We are a young a family with two small kids. We are visiting New Hampshire for 3 days. We are flying into Manchester around 9:30 am and We are planning to visit portsmouth area and also drive around coastal maine. We want to relax, and not to drive more than 2 or 3 hours at a time. Can you suggest trip ideas, where to stay etc?
thanks

Bar Harbor Maine with Acadia N.Park.Paul

Acadia is too far for 3 days! With the kids, York would be great...beaches, sand, sun and fun.. When? Summer traffic on Rt.#95 can be bad so anywhere further north makes no sense. Portsmouth and York are 15 minutes apart. From Portsmouth go up Rt.#103 to Kittery Point. There is a fort there to tour overlooking the harbor. Then continue on into York for lots there. See www.gatewaytomaine.org.

We haven't been to the Portsmouth Children's Museum in years but it should be fun for young children. There's also the Seacoast Science Center. Might be a little old for them but I remember the fun of the touch tank. Check the events schedule for performances in Prescott Park for children. Depending on your children, they might like going on a harbor cruise but I would skip that if they are both under 6. Storyland would be a big hit if they are at least 3 years old. I'm looking forward to a visit with my granddaughters. A friend just went and had a great time with her 6 yo GD. That's in Glen NH however, so from Portsmouth it's probably a 2-3 hour drive. Since it's in the mountains you might want to consider spending the night there then returning to MHT via Rt 93. York beach in Maine is very popular with families. There is a wild animal park and small amusement park but watching the salt water taffy pulling machine at the Goldenrod is free. Also look into Charming Fare Farm east of Manchester. I haven't been but friends go several times a year for themed hayrides and petting zoo. Water Country just south of Portmouth NH is a great place but maybe better for older kids considering the price. There's an area for small children however. Many towns now have free concerts each week where people bring a picnic supper. If you consider doing picnics don't forget to bring some basic supplies with you such as an insulated bag and a few utensils (i.e. knife to cut the watermelon). And a blanket. We carry bag chairs and they fit in an old LL Bean duffle bag that can go on the plane as baggage.

Thanks to thurston, frost and tovarich.
We have decided the spend the time in portsmouth and York.
Which is a good place to stay in York?
We are going to stay in wentworth by the sea for the last night. Everything seem to have been booked. Is stage coach Inn a good place to stay with kids (5 & 2)?

Stage Coach Inn is expensive but very nice. Take what you can get at this point! Everything books quickly in season. If you can't get a hotel/motel, check out cottages, etc. in the York area. Consider NH (surrounding areas) - Dover, Seabrook, NH etc. It's a very popular spot in the summer. Occasionally you can find someplace to stay last minute (driveby) but it's very unlikely.