Parenting NH's 2017 Family Summer Fun Guide

2017

NEW HAMPSHIRE

BOOK SPONSOR:

SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

M

I LY

IT

FA

E

IRE

PA R

EN

N E W HAM ING P SH

T

we

FAV O

R

2015

Named Parenting New Hampshire’s “Family Favorite” 2011, 2012, 2013, & 2015 and The Hippo’s “Best of Nashua” 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015!

bsi Che c te k o f or u t e ve o u r nt de t ai

ls!

NOT JUST NH’S #1 FAMILY FAVORITE PLAY PLACE...

NUThin’ but GOOD TIMES! is a huge indoor play space, catering to kids of all ages.

We specialize in fUN – parties and gatherings of all nature and sizes... so come PLAY, RUN, JUMP, SKIP & LAUGH...

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US!

Pa re n t s nd c a n re la x a e t il iz s o c ia li ze , u fi , io u r f r ee W ly p re ad , o r s im p lay !

We feature a toddler soft-play structure which is reserved for children less than 4 years of age. Older kids can explore our large indoor play equipment, complete with mazes, activities, tunnels and slides.

free frozen lemonade

One coupon per visit, per group. Coupon must be presented. Expires August 30, 2017

746 D.W. Highway, Merrimack, NH w w w.nu thinbu tgoodt ime s.com

BOOK ING PART IES & GATH ERIN FOR A GS NY OCCA SION !

handicapped accessible & a great safe for all ages freshly prepared place to help healthy snacks, develop those with & development lunch items, levels mental or physical disabilities.

smoothies, coffee bar and more!

NEW HAMPSHIRE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER:

Sharron McCarthy, x5117 smccarthy@mcleancommunications.com EDITOR:

Melanie Hitchcock, x5157 editor@parentingnh.com GROUP ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR:

Kimberly Lencki, x5154 klencki@mcleancommunications.com PRODUCTION MANAGER:

Jodie Hall, x5122 jhall@nhbr.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER:

Nancy Tichanuk, x5116 ntichanuk@mcleancommunications.com MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES:

Barbara Gallaher, x5156 bgallaher@parentingnh.com Debbie Birch, x5133 dbirch@parentingnh.com OFFICE MANAGER:

Mista McDonnell, x5114 mmcdonnell@nhbr.com EVENT & MARKETING MANAGER:

Erica Baglieri, x5125 ebaglieri@mcleancommunications.com BUSINESS & SALES COORDINATOR:

Heather Rood, x5110 hrood@mcleancommunications.com DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST:

Morgen Connor, x5149 mconnor@mcleancommunications.com 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 624-1442, fax (603) 624-1310

www.parentingnh.com

©2017 MCLEAN COMMUNICATIONS, LLC

Family Summer Fun Guide® is published by McLean Communications, 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101, (603) 624-1442.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. Statements/opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, McLean Communications, LLC.: Family Summer Fun Guide disclaims all responsibility for omission and errors.

2 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

2017

Family Summer Fun Guide CONTENTS

plus:

MORE FAMILY FUN

6 Let's Get Outdoors GREAT PLACES FOR FAMILIES TO HIKE

12 Let's Get Some Culture THE ARTS IN THE MERRIMACK VALLEY

18 Let's Go to Story Land EXPLORE MOUNT WASHINGTON VALLEY

24 Let's Go Outlet Shopping in North Conway

10

30 Let's Go to Weirs Beach FROM THE BEACH TO THE CLOUDS

36 Let's Go to Hampton Beach SUN, SURF AND THE BOARDWALK

Family-friendly Bike Trails

17 Kid-friendly Theatre

22 Favorite Ice Cream Treats

26 What if it Rains?

28 Spectacular Fried Seafood

34 NH Fairs and Festivals

38 Free Summer Events for Families

TAX-FREE SUMMER FUN

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 3

FROM THE EDITOR

Summer is here – time for family fun!

Parenting New Hampshire is pleased to present its second annual Family Summer Fun Guide for residents of and visitors to the great state of New Hampshire.

What you’ll find inside is what makes the Granite State a great place to live and visit – hundreds of ideas of where to take your family and what to do so you have a wonderful summer.

This year we are proud to partner up with Catholic Medical Center in Manchester because their mission, like ours, is to put families first.

In the 2017 edition, we take some of the most popular spots residents and visitors head to each summer and provide you with additional ideas on what to do, where to stay and what to eat near these locations.

We’ve also included information on New Hampshire’s fairs and festivals, free events, bike trails and where to find some of your favorite summer foods. Whether you are outdoorsy or want to spend the afternoon at a museum, we have you covered.

There’s so much to do that there’s a lot more to check out online. Go to www.parentingnh.com to see our expanded

online summer fun guide and events calendar.

For almost 25 years, Parenting New Hampshire has been the premier information source for Granite State families.

Parenting New Hampshire distributes more than 20,000 free copies monthly to more than 800 locations statewide, including Hannaford, Market Basket and Shaw’s supermarkets, each month.

Be sure to check out our other publications: NH Next: Your Guide to Life After High School and Stepping Stones NH: A guidebook for people with disabilities, their families and the professionals who support them, and the Family Resource Book. Also, don’t miss our Camp Fairs held every year in March.

And be sure to follow us between issues on www.parentingnh.com, on Twitter @ ParentingNH or on Facebook.

Melanie Hitchcock Editor

FROM OUR BOOK SPONSOR

Sunshine, cookouts, the beach, lakes and pools – all signs that summer has arrived and it's time to get outdoors! Being outdoors in the summer is such a gift, especially when we have to live through many cold winter months and a rainy spring. Living in New Hampshire, we enjoy the majesty of Mount Washington, the beauty of the Lakes Region and the awesomeness of the Atlantic Ocean. Summer reminds us how lucky we are to live in New Hampshire.

The gift of summer also makes it easier to get the physical activity we need. Being outdoors is the perfect opportunity to get moving, whether taking a long walk, hike or a bike ride, a swim in the pool, or a variety of other physical activities. Getting outdoors also allows us to decompress from the stressful lives we live. There’s something about the heat of the dog days of summer that forces each one of us to slow down a little bit.

Summer also allows us to reconnect with other things

4 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

About the writer

that provide lasting benefits like family and nature, and to recognize more clearly what a gift life is.

As a primary care physician, I also know that there can be dangers involved with summer outdoor activities: whether it’s a twisted ankle, a bee sting, or the potato salad that was probably in the sun too long. When that does happen, be assured that Catholic Medical Center’s Urgent Care, Emergency Department or Primary Care practices will be there to mend you and send you back into the great outdoors.

Catholic Medical Center is proud to sponsor Parenting NH’s Family Summer Fun Guide. I wish you all a healthy and fun-filled season. Happy summer!

Joseph Pepe, MD

President & CEO, Catholic Medical Center

Jacqueline Tourville has explored almost every nook and cranny of New Hampshire, writing about family fun activities for Parenting New Hampshire and looking for fun ways to keep her own two kids occupied.

A freelance writer and published author, Jacqueline has written numerous books for adults and kids, including the Moon New England Hiking series, Moon Take a Hike Boston and Albie’s First Word, a picture book inspired by Albert Einstein’s childhood that was named a Maine Children’s Literature Award finalist. After living in Nashua for several years, Jacqueline and her family now make their home in the Seacoast region, just over the state line in southern Maine. Her favorite Granite State destination for kids?

She’ll stick with a classic and say Story Land. Look for her splashing down the Bamboo Chutes sometime soon.

SOULFEST AUG 3 TO 5

2017

20

ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION

MUSIC�LOVE�ACTION 1998

GILFORD, NH

2017

TH�RSDAY��A�G�ST��

FRIDAY��A�G�ST��

SAT�RDAY��A�G�ST��

FOR�KING���CO�NTRY

MATTHEW�WEST

TOBYMAC

TENTH�A�EN�E�NORTH REND�COLLECTI�E

JARS OF�CLAY

MORIAH PETERS

MATT MAHER

CROWDER

SIDEWALK PROPAGANDA PROPHETS

JORDAN FELIZ

PETER�F�RLER�BAND�•�JOHN�RE�BEN DEREK�MINOR�•�LACEY�ST�RM TEDASHII�•�RYAN�STE�ENSON SE�ENTH�DAY�SL�MBER�•�RANDOM�HERO KE�IN�MA��•�THE��IOLET�B�RNING PROJECT����•�PA�L�COLMAN SCARLET�WHITE�•�THE�CHOIR AARON�COLE�•�BIG�KETTLE�DR�M CHRISTOPHER�WILLIAMS�•�KARDIA DAN�R�SSELL�•�RIGHT�HAND�SHADE� RANDY�STONEHILL�•�DEAN�RICHARDSON JIM�TRICK�•�RICKI�GEORGE�PROJECT DRM�BAND�•�REDWORDS�•��MORE� LI�E�LO�E�WORSHIP�•�THERESA�KATE�•��MORE� MEH�MAN�•�COLLINGTON�•��MORE�

T�ESOULFEST��O��|������������� U�������������������������������������������������������

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 5

Let’s Get Outdoors GREAT PLACES FOR FAMILIES TO HIKE AND CAMP IN THE GRANITE STATE

BY JACQUELINE TOURVILLE

A

s the ultimate antidote to screen time and stress-filled schedules, there is something about cooking over a campfire or trekking into the pine-scented woods that prompts even the busiest of families to relax and reconnect.

In New Hampshire, there is no shortage of places to go for a family hike, and campgrounds that cater to kids can be found in every corner of the state.

Whether you plan to hike with your kids, camp with your kids, or do a little of both, here are some tips on how to prepare and where to go for a fun-filled outdoor adventure.

Take a Hike

Franconia Notch State Park:

Lonesome Lake

From state parks, town forests, and nature preserves to the high peaks of the White Mountain National Forest, trails in the Granite State range from easy walks in the woods to some of the most challenging climbs east of the Rocky Mountains.

Where to find the hike that's right for your family? Ask knowledgeable staff at outdoor gear stores, hit the library for

hiking guide books, contact the New Hampshire chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, or browse the NH Bureau of Trails website for maps, tips and other hiking resources.

You will want to carefully consider your kids’ experience and physical stamina (and your own!). If you have a very young child who is content to ride in a backpack carrier for the entire trip, your choice of terrain to cover is usually wide open as long as the trail offers solid footing. For older toddlers and preschoolers, find treks over terrain that is relatively easy for little legs to negotiate; flat paths that wind through a nature preserve or park are most suited for this age group. Elementary schoolage children are usually able to handle small to moderate hills and winding forest rambles with ease. If you have an active teen with energy to spare, even a first-time hiker may be able to handle a two- or three-hour hike.

To keep kids motivated on the hike, find a trail that offers interesting features. Hikes to waterfalls, fire towers, unusual rock formations, and shallow brooks that require stepping on a few rocks to cross are always a hit. And as always, safety first! Wear sturdy hiking shoes; bring along a first aid kit, bug

Photo courtesy of New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism

spray and sunscreen; dress in layers; expect sudden changes in weather and pack snacks and plenty of water.

Check out these 10 trails for “peak experiences” when hiking with kids.

Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey As one of only a few isolated peaks in the region between Keene and Nashua, and the tallest, its name in the Abenaki language translates loosely to mean "mountain that stands alone.” But you won’t be alone when heading up the mountain: approximately 125,000 people hike Monadnock every year, drawn to the summit’s eye-popping views that reach all the way to Boston on a clear day. Multiple trails leaving from Monadnock State Park at the mountain’s base will bring you to the summit. Best for ages 8 and older, and kids who already like to hike.

