Summer on the Seacoast is pure magic, whether you’re splashing in tide pools, digging into lobster rolls, or exploring trails shaded by centuries-old trees. For families, it’s the perfect time to unplug, reconnect, and make memories that will last long after the beach towels are packed away. Here are our top 10 picks for fun, family-friendly adventures that make the most of summer on the Seacoast.
1. Cool Off at Water Country
No Seacoast summer list is complete without Water Country in Portsmouth. With water slides, an adventure river, and the giant wave pool, it’s the ultimate way to beat the heat. For families with younger kids, the Tahiti Tree House and Pirate’s Lagoon offer plenty of splash-worthy fun.
2. Explore the Seacoast Science Center
Located in Odiorne Point State Park, the Seacoast Science Center in Rye combines hands-on exhibits with tide pool touch tanks and educational programs. It’s a great way for kids to learn about marine life, and get their hands wet!
3. Take a Harbor Cruise or Whale Watch
Hop aboard a narrated cruise with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises to explore the working waterfront, spot lighthouses, and learn about the rich maritime history of the Piscataqua River. Want to venture farther out? Head to Rye for a whale watch with Granite State Whale Watch, where you might see humpback, fin, or minke whales in their natural habitat. Kids will love spotting seals and seabirds along the way, and it’s a fun, educational way to connect with the Gulf of Maine’s incredible ecosystem.
4. Discover Prescott Park Arts Festival
From outdoor concerts to the beloved summer musical, Prescott Park Arts Festival offers free, family-friendly entertainment in a beautiful riverside setting. Pack a picnic, spread out a blanket, and enjoy a show under the stars.
5. Pick Your Own Berries
Late June and July are prime time for berry picking on the Seacoast. Farms like Applecrest in Hampton Falls and Blueberry Bay Farm in Stratham let kids fill their buckets, and maybe sneak a few bites along the way.
6. Explore the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
Just a short drive from Portsmouth, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover offers two floors of hands-on fun for kids of all ages. From STEAM activities and pretend play to art projects and interactive exhibits, it’s a perfect mix of learning and play. Check their calendar for summer programs, drop-in workshops, and special events throughout the season.
7. Step Back in Time at Strawbery Banke Museum
This living history museum in downtown Portsmouth brings the past to life with costumed interpreters, historic gardens, and interactive exhibits. Kids can try colonial crafts, watch traditional cooking, and even visit a 1940s-era general store. Be sure to check the museum calendar for special seasonal events like Piscataqua Riverfest, hands-on family workshops, and guided garden tours that highlight how traditional gardening techniques have evolved alongside modern practices.
8. Bike the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail
Pack up your bikes and hit the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail for a scenic, mostly flat ride perfect for families. The Portsmouth Branch, a section of the larger trail, is especially well-suited for kids and beginners. It winds through wetlands, forests, and open fields, so be sure to keep an eye out for turtles sunning on logs and great blue herons overhead!
9. Join a Library Summer Reading Program
Local libraries like Portsmouth, Rye, and Exeter host fantastic summer reading programs for kids, complete with story hours, crafts, and prizes. It’s a great way to keep young minds active, and sneak in some indoor downtime on rainy days.
10. Learn and Save with the Kids’ Bank at PSB
Looking for a way to sneak in some learning between all the summer fun? Piscataqua Savings Bank’s Kids’ Bank program helps children understand the basics of saving and spending through fun, age-appropriate activities. Whether your child is saving up for a new bike or just starting to learn how money works, it’s a great way to build healthy financial habits that last a lifetime.
At Piscataqua Savings Bank, we believe in supporting local families and helping kids grow, both in the community and in confidence. From funding your dream home to guiding your child’s first savings account, we’re here for every step of the journey.
Ready to explore more ways to help your family thrive? Stop by our downtown Portsmouth location or visit us online to learn more about our Kids’ Bank and community programs. Here’s to a summer full of adventures!
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