Theme Parks and Amusement Parks in New Hampshire

There aren't any large-scale, destination theme parks (like Disney World or Universal Orlando) or huge, corporate amusement parks in New Hampshire (the nearest one is Six Flags New England in Massachusetts). But there is a nice collection of parks, many of which are family-owned and -operated (a rarity these days). Visitors to the state will find some wonderful places to visit during their vacations, including a couple of especially charming and wonderful theme parks in the lovely White Mountains geared especially for the pre-teen crowd. (That'd be Santa's Village and Story Land.)

New Hampshire parks are listed in alphabetical order.

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Canobie Lake Park in Salem

A wonderful, traditional trolley park, and one of the few remaining family-owned, independent parks in the nation. Highlights include the Yankee Cannonball wooden coaster and Untamed, a vertical drop steel coaster. The park also offers some water park attractions and a lovely boat tour around its lake.

02 of 07

Clark's Trading Post in Lincoln

More a roadside attraction that's grown through the years than a theme park, Clark's nonetheless offers "Merlin's Mystical Mansion," a spinning room illusion attraction, bumper boats, an antique train, and other rides. The highlight is a trained bear show. Like a few of the state's other attractions, it's located in the White Mountains.

03 of 07

Fort Jefferson Fun Park in Jefferson

It used to be known as Six Gun City and was a small, Old West-themed park. Now, it is a free-admission park that offers pay-as-you-go attractions including water slides, laser tag, go-karts, a carousel, and bumper boats. There is also a campground and cabins to rent.

04 of 07

Hampton Beach in Hampton

There are no major rides at this lovely stretch of beach, but there are a lot of arcades, food joints, a couple of water slides, mini-golf, the Casino Ballroom, which features national musical acts, and other great honky-tonk attractions.

Continue to 5 of 7 below.

05 of 07

Santa's Village in Jefferson

Ride at Santa's Village in New Hampshire. — Santa's Village

There have been a number of parks called "Santa's Village," but the New Hampshire one, which dates back to 1952, is the original. It has the perfect blend of authentic nostalgia and contemporary appeal. Young children and adults alike will find its charm irresistible.

Highlights include Rudy's Rapid Transit Coaster and visits with a certain red-suited gent. Included with admission is the Ho Ho H2O Water Park (great name!). Santa's Village is open in the summer and fall as well as the weeks leading up to Christmas (of course).

06 of 07

Story Land in Glen

Story Land roller coaster — © Arthur Levine.

Story Land is a beguiling and meticulous park themed to classic fairy tales. The log flume and other rides have been toned down for the under-12 set. It's loaded with charm and reasonably priced too. Highlights include a small, but especially potent wooden roller coaster, Roar-O-Saurus, as well as Dr. Geyser's Remarkable Raft Ride and the Bamboo Chutes log flume. (Don't worry; you won't get too wet on those last two.)

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