Family Day in Concord: Kid-Friendly Stops

Concord is the capital of New Hampshire and the seat of Merrimack County, and with a population a little under 44,000 it is the state's third-largest city. It is not usually the first place families think of for a day out, which is exactly why it works. Parking is easier than in bigger cities, the stops are close together, and there is a good mix of indoor and outdoor options for a changeable May day.

This guide builds a family day around four local businesses: a space and science center, a trampoline park, a candlepin bowling alley and a working family farm. Add a walk downtown past the State House and you have a full day without much driving.

Space and science at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is the place to start. This science museum sits next to the NHTI campus and is dedicated to two New Hampshire figures in space history. Christa McAuliffe was the Concord High School social studies teacher chosen by NASA, out of 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 one of only twelve people to walk on the Moon.

The center's stated mission is to inspire new generations to explore space through astronomy, aviation, and Earth and space science. Its exhibits include a space shuttle replica, hands-on displays about the planets and astronaut life, simulators where visitors can try to land the shuttle or fly a lunar lander, and a planetarium. A tribute wall shows personal items from both namesakes, and in January 2026 the center opened a new exhibit about Christa McAuliffe.

For kids, the simulators are usually the highlight. For parents, the local connection is what stays with you. Concord is the city where McAuliffe taught, and that gives the visit weight beyond a typical science stop. Check the center's site for planetarium show times and admission before you go.

Bounce it out at Altitude Trampoline Park

After a museum, most kids need to move. Altitude Trampoline Park in Concord offers trampolines, air bags, dodgeball, battle beam and digital play experiences. It also hosts birthday parties and lets groups book the whole park for private events, including home-school outings.

Trampoline parks run on timed sessions and have their own safety rules, including requirements around socks and waivers. Read the park's site before you arrive so the first fifteen minutes are not spent on paperwork. A session here pairs well with the Discovery Center, since one is mostly about looking and the other is all about moving.

Candlepin at Boutwell's Bowling Center

Boutwell's Bowling Center is a candlepin bowling alley in Concord with public bowling, glow bowling, leagues, birthday parties and fundraisers. Candlepin is a New England tradition, played with small balls and tall, thin pins, and it is a great game for kids because the balls are light enough for small hands.

It is also humbling for adults, since candlepin scores tend to run low. That levels the field in a family game. Lane availability changes with league nights, and the center asks people to call ahead, so check before you go.

A family farm on the edge of town

Apple Hill Farm on Mountain Road is a working family farm with a farm store, a pick-your-own operation for small fruits and apples, farmers market stands and retail market sales. The farm says it wants to reconnect people with where their food comes from, and it encourages visitors to ask questions about how its crops are grown.

In May, pick-your-own season has not yet started. The farm's own schedule puts strawberries in early summer, with blueberries, raspberries and apples later. A spring visit is a good time to stop at the farmstand and learn the layout so you are ready when the berries come in. Check the farm's site for what is open before you go.

Walk past the State House

The New Hampshire State House at 107 North Main Street is the state's capitol. It houses the General Court, which is the legislature, along with the Governor and the Executive Council. You do not need a plan to enjoy it. A walk around the grounds and down Main Street is an easy way to show kids where the state's laws are made, and the gold dome makes a good photo.

Pair the walk with lunch downtown and you have a natural break between the morning and afternoon stops.

Planning a spring family day in Concord

May weather in central New Hampshire can bring sun or cold rain, sometimes on the same day. That is why this plan leans on indoor stops. The Discovery Center, the trampoline park and the bowling alley are all indoors, so rain only affects the farm and the downtown walk.

Concord is compact, so you will not spend much of the day in the car. Still, the farm is on the edge of town, so plan the order around the weather. On a sunny morning, start at the farm. On a wet one, start at the Discovery Center and see how the afternoon turns out.

Book what you can ahead of time. Planetarium shows, trampoline sessions and bowling lanes can all fill on weekends and school vacation weeks.

Sample itineraries

Space day. Spend the morning at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, including a planetarium show. Walk past the State House at lunch, then head to Altitude to burn off energy.

Rainy Saturday. Discovery Center in the morning, lunch, then candlepin at Boutwell's. Finish with a session at the trampoline park if anyone still has energy.

Sunny spring day. Visit Apple Hill Farm's farmstand in the morning, walk downtown at lunch, then spend the afternoon at the Discovery Center.

Tips for parents

• Check hours and booking rules. Each business sets its own schedule, and some change by season or around leagues and events.
• Bring socks. Trampoline parks usually require special socks or sell them at the door.
• Talk about Christa McAuliffe beforehand. Older kids get more out of the Discovery Center if they know her story going in.
• Keep it to three stops. Concord is easy to move around, but four stops in a day is a lot for young children.
• Think about seasons. A May visit to the farm is a preview. Come back in summer or fall for the picking.

Why Concord works for families

Concord is the right size for a family day. It is big enough to have real attractions and small enough that you do not lose half the day to traffic and parking. It also gives kids a sense of the state. They can see where New Hampshire's laws are made, learn about two New Hampshire astronauts, and visit a local farm, all in one day.

It works in every season, too. The indoor stops carry the winter months, and the farm comes into its own from early summer through fall. A family that enjoys a May visit has good reasons to come back.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do with kids in Concord, NH?

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Altitude Trampoline Park, Boutwell's Bowling Center and Apple Hill Farm are all good family stops, and a walk past the State House is free.

What is the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center?

It is a science museum next to the NHTI campus, dedicated to Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard, with exhibits on astronomy, aviation, and Earth and space science, plus a planetarium.

What is candlepin bowling?

Candlepin is a New England form of bowling that uses small balls and tall, thin pins. Boutwell's in Concord offers public and glow bowling.

Can you pick fruit in Concord in May?

Not usually. Apple Hill Farm's pick-your-own season starts with strawberries in early summer and runs through apples in the fall.

Is Concord good for a rainy day with kids?

Yes. The Discovery Center, the trampoline park and the bowling alley are all indoors.

Sources

• Concord, New Hampshire, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concord,_New_Hampshire
• McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McAuliffe-Shepard_Discovery_Center
• New Hampshire State House, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire_State_House
• McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center: https://www.starhop.com
• Altitude Trampoline Park Concord: https://www.altitudeconcord.com/
• Boutwell's Bowling Center: https://www.boutwellsbowl.com/
• Apple Hill Farm: https://www.applehillfarmnh.com/
• Candlepin bowling, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candlepin_bowling