19 Things to Do in the White Mountains with Kids: Family Adventures in New Hampshire

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Have you decided the White Mountains are the perfect destination for your next family getaway and are now looking for the best things to do in the White Mountains with your family?  

My daughter and I recently visited the area and we definitely think it should be on your bucket list! On our recent trip, we were able to explore the area’s gorgeous hiking trails, chase waterfalls (there are plenty!), wander through fascinating gorges, and even took in the breathtaking views along the famous Kancamagus Highway. 

This scenic region of New Hampshire is full of family-friendly adventures that blend outdoor fun with stunning natural beauty. You will find plenty of opportunities for zip lining, water sports, adventure climbing courses, and even some fun indoor attractions. We have compiled a list of our favorite things to make your planning easier! 

White Mountains Towns

When visiting the White Mountains, it is important to have an understanding of the area and the main towns.

• North Conway: One of the most popular towns to stay in, North Conway has a very walkable, village feel. It also features many shopping options, restaurants, access to the Conway Scenic Railroad, and is nearby the Kancamagus Highway.
• Lincoln: Lincoln is located near Franconia Notch State Park, and is close-by various hiking trails, waterfalls, and the entrance to the Kancamagus Highway. It is great for those looking for outdoor adventure, including hiking, waterfalls, alpine attractions, and scenic drives. It’s walkable and packed with kid-friendly activities
• Jackson: A postcard-worthy village famous for its covered bridge and mountain scenery, Jackson is quiet, romantic, and close to excellent hiking and cross-country skiing areas.
• Littleton: A charming riverside town with a vibrant downtown, Littleton is known for its local shops, cafés, covered bridge, and strong community feel. It’s a great stop for dining and strolling between adventures. It is located on the Western side of the Kancamagus Highway.
• Gorham: Located on the northern edge of the White Mountains, Gorham is a quieter gateway town with access to Mount Washington, snowmobiling trails, and uncrowded outdoor adventures. It is also where the Gorham Moose Tours start.
• Bretton Woods: Best known for its historic grand hotel and ski resort, Bretton Woods offers a more upscale, resort-style experience with stunning views of Mount Washington and easy access to hiking and winter sports.
• Bethlehem: An artsy, laid-back town with mountain views, Bethlehem offers galleries, local eateries, and a relaxed vibe. It’s a favorite for travelers looking for culture mixed with nature.
• Franconia: A small, scenic town with classic New England charm, Franconia is close to Franconia Notch State Park and known for peaceful surroundings, historic inns, and mountain views.

Things to Know When Visiting the White Mountains

• Many of the areas in White Mountain National Forest (especially along the Kancamagus Highway) have a $5 parking fee. You only have to pay this fee once and can visit any of the sites. There are secured boxes in the parking areas for you to pay the fee.
• As with any outdoor destination, be prepared for patchy and unreliable phone service, especially along sections of the Kancamagus Highway and more remote areas.
• Many of the trails and waterfalls in the White Mountains are very busy and parking areas fill up quickly. Plan to start your day early to have the best chance of finding parking.
• If visiting the Kancamagus Highway in the fall, expect huge crowds. People tend to flock to the area during this time for the fall foliage.
• Be prepared for the weather and quick weather changes, especially at higher elevations. Weather can change quickly, so bring layers in case you need them.
• Be extra cautious when driving, especially at dawn and dusk. There are many winding roads and moose are most active during these times.

Things to Do in the White Mountains With Kids

Ride the Mount Washington Cog Train 

The Mount Washington Cog Train is one of the best ways to reach the highest peak in the Northeast with kids. When we visited, it was the number one priority on our bucket list and it didn’t disappoint.

The Mount Washington Cog Train was the first mountain-climbing cog in the world, opened in 1869 by Sylvester Marsh. The train has run since then, originally using steam to get to the top, but now using modern biodiesel locomotives.

The train ascends almost three miles to the Mount Washington summit. On a clear day, you can see as far as Maine, Vermont, and Canada (be warned though, completely clear days are not very common on the top of Mt. Washington-we were lucky when we visited!). 

