Family Fun in the Merrimack Valley: Kid-Friendly Stops

Southern New Hampshire is where most of the state's families live, and the Merrimack Valley has a deep bench of places to take kids. Concord, Manchester and Nashua sit along the river, with Salem, Pelham and the other border towns a short drive away. This guide gathers things to do with kids in the Merrimack Valley NH that work year after year: a century-old amusement park, a hands-on space museum, indoor trampoline parks for rainy days, paintball and laser tag for older kids, and a hot air balloon ride for a once-in-a-while treat. Every stop here links to its listing in our directory so you can check details before you go.

Why the Merrimack Valley works for families

The region's big advantage is distance. Most of these stops sit within easy reach of Interstate 93 or the Everett Turnpike, so you can plan a half-day outing without a long car ride. The valley takes its name from the Merrimack River, which forms where the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee rivers meet in Franklin and flows south through Concord, Manchester and Nashua into Massachusetts. Henry David Thoreau wrote about it in A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, one of the early classics of American literature, which is a nice bit of trivia for older kids on the drive.

The mix of indoor and outdoor attractions also matters. New Hampshire weather can swing in a day, so it helps to have an indoor backup within a few miles of your outdoor plan.

Canobie Lake Park, Salem

For many New England families, summer means a day at Canobie Lake Park in Salem. It opened on August 23, 1902, as a trolley park on the shore of Canobie Lake, built by a street railway company to give riders a destination. Early on it was known for flower gardens, promenades and gentle attractions. It is one of only thirteen trolley parks still in operation.

The park closed in 1929 after the trolley line declined, was bought at auction in 1931 and reopened in 1932. A wooden roller coaster called the Yankee Cannonball was installed in 1936, and many rides have been added since. Today the park describes itself as a New England family amusement park, with rides, games, dining, live shows and seasonal events. It is owned and operated by three families.

Tips for a smoother day:

• Check the park's calendar before you go, since operating days vary by season.
• Pick a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated.
• Mix bigger rides with gentler ones so younger kids get plenty of turns.
• Look at the park's site for current ticket and height information before you leave home.

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord is a science museum next to the NHTI campus, and it is one of the best rainy-day stops in the state. It honors two New Hampshire figures in space history. Christa McAuliffe was the Concord High School social studies teacher selected by NASA from more than 11,000 applicants to be the first teacher in space. Alan Shepard, a Derry native and Navy test pilot, became the first American in space and was one of only twelve people to walk on the Moon.

The museum's mission is to inspire new generations to explore space through activities focused on astronomy, aviation, and Earth and space science. The 45,000-square-foot building includes about 20,000 square feet of interactive science and engineering exhibits, a full-dome digital planetarium and an observatory. Outside, a full-size replica of a Mercury-Redstone rocket gives kids a sense of scale that a picture cannot.

A visit here pairs well with a walk around downtown Concord and the State House, making a full day in the capital.

Altitude Trampoline Parks, Concord and Pelham

When the weather turns, indoor trampoline parks let kids burn off energy. The directory lists two Altitude Trampoline Park locations in the valley: Altitude Trampoline Park Concord on Loudon Road and Altitude Pelham on Bridge Street in Pelham, near the Massachusetts line.

Altitude describes its parks as offering trampolines, air bags and attractions such as dodgeball and battle beam, along with birthday parties and a program for booking the whole park for a private group. The company notes that programs may differ from park to park, so check your chosen location's own page before you go. Trampoline parks typically require a signed waiver, so completing it online ahead of time saves a wait at the door.

AG Paintball, Weare

For older kids and teens, AG Paintball in Weare bills itself as New Hampshire's original paintball park. Its site lists a range of formats with different age minimums, including standard paintball for ages 12 and up, low-impact paintball for ages 9 and up, a lighter version for ages 7 and up, gel ball for ages 8 and up, and a laser tag center for ages 5 and up. Rentals are available and no experience is required.

The park has many themed fields and hosts groups such as birthday parties, school and college outings and sports teams. It is a good fit for a group of friends or a team celebration, and the age-tiered options let siblings of different ages take part.

Hot air balloon rides from Chester

For a truly memorable outing, A&A Balloon Rides is based in Chester and flies over the southern New Hampshire countryside. Its site describes flights drifting at heights of about 500 to 2,000 feet over trees, lakes, farms and fields, and notes that the area is about 30 minutes from Boston. It offers sunrise flights.

Balloon rides are weather dependent and usually suit older children and teens better than toddlers. Check the company's FAQ and policies for age and booking requirements before you promise anyone a ride.

Building a family day

A few combinations that work well:

• A summer day in Salem. Spend the day at Canobie Lake Park, then head home before the evening traffic.
• A rainy day in Concord. Start at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, have lunch downtown, then let the kids jump at the trampoline park on Loudon Road.
• A birthday with teens. Book a group session at AG Paintball in Weare, with laser tag for younger siblings.
• A special occasion. Plan a sunrise balloon flight, then a relaxed breakfast afterward.

Practical tips

• Most stops here are seasonal or have changing schedules. Always check the business's own site before you leave.
• Bring layers. Even summer mornings can be cool, and indoor spaces can be air-conditioned.
• Pack water and snacks for the car, especially if you are combining two stops.
• For activities with waivers, complete them online ahead of time.
• Weekdays and early arrivals usually mean shorter lines at popular attractions.

FAQ

What is the best rainy-day activity for kids in the Merrimack Valley?

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, with its planetarium and interactive exhibits, is a strong choice. Indoor trampoline parks in Concord and Pelham are another option.

How old is Canobie Lake Park?

It opened in 1902 as a trolley park and is one of only thirteen trolley parks still operating.

Is paintball suitable for younger kids?

AG Paintball offers lower-impact formats and laser tag with younger age minimums. Check its site for details.

Where do hot air balloon rides leave from in southern New Hampshire?

A&A Balloon Rides is based in Chester and flies over the surrounding countryside.

Sources

• Canobie Lake Park, Wikipedia (history, trolley park, ownership): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canobie_Lake_Park
• Canobie Lake Park official site: https://www.canobie.com/
• McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McAuliffe-Shepard_Discovery_Center
• Merrimack River, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merrimack_River
• Altitude Trampoline Park Concord official page: https://www.altitudetrampolinepark.com/locations/new-hampshire/concord/270-loudon-road/
• Altitude Trampoline Park Pelham official page: https://www.altitudetrampolinepark.com/locations/new-hampshire/pelham/150-bridge-street/
• AG Paintball official site: https://www.agpaintball.com/
• A&A Balloon Rides official site: https://www.balloonridesnh.com/