New Hampshire, while not boasting sprawling destination theme parks akin to the giants of Disney World or Universal Orlando, possesses a unique charm all its own. Forget the corporate behemoths; here, you’ll discover a delightful collection of amusement parks and family entertainment centers, many of which are proudly family-owned and operated – a refreshing rarity in today’s entertainment landscape. Visitors seeking memorable vacation experiences will find several wonderful places to explore, particularly within the picturesque White Mountains. This region is home to enchanting Find Coasters and Fun at New Hampshire’s Theme Parks, especially geared towards the pre-teen crowd, such as Santa’s Village and Story Land.
This article provides an overview of the various amusement and entertainment options available throughout the state, from classic arcades to thrilling rides, all listed in alphabetical order to help you plan your perfect New Hampshire adventure. Prepare to uncover hidden gems and create lasting memories in the Granite State!
Block Party Social in Hookset
Located in Hookset, Block Party Social is a vibrant indoor family entertainment center designed to offer year-round fun. This multifaceted venue provides a diverse range of activities to cater to various interests and age groups. Energetic guests can engage in thrilling games of laser tag, immersing themselves in a futuristic battleground. For those seeking cutting-edge experiences, the virtual reality area offers immersive simulations that transport players to fantastical worlds.
Physical challenges abound with climbing walls that test strength and agility, while a ropes course suspended high above the ground provides an exhilarating test of balance and courage. Adding to the excitement is a zipline, allowing adventurers to soar through the air. Classic arcade games provide nostalgic entertainment, and a billiards area offers a more relaxed setting for friendly competition. To complete the experience, Block Party Social features a cafe with a full bar, providing refreshments and meals for guests to refuel and socialize.
Canobie Lake Park in Salem
Canobie Lake Park in Salem stands as a testament to a bygone era, a wonderfully traditional trolley park that evokes a sense of nostalgia and classic amusement park fun. It is one of the few remaining family-owned, independent parks in the nation, adding to its unique appeal. The park boasts a diverse collection of rides and attractions, including the iconic Yankee Cannonball, a wooden coaster that delivers a thrilling, classic coaster experience with its dips, turns, and airtime. For those seeking a more modern thrill, Untamed, a vertical drop steel coaster, provides a heart-stopping plunge.
Beyond the coasters, Canobie Lake Park also offers a selection of water park attractions to cool off during the summer months. A leisurely boat tour around the serene Canobie Lake offers a relaxing respite from the adrenaline-pumping rides, providing picturesque views and a chance to appreciate the park’s scenic setting. With its blend of classic charm and modern thrills, Canobie Lake Park offers something for everyone.
Chuckster’s Family Fun Park in Chichester
Chuckster’s Family Fun Park, situated in Chichester, is a seasonal outdoor family entertainment center that provides a plethora of exciting activities. This park is designed for active fun and offers attractions to suit all ages and thrill levels. Mini-golf enthusiasts can test their skills on creatively themed courses, while adrenaline junkies can experience the rush of a zipline. Go-karts offer high-speed racing excitement, and batting cages provide a chance to hone your swing. For those seeking a gravity-defying experience, bungee jumping offers an exhilarating freefall.
Climbing walls present a physical challenge, while an aerial ropes course tests balance and coordination. A variety of games add to the fun, and new additions, such as bumper boats, ensure there’s always something fresh to enjoy. Chuckster’s is a place where families can spend quality time together, engaging in active play and creating lasting memories.
Clark’s Trading Post in Lincoln
Clark’s Trading Post, located in the heart of the White Mountains in Lincoln, is more than just a theme park; it’s a roadside attraction that has evolved into a beloved New Hampshire institution. While not strictly a theme park in the traditional sense, Clark’s offers a unique blend of entertainment and nostalgia. One of its highlights is "Merlin’s Mystical Mansion," a spinning room illusion attraction that challenges perceptions and delights visitors of all ages. Bumper boats provide a fun way to cool off, and an antique train offers a scenic tour of the park.
However, the true star of Clark’s Trading Post is its trained bear show. These impressive animals showcase their natural abilities in a captivating performance that has been a crowd favorite for generations. Clark’s Trading Post offers a charming and quirky experience that captures the spirit of old-fashioned roadside attractions. This Find Coasters and Fun at New Hampshire’s Theme Parks offers so much for the family.
