Looking for fun in the Granite State? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best attractions in New Hampshire.
BEST AVIATION EXPERIENCE
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE AVIATION HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
Londonderry
Walk down a mock runway and view models of hot-air balloons and other aircraft suspended from the ceiling. For hands-on fun, try one of three flight simulators, including a cockpit on loan from NASA.
27 Navigator Road. 603-669-4820; nhahs.org
BEST FREEFALL
SKYVENTURE,
Nashua
This indoor vertical wind tunnel lets thrill-seekers experience skydiving without parachute or plane by leaning into airflow and letting it lift you to new heights. Depending on skill and comfort level, divers may hover as low as an inch from the safety net or soar to daring heights with the aid of an instructor.
3 Poisson Ave. 603-897-0002; skyventurenh.com
BEST CULTURE FOR KIDS
MARIPOSA MUSEUM & WORLD CULTURE CENTER,
Peterborough
Tour the globe at this hands-on museum. Let little ones adorn themselves with silk kimonos from Japan, play with puppets and marionettes from South Asian countries, or try instruments such as gongs, harps, xylophones, and more from far-off places like Cambodia and Africa.
26 Main St. 603-924-4555; mariposamuseum.org
BEST RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
CANTERBURY SHAKER VILLAGE,
Canterbury
See the buildings and gardens where followers of Mother Ann Lee set down roots in 1792, and learn about this unique religion while admiring Shaker architecture and design. Don’t miss the many craft demonstrations held regularly, including broom making, oval-box making, weaving, spinning, rug braiding, and more. There’s good food here, too: grab a sandwich or salad at the Box Lunch & Farm Stand.
288 Shaker Road. 603-783-9511; shakers.org
BEST RESTORED THEATRE
THE FLYING MONKEY MOVIE HOUSE,
Plymouth
This former 1920s concert hall has been returned to its former grandeur, welcoming acts such as Blues Traveler, Rusted Root, and Jefferson Starship. Downstairs, a movie house shows current films and classics.
39 South Main St. 603-536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com
BEST HISTORIC HOMESTEAD
POORE FARM HISTORIC HOMESTEAD & MUSEUM,
Stewartstown
Get a glimpse at what life was like for settlers in the Great North Woods before electricity. This preserved farmhouse and its outbuildings date to the 1830s. Look through the windows filled with furniture and everyday household objects from another time (or make an appointment for an indoor tour), and visit the outbuildings, including an icehouse and a barn housing a horse-drawn carriage.
101 Route 145. 603-237-5313; poorefarm.org
