Lisa

Our family (3 kids--ages 9,6,and 2) is going to the White Mountains in early July. Is anyone familiar with either the Woodstock Inn or the Horse and Hound Inn? Also, on the other side of the White Mountains, what are the best attractions for kids-- is Heritage N.H. worth it for our two older kids? Thanks for any help you can give us.

Molly

Hi Lisa,
My husband and I just returned from a trip to the White Mountains {no kids} - it's beautiful! I'm not sure that this is the advise you are looking for as we didn't visit "kid places", but I do have a few thoughts:
The highlight of our trip was a van excursion up to the summit of Mt. Washington, preceded by a visit to the weather museum in North Conway. The scenery up there is, in my mind, unequaled anywhere on the east coast, and the site of the observatory is another world. However, the winds were of hurricane force - I've never experienced anything like it - so I would NOT allow small children to walk around up there.
Also, though I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the high-quality and extremely interesting weather museum to adults or older children, my son at 2 or 6 would be totally bored {film, interpretive talks, a small room of displays}.
Also, to avoid the conjestion in Conway,if your travels take you there, detour through the Bear Notch Road linking the Kangamangous to 302 - lovely drive through the woods vs. traffic snares and outlets.
Now that I've shared with you what you might want to avoid, perhaps someone with young kids can clue you in on some great kiddie attractions - have fun!

Donna F

I thought Heritage NH was interesting but I'm not sure young children will appreciate it. Storyland would be fine for the 2 youngest and the 9 yo probably won't mind going. Check out some guides such as Hiking in the White Mountains with Children to find some easy, short trails and consider a hike and a picnic lunch. If you don't want to go too far off the road, there are small waterfalls close to the road if you know where to look. Go swimming at Echo Lake. Squam Lakes Science Center in Holderness might be something the 9 yo would prefer over Heritage NH. Hope you have a great time.

gc

Can't comment on the Horse & Hound. Woodstock is charming, and includes a good restaurant and a brew pub.

Search for NH threads in here for a wealth of info.

and go to lincolnwoodstock.com for more info.

bm

Be sure to take the tram up to the top of Cannon Mountain. If you're interested in skiing and ski history, be sure to visit the New England Ski Museum which is at the base of the Tramway. Your kids might like Santa's Village up in Jefferson. Take them to Clark's Trading Post in N. Woodstock to see the bears and go on a train ride. They may also like the Whale's Tail Waterslides which is near Clark's Trading Post. Have fun!

Gretchen

There is also a great natural slide of rocks into a swimming hole on the Kancamangus Higway. It is between Bear Notch Road and Covered Bridge Campground. Our children have always loved swimming their the best. Can't comment on lodging as we always camp at the Covered Bridge campground. Have fun. It's a beautiful area.

Pamela

I went to Heritage NH when I was in the fourth grade on a field trip. I thought it was neat and have been wanting to go back ever since.

My parents have taken us on many vacations to the White Mountains. Some of the highlights that I remember: Santa's Village, Clark's Trading Post, Lost River ("caves" that you walk through. Can be difficult at times and I don't know if I'd take to 2 year old there), Storyland is right next to Heritage (I've heard that they built it up a lot since I was a kid). There's also a big water park up there.

The Cog Railway might be something worth checking into. The train goes to the top of Mount Washington. Pretty scary looking, but I've been dying to try it.

Also, Six Gun City is something that my sister wants to take her kids to, but I've never been. Santa's Village and Six Gun City are in Jefferson, NH. It's a little hike from the North Conway area. If you do those two things, I wouldn't space them out in the week since you probably wouldn't want to keep driving to and from Jefferson.

Also, there are some cool mini golf places up there.

Check out www.visitnh.gov

Sorry I can't help you with the lodging.

Great place for kids. Have a great trip!

Sandra

Lisa - Franconia area is just great. Lots of beautiful scenery. Years ago our kids enjoyed finding lost river, visiting the Flume and also the Polar Caves. Not sure if those are good choices with the 2 year old. You wouldn't be able to use a stroller -

We had dinner at the Woodstock Inn in March and the dinner was very good and the service was excellent. I can't comment on the rooms but there is a large pub/casual restaurant there that has live music - so maybe rooms near that would not be quiet.

Enjoy your visit.