Funspot in Laconia
Funspot, located in Laconia, proudly claims the title of the world’s largest arcade. This sprawling, multi-level building is a haven for gamers, boasting hundreds of video games, pinball machines, skee ball lanes, and other classic amusements. Beyond the arcade, Funspot offers a variety of other attractions, including bowling lanes for friendly competition, kiddie rides for the little ones, and bumper cars for some lighthearted collisions.
Mini-golf provides outdoor fun, and bingo offers a more relaxed form of entertainment. A restaurant on-site ensures that guests can refuel and recharge after hours of gaming and amusement. With its vast selection of games and activities, Funspot is a destination that appeals to gamers of all ages and skill levels.
Hampton Beach in Hampton
Hampton Beach, a beloved stretch of coastline in Hampton, offers a classic seaside amusement experience. While it may lack major rides, the beach is brimming with arcades, food joints serving up classic beach fare, and a couple of water slides for a refreshing splash. Mini-golf courses provide a fun diversion, and the iconic Casino Ballroom hosts national musical acts, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The beach also offers a variety of other honky-tonk attractions, creating a lively and entertaining environment. Hampton Beach is a place where visitors can soak up the sun, enjoy the ocean breeze, and immerse themselves in the classic beach town atmosphere.
Mel’s Funway Park in Litchfield
Mel’s Funway Park in Litchfield is a family entertainment center that offers a wide array of attractions for all ages. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of bumper boats, the speed of go-karts, and the challenge of mini-golf. Batting cages provide a chance to practice your swing, while lazer tag offers a futuristic battle experience. Gem mining allows guests to uncover hidden treasures, and bounce houses provide inflatable fun. An arcade adds to the entertainment options.
Mel’s Funway Park operates from April through November, offering seasonal fun. During the fall months of September to November, the park transforms into SpookyWorld Presents Nightmare New England and the Haunted Hayride, providing a thrilling and terrifying Halloween experience.
Runway Fun Park in Swanzey
Runway Fun Park, located in Swanzey, is a small amusement park that offers a charming and traditional carnival experience. The park features classic carnival rides such as a Tilt-A-Whirl, a Ferris wheel, a kiddie coaster, and a carousel, providing nostalgic fun for the whole family. A mini-golf course adds to the entertainment options. The park’s name is inspired by its unique location at a small airport, adding to its quirky appeal. Plans are underway to add go-karts, further enhancing the park’s offerings.
Santa’s Village in Jefferson
Santa’s Village, nestled in Jefferson, holds a special place in amusement park history. Dating back to 1952, it is the original "Santa’s Village" park, predating many others that have adopted the name. This park seamlessly blends authentic nostalgia with contemporary appeal, creating a magical experience for visitors of all ages. Young children and adults alike will find its charm irresistible.
Highlights include Rudy’s Rapid Transit Coaster, a thrilling ride for the whole family, and, of course, visits with Santa Claus himself. The Ho Ho H2O Water Park, included with admission, provides a refreshing way to cool off during the summer months. Santa’s Village is open in the summer, fall, and the weeks leading up to Christmas, making it a year-round destination for festive fun. Find Coasters and Fun at New Hampshire’s Theme Parks is a guarantee in Santa’s Village.
Story Land in Glen
Story Land, located in Glen, is a meticulously themed park that brings classic fairy tales to life. This beguiling park is designed with the under-12 set in mind, offering rides and attractions that are both thrilling and age-appropriate. The park is loaded with charm and reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for families. Highlights include Roar-O-Saurus, a small but especially potent wooden roller coaster that delivers a surprisingly thrilling ride.
Dr. Geyser’s Remarkable Raft Ride and the Bamboo Chutes log flume provide refreshing water-based adventures without getting you completely soaked. Story Land is a place where children’s imaginations can run wild as they encounter their favorite fairy tale characters and embark on enchanting adventures.
Weirs Beach in Laconia
Weirs Beach, located in Laconia on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, is a lakeside amusement area that offers a variety of attractions. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of bumper cars, the challenge of arcades, the competition of mini-golf, and the speed of go-karts. The location on Lake Winnipesaukee provides opportunities for scenic cruises and train rides, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Weirs Beach offers a classic lakeside amusement experience with something for everyone to enjoy.
These are just some of the wonderful places that provide Find Coasters and Fun at New Hampshire’s Theme Parks. So, pack your bags, grab your family, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the Granite State!