At the summit, you can explore Mount Washington State Park, the Sherman Adams Visitor Center, the Tip-Top House, and take in the stunning views of the White Mountains and beyond from the observation deck! 

The train ride is approximately 45 minutes each way, with an hour at the top to explore, making the round trip close to 3 hours. Be prepared for varying weather. The weather at the summit is usually much colder and windier than the base, so be sure to bring some layers. 

Tip: DO NOT MISS YOUR RETURN TRAIN! The only guaranteed return train is one hour after you reach the summit. If you miss it and there is no space on another return train, you will find yourself having to hike down the mountain.

Things to Do in the White Mountains: Go For a Hike

One of the best things to do in the White Mountains with kids is to go for a hike. There is a wide range of family friendly hikes for you to enjoy, from mountain hikes, hikes through forested areas, and waterfall hikes.

Some of the best easy trails in the White Mountains for families are the Artist Bluff Trail, a 1.5 mile trail that takes you to an overlook of Echo Lake & Franconia Notch, Diana’s Baths, a 0.6 mile round trip hike to a waterfall, and the Sabbady Falls trail, a 0.7 mile round trip trail to a waterfall.

For some more challenging hikes, consider the Flume Gorge, the Mount Willard Trail, and the Boulder Loop Trail. Whatever your ability level, there are plenty of great family friendly hikes in the White Mountains that have stunning views.

Enjoy The Water

Getting out on the water is one of the best things to do in the White Mountains with kids. You will find opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, swimming, beach days, and visiting waterfalls.

Saco River is a great option for canoeing and tubing. There are multiple companies that offer rentals and tours. Saco River Canoe & Kayak offers rentals for canoes and kayaks for day or multiday trips. Tubing rentals are also available if you are looking for a more relaxing experience. Kayak rentals and pedal boat rentals are also available at Echo Lake State Park in Franconia Notch.

Aside from water sports, you can also enjoy a day spent at the beach in the White Mountains. White Lake State Park, Echo Lake State Park, and Back Lake Beach are some great options. You can also find plenty of rivers to wade in, including the Saco River, the Lower Falls along the Kancamagus Highway, the Rocky Gorge on the Swift River, or Diana’s Baths in Conway.

Visit the Flume Gorge

Visiting the Flume Gorge is one of the best things to do in the White Mountains with kids. A 2 mile loop trail through the gorge will take you through the gorge, through a covered bridge, past waterfalls and a river, and past mountain views. The Flume Gorge is located inside of Franconia Notch State Park, but I felt that it deserves its own mention!

The Flume Gorge is a natural gorge that extends 800 ft. The gorge’s walls are 70-90 ft. tall and made of Conway granite. When visiting the Gorge, the 2 mile loop trail will take you through the gorge (there are lots of stairs), through a forested area, and through covered bridges.

When visiting the Flume Gorge, you will want to reserve a time in advance. It can get busy at times, especially during the fall months, and making reservations will help ensure you don’t miss it! The Flume Gorge is open from May to October.

If traveling with pets, make note that dogs are not allowed in the Flume Gorge.

Visit the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

The Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves takes you along a wooden boardwalk in New Hampshire’s Kinsman Notch. The gorge started forming 300 million years ago when glaciers made their way through the area. As the glaciers melted, debris was carried in the water, resulting in eroding rocks and the formation of the gorge.

Today, the 1 mile loop trail will take you past waterfalls, the Lost River, and 11 boulder caves you can explore. We had a lot of fun trying to climb through the caves and recommend you give it a shot, but if you prefer not to each cave has a bypass around it.

It takes about an hour and a half to two hours to get through the trail. There are several stairs along the trail, so while the trail is family friendly, it is not stroller or wheelchair accessible.

Lost River Gorge is open from May to October. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time, and this is highly recommended as tickets can sell out during busy times.

