Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Activities in Sullivan County This Summer 

Children Picking Fruit. Image Credit: Margarita Svintsitsky on Burst.

Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Activities in Sullivan County This Summer 

Searching for the perfect kid-friendly destination to visit this summer? Whether you’re planning a family getaway or exploring options closer to home, look no further than Sullivan County! This charming region offers kid-friendly activities for all ages. From scenic hiking trails and inviting beaches to fascinating historical sites and exciting rainy day options, Sullivan County promises adventure for all of your little ones.

Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails 

Monadnock Sunapee Greenway

Explore the Monadnock Sunapee Greenway, with 48 miles of hiking trails that wind through Sullivan County, NH. During the spring months, this trail is filled with budding trees, colorful wildflowers, and stunning scenic vistas. It’s the perfect outdoor adventure for families looking to immerse themselves in nature and create lasting memories together.

Goshen Ocean Loop

This beautiful trail is 2.86 miles long, offering views of Gunnison Lake and various spots to swim along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like birds and deer, adding to the adventure. Learn more about Goshen and its attractions here.

Monadnock State Park

Though technically located in Cheshire County, Monadnock State Park is a great location where you can enjoy a wide range of family and kid-friendly activities: explore hiking trails, take a refreshing swim, rent boats for a leisurely ride, or even pitch a tent for a memorable camping experience. Monadnock State Park has a little bit of everything for everyone!

Father and daughter on a hike. Image Credit: Juliane Libermann on Unsplash.

Family Camping Spots

North Star Campground

At North Star Campground, families can enjoy a wide array of outdoor and kid-friendly activities perfect for summer. From a playground for the kids to a spring-fed swimming pond, the fun doesn’t stop. Engage in games like horseshoes, tetherball, volleyball, funnel ball, wiffle ball, croquet, and even more. 

Loon Lake Campground

Loon Lake Campground is a scenic seasonal campground featuring a function lodge, a serene beach, and a vibrant playground designed for children of all ages. Whether building sandcastles by the lake or enjoying the playground’s amenities, there’s endless fun to be had.

Crow’s Nest Campground

You and your kiddos will never be bored at Crow’s Nest Campground! Engage in arts and crafts sessions, participate in lively field games, and indulge in special events like ice cream sundae floats and candy bar bingo. Don’t miss out on the excitement of the rubber duck race and other fun-filled activities. Whether you prefer camping in a tent or an RV, Crow’s Nest offers relaxation and entertainment for your summer escape.

Two girls lying on a hammock. Image Credit: Si Janko Ferlič on Unsplash.

Picnic Areas for the Whole Family

Moody Park 

At Moody Park, enjoy the use of grills, a pavilion for shade, picnic tables, and a playground for your kids. Moody Park provides a perfect setting for enjoying a delicious meal outdoors.

Barnes Park 

At Barnes Park, play a game of basketball or pickleball on the courts, let the kids explore the playground, or simply relax on a picnic blanket in the grass. Barnes Park is the perfect place for active fun or a peaceful afternoon in nature. 

Monadnock Park

Monadnock Park stands out as Sullivan County’s premier sports complex. This park features a track, well-maintained baseball and softball diamonds, and tennis courts for those looking to enjoy a match or two. Additionally, a spacious playground adds to the family-friendly atmosphere, making Monadnock Park the perfect destination for your children of all ages!  

Girls playing tennis. Image Credit: RDNE Stock Project on Pexels.

Kid-Friendly Water Activities in Sullivan County

Mt. Sunapee State Park

During the winters, utilize Mt. Sunapee State Park’s resort and ski mountain for winter sports of all levels. As the seasons get warmer, rent canoes and kayaks to explore the scenic lake, while a playground nearby ensures younger visitors stay entertained. This versatile four-season state park transforms into a bustling summer destination with camping opportunities, scenic hiking trails, and craft fairs. For your older thrill-seeking kids, an adventure park awaits with zip lines, mini-golf, frisbee golf, mountain biking, and a challenging tree-top obstacle course. Whether you prefer water fun or land-based activities, Mt. Sunapee State Park promises an unforgettable summer experience for the whole family.