Pack Monadnock, Peterborough Found in Miller State Park, the oldest state park in New Hampshire, the moderate climb up Pack Monadnock is best for elementary kids and older. At the summit, climb the fire tower for scenic views. If you prefer, drive your car to the top via the park’s summit road. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic.

Beaver Brook Association, Hollis Frequent nature programs for kids and lots of well-marked, easy-to-follow trails make this place perfect for the youngest

Photo courtesy of NH State Parks

6 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

Rye: Odiorne

State Park Franconia Notch State Park:

Flume Gorge

Jaffrey: Mount

Monadnock

of hikers. One trail even leads to a Native American wigwam kids can explore.

Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham In the lush, deep forest of this Seacoast region state park gem, trails lead to marshes, up and down hills, and past super-sized glacial erratics. Check out the state park trail map (pick one up at the entrance gate) and plan your hike to end at Pawtuckaway's popular swimming beach. Campground also available.

Odiorne State Park, Rye Wander along the rocky shore, stop for a picnic, then turn inward to walk trails that take you through a peaceful forest and to old World War II bunkers (the land was used as a lookout point during the war). After your hike, pay a visit to the Seacoast Science Center, located within the state park.

Suitable for all ages.

Mount Major, Alton This moderate 3.8-mile round trip climb takes you to breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee.

For little hikers, the trail offers scenic views of the lake from various stopping points along the way. Make your hike as short or long as you like – and can handle.

Photo courtesy of New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism

Nottingham:

Pawtuckaway State Park

Photo courtesy of New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism

Lonesome Lake, Franconia Notch On your visit to Franconia Notch State Park, take the Lonesome Lake Trail for an easy, deep-woods hike that leads you around the lake to a beach and picnic spot.

Camping is available at the state park campground. A five-minute drive away is the spectacular Flume Gorge.

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 7

FYI

Photo courtesy of NH State Parks

Exeter Elms Family Riverside Campground

Peterborough:

Pack Monadnock

Sabbaday Falls, Kancamagus Highway between Lincoln and Conway A short trek takes you within view of the crashing waters of Sabbaday Falls, located at a rest stop of the Kancamagus. A bridge with railing crosses over the falls, or you can take a detour path.

Arethusa Falls, Fabyan Just off Route 302 in Crawford Notch, see a nearly 200-foot drop of crashing water on this hike to the tallest waterfall in the Granite State. In summer, the falls are at their mightiest after a recent rainstorm. The hiking terrain is suitable for ages 7 and older.

Mount Willard, Whitefield Not far from the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center in Crawford Notch is the trailhead for a favorite White Mountains hike for families, the trip up 2,840-foot Mount Willard. The trail offers sure footing and rewarding views of the Presidential Range and back down into Crawford Notch. Best for elementary age kids and older.

Camping with Kids From rustic to resort-like, there are more than 170 public and private campgrounds in New Hampshire. Many campgrounds make it easy for families to make the most of their time outdoors with amenities like canoe and bike rentals, stocked fishing ponds, or easy access to hiking trails. Other campgrounds take kid-friendly to new levels with pools and water slides, arts and crafts classes, teen activities, and indoor arcades.

In our compact state, most campgrounds are within a short distance of one or more of New Hampshire’s premier tourist attractions. To cut the cost of a weekend getaway at a popular summertime destination like Hampton Beach,

8 www.parentingnh.com •

stay at a nearby campground and skip pricier hotel lodging. Some campgrounds even offer discount coupons to local attractions.

To find your perfect camping spot, check campground websites or call to inquire about child-friendly activities.

And also find out about the basics, such as whether tent sites come with picnic tables and fire rings, if pets are allowed, and what the shower facilities are like (some campgrounds make campers pay a small fee for hot water use). If the thought of leaving behind all modern conveniences is just too much for your family to bear, look for campgrounds that offer Wi-Fi and device charging stations. First-time campers – or tent campers looking for a change – may want to consider campgrounds that offer cabin accommodations. Be prepared to pay more for cabins, and be required to reserve in advance.

Need some suggestions for where to pitch your tent? Check out these familyfavorite picks.

Jellystone Park and Campground

35 Jellystone Park, New Hampton 968-9000; www.jellystonenh.com It’s the campground that feels more like a resort with a pool, slides and jampacked events calendar. The campground is convenient to Meredith and Lake Winnipesaukee.

Ashuelot River Campground

152 River Street, Swanzey 357-5777; www.ashuelotrivercampground.com This serene camping spot for families in southwest New Hampshire offers canoe and kayak rentals, and even shuttle service upstream. Bike rentals also available.

SUMMER 2017

Appalachian Mountain Club: www.amc-nh.org NH Bureau of Trails: www.nhtrails.org New Hampshire Parks and Recreation: www.nhstateparks.org

190 Court Street NH Campground Owners Association: (Route 108), Exeter www.ucampnh.com 778-7631; www.exeterelms.com With a mile of river frontage on the peaceful Exeter River, campers can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking fun. Community-building events like Bingo night are scheduled throughout the summer, and you can always play games in the arcade. Plus, you are only a 15-minute drive from Hampton Beach.

Crow's Mi-Te-Jo Campground

111 Mi-Te-Jo Road, Milton 652-9022; www.mi-te-jo.com Halfway between the ocean beaches of the Seacoast and the peaks of the White Mountains, find a little slice of idyllic family camping on the shimmering shores of Northeast Pond. A game room, playground, tennis courts, swimming beach and special all-camp activities will keep kids busy. Cabin rentals available.

Moose Hillock Campground

96 Batchelder Brook Road, Warren 764-5294; www.moosehillock.com This pet-friendly camper favorite tucked away on the western edge of the White Mountains National Forest offers a fishing pond, rec hall, nature trails, and an oversized heated swimming pool with fun Spanish galleon theme.

Alton:

Mount Major

Nest Campground

529 South Main St., Newport 863-6170; www.crowsnestcampground.com In the Lake Sunapee region, this favorite camping spot for families has special themed weekends throughout the summer, like “Halloween in August” when kids trick-or-treat through the campground and prizes are given to sites with the best decorations.

Lost River Valley Campground

951 Lost River Road, Woodstock 745-8321; www.lostriver.com Explore all the White Mountains has to offer from this pleasant campground nestled between the banks of Lost River and Walker Brook. Only a short walk from the campground entrance, pick up the Appalachian Trail as it passes through the area and take a hike on the famed footpath that stretches from Maine to Georgia. ❂

Every day is like a story you’ll remember forever!

Write your own tale of adventure with a day at Story Land! Scream aboard our unforgettable newest coaster, Roar-O-Saurus. Meet real-life storybook characters.

Feel the exhilaration of our exciting rides. Take aim with a water cannon. Every moment is an unforgettable chapter in your book of fun family memories.

PLAN A VISIT! | BUY TICKETS AT S TORY L AND NH .COM | GLEN, NH

Experience old-fashioned train rides, all departing from our 1874 Victorian station in the center of North Conway Village.

!

Children under 4 ride FREE in Coach

ConwayScenic.com (603) 356-5251

July 21-23 & 28-30 SUMMER 2017

Well-behaved dogs always welcome!

• www.parentingnh.com 9

2017

Explore NH by bike: 10 family-friendly trails

BY JACQUELINE TOURVILLE

T

aking a bike ride together is a fun way to promote getting fit as a family. Looking for a safe place to finally take the training wheels off your cycling plans? Pedal the summer away at one of these 10 kid-friendly (and bicycle-friendly) trails and recreation paths.

1. Rockingham Rail Trail: Rail

trails are reclaimed sections of railroad track that have been turned into multi-use recreation paths for public use. Bicyclists love rail trails because they are free of car traffic and provide miles of uninterrupted room to ride.

There are more than 20 rail trail systems in New Hampshire, including the Rockingham Rail Trail, stretching more than 25 miles from the Elliot Hospital in Manchester to the old rail depot building in Newfields. For the most part, the wide and even trail is packed gravel and dirt. Experienced cyclists can complete the trail round-trip in one day.

Family cyclists will want to explore the trail in smaller sections. This is easy to accomplish thanks to other access points to the trail at such stops as Massabesic Lake and Candia. For more information about accessing the trail in Manchester, go to www. manchestermoves.org. For a map and more information about the Newfields section of the trail, go to www.nhstateparks.org and search for “recreational rail trails.”

2. Mine Falls Park: With its scenic

terrain winding along the Nashua River as it passes through fields and forests, Nashua’s Mine Falls Park may be one of the most popular, and prettiest, spots in the Merrimack Valley for riding bikes. Easy access to the trail system can be found at Lincoln Park at the end of Coliseum Avenue (there’s also plenty of parking). For more information and a map, go to http://www. nashuanh.gov/491/Mine-Falls-Park.

3. Great Glen Trails: In the summer

the smooth, flat rolling carriage roads that criss-cross Great Glen Trails in Gorham become a pedaling paradise for all ages. The ski-turned-bike resort makes taking to its

10 www.parentingnh.com •

carriage trail system easy by providing bike and helmet rentals on-site. Are your kids ready for something a little more adventurous? Check out Great Glen’s “pump track” terrain park for dirt bikes and more extreme mountain biking. Go to www.greatglentrails.com for more information.

4. Franconia Notch State Park Recreational Trail: One of New

Hampshire’s crown jewels for outdoor recreation, the Franconia Notch State Park Recreational Trail is nine miles of jaw-dropping pedaling as it takes you past the state park’s most spectacular sites, including Echo Lake (where many cyclists stop to take a dip), the Old Man of the Mountain site, the Basin (another swimming hole), and the Flume Gorge. The trail is perfect for beginners and can be accessed from multiple parking lots, making it easier to customize the length of your trek. For a map, go to www.nhstateparks.org and search for “recreational rail trails.”

5. Goffstown Rail Trail: For anoth-

er off-road cycling option in the Manchester area, look no further than the Goffstown Rail Trail, a 5.5-mile stretch of packed dirt and gravel that follows the former Boston & Maine railroad tracks from the Piscataquog River near the Main Street bridge in Goffstown village, through Grasmere and the county complex, to the Manchester city line near Sarette Field in Pinardville. One of the easiest points of access for the trail is at Goffstown Parks and Recreation Center.

There’s plenty of parking available, too. For more information, go to www.goffstownrailtrail.org.

7. Northern Rail Trail: Spanning

9. Derry Rail Trail: The paved Derry

Grafton and Merrimack counties, the Northern Rail Trail clocks in as the longest rail trail in New Hampshire at more than 60 miles.

The surface of cinder ballast and stone dust is well-suited for easy mountain biking. One particularly lovely stretch leaves from the trail’s access point in downtown Lebanon and follows the Mascoma River, crossing it seven times in just the first few miles. For more information and a map, go to www. northernrailtrail.org.

Rail Trail travels along the railroad bed of the old Manchester and Lawrence Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad, and is part of a larger series of rail trails that will eventually reach all the way to Lawrence, Mass. The Derry Rail Trail can be accessed at Hood Park. For more information, go to www.derryrailtrail.org.

6. Odiorne State Park: Most

8. Silk Farm Road Bike Path:

families know Odiorne State Park in Rye as the home of the Seacoast Science Center.

What’s not well known is that the state park also offers some of the best bike trails on the Seacoast. A paved recreational path is available, plus an extensive network of gravel and partially paved trails that wind through the trees and along the salt marsh for a total of about three miles. Pack a lunch and enjoy a post-ride picnic in the park’s day use area along the shore. For more information, go to www.nhstateparks.org.

