From excellent hikes, to drive-in movies and state fairs, New Hampshire offers up some serious summer fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to get active or just hang out, the Granite State has something to suit everyone’s taste. Experience a true New England summer with these 10 awesome activities in New Hampshire.
One trip to Morningside Flight Park, and you’ll never be fully satisfied with life on ground level again. From hang gliding to parasailing to powered parasailing to zip-lining, this Charlestown location will have you flying through the air with the greatest of ease. If you’re still looking for more, this outfit also offers kayaking, laser tag, and even camping to make a weekend of things!
Driving the Mount Washington Auto Road should be on every American’s bucket list, and should top the lists of New Hampshirites in particular. Whether you drive the road yourself, or take a backseat and let an experienced guide handle the wheel, the glorious views, shifting weather patterns, and sheer elevation of this drive are unbeatable. Bring the kids and show them a whole new side of our beloved Granite State.
Another fabulous way to see New Hampshire from a new perspective, the Mt. Cannon Aerial Tramway is a fantastic summer outing. Conquer 4,080 feet in under 10 minutes, and be transported to a world above the clouds. Take in vistas of New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Maine, and even Canada!
On a summer’s day, treat yourself to some of the best seafood in the United States at Brown’s Lobster Pound! Enjoy lobsters, oysters, clams, and fresh fish in a picturesque setting that has been delighting locals and visitors alike for almost 70 years.
Experience the great outdoors and get a little exercise while you’re at it with a hike of the Little Harbor Loop Trail at the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion. Just over a mile and a half makes for a hike accessible to most anyone, and beautiful views of both sea and land are sure to inspire all who experience them.
Fall in love with summer the way New Hampshirites have for almost 70 years: at the Northfield Drive-In Theater! A fully retro, very romantic experience whether you’re 18 or 80. One of the oldest theaters of its kind in New England, the Northfield is a little piece of history and a whole lot of fun.
Close out the summer with an incredible Labor Day Weekend at the Hopkinton State Fair. From livestock and horse shows to a demolition derby to the iconic midway, this fair is among the best in the country. Bring the kids, or just feel like one again yourself with a stop at this Contoocook institution.
When we were kids, nothing could top the rush of the wind and spray of the water as you raced at top speeds down a waterslide, or the anticipation when your cart paused at the peak of the roller coaster. Spoiler alert: nothing has changed since we were kids. Be transported as you explore the 85 rides of Canobie Lake Park, indulge on classic summer treats, and even take in a concert or show.
Treat your inner Gidget to some serious surf lessons at Summer Sessions in Rye. Experience comprehensive instruction from industry experts, and learn about technique, safety, and even judging incoming waves. They guarantee you’ll be up and riding, and you may even meet your very own Moondoggy along the way!
Infuse your world with color and life with a painting class from local expert Doris Rice. Ms. Rice leads excursions around the globe to teach art, and we are lucky enough to call her a fellow New Hampshirite. Explore the exciting world of water colors, whether you choose to take a course in studio, or in the great outdoors.
