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States. The Cog Railway has been in operation since 1869 and is the oldest mountain-climbing railway in the world.
2. Hike to the top of Mount Monadnock
Mount Monadnock is the most frequently hiked mountain in the world. The 3,165-foot (956 m) peak is located in south-central New Hampshire, about 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Boston. There are several trails to the summit, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
3. Take a scenic drive on the Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway (also known as the “Kanc”) is a 34.5-mile (55.5 km) scenic road that runs through the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. The road winds its way along the Swift River, offering stunning views of the mountains and foliage. The Kancamagus Highway is a popular tourist destination in the fall, when the leaves are changing color.
4. Visit the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium
The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium is located in Concord, New Hampshire. The planetarium is named after Christa McAuliffe, the teacher who was killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. The planetarium offers a variety of shows and programs about astronomy and space science.
5. Go skiing or snowboarding at Waterville Valley Resort
Waterville Valley Resort is a year-round recreation destination located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking, mountain biking, and golf in the summer.
6. Visit the Castle in the Clouds
The Castle in the Clouds is a six-story “mountaintop mansion” located in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. The castle was built in 1914 by Thomas Plant, a wealthy businessman. Plant intended the castle to be a summer home, but it was only used for a few weeks each year. Today, the castle is open to the public for tours and overnight stays.
7. Take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad
The Conway Scenic Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates in north-central New Hampshire. The railroad offers a variety of scenic train rides through the mountains, forests, and valleys of the region. The railroad also operates a vintage railway museum in North Conway.
8. Visit the Clark House Museum
The Clark House Museum is a historic house museum located in Exeter, New Hampshire. The museum is housed in a 17th-century saltbox house that was the home of William Clark, a delegate to the Continental Congress. The museum features a collection of artifacts and furniture from the Clark family.
9. See the leaves changing color at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a nonprofit educational facility located in Holderness, New Hampshire. The science center is situated on the shores of Squam Lake, the second-largest lake in New Hampshire. The science center offers a variety of programs and activities about the natural world, including a fall foliage cruise.
10. Take a hike in the White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest is a 750,000-acre (304,000-ha) forest located in New Hampshire and Maine. The forest is home to Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the northeastern United States. The White Mountain National Forest offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