At a paved 1.3 miles in length, the Silk Farm Road Bike Path in Concord is an ideal place for a young cyclist’s first real bike ride. Parking and access to the trail can be found just past the entrance to the McLane/Silk Farm Audubon Center on Silk Farm Road. The path crosses a footbridge before reaching its end at a gate. Another unpaved trail system leaves from this same gate, but be aware that parts of this other trail system are prohibited to bike riders without permission. For a map, go to www. concordnh.gov.

SUMMER 2017

10. Lincoln Woods/Wilderness Trail: The Lincoln Woods Trail cuts

through the Pemigewasset Wilderness as it follows the path of one of the last logging railroads operating in the White Mountains.

(The Lincoln Railroad supported logging in the region until the 1940s.) The broad, nearly flat trail of packed dirt and gravel starts at the Lincoln Woods parking area on the Kancamagus Highway and follows the Pemigewasset River for approximately three miles. Leave enough time to explore riverbanks, stop for a picnic, and rest your legs before the trip back. For more information, go to www.visitwhitemountains.com. ❂

Drive • Tour • Explore MOUNT WASHINGTON Mt-Washington.com 603-466-3988

Just 25 Minutes North of North Conway

FAMILY ADVENTURE

DRIVE YOURSELF

GUIDED TOURS

Book Online Get $5 Off Per Person On 9:00 AM Guided Tours (24 hours in advance)

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 11

Let’s Get Some Culture THE ARTS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN THE MERRIMACK VALLEY • BY JACQUELINE TOURVILLE

N

ew Hampshire might be best known for its majestic mountains and scenic seashore. But in the Merrimack Valley, arts and culture are at the forefront. Concord, New Hampshire’s state capital, and Manchester, the state’s largest city, are home to a variety of museums, theaters, and other destinations that are welcoming to families and kids of all ages.

If you are in need of fun on a rainy day or want to add a cultural twist to your family’s summer plans, here’s where to go to delve into history, view world-famous art and see some kid-friendly live theater.

The Many Museums of Manchester

Capital city:

New Hampshire's State House

YOU ARE HERE

In New Hampshire’s Queen City, arts and culture reign. If you have a day, or even just an afternoon to spend in Manchester, make time for a stop at the Currier Museum. Considered to have one of the best art collections in New England, the Currier gives visitors a peek at works by such art luminaries as Picasso and Georgia O’Keeffe. This summer’s featured exhibit is the works of Claude Monet. Visiting families can make their way through the museum with the help of a special Family Guide map then visit the Discovery Gallery to take part in hands-on learning about different types of art.

It’s always nice to know a little about the history of places you visit with your kids, and a stop at Manchester’s Millyard Museum operated by the Manchester Historic Association is a must.

Housed in part of what was once one of the world’s largest textile mills, the museum explores the city’s history, from the region’s preColonial times to the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Learn how the mills turned raw cotton into cloth and stroll along a recreated Manchester city street from more than a century ago. For hands-

A poet's home:

12 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

The Robert Frost Farm

Photo courtesy of currier.org

Exploring art:

The Currier Museum

on fun, kids can complete the museum’s scavenger hunt and play a mystery objects game.

Elsewhere in the Millyard complex you’ll find the SEE Science Center, a science museum that offers hands-on exhibits about lights, sounds, electricity, simple machines, and more. The science center’s biggest draw may be its replica of the city’s historic red-brick millyard made completely of LEGOs and billed as the largest permanent LEGO mini-figure installation in the world. On Saturdays and Sundays, take part in special drop-in workshops for families.

Just outside Manchester’s city limits in Londonderry, let your kids’ imagination take flight at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire.

The museum, located a stone’s throw from the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, offers a flight simulator and informative exhibits about New Hampshire natives who made their mark in the world of aviation. The museum hosts education programs and special events throughout the summer, including the Homebuilt Aircraft Fly-In on Saturday, July 8, where “homemade” and vintage airplanes will buzz by the museum and land for viewing.

For a poetic side trip only a few miles down the road from Manchester in Derry, visit the home and farm of poet laureate Robert Frost. Maintained now as a state historic site, families can tour the house to learn more about Live performances:

The Palace Theatre

Hands-on fun:

The SEE Science Center

Boeing Stearman photo

by Juergen Lehle

Flying high: Aviation

Museum of New Hampshire Photo courtesy of the SEE Science Center

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 13

Preserving history:

Canterbury Shaker Village

Photo: courtesy Canterbury Shaker Village facebook page

Frost and his family, then follow the farm’s interpretive trail for a pleasant country ramble around the property.

Poem markers found along the trail help young poetry fans understand how Frost channeled his observations about nature into poems that stand the test of time.

Cultural Concord In Concord, it’s hard to miss the golden-domed State House, found in the heart of the capital city’s downtown district. Built in 1819, New Hampshire’s Capitol building is the oldest state house in the nation in which the legislature meets in its original chambers.

For a free self-guided tour (and perhaps the chance to see laws being made before your eyes), stop by Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kids will like the diorama in the Visitors’ Center depicting the Revolutionary War battles, including the Battle of Bunker Hill, that were led by New Hampshire militiamen.

For a deeper dive into Granite State history, visit the New Hampshire Historical Society on Park Street in Concord. All ages are encouraged to check out the institution’s one-of-a-kind treasures, including a dugout Abenaki canoe and an early snowmobile, as a way to learn more about the storied past of New Hampshire and the Merrimack Valley. The museum offers free admission to children and youth under age 18.

Elsewhere in Concord, make your way to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, a planetarium and science museum learning center that offers star shows, outer space learning exhibits and special family programming that will inspire everyone to reach for the stars.

For fun a little farther afield, just up Interstate 93 in Canterbury, visit Canterbury Shaker Village, the National Historic Landmark Village dedicated to preserving the legacy and tradition of the religious group that once called this place home. Explore 25 restored

14 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

original Shaker buildings, take part in crafts and kids’ games and go for a nature walk on trails leading through the museum’s 600 acres of forests, fields and gardens.

Live Theater and Concerts Manchester and Concord come alive in summer with theater productions and live concerts. Some kid-friendly picks to check out include: The Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord has several offerings for kids and families throughout the summer, including multiple shows by IMPACT, the professional children’s performance company of Jean’s Playhouse; Disney’s The Lion King Jr. and Beauty and the Beast, and Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. Summer Youth Theater at Palace Theatre: Celebrate summer in the city at Manchester’s Palace Theatre with live plays and musicals just for families, including Snow White, Peter Pan, and the Wizard of Oz. Live music on the lawn at the Concord Public Library: On select evenings in June, July and August, the Concord Public Library and Concord Library Foundation close Prince Street and host a festive all-ages block party complete with live music and tasty treats. Don’t miss out!

Want more? Go to www.parentingnh. com all summer long for updated theater listings. ❂

FYI Currier Museum: www.currier.org Millyard Museum: www.manchesterhistoric.org SEE Science Center: www.see-sciencecenter.org Aviation Museum of New Hampshire: www.nhahs.org Robert Frost Farm: www.robertfrostfarm.org NH General Court Visitors’ Center: www.gencourt.state.nh.us/nh_visitorcenter/ default.htm NH Historical Society: www.nhhistory.org McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center: www.starhop.com Canterbury Shaker Village: www.shakers.org Capitol Center for the Arts: www.ccanh.com Palace Theatre: www.palacetheatre.org Concord Public Library: www.concordlibraryfoundation.org

Outer space:

McAuliffeShepard Discovery Center

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 15

ADVERTORIAL

Summer is finally upon us, and kids everywhere are ready to get outside and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air! There’s no question that sunshine makes people feel good and sunshine also activates the body’s production of vitamin D. However, just as we strive to teach our children about water safety, it’s also important to educate them about the dangers of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and sunscreen is handsdown the best defense to prevent skin cancer.

Making sense of sunscreen Sun-busting Tips from a Pediatrician

S

unscreen is a must for everyone regardless of age, gender, or skin tone –a darker complexion does not make you more “sun-tolerant.”

When it comes to applying sunscreen, more is always better! Physicians recommend generously applying sunscreen every two hours any time you’re outside, even when the weather is overcast. What are the best practices for selecting and using sunscreen? Read on to find out.

Selecting the right SPF SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor,’ and generally speaking, the higher this number is, the better off you’ll be. Select a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher. SPF 30 blocks out about 97 percent of UV rays, whereas SPF 15 blocks only 93 percent. The higher the SPF, the more coverage you’ll get.

There are two types of UV rays. UVB rays are “the burning rays,” and they’re the main cause of sunburns.

However, UVA rays, the “aging rays,” cause serious damage to the epidermis (the skin’s outer layers) as well. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin’s surface, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and skin pigmentation problems. Both UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer, and in order to protect your skin from all UV rays, it’s important to select a sunscreen that boasts “Broad Spectrum” sunblock.

Although sunscreen sprays are a popular way to cover up quickly, the FDA is currently investigating whether inhaling aerosolized lotion particles could be unhealthy to the lungs. Using aerosol sprays around open flames (such as camp fires, citronella candles, etc.) is also a danger to bear in mind. For these reasons, pediatricians prefer rub-on lotions to the spray on variety. spray-on

Jennifer P. Packard, MD, MS, FAAP is a boardcertified pediatrics and internal medicine physician at CMC’s Family Health & Wellness Center in Bedford.

She received her master of science from Renesselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY and her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Packard’s interests include providing primary care to patients of all ages in the community that she lives.

16 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

Apply generously and often No sunscreen is completely waterproof, but some are water resistant for up to two hours. In fact, all sunscreens are only guaranteed to block those harmful UV rays for about two hours maximum, so regardless of whether you’re planning

to get wet or not, it’s important to reapply frequently.

It’s also crucial not to skimp on the sunscreen when you apply it. Follow this rule of thumb: use a marblesized dollop for the face, and a golf ball sized amount for the body. When applying sunscreen to kids, make sure to hit those easy-to-miss spots like the tops of the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet. Another forgotten spot is the part in your hair, as well as the skin on your lips. Consider wearing a hat to protect the scalp and look for a lip balm with SPF. Don’t forget to cover up Babies under the age of six months should not wear sunscreen due to their sensitive skin and developing body chemistries. Be sure to keep your baby dressed in loose, light, long-sleeved clothing and a hat. Better yet, make sure your baby stays in the shade at all times.

Whenever you plan to be outside, it’s important to bring along some sort of portable shade to protect you from the sun. Bring your child a cover up or shirt to throw on over their bathing suits, pack an umbrella for that beach trip, and never leave home without a good sun hat for every member of your family.

You can now purchase clothing that offers sun protection built right in. SPF swim shirts and bathing suits offer protection up to SPF 50+ and can be worn in the water. You can also find sun protecting hats and longsleeved shirts that stay cool even on the hottest of days.

Beyond the SPF: other factors to consider The sun’s rays are most dangerous during the hottest part of the day, between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. Use this time to take a break indoors, or at the least, seek shade to limit your exposure during these hours.

Use extra care when spending time near water, snow, or sand. These surfaces tend to reflect the sun’s rays and can increase your risk of sunburn.

There is no “safe” tan. Never use a tanning booth, and educate your children about the danger of knowingly exposing yourself to cancer-causing UV rays.

With a little planning and a few precautions, it’s easy to spend time outside without causing lasting damage to the skin!

Learn more about CMC’s Primary Care Practices at CatholicMedicalCenter.org or call CMC’s Primary Care Access Line at 603-314-4750 to find the provider that is right for you and your family.