Visit Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park is an 8 mile stretch of Interstate 93 that includes the Flume Gorge and Echo Lake. Driving through Franconia Notch is almost unavoidable when visiting the White Mountains, and you will be glad that you didn’t miss it! The drive itself is beautiful, and getting out and exploring the area is one of the best White Mountains things to do.

Franconia Notch State Park includes peaks from the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges. The park includes several of the other destinations we have included on our list that I felt deserved their own mention, including Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain, and the Flume Gorge.

Some of the best hikes in the White Mountains are also found in Franconia Notch State Park, including the Artist Bluff trail, the Basin Cascade Trail, and the Flume Gorge trail.

Visit Echo Lake

Echo Lake is a relaxing area inside of Franconia Notch State Park. In the summer months, it is an excellent choice for spending a day at the beach, surrounded by mountains in the backdrop. You can also get out on the water by renting a canoe, kayak, or pedal boat. In the fall months, Echo Lake is a great spot for taking in the fall foliage.

Echo Lake is convenient for families because it has restrooms, picnic tables, and in the summer months lifeguards on duty. There is a day use fee, be sure to check the park’s website before your visit for up to date pricing.

Drive the Kancamagus Highway

Driving the Kancamagus Highway is one of the best things to do in the White Mountains. The Kancamagus Highway is a 34 mile stretch of highway along route 112. Along the highway, you will find many overlooks, hikes, and waterfalls to enjoy, most of which are easily accessible and family friendly!

When starting in Lincoln, the first stop you will want to make is the Lincoln Woods trail head, which gives you access to a combination of sort, easy trails and longer multi day trails.

Some of the best overlooks to stop at on the highway include the Hancock Overlook, the Pemigewasset Overlook, the C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook, and the Sugar Hill Overlook.

Lily Pond is another great spot to stop, although it is often overlooked. It is a peaceful area and is a good spot for spotting moose in the early morning or at dusk. Sabbady Falls and Champney Falls  are located along the highway and accessible via fairly easy trails. Whether you are just looking for a scenic drive or looking to get out and explore, the Kancamagus Highway is a great option!

Wildlife Watching

At The Navigating Mom, we only believe in and promote ethical and natural animal encounters. We do not promote attractions or destinations that us animals as entertainment. For our full wildlife disclaimer, please see our About Page.

One of the best White Mountains things to do with kids is wildlife watching. While perhaps one of the most sought after wildlife encounters in the White Mountains is a moose encounter, there are plenty of other species you might find, including black bears, white-tailed deer, coyotes, various bird species, and plenty of smaller mammals.

Joining a guided moose tour is a great way to try and spot one of these majestic animals. As always, make sure you do some research and join only ethical animal tours.

Another great wildlife viewing opportunity in the White Mountains is bird watching in Pinkham Notch. Pinkham Notch is located on the Eastern side of the White Mountains near Mount Washington and is home to a large number of bird species, including chickadees, nuthatches, hermit thursh, robins, falcons, hawks, owls, and more. There are plenty of scenic pull-offs and hiking trails in the area to explore.

Visit Crawford Notch State Park

Crawford Notch State Park is a New Hampshire state Park located between Brenton Woods and Bartlett. The park is 6 miles long and spread over 5,775 acres.

Crawford Notch State Park is accessible from scenic highway 302. Driving the highway alone will provide you with some jaw dropping views, but there are plenty of hikes in the park so you can get out and explore as well!

Some of the best hikes in Crawford Notch State Park are Mount Willard (3.1 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 895 ft.), the Elephant Head Spur (0.6 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 157 ft.), Arethusa Falls via Bemis Brook (2.8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 885 ft.), and the Ripley Falls trail (1 mile out and back with an elevation gain of 300 ft.).

Aside from hiking, you can enjoy other outdoor activities including biking, swimming, tubing, and wading, canoeing or kayaking, and rock climbing.

Drive the Mount Washington Auto Road

Taking the Mount Washington Cog Train is an excellent way to see Mount Washington, but if you want more flexibility, driving the Mount Washington Auto Road is another option.

