This Family-Friendly Park in New Hampshire Has a Wildlife Park, Botanical Garden, Hiking Trails, and More

One of our favorite ways to enjoy the state is by getting outside. Hiking trails, lake swims, and camping are all great ways to do it. If the family is along for the adventure, choose a spot with a variety of activities to keep everyone happy. This family-friendly park in New Hampshire is the perfect choice. After visiting this incredible place, we can confidently say it's one everyone in the family will love, from the littlest ones to the oldest in your group.

New Hampshire offers a ton to do, but it's not always easy to find something that appeals to everyone. That's why we love visiting the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness. What makes this place so great is that it encompasses so much within one place. You can watch local wildlife, learn about the area's ecosystem, and interact with many exhibits. After going, we can say this is one of the best parks in New Hampshire.

Ready to get out and explore? There are three walking and hiking trails, ranging in length from 0.3 miles to one full mile. Each one meanders through open meadows and forests for some of the best views in the area. Even if you simply love to go for a nature walk, this is the science center for you. We had a few children with us, so when we were looking for kid-friendly things to do in NH, we were very happy to come across this place. We didn't even know this hidden gem existed before, and were pleased to share our experience after we went with kids.

This is also where you'll find Kirkwood Gardens, a great place to take in local plants and flowers. This beautiful spot attracts tons of butterflies, so it's also the perfect place for those who love those fluttering friends.

When we first arrived, these floating creatures were greeting us right at the entrance. Before we even set foot on the trail, I knew this was a fantastic place for all ages. In addition to the hiking trails and Kirkwood Gardens, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is also known for its live animal exhibit trail.

See the otters splashing around their enclosure, watch as mountain lions roam back and forth, and see the mighty bald eagle. Some of these animals are hard to find in the wild, so seeing them up close is a real treat. This was one of the highlights for us, especially when we got to see the black bear.

The trail is about three-quarters of a mile long and runs through meadows, forests, and marshes along a comfortable gravel path. Along the way, visitors will see native wildlife with exhibits and explanations. This is a great place for animal lovers to learn all about the local wildlife.

The boardwalk trail is simple to navigate and makes it easy to see everything. We also like that the exhibit trail is accessible to an ADA Recreational standard grade of 1:12. Difficult areas are due to loose gravel, but most of the trail is packed with gravel.

There's lots to see on land, but if you're a water lover, there's something for you, too! The nature center also offers 90-minute guided tours on beautiful Squam Lake. Best of all, everything about this place is family-friendly. Both kids and adults will enjoy everything to see and do here, which is why we think it's a great option for your bucket list!

Learn more about all the fun things you can do as well as the current cost of admission by checking out the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center website, or you can also follow them on the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Facebook page. They can be reached at 603-968-7194. Want to see more of this fun family-friendly park in New Hampshire? Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video when we went to see all the exciting exhibits and more.

For more family fun, you have to check out this amazing hands-on mini-horse experience in New Hampshire too!