Family Fun in the White Mountains: Kid-Friendly Stops

The White Mountains have been a family vacation tradition in New Hampshire for generations, and the reasons are easy to see. Kids get caves to crawl through, rivers to float, a steam train to ride and bears to watch, all within a short drive of each other. This guide rounds up things to do with kids in the White Mountains NH, organized by area so you can build a trip from a base in Lincoln, North Woodstock or the Mount Washington Valley. Each stop links to its listing in our directory.

Getting oriented

Two corridors hold most family attractions. On the western side, Interstate 93 runs north through Plymouth, Lincoln and North Woodstock to Franconia Notch. On the eastern side, North Conway and Conway anchor the Mount Washington Valley, with Bartlett to the northwest along Route 302.

The two sides are linked by the Kancamagus Highway, the eastern part of Route 112, which runs about 32 miles through the White Mountain National Forest between Lincoln and Conway. A 26.5-mile stretch is designated a National Scenic Byway. It is known for its scenery, so it makes a natural way to see both halves of the region in one trip. Fill the tank and pack snacks before you set out.

Lincoln and North Woodstock

Clark's Bears

Clark's Bears, known as Clark's Trading Post until 2019, sits on U.S. Route 3 in Lincoln, about a mile north of North Woodstock village. It is known for its trained bears and for the White Mountain Central Railroad, a 30-minute, 2.5-mile steam-powered train ride.

The attraction has deep roots. It opened in 1928 as a roadside stand called Ed Clark's Eskimo Sled Dog Ranch. The family bought its first black bear in 1931, and the Clarks' sons began training bears and created a bear show in 1949. In the 1950s the brothers began salvaging old steam locomotives, which led to the construction of the railroad. Today the site also has rides, museums and the Wolfman, who chases the train. It is a classic half day for younger kids.

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

West of North Woodstock on Route 112, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves sits in Kinsman Notch, one of the major passes through the White Mountains. At the close of the last Ice Age, enormous boulders fell from the walls of the notch and covered the Lost River, creating a network of boulder caves. The gorge is owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and operated as an attraction, with trails and ladders reaching many of the caves.

Visitors follow a wooden boardwalk through the gorge past rock walls, boulders, caves and waterfalls. The attraction's site also mentions a Forest Adventure Trail and a treehouse. Kids who like to scramble love the caves. Wear sturdy shoes, and check the attraction's FAQ if you are bringing a toddler or a stroller.

Rumney: Polar Caves Park

Just west of Plymouth, Polar Caves Park in Rumney is another cave adventure with a geology lesson built in. According to the park, as a continental glacier moved south over New Hampshire and later thawed, great blocks of granite broke from Hawk's Cliff and formed a series of caves and passageways. The name refers to the cold air that flows out of the caves even on the hottest summer day.

The park lists nine granite boulder caves, a boulder maze, an animal exhibit with fallow deer and ducks, and a mining sluice. Bring a light layer for the caves, since the temperature difference from the surface is noticeable. It pairs naturally with a stop in Plymouth or a visit to Lost River on the same day.

Mount Washington Valley

Saco River tubing

On a hot day, nothing beats a float down the Saco. The Saco River Tubing Center on White Mountain Highway in Conway rents tubes for lazy floats through the White Mountains, with sandy beaches, rope swings and a shuttle service. Its sister business also rents canoes and kayaks.

The Saco rises at Saco Lake in Crawford Notch and flows through Bartlett and Conway on its way to Maine. The operator describes it as known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear water, averaging about 3 feet deep during the summer season, with some short sections deeper. Even so, young children should always wear life jackets, and families should check river conditions before going.

Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm

South of the valley in Tamworth, the Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm is a rural life museum and historic farmstead. It tells the story of a country doctor's practice alongside the agricultural life of the past, with guided activities, tours, events and self-guided visits that change with the seasons. The farm raises its own beef.

The grounds include the Binsack Trail, a short walk with views of the farmstead and Mount Chocorua. Chocorua is a 3,490-foot peak at the eastern end of the Sandwich Range, recognizable from much of central New Hampshire by its bare, rocky summit. The Remick is a calmer counterpoint to busier attractions, and a good choice for kids who like animals and hands-on history.

Attitash Mountain Resort

Attitash Mountain Resort is on Route 302 in Bartlett, near North Conway. It was built in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration and is now operated by Vail Resorts under a permit with the White Mountain National Forest. The resort has two peaks, Attitash and Bear Peak, with 68 trails that cater to every skill level. It is a natural base for a winter family trip, and it is worth checking the resort's site for what is open in other seasons.

Sample family itineraries

• Lincoln day. Morning at Clark's Bears, a picnic lunch, then an afternoon in the caves at Lost River Gorge.
• Caves and rivers. Polar Caves in Rumney in the morning, then drive the Kancamagus Highway to Conway for an afternoon float on the Saco.
• Slow day in Tamworth. Explore the Remick farm, walk the Binsack Trail, and enjoy views of Mount Chocorua.
• Winter weekend. Base in North Conway or Bartlett and ski at Attitash.

Tips for families

• Many of these attractions are seasonal. Check each site for operating dates before you go.
• Cave attractions involve stairs, ladders and tight spaces. Wear sneakers or hiking shoes.
• Pack layers. Caves and gorges stay cool even in July.
• Bring water shoes and sunscreen for river days.
• Mountain weather changes quickly, so carry rain jackets in the car.
• Book lodging early for summer weekends and school vacation weeks.

FAQ

What is the best White Mountains attraction for young kids?

Clark's Bears in Lincoln, with its bear show and steam train, is a long-standing favorite for younger children.

Are the caves at Lost River and Polar Caves suitable for kids?

Many families visit both. Expect boardwalks, stairs and caves to climb through, and check each attraction's FAQ before bringing very young children.

Where can kids go tubing in the White Mountains?

The Saco River near Conway is the most popular spot, with outfitters renting tubes and running shuttles.

How do I get between Lincoln and Conway?

The Kancamagus Highway, about 32 miles long, connects the two through the White Mountain National Forest.

Sources

• Clark's Bears, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark%27s_Trading_Post
• Clark's Bears official site: https://clarksbears.com/
• Lost River (New Hampshire), Wikipedia (Kinsman Notch, boulder caves, ownership): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_River_(New_Hampshire)
• Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves official site: https://lostrivergorge.com/
• Polar Caves official site: https://polarcaves.com/
• Saco River, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saco_River
• Saco River Tubing Center official site: https://www.sacorivertubing.com/
• Saco River Canoe Rental Company official site (river depth): https://www.sacocanoerental.com/
• Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm official site: https://www.remickmuseum.org/
• Mount Chocorua, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Chocorua
• Attitash Mountain Resort, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attitash_Mountain_Resort
• New Hampshire Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway), Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire_Route_112