Located in beautiful New Hampshire, Manchester is the largest city in the state and the second-largest in New England. Even though Manchester is much larger than the surrounding cities, it still maintains a small-town atmosphere, and its access to amenities and suburban feel make it a wonderful city for families. Between Manchester’s rich history, incredible natural landscape, and flair for fun, this city offers fun family experiences for every season. Keep reading for more kid-friendly activities in Manchester, NH.
Manchester’s history makes it a city bursting with museums and tours, but it’s also known for its incredible coastline. Make the most of family time with the following activities for kids:
Learn about Manchester’s past in the manufacturing industry at the Millyard Museum
Walk a one mile boardwalk and soak in breathtaking views at Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
Explore the ocean’s animal kingdom on a tour with Capt. Bill & Sons Whale Watch
Have a picnic and kayak around the beautiful Lake Massabesic
Tour a 22-room Colonial Revival home and wander the beautiful grounds at The Fells Historic Estate & Gardens
A day in Manchester is one the entire family can enjoy. Bring your kids along as you admire local works of art, enjoy new foods, and much more. Check out more activities to do with kids:
Wander the galleries and enjoy the cafes at the Currier Museum of Art
See a broadway show at the historical Palace Theatre
Catch the latest family-friendly release at the Cinemagic movie theater
Have an upscale, share-style meal at emBargo tapas restaurant
Head to the ice rink for an exciting Manchester Monarchs hockey game
Manchester is a city ideal for sightseeing. Go on a self-guided tour through the park, admire mid-century architecture, and go on a ride through the harbor. Consider these other cheap things to do with kids in Manchester:
Enjoy New Hampshire’s natural beauty with a walk around Livingston Park’s duck pond
Reserve your spot in advance for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Zimmerman House
Admire incredible architecture and stained glass at the Saint Joseph Cathedral
Take a tour of Boston’s harbor at sunset with Boston Green Cruises
See a detailed reproduction of The Mayflower at the Plimoth Plantation, Mayflower II and Plimoth Grist Mill
See the city from a child’s point of view. Even parents can enjoy a relaxing day at a local farm or indulging in a delicious dessert. See more kid-approved activities below:
Bring a book and relax while your children play on the playground at Pine Island Park
Bounce around and have a ball at Cowabunga's entertainment center
Satisfy your sweet tooth with an epic dessert at Melt Gelato
Go for a tractor ride and pet the animals at the Charmingfare Farm
Drop in to play on the indoor playground equipment at Nuthin’ But Good Times
Spend a weekend with friends and family at a New Hampshire Fisher Cats game, touring around on ATVs, or stocking up on fruit for jam or pies. Check out these kid-centric group activities in Manchester:
Take your family and friends out to the ball game at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium
Put your wits together to solve your way out of the escape room at Granite State Escape
Go for a ride in a sea to land vehicle from WWII with Boston Duck Tours
Get out in nature on an ATV tour with DirtVentures ATV Rentals
Go pick whichever fruit is in season at Farmer Dave's Orchards
Show your kids that learning can be fun at the many museums located in the Manchester. Whether they prefer to learn about animals, pirates, or science, kids will love the following educational activities:
Enjoy the hands-on science exhibits and LEGO city at the SEE Science Center
See the fish ladder and learn about the spawning process at the Amoskeag Fishways Learning and Visitors Center
Explore the history of the Boy Scouts of America at the Scouting Museum and Library
See a timeline of the telephone’s history from invention to today at the New Hampshire Telephone Museum
Learn about the history of pirating at the Whydah Pirate Museum
Let your child explore their imagination by enrolling them in music lessons, art classes, or both! Manchester offers various opportunities for your child to unleash their inner artist with creative classes for kids:
Make works of art as a family at Canvas Roadshow paint and pottery studio
Sign your kids up for the children’s art classes at Studio 550
Master an instrument with lessons at Music Lessons NH
Get an introduction to painting with classes at Art School 99
Learn to paint pottery and create a piece to bring home at Hestia Creations
On the days when the sun won’t shine, there is still plenty to do in the Manchester Area. Explore local art galleries or get some energy out at an indoor playplace. Check out these indoor attractions to visit with kids:
Spend a day getting some shopping done at the Mall Of New Hampshire
Admire works by local artists at the Art 3 Gallery
Catch some air and play trampoline dodgeball at Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Play arcade games and laser tag at Space Entertainment Center
Enjoy indoor skydiving and surfing at Skyventure New Hampshire