Lake Sunapee Harbor

Discover the magic of Lake Sunapee Harbor through the eyes of your little explorers! Take a stroll through this charming waterfront village as you browse through unique shops with your kids. For the water-loving adventurers in your crew, kayak and boat rentals are available for creating unforgettable memories paddling together as a family. 

Pillsbury State Park

Enjoy a family fishing adventure at Butterfield and May ponds, found within Pillsbury State Park! Try your luck at catching a variety of fish species including brook trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, and chain pickerel. Pillsbury State Park provides a wonderful setting for any angler and a relaxing day by the water. 

Kid-Friendly Museums and Rainy Day Options

Ice House Museum 

The Ice House Museum is located in New London, New Hampshire and features a unique collection of antique Ford cars, children’s ride-on toys, steam whistles, padlocks, auto parts, and horse-drawn carriages. Explore authentic recreations of a town jail, blacksmith shop, and tinsmith shops, offering your children glimpses into early American life. The Ice House Museum promises an engaging experience in Sullivan County’s cultural heritage.

Escape Factory

Experience the thrill of the Escape Factory in Claremont! Challenge yourself and your kids to solve puzzles and unravel clues within themed escape rooms. The Escape Factory offers a unique opportunity for fun and teamwork! 

Blacklight Indoor Mini Golf Adventure

Immerse you and your family in an 18-hole 3D mini golf experience at Blacklight Indoor Mini Golf Adventure in Claremont, New Hampshire! These creatively designed courses will challenge your kiddos amidst a world of vibrant colors and illusions. 

Smith Scale Speedway

This family-run raceway and slot car store is located in Charlestown, New Hampshire and offers fun for the young and old! Race slot cars on their tracks at Smith Scale Speedway! There are no entry fees, and they even provide loaner cars so everyone can join in the action. Smith Scale Speedway offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can watch or participate for free. Don’t forget to grab a hotdog and enjoy a day of racing!

The Library Arts Center

Looking for a creative outlet for your kids this summer? The Library Arts Center in Sullivan County, NH, hosts Friday morning art classes designed to spark imagination and fun. Priced at $12 per session, these classes offer a variety of activities including painting, paper mache, puppet making, and more. Take some time for yourself while your kids enjoy creative adventures at the Library Arts Center—it’s a win-win for everyone!

Kid-friendly arts and crafts. Image Credit: Rivage on Unsplash.

Farm-to-Table Experiences

Mac’s Maple:

Explore the wonders of Mac’s Maple in Sullivan County, where family-friendly farm experiences await. Tour the farm to see tractors in action, indulge in a delicious Creamee treat, and visit the cow barns. Enjoy the seasonal delight of picking sunflowers or engage in a fun scavenger hunt around the farm grounds. For more information and to plan your visit, check out Mac’s Maple website here. It’s the perfect destination for a day of farm fun and exploration with your kids!

Edgewater Farm

Bring your family to Edgewater Farm in Plainfield, New Hampshire where you can pick ripe, juicy strawberries straight from the vine. Please note, Edgewater Farm accepts cash or check only, so be sure to come prepared for a cash-only transaction. For more details and to plan your visit, check out their Pick Your Own Strawberries page here. 

Children Picking Fruit. Image Credit: Margarita Svintsitsky on Burst.

 

Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm

During your summer travels, don’t miss the chance to visit Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm where you can pick your own delicious blueberries with your kids. Stroll through scenic fields bursting with ripe blueberries, perfect for filling your baskets and enjoying as a healthy snack. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together outdoors.

Sanctuary Farm

Experience the charm of Sanctuary Farm, a family-owned haven where you can indulge in delicious homemade ice cream and meals from their breakfast and lunch menus. While you’re there, interact with and feed the friendly donkeys and other farm animals. Learn more about their offerings and plan your visit here.

 

Do you know of any other kid-friendly activities or places around Sullivan County that have not been mentioned here? Or do you own a kid-friendly business and would like to be included? Email us and we will update this blog post! Plan ahead, stay safe, and have a fantastic summer exploring this New England destination!

 

Written by Aleena Norris on July 2, 2024.