2017

Take in a show!

Kid-friendly summer theater

Y

ou don’t have to travel to Broadway to find great live theater. Across New Hampshire, theater groups raise the curtain on a summer’s worth of Tony-worthy performances, including many plays and musicals produced just for families.

Here's where to find kid-friendly live theater this summer in the Granite State.

Monadnock Region Andy’s Summer Playhouse 582 Isaac Frye Highway, Wilton www.andyssummerplayhouse.org Andy’s Summer Playhouse is an innovative children-only summer theater that provides kids with an unmatched opportunity to hone their acting skills.

Started in 1971 as one play produced by the group’s two founding teachers, Andy’s Playhouse will feature more than 300 child players putting on such show stoppers in summer 2017 including: • George / Melissa, So Far (July 2029) • Posted! (Aug. 10-19) • The Amazing Adventures of Arianna Astronaut (Touring: July 24-Aug.14) Peterborough Players 55 Hadley Road, Peterborough www.peterboroughplayers.org The Peterborough Players have been earning standing ovations for their summer performances since the playhouse began in 1933. In addition to numerous productions suitable for adult audiences, this year’s summer plays for younger audiences and families include: • Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (June 24July 22) • James and the Giant Peach (Aug. 19-26).

• Teens and older kids might enjoy the comedy The Producers (Aug. 2-13)

White Mountains Jean’s Playhouse 34 Papermill Drive, Lincoln www.jeansplayhouse.com In Lincoln, the curtain goes up on Jean’s Playhouse summertime theater series for children. This summer families can catch original musical adaptations of favorite tales by the playhouse’s troupe of professionals. Shows generally last 40 minutes and are suitable for all ages. Scheduled performances for summer 2017 include: • Annie (Aug. 2-19) • You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Aug. 23-Sept. 9) Theater in the Wood 41 Observatory Way, Intervale www.believeinbooks.org/childrens-summer-theater-series You may have visited Theater in the Wood for its notoriously delicious Character Breakfasts and now it’s time to visit for some fantastic summer theater.

Presented by Jean’s Playhouse and IMPACT Productions, these original plays with unique songs present a new twist on classic tales. Shows are Fridays at 10 a.m. from June 30 – Aug. 18.

• Anansi – Keeper of the Stories (June 30) • Thumbelina (July 7) • The Bremen Town Musicians (July 14) • The Nightingale (July 21) • Snow White and Rose Red (July 28) • Momotaro – Ogre Hunter (Aug. 4) • How the Rainbow was Made (Aug. 11) • Humpelken-Pumpelken or the Adventures of Humpty Dumpty (Aug. 18) Weathervane Theater 389 Lancaster Road, Whitefield www.wvtheatreplayersnh.org The Weathervane Theater in Whitefield has been around for more than 50 years and pulls out all the stops with a summer schedule packed with programming including Hairspray the Broadway Musical and other musical favorites, including West Side Story and special performances

by the Patchwork Players, comprised of members of the Weathervane’s summer theater camp for kids. Go to the website for performance schedule.

Lakes Region Interlakes Theatre 1 Laker Lane, Meredith www.interlakeschildrenstheatre.org For family-friendly live theater along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, head to the Interlakes Theatre in Meredith, where this summer’s Broadway-style musical productions include: • Cinderella G2K (July 8-9) • Peter Pan, Jr. (July 22-23) • Into the Woods, Jr. (Aug. 5-6) • Peanut Butter & Cupcake, the Musical (Aug. 19-20) Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region New London Barn Playhouse 84 Main St., New London www.nlbarn.org If your summer travels take you to the Lake Sunapee area, check out the 2017 Children’s Theater Series at the New London Barn Playhouse for performances including: • Bookworms (July 1) • The Snow Queen (July 15) • Romeo and Juliet (July 22) • Stuart Little (July 27) • Seussical (Aug. 17 and 19) Seacoast Prescott Park Arts Festival 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth www.prescottpark.org For live theater under the stars, head to Portsmouth for the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s summer 2017 performance of Mary Poppins. Performances are every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 23 through Aug. 20. Also, don’t miss 101 Dalmatians Kids on July 29-30.

Seacoast Repertory Theatre 125 Bow St., Portsmouth www.seacoastrep.org At Portsmouth’s Seacoast Repertory Theatre, see this summer’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot (July 12, 19, 26 and Aug. 3-13). Seacoast Repertory also offers a number of youth classes throughout the summer.

Merrimack Valley Palace Theatre 80 Hanover St., Manchester www.palacetheatre.org Manchester’s Palace Theatre is celebrating summer in the city with live plays and musicals just for families with its Summer Children’s Series. Shows include: • Peter Pan (July 11-13) • The Wizard of Oz (July 18-20) • Cinderella (July 25-27) • The Little Mermaid (Aug. 1-3) • Aladdin (Aug. 8-10) • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Aug. 15-17) • Pinocchio (Aug. 22-24) • Alice in Wonderland (Aug. 29-31) • The Palace also welcomes magician BJ Hickman to their main stage for two shows on July 5 and 6.

Capitol Center for the Arts 44 South Main St., Concord www.ccanh.com If you’re hanging out in New Hampshire’s capital city this summer, then you won’t want to miss these great, kid-friendly performances by Impact Children’s Theater, RB Productions and other local summer youth groups: • Story Pirates (June 5) • Pete the Cat (June 6) • Annie, Jr. (June 30-July 1) • Bremen Musicians (July 11) • The Lion King, Jr. (July 14-15) • The Nightingame (July 18) • Snow White (July 25) • Beauty and the Beast, Jr. (July 28-29) • How the Rainbow Was Made (Aug. 8) • Humpty Dumpty (Aug. 15) ❂

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 17

Let’s Go to Story Land EXPLORE THE MOUNT WASHINGTON VALLEY • BY JACQUELINE TOURVILLE

P

lanning a trip to Story Land this summer? The amusement park provides enough rides and attractions for a day’s worth of excitement, and then some. Kids can take a spin in a teacup, travel by pumpkin coach to see Cinderella’s castle, “drive” a car, splash down the Bamboo Chutes and scream along on the Roar-O-Saurus, the only wooden roller coaster of its kind in northern New England.

When your fun at the park is done, it’s not the end of your family’s story in the White Mountains — it’s just the beginning. With so much to see and do, here’s how to add even more adventure to your Mount Washington Valley trip.

Beyond Story Land, into the Village Just a few miles down the road from Story Land is North Conway Village, a bustling village surrounded by the nearly 800,000-acre White Mountains National Forest. As a natural crossroads in the region, North Conway is a summer tourist hot spot, with restaurants aplenty, hotels and inns, and dozens of locally owned gift shops and boutiques. Park your car and explore the compact downtown area on foot. For dining and shopping, some top picks for families here include Flatbread Pizza, found on the ground floor of the Eastern Slope Inn, the Toy Chest and Zeb’s Country Store.

Also found in the village is the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center, an interactive science museum that makes weather come alive for both young and old. For the small set, there’s the Mount Washington Valley Children's Museum, a creative play spot geared for kids eight and younger. Babies and young toddlers can explore at their own pace in a separate ageappropriate play area.

For an unforgettable journey into the heart of the White Mountains, climb aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad, leaving from its main station in North Conway, and travel by vintage rail car through spectacular Crawford Notch. Shorter trips to Conway and Bartlett are also available.

In summer, area ski resorts trade in snow guns and groomed trails for warm weather alpine fun.

At nearby Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett, ride the longest zipline in New England, zoom down the slopes on a mountain coaster, and catch some air on the EuroBungy trampoline.

In the Abenaki language, Attitash means “blueberry,” and in August, the resort celebrates

18 www.parentingnh.com •

the colorful fruit with its annual Blueberry Fest. On Saturday, Aug. 5, stop by for games, face painting, live music, a blueberry pie eating contest, and lots of tasty blueberry treats. On Aug. 13 and 14, Circus Smirkus pays the mountain a visit for two fun-filled shows.

Back in North Conway, Cranmore Mountain is another ski resort that seamlessly transitions to summer. At the Cranmore Adventure Park, soar on a giant swing, go snow tubing, or take a scenic chairlift ride to a special picnic spot on Cranmore’s summit. Special events Creative play: this summer include CranMount Washington more’s annual Fourth of Valley Children's July celebration and weekly Museum concert series.

Scaling New Heights Finally, if you are near Story Land, it also means that you are near Mount Washington, the 6,289-foot “rooftop of New England” whose summit you can see shimmering in the distance almost anywhere you go in the area. For a fairytale ending to your trip, why not see what life in the clouds is really like?

By foot, you can reach the Mount Washington summit by scaling Tuckerman Ravine, a great challenge for exPhoto by perienced teen and adult hikers (find Robert Sanson the trailhead at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center). For summit views without the blisters, try the well-traveled Fast fun: Mount Washington Attitash Mountain Auto Road, also found Resort in Pinkham Notch/Route 16.

Photo courtesy of www.mwvchildrens museum.org

Side-splitting laughter: Circus

Smirkus

Photo courtesy of Attitash Mountain Ski Area

SUMMER 2017

YOU ARE HERE Breathe easy:

For over 20 years, Story Land has been one of the most popular attractions in the Breathe New Hampshire Fun Pass, a $35 discount coupon book with $2,000 in savings to more than 100 New England attractions.

See www.breathenh.org/ funpass for details. Proceeds support lung health.

Photo courtesy of Breathe NH

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 19

FYI Story Land: www.storylandnh.com Flatbread Pizza: www.flatbreadcompany.com Toy Chest: www.toychestnh.com Zeb’s Country Store: www.zebs.com Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center: www.mountwashington.org Mount Washington Valley Children's Museum: www.mwvchildrensmuseum.org Conway Scenic Railroad: www.conwayscenic.com Attitash Mountain Resort: www.attitash.com Circus Smirkus: www.smirkus.org Cranmore Mountain: www.cranmore.com Mount Washington Auto Road: www.mtwashingtonautoroad.com

walk-ins welcome

Strong winds: Photo courtesy of www.mtwashingtonvalley.org

perfect for

Bi rt hd a y Pa rtie s you climbth day c ing am in Jul p y

ate corpor m a te g buildin s m progra

Climbing is a great activity for families, friends, and a fantastic way to meet other people!

Besides breathtaking vistas in all directions, the summit houses a cafeteria, gift shop, and the Mount Washington Observatory and its museum.

Take it all in, and when it’s time for the descent, be forewarned: the trek down Mount Washington may just make you feel like you’re back on the Roar-o-saurus at Story Land. ❂

Climb high:

Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park

MAnChesTer: 250 CoMMerCiAl sT • 603-943-7571 nAshuA: 25 e. oTTerson sT • 603-625-6919

verticaldrea ms.com

Outdoor Climbing Trips • Group Classes Available!

20 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center

Photo courtesy of www.cranmore.com

Located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains

I-93 Exit 32, 1712 Lost River Road, North Woodstock

“Superb Adventure in Beautiful Setting” – TripAdvisor

Twisting and Turning Boardwalks Suspension Bridge v Boulder Caves v Evening Lantern Tours v Live Animal Presentations v Scenic Views... and much more! v v

1off

SAVE $

per person

Not Valid with any other offers or for Special Tours or Events.

Offer expires 10/15/17 ~ PNHSGUIDE

603.745.8031 • lostrivergorge.com

LRG17_Parenting-Summer-Guide.indd 1

5/31/2017 3:47:43 PM

Story Land & Santa’s Village Packages Our two night Story Land and Santa’s Village packages provide all the fun of a magical visit. Choose from one of two of New England’s most popular attractions, with resort accommodations, breakfast, and passes to Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park.

