White Mountains for Kids Under 5

The White Mountains are New Hampshire’s year-round, family-friendly playground. Traveling with babies and children under the age of five can be challenging to say the least. If you’re not ready to hop on a plane with all the baby gear to spend a week at Disney World, then head up I-93 to Lincoln and spend some time in the White Mountains. The region offers an abundance of things to do for children under five.

Day One

After driving to RiverWalk Resort, you’ll probably want some time to settle in and relax a bit before all the fun starts. The young kiddos (and maybe even adults!) might need an afternoon nap. Spend the rest of the day enjoying all the incredible resort amenities including two pools and a game room. The lagoon swimming pool is perfect for young kids, it has a gradual slope from the far end of the pool toward the center where it becomes five feet deep.

Enjoy all your favorite backyard games like corn hole, bocce ball, and more during the summer months. Or just relax in the sun while your little ones play in the lush grass. Book an early dinner at La Vista Italian Cuisine for the whole family. Offering a plethora of kid-friendly menu options, you can’t go wrong with pasta and pizza!

Day Two

Sleep in and enjoy a lazy morning in your suite before packing your swim bag and heading to Whale’s Tale for some summer fun. On a hot day, there is no other place you’ll want to be than in the water. Whale’s Tale Water Park is a White Mountain favorite and fun for all ages. Whale Harbor is the perfect water attraction for young kids. Featuring a shallow pool with water cannons, slides, and more, your little ones will beg to go back the next day! And as a bonus, toddlers are only $10 a day!

Day Three

All Aboard! After a day of splish-splashing fun, it’s time to enjoy some land-based adventures in the White Mountains. Embark on the first Hobo Railroad train from Hobo Junction Station. Operating daily in the summer, all train rides are 80 minutes round-trip along the beautiful Pemigewasset River. Pack a picnic lunch and eat on the train. Kids under age five ride for free too!

After the train (and maybe nap time), head over to Loon Mountain for more fun. Enjoy a trip on the Gondola Skyride. From the inside of your four-person gondola, take in the picturesque mountain views for 1.3 miles to the summit of Loon Mountain, where you can see even more panoramic views of the White Mountains. Bring your baby carrier and explore the glacial caves and short hiking trails at the summit.

Looking for a little more action? Take the kids downhill mountain biking while you're at Loon Mountain. They offer equipment rentals for even the youngest family members and even have lessons for those just getting started.

Day Four

Pack your bags and head to Franconia Notch State Park for the day. One of New Hampshire’s most popular state parks has a lot to offer the whole family. Spend the morning exploring the infamous Flume Gorge. Kids under age five are free! After a morning at the Flume Gorge, lay out your beach blanket and swim in the cool waters of Echo Lake. The sandy beach is great for making sandcastles and taking naps under the umbrella. When the kids start getting restless, take a walk or bike ride on the Franconia Notch Bike Path. You can rent bikes and child trailers from the Aerial Tramway or Sport Thoma in Lincoln.

Day Five

No visit to the White Mountains is complete without a trip to Storyland. Generations of children have been visiting Storyland for decades and many more will continue to do so. There are over 30 kid-friendly attractions and shows, many of which are perfect for children under age five. From the swan boats to the Antique German Carousel to Storybook Animals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And all the shows are back this summer, too! Children under age two are free!

Bonus Day

If you’re short on time or overly ambitious, you can split one day at both Story Land and Santa’s Village, though it’s best to spend a whole day at each of the area’s best amusement parks for kids. Everyone wants to celebrate Christmas in July and you can do just that at Santa’s Village. Visit the reindeers, sit on Santa’s lap, and enjoy a variety of rides like the Christmas Ferris Wheel, Hot Shots Fire Brigade, and Santa’s Express Train.

Mix and Match

There are a ton of things to do for kids under age five in the White Mountains. From enjoying the extraordinary amenities at RiverWalk Resort to the natural wonders of Franconia Notch State Park and Loon Mountain to the various rides at the local amusement parks, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime for your whole family.