Jennymarie

Booked half a week in Ogunquit late this summer with my husband and 2 boys (ages 7 and 9) We have another 5 nights and are willing to travel 2-2.5 hrs north, northeast or northwest of Ogunquit. We are debating whether to head inland towards North Conway do some hiking, white water rafting, Red Jacket/Kahuna Laguna, Cranmore Adventure Park or other mountain-y things or head further up the Maine coast for more beach, hiking, biking, boat trips, etc. Would love to do Acadia, but the drive is just too far (I think next year we will go there, but we will fly in.). I'd love to do some biking, but I'd prefer a bike path rather than roads or serious mountain biking trails. I can't seem to find a good bike path on the coast or inland, but maybe I am looking in the wrong places...

The goal is time outdoors and time spent physically moving instead of cooped up in a car. Sightseeing is good, but leisurely strolling/shopping is out. The husband does not like to sit still and the boys are worse.

Tips anyone?

dfrostnh

The white mountains are a god choice. The Flume is a long walk and will tire them out. There are lots of hiking possibilities. They may be too young for the zip line adventuress. You can take a boat trip on Lake Winnipesaukee but I think it would be boring for them. Check out the science center in Holderness and the pontoon boat ride on squam lake. It would be a bit of a drive from the Conway area but not bad. Also check driving distance to the great Vermont corn maze in Danville vt. List over the border from NH.

Ackislander

Well, yes. There aren't really swimmable beaches north of Ogunquit to my mind, though many would argue that Popham is. Lots of time in the car between interesting places. Let them get a little older.

White Mountains. Everything you and dfrost mentioned plus renting a condo so there is space and a pool. Hikes in every class. Look up the Appalachian Mountain Club. See what they are offering. My son was hiking to Carter Notch and other huts at 9, but the 7 year old is too young. I have mentioned Lowe's Bald Spot in Pinkham Notch as an easy hike with spectacular views at the end. Ditto Mt Willard Trail in Crawford Notch.

Do they like trains? The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the oldest in the world, even older than Switzerland. Contact International Mountain Equipment in North Conway if they might be interested in rock climbing lessons. More trains? The Conway Scenic Railroad. Etc.

bosteve

Hi, Full disclosure: I manage the Red Jacket Resort / Kahuna Laguna Water Park. You can base yourselves with us and explore the white mountains, Cathedral Ledge, Story Land, Santas Village and our water park. I like your question and if you want more deets, call us! 6033565411

Jennymarie

Thanks everyone for the responses! It will be the White Mountains for us. Red Jacket is definitely a good base from everything I've read. Thank you!