Playtime Paradise: Explore Kid-Friendly Activities Around The Seacoast!
From beaches and bowling to parks and playgrounds, these family-friendly spots around Portsmouth offer endless fun and laughter for the whole family.
York Animal Kingdom
12.1 miles from Tide House
Just about 20 minutes north of the Tide House, York’s Wild Animal Kingdom offers a small walking zoo along with fun rides, carnival games and snack bars stocked with all sorts of tasty junk food. This is a great place to check out, especially with younger kids, under age 13. The butterfly exhibit is a must see and was my favorite stop during my last visit. Be sure to go early if you decide to go on a weekend as it can get pretty busy.
Take Flight Aerial Adventure Course
5.3 miles from Tide House
This aerial ropes obstacle course in Kittery Maine will both challenge and thrill you! Take Flight opened in 2012 and has over 65 activities for you to climb your way through. They also offer a great zip line adventure. They do get busy on weekends so be sure to give them a call before heading over to make sure they have a spot available or book a reservation in advance. If you're looking for a good spot to stop for food, When Pigs Fly Restaurant is located on route 1 on your way back to Portsmouth. They have a great patio, outdoor bar, and a large lawn area for pets. The Bavarian Pretzels are one of my favorite dishes and the beer selection can’t be beat.
PiNZBowling
3.9 miles from Tide House
This is a great place to visit during a rainy day or to finish off the evening. PINZ has big ball bowling but they do offer metal guides for the kids as the bowling balls can be a little more challenging for them to hold. The arcade offers many new modern games and classic older games as well as axe throwing. You’ll also find a sports bar / restaurant where you can grab pub food and drinks. If you’re able to go during a weekday the crowd is a lot smaller and the bowling lane and shoe rentals are cheaper.
Playland Arcade- Hampton Beach
16.3 miles from Tide House
After soaking up the sun at one of the many beautiful beaches around the Seacoast, head over to the Hampton Pier for some arcade games at Playland Arcade. The Hampton Beach arcade and boardwalk is pretty honkytonk and the people watching is exceptional. You’ll find saltwater taffy and cheesy t-shirts at every corner. But kids (and even adults) love the arcade and all the nostalgia it offers. If you take route 1A back to Tide House it is a great scenic drive along the coast and there are some great pit stops for food along the way. Common Roots, Rays Seafood, Beach Plum, and Kooks just to name a few. For parents needing a pick me up, Kooks has an amazing Churro Iced Coffee that makes the list for my top three coffees on the Seacoast. If you visit during late June, you’ll find some of the most impressive sand castles along the beach, carved by professional sculptures who come from all over the country for the Hampton Beach Classic.
Prescott Park
0.9 miles from Tide House
Prescott Park is a staple of Portsmouth and one of my favorite places to walk or bike to. It is a short walk past the center of downtown.The summer season is when the flower gardens are in bloom and are a great spot to walk through and snap the perfect family photo. Be sure to check out the Prescott Park Arts Festival for the amazing concerts, plays, and other events that take place almost every night during the summer season. If you are up for it, Maine is about a 6 min walk over The Memorial bridge and is a great place to get a view of the water. You can also brag to friends and family that you walked from New Hampshire to Maine in one day.
Captain’s Cove Adventure Golf
14.0 miles from Tide House
Set sail for fun at this nautical-themed golf course. This 18 hole mini golf course is located right on route 1 and is a well known stop for locals and tourists. If you and your family are in the mood for some friendly competition this place is great and they also offer a large selection of ice cream to munch on as well. This is just a short drive to some of New Hampshire's great beaches.
Parks/Playgrounds
1.0 - 1.5 miles from Tide House
Take a walk, bike, or take a short drive to these local playgrounds for hours of fun! Lafayette Playground is one of the larger playgrounds in Portsmouth and also offers bikes, scooters, basketballs, and other toys available for kids to enjoy. South Mill Pond Park is my favorite as the view of the pond makes for the perfect picnic place and also offers pickleball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts and two great playgrounds. There is parking available at both of these parks if driving is a better option for your family.
Children's Museum of New Hampshire
12.9 miles from Tide House
This children’s museum is packed with hands-on, interactive activities that are great for children of all ages. There are a variety of different rooms that allow for messy play, pretend play, steam, and much more. They often have different events and are open all season so feel free to take a look at their website to get more information of what is taking place during your visit. If you want a sweet treat after your trip to the museum across the street is Lickee's & Chewy's Candies & Creamery that offers a great ice cream selection and a large candy store.
Seacoast Science Center
4.7 miles from Tide House
For outdoor enthusiasts and ocean lovers, the Seacoast Science Center is just a short drive along the water and is a great way to learn about what lives in our local waters. There are a few different exhibits you can explore but my favorite has to be their interactive tide pools. You are able to get up close and even get your hands wet in an interactive pool. Tickets range between $10-15 dollars but children 3 and under are free. Be sure to pack a picnic as well as the science center is right by the water and adjacent to a beautiful park with benches, picnic tables and a great playground.
Water Country
3.6 miles from Tide House
Come bask in the sun and make a splash at Water Country water park. Water Country has been in Portsmouth for over 40 years and I remember visiting as a child myself. Here you’ll find waterslides for the most timid to adventurous, a wave pool, current pools, and two splash pools for younger kids. You can bring food into the park, or buy food and drinks in the park. Stop at the Beach Plum on your way home. They offer great food, beverages and a large selection of ice cream. Beach Plum does not skimp on their ice cream sizes, I myself am unable to finish a kiddie ice cream, but hey you get your money's worth.