New Experiences in White Mountains, New Hampshire

Families traveling to New Hampshire’s White Mountains this summer will find some new features at their favorite attractions.

Story Land, the family theme park based on favorite characters in children’s stories and nursery rhymes, opened Moo Lagoon, a water play area with slides and sprayers. Two money-saving tips: Reserve tickets in advance for steep discounts, and visit the park after 2 p.m. on the day before your reservation for three hours of free admission. Spreading your visit over two days is especially good with younger children.

Next to Storyland, Living Shores Aquarium unveiled five new exhibits: Tina the Snapping Turtle, three American Alligators, Moon Jellies, a vibrant Living Coral Reef, and a redesigned Education Corner featuring six interactive stations.

In nearby North Conway, Cranmore Mountain Resort opened a new, 65-foot inflatable Ninja obstacle course, as well as a dedicated play area for younger children at Mountain Adventure Park. The popular Conway Scenic Railroad is offering more excursions from the center of North Conway to Crawford Station, at the head of Crawford Notch, allowing more visitors to take this scenic ride through the mountains.

At Santa’s Village, in Jefferson, it’s Christmas all summer long, and the whole family can enjoy the park’s newest feature, the Midnight Flyer. This new rollercoaster gives the sensation of flying through the air with Santa’s reindeer.

Other White Mountains Attractions open this summer include long-time family favorites Clark’s Bears, The Mount Washington Cog Railway, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, and Whale’s Tale Water Park.

White Mountain Hotel & Resort is a good choice for a family vacation or short getaway. Spacious suites, a swimming pool, fine and casual dining, and a golf course promise something for the whole family, and the location in North Conway is convenient to several attractions.

An option for larger family groups or those who prefer a home of their own, Bretton Woods Vacations offers a range of options including Bear Cabin, a log cabin retreat in a park-like setting surrounded by 32 acres of wilderness flanked by the Ammonoosuc River and White Mountain National Forest.