It’s fun for the whole family!

800-RJACKET north conway, nh

redjacketresorts.com

vacations perfected SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 21

2017

The frozen eight

Beat the heat with one of these delicious ice cream desserts

BY MICHELLE LAHEY

I

scream, you scream, we all scream for…ice cream parfaits and piledhigh sundaes. Yes, the humid days of summer are [almost] officially here, and the only way to cool down is with an indulgent dose of ice cream. Thankfully, dairy lovers are not limited to the same old cones and scoops anymore. Read on to see what unique seasonal offerings you can beat the heat with this season.

Brain Freezer

Bish-burgers

Polar Joe

Moo’s Place Homemade Ice Cream

Bishop’s Homemade

Lago’s Homemade Ice Cream

27 Crystal Ave., Derry 425-0100 www.moosplace.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: It’s a tough decision on every hot day – slushie or ice cream?

Fortunately, Moo’s Place’s Brain Freezers make the decision easy by combining them both. The Brain Freezers mix any current flavor of Super Slushes (like Panther Pink Watermelon, Performance Red Cherry, or Split Second Banana) with any available flavor of soft serve ice cream (such as pina colada, black raspberry, or blueberry). The refreshing possibilities are endless.

183 Cottage St., Littleton 444-6039 www.bishopshomemadeicecream.com

71 Lafayette Road, Rye 964-9880 www.lagosicecream.com

WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: Bish-burgers are Bishop’s version of an ice cream sandwich.

Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies sandwich your choice of homemade ice cream flavor. While Bishop’s flavors rotate regularly, expect options such as butter pecan, banana cream pie, and “Bishop’s Bash,” which is dark chocolate ice cream made with chocolate chips, nuts, and brownie chunks.

WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: If you’re looking to combine your morning cup of joe with an indulgent homemade ice cream, Lago’s is your place. Their Polar Joes blend your choice of ice cream – such as coffee Oreo, mocha chip or French vanilla – with cold coffee. Topped off with whipped cream, this decadent drink also provides a necessary caffeine boost when your energy starts to wane.

Courtesy photo

22 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

Cider Donut Sundae

Memories Ice Cream 95 Exeter Road, Kingston 642-3737 www.memoriesicecream.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: You no longer have to wait until the fall to enjoy a delicious cider donut – and in the summer, you have the added bonus of enjoying said donut with ice cream. “We’d have to say the most unique dish would be our Cider Donut Sundae,” said Dawn Padfield, co-owner. This sundae consists of two or three scoops of creamy homemade vanilla (or diner’s choice) ice cream, topped with cider donuts, caramel, whipped cream, and a dusting of cinnamonsugar.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Chocolate Peanut Parfait

Golick’s Dairy Bar

Make-Your-Own Sundae Bar Ice Cream Flight

Beech Hill Farm & Ice Cream Barn

Jordan’s Ice Creamery

107 Beech Hill Road, Hopkinton 223-0828 www.beechhillfarm.com/ ice-cream-barn

894 Laconia Road, Belmont; 593 Endicott Street, N. Laconia 267-1900 www.facebook.com/jordansic WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: When an ice cream stand boasts over two decades of business, you know their product has got to be good. And with rotating unique flavors such as Salted Caramel Kettle Corn, Raspberry Cheesecake, and Sweet Cream and Brownie, to name a few, a flight is the best way to try a variety of goodies. Flights let you try four scoops of flavors, served on a wooden paddle – and patrons get to keep the paddle after the ice cream is gone. (Side note: If you’d rather commit to one flavor, Jordan’s occasionally has donut cones available. Yes – donut cones.)

of summer, but The Big 1’s version may be the mindchanger we need. Instead of a disruptive snowstorm, The Big 1 blends vanilla, chocolate, or twist soft serve with your favorite toppings — including everything from strawberries to blueberry pie to chocolate pretzels to cookie dough, and (basically) everything in-between.

WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: At Beech Hill Farm, diners get their ice cream fix done their way at the make-your-own sundae bar. Choose from 75 flavors of Blake’s Creamery and Gifford’s ice cream, and pile the bowl high with as many or as few of the 20 different toppings as you like to create a sundae or a banana split. No matter what flavor or toppings you choose, this is most certainly a creative way to cool down.

683 Calef Highway (Route 125), Barrington; 17 Sawyer Ave., Rochester 664-9633; 330-3244 www.golicksdairybar.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: Is there any flavor combination better than that of chocolate and peanuts? The only way to make it better is by adding ice cream – in this case, soft serve (non-dairy soft serve is also available at Golick’s). “It has layers of hot fudge and peanuts and is topped with whipped cream and [more] peanuts,” said Alan Golick, owner and manager. Diners get to choose a flavor of soft serve, and with up to 50 different flavors to choose from, the hardest part will be making a final decision. ❂

Michelle Lahey is a food writer who was born and raised in New Hampshire. She also blogs about food at www.ahoppymedium. blogspot.com.

Nor’easters

The Big 1 Ice Cream Stand 185 Concord St., Nashua www.thebig1icecream.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: We all want to forget about Nor’easters during the blissful days

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 23

Let’s Go Outlet Shopping in TAX-FREE SUMMER FUN

BY JACQUELINE TOURVILLE

YOU ARE HERE

I

f you’re packing up the car for a trip to the White Mountains, leave extra room if you plan to go anywhere near the peak shopping destination of Settlers Green Outlet Village in North Conway, billed as New England's largest taxfree shopping outlet. Filled with popular outlet and retail stores, from Adidas to Zales, this shoppers’ paradise has something for everyone, and (shh…) can even help you get a jump on back-toschool shopping.

What can you expect and what else is there to do besides shop? Here’s how to navigate a very different kind of White Mountains adventure.

The Growing Green Settlers Green Outlet Village was the first outlet center to open in North Conway. But it has since been joined by three others: Settlers Streetside, Settlers Crossing, and Settlers Corner. Clustered on both sides of Route 16 at the southern edge of North Conway, each shopping area has its own featured stores,

24 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

for a sweet snack, stop by the White Mountain Cupcakery. For added fun after you shop and dine, take in one of the Outlet Village’s free outdoor summer movie nights, or head to Starbucks for free live music concerts.

And if your day trip to shop has rapidly turned into a weekend away in the Whites, hotel accommodations are nearby and plentiful. Just steps away from the stores (as in, park your car at the hotel and walk a few feet to start shopping) is the North Conway Grand Hotel. Despite its lofty-sounding name, the hotel is a family-friendly gem, with three pools, playground, arcade and free movie night. Besides shopping, it’s easy to use the hotel as a launching pad to explore the rest of the North Conway

and its own flavor. The original Outlet Village has lots of shops to choose from, including outlet versions of many favorite mall stores, including Justice, Children’s Place, Osh Kosh B’Gosh, American Eagle, and Banana Republic. The Outlet Village is also home to a Yankee Candle outlet, Stonewall Kitchen, and a Lindt Chocolate shop.

At nearby Settlers Streetside, the shopping turns it up a hipster notch with shops such as Columbia Sportswear, Skechers, and Francesca’s (opening summer 2017). For smart and sporty shopping, head to Settlers Crossing where your choices include Booksa-Million, Starbucks, and a giant LL Bean Outlet store. If you’ve got a home building or redecorating project waiting for you when you return from your trip, swing by Settlers Corner for North Conway outposts of favorite retailers Home Depot and Home Goods.

When You are Done Shopping What fun is it to shop on an empty stomach? The Settlers area offers many dining spots that are a hit with families.

For burgers and fries, try the Black Cap Grille or Wicked Fresh Craft Burgers.

Pizza is fresh from the oven at Brandli's Pizza Grille. If you’re more in the mood

region, including Story Land, just miles up the road.

Elsewhere in North Conway is the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort. This hillside hotel has stunning views of the surrounding mountains, but families flock here because of what’s inside the hotel: the Kahuna Laguna Water Park, a deluxe 40,000-square-foot indoor water park that is a destination unto itself.

Another lodging favorite for shoppers is the Colonial Motel, also found on the White Mountain Highway. The tidy motel offers all the basics at a budget-friendly rate. Ask about its Settlers Green specials to save more, so you have a little more to spend.

And no matter big or small your spree, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs. ❂

North Conway

FYI North Conway Area Guide: www.northconwaynh.com Settlers Green North Conway: www.settlersgreen.com Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce: www.mtwashingtonvalley.org

Stay and play:

Below: Red Jacket Mountain View Resort Lower left: North Conway Grand Hotel

North Conway Grand Hotel: www.northconwaygrand.com Red Jacket Mountain View Resort: www.redjacketresorts.com White Mountain Cupcakery: www.wmcupcakery.com

Sweet rewards:

White Mountain Cupcakery Photos (left to right) courtesy of North Conway Grand Hotel, Red Jacket Resorts and www.wmcupcakery.com

ADDED BONUS!

ORT DRIVE AWAYnt to take a H S A S IE R E W E R st wa THREE B y, or if you ju er

u thirst y that off has made yo pubs nearb g w in re p b p s/ o e sh ri e If w are three bre break, there in the area. rs e e b ty daily. st e fin of their facili rs u to some of the rs e ff ying mpany o ing room tr Brewing Co e in the tast m days, ti Tuckerman t e c m le so se IPA. On ur, spend ile to kp e c th o ir r R e r ft o A Alt e sure to pa e Headwall concerts. B ly d ke n e o beers like th ri m -f S in offers family OAT Mounta the brewery at ribs at M re ut you can g b , e rs m u so to h r it e ff w o r e ’t s e n b o r d u yo . They re to try Mis Brewing Co nger. Be su lo y a st to House and t an Inn if you w ilable. stay at their always ava is h ic h w y, rr e e in Bangor, b e lu V’s B wery may b re b s y’ u want to n a p wing Com ce to go if yo re la p B e g o th D is a Se wpub Head Light this new bre luding Owl’s c in !)

4 (1 s Maine, but rew lection of b try a wide se om t. a e y Wh gbrewing.c or Raspberr www.seado • m o .c in ta oun ww.moatm ing.com • w w re b n a rm www.tucke Photo courtesy of www.tuckerman brewing.com

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 25

What if it rains?

2017

Where to find summertime fun in New Hampshire on a rainy day

Photo courtesy of www.skyzone.com

I

t’s raining, it’s pouring, and the kids are driving you crazy. But fear not, because there are plenty of places in New Hampshire where you can take your family, have some fun and retain your sanity. Here’s a list of some of our favorite educational centers, museums, and indoor play areas.

and huge – LEGO-made diorama shows Manchester as it looked in 1900. www. see-sciencecenter.org NUThin’ but GOOD TIMES, Merrimack NUThin’ but GOOD TIMES! is a huge indoor play space that caters to kids of all ages. Older kids can explore large indoor play equipment, complete with mazes, activities, tunnels, and slides; younger kids will love the soft-play

structure. While the kids are tiring themselves out, parents can grab something to eat from the café, plug into the free Wi-Fi or read a book and relax. www. nuthinbutgoodtimes.com

style artisans demonstrating their crafts – from making brooms and basketry to building furniture – then try their hand at making some traditional children’s crafts. www.shakermuseum.org

Enfield Shaker Museum, Enfield Spend the day at Shaker Village in Enfield and you will finally have an answer for the question: just who were the Shakers? Kids can watch skilled Shaker-

NH Boat Museum, Wolfeboro Want to build a boat with your kids?