The Mount Washington Auto Road was opened in 1861 and is one of the most unique auto roads in the world. The drive will take you through four different ecological zones. The drive is 7.6 miles with an elevation gain of 4,000 ft. The average grade during the drive is 12% with some sections at 18% and 22% for the last 50 yards.

The drive has many pull overs where you can stop and enjoy the views, or take a short hike.

The drive up and down can be challenging because of the steepness. When driving up, you will want to drive in normal gear. On the way down, you will want to drive in your lowest gear (1, L, or L1) to help protect your brakes. There are many pull overs along the way, so if your brakes begin to overheat, you can pull over to cool them.

Pets are permitted on the Mount Washington Auto Road. Because the weather on Mount Washington can change rapidly, you will want to be sure to check road conditions before beginning your journey.

Alpine Adventures

Alpine Adventures is an outdoor adventure company that offers a variety of different activities that are perfect for families to enjoy, year round. The park’s main office is located on Main St. in Lincoln, NH.

The park offers a number of different zip lines to try, ranging from 250 ft. to 1,000 ft. in length. The park also offers alternative winter zip lining adventures. Thrillsville is a self-guided adventure course with bridges, cargo nets, rope ladders, and a tree house.

For another exciting adventure, try an off-roading adventure to the top of Barron Mountain. You can also rent your own off-road vehicle with 2 or 4 seats. The park’s scenic chairlifts are a great alternative when you need a rest from hiking.

In the winter, you can join a snowshoeing tour or enjoy the winter skyrider tour (zip line tour).

Visit Storybook Land or Whale’s Tale’s Waterpark

Storybook Land and Whale’s Tale are theme parks located in the White Mountains. If you are looking for a relaxing day, or just a day to make fun filled family memories, considering visiting one, or both, of these parks.

Storybook Land is located in Glen, New Hampshire and is better designed for younger kids (12 and under). The park has a variety of kid friendly rides, including gentle roller coasters, teacups, antique cars, log flume, and a water play area.

The park also has fairy tale houses, character meet and greets, and shows throughout the day. The park is open from late May to October.

Whale’s Tale Waterpark is located in Lincoln, New Hampshire. It is perfect for families with kids of all ages, especially those looking for a more thrilling experience. Whale’s Tale Waterpark offers offers a surfing simulator, a variety of water slides to choose from, an 85 ft. heated pool with hot tubs, a wave pool, and lazy river. The park is open from June to early September.

Things to Do in the White Mountains: Take A Ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad

The Conway Scenic Railroad is a great way to see more of the Mount Washington Valley in the White Mountains. The Conway Scenic Railroad gives you an old-fashioned train experience, leaving from an 1874 train station in North Conway.

The Conway Scenic Railroad offers a number of different experiences, including the Mountaineer, and Heritage Train Rides. The Mountaineer is a 1950’s passenger train with traditional seating and premium dome seating. The Mountaineer travels to Crawford Notch State Park on a longer journey than the Heritage Trains. The Heritage Trains follow along the previous path of the Conway Branch, a historic train that ran through New Hampshire.

The Conway Scenic Railroad also offers winter train rides along the Conway Branch. The Mountaineer is also running in the winter to the Crawford Notch State Park.

Visit a Waterfall

The White Mountains are full of very accessible, family friendly waterfalls. Some are visible from the road, while many others are reachable via a short trail. Some of the best waterfalls we recommend visiting include the Basin, Glen Ellis Waterfall, Sabbady Falls, Rocky Gorge Falls, and the Lower Falls.

The Basin is a large pothole in the Pemigewasset River with a 30 ft. diameter and depth of 15 ft. It is easily accessible along a partially paved path. Glen Ellis is also easily accessible along a 0.4 mile round trip trail.

Along the Kancamagus Highway, the 3 tier Sabbaday Falls is reachable along a 0.7 mile trail. Rocky Gorge Falls is a 10 ft. waterfall along the Kancamagus Highway that is easily reached along a short gravel path.

The Lower Falls is one of the most popular areas on the Kancamagus Highway for families. The falls are easily accessible from a parking area. It is a popular area for swimming and there are picnic tables if you are looking for a spot for lunch.

