Visiting New Hampshire's White Mountains with Kids

Amanda Banta:  Explore one of the White Mountains' most unique attractions, the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves. You will be guided by wooden walkways, stairways and ladders along huge boulders, through caves and around waterfalls. The site is impressive, but be prepared by wearing good footwear for exploring. Lantern tours are offered at night and end with a round of campfire s'mores. Lantern tours are recommended for ages 6 and older. Check out their special programs for kids ages 4-12.

Cost: Starting at $15; Kids 3 and under are free.

Amanda Banta:  Pancakes are the name of the game at Polly's Pancake Parlor, but the menu doesn't come even close to stopping there. Waffles, French toast, sandwiches and everything in between are served up all day. If you're in it for the 'cakes, try a sampler of batters and add-ins to get the full Polly experience.I already know I want to order Polly's Panwich next time I'm up there. The panwich is an egg and cheese sandwich served on two pancakes instead of an English muffin. Um, yes, please! No reservations accepted on the weekend, though they do let you call ahead to put your name on the wait list.

Amanda Banta:  The Ice Castles is my favorite winter adventure! You wander in, out and around these huge structures of ice. There are tunnels, benches and even fountains spraying icy cold water - all made of ice! My kids' favorite feature was the dual ice slides. They raced each other down those at least five times on our last visit. Special guests like ice princesses and fire performers visit the castles too. Everyone should wear boots, gloves and a hat and I suggest that kids wear snow pants. My kids climbed and slid on everything; snow gear was a necessity!

Cost: Starting at $9.95 per person.

Amanda Banta:  If you have any bit of a sweet tooth, prepare to indulge it! With a 112 foot-long candy counter at its Littleton shop, it's nearly impossible not to be as giddy as a kid in a candy store at Chutters. The lengthy counter offers you 500 different candies and that does not include the homemade fudge and chocolates.

Amanda Banta:  If you have little kids, The Basin is a great place for an easy family hike. There are walking paths throughout, which allows you to bring a stroller, and the Basin itself is easily accessible. Kids will be fascinated by this giant hole that has a river crashing through it. There are true hiking trails that adventurous families can explore. We did the Basin when my boys were 3 and 5 and they were able to maneuver portions of the hiking trails quite well in their everyday sneakers. There are picnic tables and the area would make a lovely spot for a picnic lunch.

Cost: Free.

Amanda Banta:  The bear show at Clark's Trading Post dates back to 1949, when the Clark brothers began training bears to perform. The bears will perform tricks, drive cars and balance balls, all to the cheers of your kids. Take a train ride through the woods, over a covered bridge and across the Pemigewasset River, but beware of the Wolfman who lives in the woods. Older kids will get a kick out of the Wolfman as he chases the train, but parents should be aware that he may frighten young ones or kids who scare easily.

Cost: General admission $22; Kids 3 and under are free.

Amanda Banta:  Visiting Santa's Village is a peak into Santa's life in the off-season. In addition to rides, you can visit reindeer, splash in the water park (included with admission) in the summer and, of course, sit upon the big guy's lap. See here for special events. Also, pick up Elfabet Game cards at Elf University for elf spotting around the park. My boys get more excited to find these elves than the actual rides. Kids will earn a prize for returning their completed cards. Guests who enter within three hours of closing will get a return pass for a full day.

Cost: $33 per person ages 4 and older.

Amanda Banta:  Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel provides a unique winter activity with its sled dog tours. Tours will take guests (2 to 3 at a time) on a sled, pulled by a team of dogs, through snowy trails. Part of the tour experience includes meeting and thanking the dogs. The Mini Mush tour is a good option that allows families to get the sled dog experience without the commitment of a full tour or price for each person. Muddy Paws also offers Snowless Tours in the warmer months.

Ages: Starting at 2 years old.

Cost: Starting at $325 per winter tour.

Amanda Banta:  The Kancamagus Highway is a nearly 35-mile drive connecting Conway to Lincoln and, to me, one of the most beautiful attractions in New Hampshire. There are many scenic stops along the way that will make for amazing family pics and allow the kids to stretch their legs. Drive over in the fall for breathtaking views of the changing foliage across the mountains. You will not be disappointed by this. My favorite spot is the gorgeous Lower Falls. My husband and I got engaged at the riverfront and now our boys swim in the pools and slide in the small natural waterfalls during the summer.

Cost: Free.

Amanda Banta:  Diana's Baths is one of the most popular natural attractions within the White Mountains. Its waterfalls and wading pools draw crowds of swimmers in the summer, but the site can be accessed year-round. Visitors should be aware that the flow of water varies seasonally. The summer level is typically low, which allows you to wade safely in the pools and explore the rocky areas, but be careful if visiting after heavy rain. The roughly half-mile path to reach Diana's Baths is easily accessible for families.

Cost: $5 for a day pass. You can purchase a National Forest day pass in the parking lot.

Amanda Banta:  If thrills are more your family's style, then you definitely will want to check out Attitash Mountain Resort, which offers fun guaranteed to keep your adrenaline pumping. My favorite has always been the Alpine Slide (ages 3 and older), which winds you through more than a mile down the mountain. Check attraction ticket information here. Attitash hosts a popular Oktoberfest each fall while winter brings skiing and snowboarding. Keep an eye on their event calendar because there is something going on Attitash year-round!

Cost: Prices vary; Click here for more details.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Generations of kids and their families, including mine, have visited Story Land where fairytales are brought to life.

Amanda Banta:  A beloved October event, the Return of the Pumpkin People showcases the Pumpkin People doing ordinary and extraordinary things in more than 80 locations around the town of Jackson. Local businesses decorate pumpkins and set up the scenes, trying to outdo each other each year. Kids will recognize favorite characters and laugh at the outrageous exploits some of the "People" find themselves in. The event is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and maps and voting ballots can be around at the participating businesses.

Cost: Free.

Amanda Banta:  Yes, there is a hole in the wall and, yes, your kids will love it. The relaxed and fun atmosphere at Delaney's will make you feel comfortable bringing your kids in for dinner after a day of NH fun. The kid's menu (ages 15 and under) is full of great options and each meal ends with a Hoodsie, served with the wooden spoon, too! The regular menus, including gluten-free and sushi, have a wide variety of options and everyone is sure to find something they like there. Insider tip: It does get busy at times, but the grassy front yard is perfect for cartwheels or a game of tag while you wait.

Amanda Banta:  Tubing in the Saco River is my new favorite NH activity and the Saco Canoe Rental Company has everything you need for a fun experience. They offer trips ranging from one to five miles, including a rapids trip. The clear, cold river averages about 3 feet deep and kids will love going for swims along the trip. Once you have your gear, you will be shuttled to an entry point and float back to where you parked. You also can rent cooler tubes too! With one of these, you can pack snacks and waters to keep the kids full and hydrated along the way.

Ages: 3 and up.

Cost: $12-$23 per person.