You can this summer at the NH Boat Museum in Wolfeboro. On display at the museum is an array of canoes, guide boats, sailboats and other water craft that have dotted the waters of the Lakes Region throughout the centuries. The Museum offers workshops where families can sign up to assemble a simple canoe, kayak or skiff. www.nhbm.org

Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, Dover There is no shortage of things to do at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. Check out the brand new STEAM Innovation Lab, where drop-in workshops are held every day. Start at the construction station and engineer your own flying machine at the Build It. Fly It. using colorful foam pieces in a variety of shapes. And don’t miss the Tinkering Lab, Cave Explorers, and several other exhibits. The museum also hosts a variety of special events and workshops. www.childrens-museum.org.

SEE Science Center, Manchester SEE Science Center, located on Bedford Street in the city’s historic Millyard District, has two floors of hands-on science, with something to keep every kid busy, including touch-and-try exhibits on light, electricity, forces, momentum, sound and the SEE’s centerpiece, the LEGO Millyard Project. The impressive –

26 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, Londonderry If planes are more your thing, you’ll find airplane models, photographs and memorabilia of Granite State's history in the air at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire. The museum is housed in the original Art Deco terminal building built in 1937. www.aviationmuseumofnh.org

Photo courtesy of www. seacoastsciencecenter.org

SkyVenture New Hampshire, Nashua If you really want to take fight, head to SkyVenture for adrenaline-boosting activities. SkyVenture offers indoor skydiving, indoor surfing, and a rock climbing wall, to name just a few exhilarating things to do. www.skyventurenh.com

MORE PLACES TO GO WHEN IT’S RAINING OUTSIDE: Airzone • Exeter • www.airzonekids.com Currier Museum of Art • Manchester • www.currier.org Funspot • Laconia • www.funspotnh.com Funworld • Nashua • www.funworldnh.com Launch Trampoline Park • Nashua www.launchnashua.com North Country Climbing Center • Lisbon www.northcountryclimbing.com Rye Airfield • Rye • www.ryeairfield.com Seacoast Science Center • Rye www.seacoastsciencecenter.org Twice the Fun • Dover • www.twicethefunnh.com Vertical Dreams • Manchester www.verticaldreams. com

2 0 1 7 Summer Seas on

American Independence Museum, Exeter The museum has recently opened a new hands-on exhibit for children.

Have your child try on Colonial clothing, learn what games were played and how children lived in Colonial America. Their knowledgeable guides can answer any questions that arise.

You can consult the exhibit directions online before visiting in order to know what to expect. www.independencemuseum.org

Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Manchester Have you tried out an indoor trampoline park? Jump around at Sky Zone! Get a workout by trying out the Main Court (free jump), the Foam Zone (freestyle jumping into foam), Ultimate Dodgeball, SkySlam, and more. Sky Zone also offers a program for toddlers throughout the week. www.skyzone.com/ manchester ❂

For tickets call our box office at 603-924-7585 or visit us online at pe terb oroug hp l a yers.org SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 27

2017

Fry it up

Go ahead and indulge with these fried seafood favorites in NH

BY MICHELLE LAHEY

I

it’s hard to beat New England seafood, especially during the summer. And while freshly caught lobster, shrimp, and haddock are delicious when delicately prepared, nothing beats a good old-fashioned deep-frying. From fried fish sandwiches to fried clams, here is where to get your fried seafood fix this summer.

28 www.parentingnh.com •

Haddock Nuggets

Smelt Dinner

The Beach Plum

Windjammer’s Seafood Restaurant

2800 Lafayette Road (Route 1), Portsmouth; 11 Brickyard Square (Route 125), Epping 433-3339; 679-3200 www.thebeachplum.net WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING:

Haddock nuggets are basically the adult (and much more delicious) version of those other nuggets sold at fast-food chains. These fresh, deep-fried delights are sold at The Beach Plum’s Portsmouth and Epping locations, in pint- or quart-size.

If you’re feeling extra hungry, order a bowl of clam chowder to help wash down the meal.

SUMMER 2017

Newick’s Famous Seafood Platter

Newick’s Lobster House

Fish & Chips

Johnson’s Seafood and Steak

240 Portland St., Rochester 332-9622 www.windjammersrestaurant. com

431 Dover Point Road, Dover; 317 Loudon Road, Concord 742-3205; 225-2424 www.newicks.com

69 State Route 11; New Durham; 1334 1st NH Turnpike (Route 4), Northwood 859-7500; 942-7300 www.eatatjohnsons.com

WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING:

WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING:

WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: :

Any restaurant that boasts the motto “we’ll fry almost anything” is worthy of a visit. Especially when that same restaurant offers a seafood platter, piled high with fried fish. Newick’s Famous Seafood Platter comes with fresh dry-packed sea scallops, whole clams, baby shrimp, and North Atlantic haddock. In case that’s not enough food, patrons also get their choice of French fries or chips and coleslaw on the side.

Fish and chips just taste better in the summer. Johnson’s Seafood and Steak’s version showcases a hand-battered haddock fillet with homemade tartar sauce for necessary dipping – and, of course, French fries.

Wash the meal down with an ice cold craft beer from Johnson’s extensive draft list (especially at the Northwood location). You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to London in no time.

Smelts weren’t always on Windjammer’s seafood-laden menu, but after numerous diners requested them, these small sea creatures were added. “I think that, for many people, smelts are a treat they would never prepare at home, and they do not often find them at other seafood restaurants,” said Kim Seckendorf, owner. The smelts are hand-breaded to order, and come with your choice of side.

Fried Oysters

Petey’s Summertime Seafood and Bar 1323 Ocean Boulevard, Rye 433-1937 www.peteys.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING:

If the texture of a raw oyster doesn’t agree with your palate, a fried oyster will make you an instant fan of these tasty mollusks. At Petey’s, patrons can enjoy fried oysters as an appetizer with cocktail or tartar sauce, or as a meal, where they’re served with French fries (a side of Petey’s famous coleslaw can also be added for an additional $1.69).

If you’re visiting to feast, try one of Petey’s many lobster dishes as well; they catch their own here.

Fried Clams

Brown’s Lobster Pound 407 NH Highway 286, Seabrook 474-3331 www.brownslobsterpound.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING:

No fried seafood list is complete without a mention of fried clams. And

at Brown’s, the fried clams are really something special. The clams are first dipped in an egg wash, then they’re dredged in flour, then they go back in the egg wash before being dunked in cracker crumbs. The end result are fried clams that aren’t weighed down with batter and grease – just plump clams coated in a light, crunchy texture.

Fried Lobster

The Lobster Boat Restaurant 453 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack; 273 Derry Road, Litchfield; 75 Portsmouth Ave., Exeter 424-5221; 882-4988; 583-5183 www.lobsterboatrestaurant.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING:

Fresh lobster dipped in melted butter or mixed with mayonnaise and piled high on a hot dog bun are both delicious, but deep-fried lobster might just have them beat. At The Lobster Boat, diners can get a plate of straight-up fried lobster, or lobster with shrimp for a bit more variety (if you’re feeling extra adventurous, come up with your own two-way combo). All fried dinners are served with French fries and coleslaw for a balanced summer meal.

the “natural” choice for your child’s birthday party!

Spread Your Wings Days Come play in our Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom!

Calling All Nature Explorers! We’ll venture out on the trails and into the woods and see what we can discover!

Story and Craft Time Listen to a fun tale in our Hemlock Grove Story Telling Circle, then create a nature craft project.

5th Annual Monarch Festival Sept. 9, 9-4

www.petalsinthepines.com

�

126 Baptist Rd., Canterbury, NH � (603) 783-0220

Cheshire Children’s Museum Center at Keene 149 Emerald Street, Keene, NH 603-903-1800 www.cheshirechildrensmuseum.org

The Surf Fleuben

Surf Restaurant 207 Main St., Nashua; 99 Bow St., Portsmouth 595-9293; 334-9855 www.surfseafood.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING:

Photo courtesy of Brown’s Lobster Pound

If you’re looking for a fried seafood treat that’s a little less traditional, head over to Surf in Nashua or Portsmouth.

Their Surf Fleuben – a riff on the Reuben sandwich – is comprised of crispy fried flounder on grilled rye bread with Cabot cheddar and Thousand Island dressing. ❂

Michelle Lahey is a food writer who was born and raised in New Hampshire. She also blogs about food at www.ahoppymedium.blogspot.com.

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 29

Let’s Go to Weirs Beach START AT THE BEACH AND END UP IN THE CLOUDS

BY JACQUELINE TOURVILLE

D

o you need a sign that it’s time for a vacation at the lake? Look no further than the vintage neon sign pointing the way to Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee. At this classic summer hot spot, relax on an idyllic stretch of sand, splash in the shimmering water, then explore a boardwalk area filled with family-friendly attractions.

Beach, Games and Fun The easiest way to enjoy a day at Weirs Beach is to plop down a beach blanket and join the crowds along the scenic stretch of shoreline. The “beach” part of Weirs Beach is actually

Endicott Rock State Park, which provides seasonal lifeguards, public bath houses and ample picnic facilities.

Après-swim and sun, head to the Weirs Beach boardwalk area for tourist attractions galore. Check out the Winnipesaukee Pier for classic arcade games and miniature golf. Across the street, Logs of Fun and Daytona Fun Park offers a 24-foot climbing wall, go karts, bumper boats, batting cages and more. For more adventure, check out the zip lines and ropes climbing courses at Monkey Trunks.

Or how about challenging your kids to a game of Pac-Man? At nearby Funspot, the current Guinness world record holder for largest arcade in the world, you will find plenty of “vintage” favorites mixed in with today’s 3D, virtual-reality video games.

If you’re ready to settle back and relax, listen for the toot-toot of the train whistle and hop aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Traveling from the Weirs Beach boardwalk to Lakeport and back again, this excursion in refurbished Pullman cars takes your family past some of Lake Winnipesaukee’s most breathtaking scenery. It’s also possible to board the train further north in Meredith.

If the lure of all that blue makes you want to go out on the lake, you have options. Just north of the beach, boat rentals are available from Anchor Marine.

You can even buy a New Hampshire fishing license at the same time. (Fun fact: Lake Winnipesaukee is known for its prime trout and largemouth bass fishing.)

Party in style:

M/S Mount Washington

Photo courtesy of the Lakes Region Tourism Association

30 www.parentingnh.com •

Photo courtesy of the Lakes Region Tourism Association

SUMMER 2017

Enjoy the view:

Photo courtesy of www.castleintheclouds.com

Castle in the Clouds

You can also turn your time on the lake into a party.

On select evenings throughout the summer, board the M/S Mount Washington for Family Party Night and dance the night away as you and your kids take a spectacular cruise around Lake Winnipesaukee. The party gets started at 6 p.m. and includes dinner and family entertainment. The M/S Mount Washington boards from Weirs Beach. Go to www.cruisenh.com for tickets and times. Kids under 13 cruise free.

In keeping with the beach’s retro feel, end your day at Weirs Beach by taking in a movie at the Weirs Beach Drive-In. It’s one of the oldest — and last of the remaining — drive-in movie theaters in the state. Showing a double feature every night at dusk, the drive-in is conveniently located right near that aforementioned Weirs Beach sign. The box office opens at 7 p.m.

Beyond The Weirs – Explore the Lakes Region Weirs Beach is an easy starting point to explore more Lakes Region favorites for families. Close by in Laconia, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia offers plenty of trails for rambling in the quiet of nature. But the center’s star is its Natural Playscape, a woodland playground that connects children with nature through free-form play. Find a forest kitchen, tree house, music and loose parts areas, a teepee, hill slide, tree swing and a fairy house building area. It’s a perfect combination for hours of creative play in the great outdoors.

