15 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take In New Hampshire

Summer is in full swing, your kids are crawling up the walls, and you're itching to break out of your normal routine. Escape the ordinary with a day trip! New Hampshire has something for everyone, whether you're looking to get out into the great outdoors or stay where it's air-conditioned. If you are looking for things to do in New Hampshire in the summer, here are some of our favorite picks for the best day trips in New Hampshire. Which ones will you do first?

1. Soar above the clouds on New Hampshire's longest scenic gondola ride

Fly up to the peak of Loon Mountain, where you can explore glacial caves. The views on your way up and down are truly unforgettable.

One of our favorite summer activities in New Hampshire is taking the Loon Mountain gondola to see the scenic landscape below:

2. Visit an Ice Age wonder

This incredible natural wonder in New Hampshire in Franconia Notch is a spectacle that dates back 25,000 years, and you need to see its beauty up close to really appreciate it. Check out AllTrails for all of the best hiking trails in Franconia Notch State Park.

3. Get up close and personal with animals of all kinds

Charmingfare Farm in Candia has animals ranging from the tame (horses, cows) to the exotic (wolves, iguanas). Take a good look, and then enjoy one of their trail rides or horse-drawn wagon rides.

4. Clamber through an ancient gorge

Lost River Gorge in North Woodstock was formed by melting glaciers, and today you can explore this geological wonder yourself by clambering through the caves.

5. Spend the day on a lazy river

Gather up your friends and spend a day floating down the Saco, cooler in tow. What could be more relaxing than tubing the river in New Hampshire? Not a whole lot.

6. Challenge yourself to the world's longest mini-golf hole

At Chucksters in Chichester, it's really a feat if you manage a hole-in-one. Once you've mastered your golf game, move on to their other fun and challenging activities.

7. Satiate your sweet tooth at the world's longest candy counter

Chutters in Littleton is worth the drive. With a 112-foot-long candy counter, this is a day trip in its own right - and there are plenty of other shops and attractions in the area to make it worth your while. This is one of those unique things to do in New Hampshire that you won't be able to pass up.

If you are looking for one of the sweetest places to visit in New Hampshire in summer take a look at the worlds longest candy counter at Chutters in Littleton:

8. Run from a wolf man and watch bears take tea

At Clark's Bears in Lincoln, you'll find plenty to entertain your family - from a classic locomotive ride with a creepy twist to bumper boats and a climbing wall. And don't forget the trained bears!

9. Explore a secret garden

The Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site in Cornish was home to a famous sculptor, and now it's open to the public. You won't want to miss the chance to explore the stunning buildings and grounds.

10. Swim under a waterfall

Emerald Pool in Chatham is a natural swimming hole in New Hampshire off the Baldface Trail that offers stunning surroundings and crystal clear water - you'll never want to leave. For all the latest info about the trails in New Hampshire check out AllTrails+.

11. Take a trip to a cheese farm

Brookford Farm in Canterbury produces delicious cheese from the milk of their own cows, and you won't want to pass up their samples - or the chance to meet their friendly cows.

12. Journey by boat to an incredible island

If you haven't visited the Isles of Shoals yet, now's the time. Head to Portsmouth to board a ferry to Star Island for gorgeous views of lighthouses and the ocean (and maybe even some seals).

13. Wander through a wildlife refuge

Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, most easily accessed from Jefferson, has incredible mountain views, as well as wetlands and forests. It's a great place to explore if you're interested in birds or rare plants.

14. Take an epic ride on a mountain roller coaster

See Attitash in a whole new way as you zip down the mountain on a mountain roller coaster ride in New Hampshire! Don't worry - you can control the speed.

15. See the Lakes Region by train

The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad will give you a whole new way of seeing the Lakes region.

Take a peek at the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad as it passes through several crossings in Meredith, NH in this video from Mountain Division Railfan:

Do any of these ideas for summer day trips pique your interest? What are your favorite things to do in New Hampshire in the summer? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!