Family Guide to the Seacoast

Table of Contents

Museums & Learning

Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

Known For: Two floors of hands-on exhibits featuring dinosaurs, science, engineering, music, art, world cultures, a submarine, STEAM lab, pretend play, and activities for newborns through middle-school-aged children. One of the top family attractions on the NH Seacoast. (Visit NH)

Website: Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

Seacoast Science Center

Known For: Marine life exhibits, touch tanks, tide pool exploration, ocean education, nature programs, and family-friendly science experiences overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Recommended frequently by local families. (Reddit)

Website: Seacoast Science Center

Woodman Museum

Known For: Local history, natural science exhibits, military artifacts, taxidermy collections, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Dover origins exhibit. Great for older children interested in history and science. (Wikipedia)

Website: Woodman Museum

Strawbery Banke Museum

Known For: Living history, historic homes, costumed interpreters, gardens, seasonal events, and interactive programs that bring New Hampshire’s past to life.

Website: Strawbery Banke Museum

Outdoor Playgrounds & Parks

Dover Adventure Playground

Known For: Massive climbing structures, slides, swings, splash pad, and imaginative play areas located behind the Children’s Museum. A favorite among Seacoast families. (Reddit)

Website: City of Dover Recreation

Henry Law Park

Known For: Riverfront walking paths, playground, picnic areas, summer events, and direct access to downtown Dover.

Website: Henry Law Park Information

Planet Playground

Known For: Large destination playground, splash pad, fields, and recreation facilities. Frequently recommended by local parents. (Reddit)

Website: Exeter Parks & Recreation

Prescott Park

Known For: Waterfront gardens, fountains, seasonal performances, festivals, and family-friendly outdoor events. (Reddit)

Website: Prescott Park Arts Festival

Odiorne Point State Park

Known For: Tide pools, ocean views, walking trails, wildlife observation, and easy family hikes. Children love exploring the shoreline at low tide. (Reddit)

Website: Odiorne Point State Park

Indoor Play & Rainy-Day Fun

Let’s Play

Let’s play Web Address: 345 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904 Phone: +12073516794

Known For: Indoor climbing structures, pretend play stations, toddler-friendly activities, and a clean, safe environment for younger children. (Reddit)

Website: Let’s Play NH

Off The Wall Kidz

Off the Wall Kidz Web Address: 45 Lafayette Rd, Ste 8, North Hampton, NH 03862 Phone: +18886954898

Known For: Inflatable bounce houses, slides, obstacle courses, and indoor active play. Popular on rainy and winter days. (Reddit)

Website: Off The Wall Kidz

Hilltop Fun Center

Hilltop Fun Center Web Address: 165 Nh-108, Somersworth, NH 03878 Phone: +16037428068

Known For: Arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, batting cages, and family entertainment. Great for older children and teens. (Reddit)

Website: Hilltop Fun Center

Let’s Move!

Let’s Move Extreme! Web Address: 375 US-1 T100, Kittery, ME 03904, United States Phone: +16033979282

Known For: Ninja courses, climbing structures, obstacle challenges, and high-energy indoor fun. Best for active elementary-aged children. (Reddit)

Website: Let’s Move!

Animals, Farms & Nature

Legacy Lane Farm

Known For: Petting zoo, farm animals, educational programs, seasonal events, and hands-on animal experiences. (Reddit)

Website: Legacy Lane Farm

York’s Wild Kingdom

Known For: Zoo animals, kiddie rides, amusement attractions, and a family-friendly atmosphere geared toward younger children. (Reddit)

Website: York’s Wild Kingdom

Emery Farm

Emery Farm Web Address: 147 Piscataqua Rd, Durham, NH 03824 Phone: +16037428495

Known For: Farm animals, seasonal activities, outdoor play areas, cider donuts, and family-friendly farm visits. (Reddit)

Website: Emery Farm

Water Fun & Beaches

Water Country

Known For: Water slides, lazy river, wave pool, splash zones, and family water attractions. The largest water park in New England. (Reddit)

Website: Water Country

Wallis Sands State Beach

Known For: Gentle surf, sandy beach, family swimming, and easier waves for younger children. (Reddit)

Website: Wallis Sands State Park

Jenness State Beach

Known For: Smaller beach setting, tide pools, surfing lessons, and family beach days.

Website: Jenness State Beach

Seasonal & Day Trip Attractions

Story Land

Known For: Fairy-tale themed rides, storybook characters, playgrounds, and attractions designed specifically for younger children. (Wikipedia)

Website: Story Land

Santa’s Village

Known For: Christmas-themed rides, family entertainment, water attractions, and one of New England’s highest-rated family amusement parks. (Reddit)

Website: Santa’s Village

Local Family Event Calendars

Seacoast Kids Calendar

Known For: Daily updated calendar of story times, festivals, camps, classes, library events, concerts, and family activities throughout the NH Seacoast. Frequently recommended by local parents. (Reddit)

Website: Seacoast Kids Calendar

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