In picturesque Meredith just north of Weirs Beach, take in a show at the Children’s Summer Theatre in

YOU ARE HERE

Worth the trip:

Interlakes Summer Theatre and Prescott Farm

Photo courtesy of the Interlakes Summer Theatre

Photo courtesy of www.prescottfarm.org

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 31

Photo courtesy of the Lakes Region Tourism Association

Kid pleasers:

Hart's Turkey Farm and Monkey Trunks

Photo courtesy of hartsturkeyfarm.com

Meredith Village. This year’s performances include Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Into the Woods, Jr. No need to worry about rain or excessive heat ruining your fun – all shows are performed in air-conditioned comfort at Inter-Lakes Auditorium.

Hit the rails: Hungry? Stop at Hart’s Turkey Farm, where it’s Thanksgiving in Winnipesaukee July – and every month of the year – at this 500-seat Meredith landmark.

Scenic Railroad Order turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings, or stick to sandwiches and lighter summer fare.

In Moultonborough, take a trip into the clouds at Castle in the Clouds, a sumptuous 19th-century mansion perched high atop a mountain overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. Visit the castle for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains and to learn more about Tom and Olive Plant, the couple who built this palatial home. The estate’s grounds are equally spectacular and visitors are welcome to explore more than 45 miles of winding walking trails. Along the way, find a waterfall, ponds and gardens in full bloom. Almost anywhere here is the pictureperfect spot for a picnic. ❂

Photo courtesy of the Lakes Region Tourism Association

FYI Funspot: www.funspotnh.com Logs of Fun and Daytona Fun Park: www.logsoffunnh.com Monkey Trunks: www.monkeytrunks.com Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad: www.hoborr.com Anchor Marine: www.anchormarine.net

It's in the water:

Widemouth bass

M/S Mount Washington: www.cruisenh.com Weirs Beach Drive In: www.weirsdrivein.com Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center: www.prescottfarm.org Children’s Summer Theatre: www.interlakeschildrenstheatre.org

32 www.parentingnh.com •

Hart’s Turkey Farm: www.hartsturkeyfarm.com

SUMMER 2017

Castle in the Clouds: www.castleintheclouds.org

NG

N E W HAM

P

M

I LY

IT

E

IRE

PA R

TI

SH

FA

1316 Brookline Rd, Mason NH 603-878-2308 www.parkersmaplebarn.com Open 7 days for breakfast & lunch

EN

Visit our unique restaurant, set in an 1800’s dairy barn and silo. Our famous breakfast is served all day!

FAV O

2016

R

Summer hours: June 3-Sept 3 Mon-Fri: 8 am-2 pm Sat & Sun: 7 am-2 pm

JOURNEY WITH US. Your child is a precious gift from God and there’s no one else in the world like him. You’ve already given him an amazing start to life.

Let us help you with his next journey.

Shine Brighter.

LEARN MORE at catholicschoolsnh.org SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 33

2017

Summer fairs and festivals

State fairs Stratham Fair Thursday, July 20 through Sunday, July 23 Stratham Hill Park Route 33 in Stratham www.strathamfair.com North Haverhill Fair Wednesday, July 26 through Sunday, July 30 1299 Dartmouth College Highway in Haverhill www.nohaverhillfair.com Canterbury Fair Saturday, July 29 Baptist Road in Canterbury www.canterburyfair.com Cheshire Fair Wednesday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Aug. 6 Monadnock Highway in Swanzey www.cheshirefair.org Belknap County 4-H Fair When: Saturday, Aug.12 and Sunday, Aug.13 Mile Hill Road in Belknap www.bc4hfair.org

Cornish Fair Friday, Aug. 18 through Sunday, Aug. 20 Town House Road in Cornish www.cornishfair.org Hopkinton State Fair Friday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 4 State Fairgrounds in Contoocook www.hsfair.org Lancaster Fair Thursday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept.4 516 Main St. in Lancaster www.lancasterfair.com Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair Friday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sept.10 15 Hill Dale Lane in New Boston www.hcafair.com Deerfield Fair Thursday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 1 Deerfield Fairgrounds Route 43 in Deerfield www.deerfieldfair.com

Sandwich Fair Friday, Oct. 7 through Sunday, Oct. 9 Sandwich Fairgrounds Route 109 North in Center Sandwich www.thesandwichfair.com Family-friendly events Master Sand Sculpting Competition Thursday, June 15 through Saturday, June 17 Hampton Beach, Ocean Boulevard, Hampton www.hamptonbeach.org Watch sculptors transform sand into magical works of art. This three-day event also features sand sculpting lessons, live music and fireworks.

Hillsborough Balloon Fest & Fair Thursday, July 6 through Sunday, July 9 Grimes Field in Hillsborough www.balloonfestival.org More than 30,000 people attend the annual Balloon Festival & Fair. Balloon flights, carnival midway, parade, road race, food, live entertainment and fireworks.

DON’T MISS THE 2017 CHESHIRE FAIR August 3-6 • Swanzey, NH

“Red, White & Blue – This Fair’s for You!” Agricultural & 4-H Exhibits Demolition Derby Children’s Tent Butterfly Tent

Come get your hands wet! n n n n n n n

Midway

live animals & hands-on exhibits hourly visitor programs Pre-K programs & day camp indoor & outdoor tide pooling playgound & picnic area nature trails summer concert series

Fireworks

Truck & Tractor Pulls Draft Horse Pulls Pond Hill Rodeo Magic Acts & much, much more!

Celebrating 25 years of ocean education in Odirone Point State Park.

570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, NH

603-436-8043

www.seacoastsciencecenter.org

34 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

More info at www.cheshirefair.org

Fairyland Festival Saturday, July 8 Cate Park in Wolfeboro www.wolfeborochildren.org Cate Park in Wolfeboro turns into a magical and enchanted place for the annual Fairyland Festival.

Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally (formerly the Pittsfield Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally) Friday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 6 Drake Field on Route 28 in Pittsfield www.facebook.com/PittsfieldRotary BalloonRally This is a free event with free entertainment. Check out the hot air balloons, super night glow, pancake breakfast, carnival and midway rides, food, live entertainment and fireworks.

League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair Saturday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 13 Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury www.nhcrafts.org More than 350 crafts-people showcase their work at the Craftsmen’s Fair. If it’s made by hand, you’ll find it here — jewelry, textiles, wood, furniture, glass, pottery and more. Don’t forget to pick up a limited-edition annual holiday ornament.

26th Jaffrey Festival of Fireworks Saturday, Aug. 19 Jaffrey Airfield in Jaffrey www.jaffreyfireworks.com Live entertainment, food, games, 35minute firework show; $8-$325 depending on group size and vehicle.

Hampton Beach Children’s Festival Monday, Aug. 14 through Friday, Aug. 18 Ocean Boulevard in Hampton www.hamptonbeach.org/events/ childrens-events A week’s worth of free fun and events for the kids, all leading up to a costume parade on Friday.

North Country Moose Festival Friday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, Aug. 27 Downtown Colebrook www.northcountrychamber.org The North Country Moose Festival weekend-long event includes craft booths, classic car show and a moosecalling contest, along with food and live entertainment.

New Hampshire Highland Games Friday, Sept.15 through Sunday, Sept. 17 Loon Mountain on Route 112 in Lincoln www.nhscot.org

Watch traditional highland games as well as enjoy live music, demonstrations and special kids' events like storytelling, crafts, games and the junior games.

www.ribfestnh.com Enjoy the best barbecue in New Hampshire with entertainment, music and activities for kids.

Annual Fairy House Tour Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24 The grounds of the Governor John Langdon House, Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park and Peirce Island in Portsmouth www.prescottpark.org Bring your kids and enjoy the world’s largest fairy house tour.

Fire on the Mountain Chili Fest Sunday, Aug. 20 Pat’s Peak Ski Area on Flanders Road in Henniker www.chilinewhampshire.org Head to Pat’s Peak for a celebration of all things spicy and hot. This is an annual fundraiser for the Henniker Rotary Club.

Food and drink events Best of NH Party Thursday, June 15 Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, 1 Line Drive in Manchester www.bestofnh.com The annual Best of NH Party is a tasting event that celebrates New Hampshire Magazine’s readers’ poll and editor’s pick winners. More than 60 booths will have award-winning food and beverages and there is also live music and entertainment.

Rock’n Ribfest Friday, June 16 through Sunday, June 18 Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Merrimack

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival Friday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sept. 10 Hampton Beach on Ocean Boulevard in Hampton www.hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com The only place you’ll find fresher seafood and more variety is in the ocean itself!

This festival features 60 of the Seacoast’s top restaurants serving everything from fried clams to lobster along with landlubber fare like BBQ ribs, onion blossoms and desserts. Craft vendors, music and fireworks add to this not-tomiss event. ❂

HAMPTON BEACHHNew Hampshire Summer Happiness...

at the #1 rated U.S.A. Super Star Beach!

HHHHH

Super star rating: National Resources Defense Council "Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches" top 100 beaches water quality & safety. Hampton Beach in top 5 beaches & top 10 resorts in USA.

• Over 100 Free Nightly Concerts • 18 Spectacular Fireworks Displays Every Wed. Night & Holidays • World Class 17th Annual Master Sand Sculpting Classic $15,000 in prizes, June 15-16-17 • Volleyball Tournaments June-July-August • Children’s Festival, Aug. 14-18 • Talent Competition, Aug. 25-26-27 • Seafood Festival, Sept. 8-9-10

For FREE Travel Guide or to view our Beach Cam, visit www.hamptonbeach.org 2015

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 35

Let’s Go to Hampton Beach SUN, SURF, AND BOARDWALK FUN ON THE OCEAN

BY JACQUELINE TOURVILLE

Monday night:

Family-friendly movies

A

pproximately 2.5 million visitors will walk the sands of Hampton Beach this summer. What’s the appeal of this particular stretch of Atlantic Ocean coastline?

Hampton’s magic is a combination of sand, surf, and a bustling boardwalk scene that is filled with fun, excitement, and plenty of free things to do. Most locals say summer just isn’t complete without a trip to Hampton Beach. Make this the summer your family finds out why.

Free for All Hampton Beach knows how to show beach-goers a good time. Its pristine sandy beach always seems to have enough room for everyone’s blanket and beach umbrella. Lifeguards are on duty. Bathhouses are plentiful. And even on the busiest of days, there will be a parking spot waiting for you (even if takes a little patience to find). And there’s more. After a day in the sun, head to the Seashell Stage to take in a free concert held weekend evenings and select weeknights throughout the summer. On Monday nights, check out the free family-friendly movie; a free fireworks display lights up the night sky every Wednesday on the beach.

Another fun freebie for families is the oversized public playground located right on the beach. (Look for it as Route 1A crosses G Street.) It is fenced in for safety, and it has a sandy bottom for soft landings and plenty of fun equipment to keep kids busy. Also free of charge is the Hampton Beach Children’s Festival, held this year from Aug. 14 to 18. It’s a week filled with games and activities for kids of all ages, culminating in a giant costumed children’s parade on Friday, Aug. 18.

YOU ARE HERE

36 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

Creative fun:

200 tons of imported sand is transformed into art at the annual Sand Sculpting Competition.

