5 minute read
Family Friendly
The Monadnock Region can be your family’s launchpad for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re raising budding naturalists, thrill-seekers or ice cream connoisseurs, this pocket of New Hampshire is full of opportunities to spend time together.
With stroller-friendly trails, hands-on museums, interactive animal encounters and plenty of places to burn off energy, the region is built for memory-making in every season. Whether you're in search of your kid’s first hike or first cow cuddle, the Monadnock Region has many options for your next great day out.
NATURAL CURIOSITY
See small wonders at The Caterpillar Lab. This Marlborough-based education and research nonprofit hosts special open hours for the public, when you can come see what happens behind the scenes and get an up-close look at caterpillars of all stripes.
Play and learn at the Cheshire Children’s Museum. Hands-on exhibits and imaginative play spaces — including a kid-size grocery store, post office and radio station — will delight young visitors while also giving them some prime bonding time with their parents, all right in the heart of Keene.
Founded in 1965, The Friendly Farm in Dublin is home to “some of the most agreeable animals you’ll ever meet,” from bunnies and chicks to goats and horses, and most are happy to eat right out of your hand.
EXPEND SOME ENERGY
The brand-new GraniteWorks Gym in Keene invites climbers to try indoor bouldering. The gym features approximately 1,200 square feet of climbing, consisting entirely of adjustable walls and boards in addition to hangboards, peg boards and fitness equipment. Also in Keene is Climb Monadnock, which offers many routes for wall climbing and has a kids’ climbing club. Kids under 3 are free at both.
Hit the slopes at Granite Gorge Mountain Park. Roxbury’s classic ski area has downhill winter fun for all ages. (Its snowtubing hill is a particular hit with wee ones.) During the warm season, take on the mountain with lift-service mountain biking.
Explore the fields and forests at Stonewall Farm. Known for its award-winning children’s camps year-round, this 120-acre learning center and working farm in Keene invites visitors to hike and bike across its beautiful property, as well as visit the farm animals, picnic and shop at the farm store.
In Chesterfield, the Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area offers a nearly one-mile, out-and-back trek highlighted by a stunning gorge and several waterfalls. Leashed, well-behaved pets are also allowed on the trail.
Distant Hill Nature Trail on the Alstead–Walpole line has a nature play area plus a StoryWalk where you can read as you wander. The paths are stroller-friendly, too.
Don’t miss a cool place to cool off. Vilas Pool Park in Alstead features a spring-fed swimming area and some nifty historical touches, like a stone bridge and an old tower. Free and open to anyone.
Have a family member who loves animals? One of the more unique offerings in our region is a chance to cuddle a cow at Granite Oak Farm. Sessions are 30 minutes for up to three people, and the cows are more than happy to snuggle up and maybe even sneak in a kiss!
ALL FUN AND GAMES
Cheer for the home team at a Keene SwampBats game. Head to Alumni Field to see one of the top teams in the New England Collegiate Baseball League in action, honoring the proud tradition of baseball in Keene all summer long. (Be sure to say hi to team mascot Ribby!)
Twinkle Town in Swanzey has been the go-to for old-fashioned family fun since 1961. It offers 19 holes of mini golf at less than $5 per person (and just 50 cents for replays). There’s batting cages, too, and a snack stand that sells everything from pizza and hot dogs to Thai iced tea and homemade ice cream.
If you have time to spare, take the kids bowling. Yankee Lanes in Keene offers 10-pin bowling, while Bowling Acres in Peterborough is home to candlepin. Both offer on-site dining options and arcade games.
THRILLS AND CHILLS
Get revved up for action at the Monadnock Speedway. Have a kid that likes to go-go-go? Hit the road for Winchester, where you can take in the fast-paced excitement on the quartermile oval. Vroom!
Create the sweetest of memories at Jaffrey’s Kimball Farm. Nothing says summer like a cone or cup of homemade ice cream, which you’ll find in abundance here — more than 50 flavors in all — along with fried seafood and a country store gift shop. Keene is home to Rick’s Gourmet Ice Cream (right near Keene Cinemas), which offers the usual flavors as well as some new favorites like graham cracker and an almond milk non-dairy soft serve.
Keene Ice is an indoor rink that offers ice skating year-round. Public skating is just $5 per skater and $5 rentals available.