Visit a Ski Resort

Ski resorts are popular in the winter months in the White Mountains, but they are equally as great in the summer months. White Mountain ski resorts offer a variety of different activities to enjoy, including chair lift rides, ziplining, ropes courses, and climbing walls.

• Brenton Woods Ski Resort: In the winter, you can enjoy family friendly skiing with wide trails and fewer crowds, while being treated to views of Mount Washington. Other activities in the winter include cross country skiing and snowshoeing. In the summer, you can enjoy mountain biking, zip lines, hiking, and the Bretton Woods Skyway.
• Attitash Mountain Resort: Attitash is a good resort for skiing with a mix of beginner and intermediate terrain. In the summer, enjoy an outdoor water park, mountain coasters, and alpine slides.
• Loon Mountain Resort: The Loon Mountain Resort is one of the best resorts for skiing, with a strong ski school, terrain parks, and family friendly areas. You can also enjoy the Gondola Summit & Skyride, Ninja Wild (climbing and adventure course), and a bungee trampoline in the summer months. You will also find plenty of hiking trails in the area.
• Cranmore Mountain Resort: Cranmore is one of the best choices for enjoying winter in the White Mountains. The resort has a large selection of trails, ski school programs, snowboarding, and artic light snowtubing. In the summer, enjoy the aerial adventure park, mountain coaster, giant swing ride, a scenic chairlift, and seated zipline.
• Cannon Mountain: Cannon Mountain is a popular ski resort for more advanced skiers, but there are some family friendly areas. In the summer, you can enjoy the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and hiking trails.
• Waterville Valley Resort: In the winter, Waterville Valley Resort has good beginner and intermediate skiing trails and a ski school. In the summer the resort offers hiking, mountain biking, paddle sports, and golf.

Visit the Polar Caves

The Polar Caves were one of our favorite things to do in the White Mountains. We were not exactly sure what we were getting into, but it turned out to be a blast! The Polar Cave Loop follows a boardwalk trail that takes you to 9 caves with narrow spaces to squeeze through!

The Polar Caves were formed during the last ice age when a glacier was moving across the area. As the glacier moved through, it caused granite boulders to fall at the base of what is now known as Hawk’s Cliff. The falling boulders formed passageways and caves.

Don’t worry, if there is a cave you don’t think you will be able to get through there is always an alternative route you can take. While visiting, you can also visit the Boulder Garden, a maze of pathways through the woods. There is also a series of nature trails accessible within the park.

The Polar Caves are a little bit of a drive from Lincoln, NH and the other main towns, but it is worth the trip! The caves are about 29 miles south of Lincoln.

Things to Do in the White Mountains: Enjoy Some Winter Activities

If you don’t mind braving the cold, the White Mountains offer a wide selection of winter activities for families to enjoy and some beautiful scenery that looks like it popped out of a storybook.

Go skiing at one of the many ski resorts in the area (we talked about these above!). These resorts offer family friendly slopes, ski schools, and snow tubing hills. You will find resorts with a wide variety of skiing terrain, from beginner to advanced trails.

Cross country skiing is also available at many of the resorts if you are looking for a slower pace. Snow shoeing is another excellent winter adventure in the White Mountains. You can enjoy snow shoeing on easy trails in the White Mountains like Lincoln Woods and the Great Glen Trails.

Winter zip lining is another option. Alpine Adventures and Brenton Woods offer winter zip lining courses. And, of course, the White Mountains offers the unique Ice Castles every year, a do not miss attraction if visiting the White Mountains in the winter.

Winter Bonus: Tour the Winter Ice Castles

The winter ice castles are one of the best things to do in the White Mountains if visiting the area in the winter. The ice castles are like an outdoor playground made of ice featuring ice slides, caverns and archways to explore, crawl tunnels, and the mystic forest light walk.While visiting the Ice Castles, you can also enjoy the Frozen Tap bar (for the adults), snow tubing, or explore the Winter Fairy Village.

Frequently Asked Questions

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