1. Escape… Literally.
Forget another trip to the movie theater.
At Granite State Escape, you become the star of the adventure. You’ll search for hidden clues, solve mind-bending puzzles, and try to escape before the clock runs out.
It’s perfect for:
👨👩👧 Families (yes—even the teenagers)
❤️ Date nights
👯 Friends
🎂 Birthday parties
💼 Corporate teams
🚗 Visitors looking for something unique
Bonus? It’s air-conditioned. Which means the only thing melting is your brain trying to solve the last puzzle.
2. Spend a Day at Hampton Beach
It’s basically a New Hampshire summer requirement.
Bring a towel. Eat way too much fried dough. Play arcade games you haven’t touched since middle school. Stay for the fireworks.
And yes…you’re legally required to complain about parking before admitting you had a great time.
3. Drive the Kancamagus Highway
Locals just call it “The Kanc,” because saying the full name burns too many calories.
Expect waterfalls, swimming holes, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and about 47 places where you’ll say,
“Pull over—I need a picture.”
4. Wander Around Portsmouth
History…
Waterfront views…
Fantastic restaurants…
Cute little shops where you somehow spend $40 on something you didn’t know existed five minutes ago.
Worth it.
5. Hike Mount Major
One of the best views in New Hampshire without needing to train for Everest first.
The climb is just enough to make you feel accomplished…
…and justify getting ice cream afterward.
6. Spend the Day at Lake Winnipesaukee
Rent a boat.
Paddleboard.
Kayak.
Sit on the dock doing absolutely nothing.
Honestly, there are worse ways to spend a summer day.
7. Catch a Fisher Cats Game
Baseball.
Fireworks.
Hot dogs.
A mascot doing mascot things.
Need we say more?
Pro tip: Before or after the game, head over to Granite State Escape and see if your team is as good at solving puzzles as they are cheering from the stands.
8. Cool Off at the Currier Museum of Art
When the weather says “feels like 95°,” museums suddenly become everyone’s favorite idea.
The Currier is beautiful, interesting, and blissfully air-conditioned.
9. See a Show at SNHU Arena
Concerts.
Comedy shows.
Sporting events.
It’s the perfect excuse to make a whole evening out of dinner, downtown Manchester, and maybe an escape room before the show.
10. Visit Franconia Notch State Park
If you’ve never seen The Flume Gorge…
Go.
Seriously.
Photos don’t even come close.
11. Fly Through the Trees on a Zipline
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to scream while smiling…
Here’s your chance.
12. Take the Kids to Santa’s Village
Kids think it’s magical.
Adults secretly enjoy it just as much.
(Especially when nobody asks for Wi-Fi.)
13. Spend the Day at Story Land
Where fairy tales come to life…
…and parents discover muscles they forgot they had after riding the rides all day.
14. Explore Downtown Manchester
Manchester has quietly become one of the coolest places to spend a day.
Coffee shops.
Restaurants.
Breweries.
Boutiques.
Murals.
Live music.
And, of course, Granite State Escape.
You can easily spend an entire afternoon downtown without running out of things to do.
15. Ride the Roller Coasters at Canobie Lake Park
If you’ve grown up around here, chances are you’ve yelled your lungs out on one of those roller coasters. Yankee Cannonball anyone?
16. Grab a Kayak
Early mornings on a New Hampshire lake are ridiculously peaceful.
Unless someone tips over.
Then it’s hilarious.
17. Visit a Local Brewery
New Hampshire’s brewery scene keeps getting better.
Grab a flight.
Listen to some live music.
Pretend you can taste “notes of citrus and pine.”
Nobody’s judging.
18. Visit Castle in the Clouds
It has one of the best views in the state.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another era…
…but with much better cell service.
19. Hit a Farmers Market
Fresh blueberries.
Maple syrup.
Homemade baked goods.
Flowers.
Local crafts.
You’ll arrive planning to “just look” and somehow leave with three bags.
20. Chase Waterfalls
No, don’t stick to the rivers and lakes you’re used to.
(We had to.)
Some of New Hampshire’s most beautiful waterfalls include:
Arethusa Falls
Diana’s Baths
Sabbaday Falls
Glen Ellis Falls
Bring good shoes.
And maybe bug spray.
21. Watch a Sunset
Sometimes the best summer plans involve…
Doing absolutely nothing.
Grab a blanket, find a beach, a lake, or a mountaintop, and watch the sky do its thing.
22. Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad
It’s relaxing.
It’s nostalgic.
And it’s a nice reminder that not every trip has to involve speeding down the highway.
23. Take a Road Trip
One of the coolest things about New Hampshire?
You can drive from mountains…
…to lakes…
…to the beach…
…all in one weekend.
Not many places can say that.
24. Eat More Ice Cream Than You Planned To
Let’s be realistic.
This was going to happen anyway.
Why not make it a mission to try a different local ice cream stand every weekend?
It’s called research.
25. Make Some Great Stories
Years from now, nobody’s going to remember the weekend they stayed home folding laundry.
They’ll remember laughing until they cried.
Finding the perfect swimming hole.
Watching fireworks.
Finally reaching the mountain summit.
Or escaping an escape room with 14 seconds left on the clock.
Those are the moments that stick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family activities in New Hampshire during the summer?
Families love Hampton Beach, Story Land, Santa’s Village, Lake Winnipesaukee, scenic train rides, museums, and Granite State Escape, where everyone gets to participate—not just watch.
What should I do if it rains in New Hampshire?
Rain doesn’t have to ruin your plans. Escape rooms, museums, bowling, shopping, breweries, movie theaters, and indoor attractions are all great ways to save the day.
Is New Hampshire worth visiting in the summer?
Absolutely. Few places let you hike a mountain, spend the afternoon at the beach, enjoy dinner downtown, and solve an escape room—all in the same day.
What’s the best indoor summer activity?
We’re a little biased…but escape rooms are tough to beat. They’re interactive, air-conditioned, and way more memorable than scrolling through your phone wondering what to do next.
Make This Summer Count
Summer has a funny way of disappearing.
One minute you’re buying sunscreen, and the next you’re shopping for school supplies and wondering where July went.
So don’t wait for the “perfect weekend.”
Take the road trip.
Try the new restaurant.
Visit the town you’ve always talked about.
And if you’re looking for an adventure that’s exciting, screen-free, and guaranteed to give everyone something to laugh about afterward, we’d love to see you at Granite State Escape.
Whether you’re bringing the family, planning a date night, entertaining visitors, or getting together with friends, we’ll provide the puzzles—you bring the teamwork.
Book your adventure today. Your next favorite summer memory is waiting behind the first clue.