Boardwalk Fun Route 1A/Ocean Boulevard slices an almost straight line through Hampton Beach. On the east side of the road is sand and surf, and on the west side, it’s all about the boardwalk. Here you will find wall-to-wall souvenir shops, arcades, ice cream parlors, hotels, restaurants and the famous Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom concert venue, as well as the Casino Waterslide and a miniature golf course.

If you can’t resist the scent of fried dough that seems to waft everywhere along the boardwalk, you can track down its source to the guilty pleasure that is Blink's Fry Doe, where the toppings for the gooey treat include pizza sauce, cheese, rainbow sprinkles, and, yes, traditional powered sugar. If your trip to the beach just isn’t complete without salt water taffy, know that the sticky sweets are waiting for you at Mrs. Mitchell’s Gifts, where the boxes of taffy, covered with images of Hampton Beach landmarks, are souvenirs all by themselves.

Beyond the Boardwalk – Along the Coast The true magic of Hampton Beach may be that despite all the people who flock here in summer, a day at the beach doesn’t need to be filled with hustle and bustle. As you move up the coast along 1A, the crowds thin out, giving Hampton’s North Beach a low-key atmosphere. With fewer people, the open water

has become a magnet for surfers. Don’t own a board? No problem.

Right across the street from the beach entrance is Cinnamon Rainbows, a surf shop that offers board rentals and surf boarding lessons all summer long.

Other beaches to check out include North Hampton State Park, Jenness Beach, and Wallis Sands Beach in Rye, a family favorite with grassy picnic area, park store, lifeguards, deluxe bathhouse with hot showers, and a parking lot that can accommodate up to 500 cars.

If you are hungry, stop by The Beach Plum in North Hampton, a favorite seafood shack and ice cream stand that’s a popular spot for local families and visitors alike. Look for it on the left just before reaching North Hampton State Park.

Beach day a washout? Head to Odiorne State Park on Route 1A in Rye to visit the Seacoast Science Center, a learning center filled with live aquatic exhibits, hands-on learning about the Gulf of Maine environment, and a marine touch tank that can keep kids occupied for hours. Outside, explore Odiorne’s mysterious tide pools and rocky shoreline. It can feel a world away from Hampton Beach, but in reality, it’s just a few miles up the road. ❂

Aquatic Life:

Seacoast Science Center

FYI General information: www.hamptonbeach.org NH Seacoast State Parks: www.nhstateparks.org Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom: www.casinoballroom.com Cinnamon Rainbows: www.cinnamonrainbows.com The Beach Plum: www.thebeachplum.net Hampton Beach photos courtesy of www.hamptonbeach.org

Seacoast Science Center: www.seacoastsciencecenter.org

Photos courtesy of www. seacoastsciencecenter.org

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 37

2017

Don't miss these free events and activities for families this summer

H

ere are some of our picks for summer events and activities that are fun for the entire family, but won’t break the bank.

Portsmouth and seacoast area • 2017 marks 37 years for the Somersworth International Children’s Festival on Saturday, June 17 – locations are Memorial Drive and Noble Pines Park. Entertainment includes a craft center, petting zoo, bounce houses, kids’ stage, world cultures area, bubble and paint stations and more. (www. nhfestivals.org) • All summer long, free outdoor concerts take place Saturdays from 5 to 9:30 p.m. as part of Summer in the Street in Portsmouth. Look for the stage on Pleasant Street. (www.proportsmouth.org) Hampton Beach • Head to Hampton Beach for free fireworks every Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. June 17 through Aug. 30, weather-permitting.

even receive a free sand sculpting lesson from a master sculptor.

To participate, you must sign up the day of the lesson in person outside the Chamber Office near the sand sculpture event.

• If you’re visiting Hampton between Aug. 14 and Aug. 18, you’ll love the annual Children’s Festival, complete with parade, games and crafts – all for free. For more information on any of these events, go to www.hamptonbeach.org.

Merrimack Valley • Concord’s 43rd annual Market Days Festival is June 22-24. Much of Main Street is closed off and the streets are filled with music, vendors, food and other entertainment. Admission is free. (www.intownconcord.org)

• On Monday nights in July, check out a free family-friendly movie on the beach near the Hampton Beach playground area.

• It’s high-flying fun on July 6-9 north of Concord at Grimes Field in Hillsborough, where the Hillsborough Balloon Festival and Fair is taking place. Besides hot air balloons, there are amusement rides, food, a special kids’ area, sky divers and more. Admission is free, as are many event activities. Nominal fee for parking. (www.balloonfestival.org)

• Watch master sand sculptors at work as they compete in the 17th annual Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Festival June 15 through 17. On June 17, you can

• Manchester’s popular Trolley Nights event will be held July 20.

From 5 to 8 p.m., a trolley loops in and around downtown stopping at arts and cultural institutions, all of

• Don’t miss free concerts at the Hampton Beach Seashell Stage, which are held weekend evenings and select weeknights throughout the summer.

38 www.parentingnh.com •

SUMMER 2017

which offer free admission for the evening. Among family-friendly trolley stops, visit the SEE Science Center, Studio 550, the Millyard Museum and NH Institute of Art. Most venues have special events and promotions planned specifically for the trolley night. (www.manchestertrolley.com) • For ongoing fun, check out Summer Fun in Nashua. Through Aug. 24, there are numerous events including movies, theatre and concerts at Greeley Park on Concord Street in Nashua. Signature events include the Fairy Tale Festival on July 15 and Wheels & Wings on Aug. 5. (www.nashuanh.gov) • The Derry Parks and Recreation Department kicks off summer with its annual Summer Concert Series on June 13. Concerts take place every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at MacGregor Park next to the Derry Public Library through Aug. 15. Go to the website for the full schedule. (www.derrynh.org) White Mountains • In North Conway, take in a free outdoor movie at Settlers’ Green on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, July 11 to Aug. 22. Familyfriendly movies are shown on a 16foot movie screen with outdoor lawn chairs provided for the first 30 guests. (www.settlersgreen.com)

• The Attitash Blueberry Fest, taking place Saturday, Aug. 5, includes a craft fair, live music, games and contests, including a pie-eating contest. (www.attitash.com) • Love Curious George? Make sure to visit the Margaret H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley and check out the open tours and free story times on Saturday mornings. (www.thereycenter.org) Other free events you don’t want to miss • If your kids love rocks, minerals and playing in the dirt, then you might want to head to the 52nd Annual Gilsum Rock Swap on June 24-25. Kids can pan for minerals as well as view beautiful gemstones and handmade jewelry. (www.gilsum.org/rockswap) • Pack a picnic lunch and head to Bolburn Park in Lebanon, where you can enjoy free children’s entertainment every Thursday at noon. Performances include children’s theater, music, storytelling and more. The free weekly event runs from June 29 through Aug.10. (www.lebanonnh.org) • Hungry? Don’t miss Parenting NH’s list of restaurants in New Hampshire where kids eat free: www.parentingnh.com/Restaurantswhere-kids-eat-free ❂

NH’s Longest Scenic

ZIPLINE

GONDOLA SKYRIDE

ACTION PACKED LOGJAM MAZE

AERIAL FOREST ADVENTURE PARK

from the tree tops to the mountain top.

Pick up your free copy of Parenting New Hampshire magazine at more than 800 locations throughout the state! You can also visit us at parentingnh.com. Our website is mobile and tablet compatible, so you can read us anytime, anywhere!

Your Summer Getaway Headquarters

GLACIAL CAVES

Scout your all-day adventure and buy your Super Pass at LoonMtn.com 3 miles off I-93 Exit 32 | Lincoln, NH #LoonMountain

SUMMER 2017

• www.parentingnh.com 39

Bringing You Nearer to Nature

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

NG

N E W HAM

Save $3

P IRE

PA R

TI

SH

EN

on trail admission

E

Limit two. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 11/1/17.

M

IT

FA

I LY

FAV O

R

2016

PNH www.nhnature.org | 603-968-7194 | Route 113, Holderness, NH

PLAN TO STAY ALL DAY!

Admission is FREE!

Canterbury Fair

Sat., July 29, 2017 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Fun for kids: Old-fashioned Crafts & Games, Face Painting, Spin-Art & Friendly Farm Animals & a Tractor to climb on!

Over 40 local artisans will be selling items including wood puzzles and toys, fine clothing and accessories, puppets, artwork, handwoven and knit items, and more!

Morris Dancers • Demonstrations • Live Music • Book Sale Tractor Display • What-Not-Sale • Arts & Crafts • Food • Canoe Polo

Rain or Shine - Always the last Saturday in July! www.canterburyfair.com

Join us for a true excursion!

New Hampshire’s only full-time whale watch!

1.800.964.5545 1870 Ocean Blvd Rye, NH 03870

Our trips are narrated and led by experienced naturalists. Sail with the professionals!

*THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: BOOK SPONSOR

granitestatewhalewatch.com 40 www.parentingnh.com •

Amoskeag Fishways............................................................9 Bear Rock Adventures.........................................................2 Canterbury Fair.................................................................40 Catholic Medical Center*............................. 16 & back cover Catholic School Office/Diocese of Manchester...................33 Cheshire Childen's Museum..............................................29 Cheshire Fair.....................................................................34 Children's Museum of New Hampshire.............................27 Chuckster's.......................................................................21 Clark's Trading Post...........................................................20 Cog Railway.....................................................................39 Conway Scenic Railroad......................................................9 Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center*.......inside front cover Granite State Whale Watch...............................................40 Great Glen Trails & Mt. Washington Auto Road.................11 Hampton Beach Village District.........................................35 Indian Head Resort...........................................................39 The Inn at East Hill Farm...................................................33 Loon Mountain.................................................................39 Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves.....................................21 Nashua Silver Knights.......................................................15 NUThin' but GOOD TIMES!*...............................................1 Parker's Maple Barn..........................................................33 Petals in the Pines.............................................................29 Peterborough Players........................................................27 Red Jacket Resort..............................................................21 Remick Country Doctor Museum.......................................27 Santa's Village..................................................................11 Seacoast Science Center...................................................34 SEE Science Center...........................................................29 Settlers Green.............................................inside back cover Shark Bait Diving Adventures............................................34 SkyVenture.......................................................................11 SoulFest..............................................................................5 Squam Lakes Natural Science Center................................40 Story Land..........................................................................9 Strawbery Banke Museum................................................33 Vertical Dreams Inc...........................................................20

SUMMER 2017

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

OUTLETS

RETAIL

OUTDOOR CAFES

RESTAURANTS

EVENTS

SUMMER EVENTS Summer Solstice Sizzle June 17, 10am-2pm Join us along with Magic 104 for a live broadcast “on the green� to give away a pair of tickets to Lady Gaga.

Movies on the Green Tuesdays, July 11-August 22 Yard games, face painting and music begin at 6 p.m.

Grab a seat in one our comfy chairs or bring your own.

Movies are family-friendly and start at dark!

Annual Mall-Wide Tent Sale July 28-August 6 Annual mall-wide tent sale is expanding to 10 days this year! Back-to-school & summer clearance.

W H I T E M O U N TA I N H W Y | N O R T H C O N WAY, N H

settlersgreen.com | 888-667-9636 Discover more shopping at national retail stores and outlets at Settlers Crossing, located 1/4-mile from Settlers Green. Eastern Mountain Sports, Starbucks, Clarks Bostonian Outlet, Books A Million and more!

Back-To-School Blitz August 19, 10am-2pm Kids activities including face painting, photo booth, music, & yard games. Plus, back-toschool fashion from some of your favorite retailers.

Labor Day Sidewalk Sale September 1-4 Extra savings at participating stores. Summer clearance and fall preview sales.