Do you want to beat the summer heat? Tired of relying on air conditioning for help? Head to New Hampshire – home to New England’s only trading caves and one of New England’s largest water parks. No matter how hot the summer temperatures are, New Hampshire offers fun ways to relax.
New Hampshire caves are great
See how the mercury rises and rises? There is a place where it is always great: a cave! Not only are caves fun to explore, they have the natural advantage of always being cooler and less humid than the smoky world above. There are two beautiful cave attractions to explore in New Hampshire’s White Mountains region. They are located at a distance of about 40 minutes by car, so you can see them both in one day if you are a fan of caves.
- Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in North Woodstock, New Hampshire are sure to provide cooling relief on a hot summer day. The granite here has been chiseled and shaped by Mother Nature’s hand for 300 million years. Your one-hour self-guided tour through glacier-carved caverns, steep-walled gorges, and deep waterfalls will leave you in awe of the great forces of nature. Wouldn’t you choose the cooling mist of a waterfall over central air conditioning one day? For an extra cool adventure, reserve your spot on a Guided Lantern Night Tour. Lost River Gorge is open from mid-May to October (weather conditions permitting).
- Polar Caves Park in Rumney, New Hampshire, is another cool spot that’s open every day from spring through late October (weather permitting). The Polar Caves were created about fifty thousand years ago when the third continental glacier covered the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire. As the ice receded, it formed an impressive series of nine granite caves and passageways that are fascinating and fun to explore. Self-guided tours lead to a rock garden, along pine-lined nature trails, and through caves. To get to Polar Caves Park, take Exit 26 off I-93 in Plymouth, then go five miles west on State Route 25. Admission prices are slightly more affordable than what you’ll find in Lost River Gorge, for what this is a budget. Family friendly choice.
Caught the cave bug? Plan a visit to Howe Caverns in upstate New York, below.
Catch the chilling waves in Water Country
Water Country , one of New England’s largest water amusement parks, is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, near the state’s compact shoreline. With over a dozen different rides and water rides, including giant slides and the Dr. Von Dark Tunnel of Terror, plus many more activities on 47 acres, you are sure to have a refreshing day in the park. Water Country has the largest wave pool in New England – that’s 700,000 gallons of water! Rides range from kid-friendly to big thrillers including Racing Rapids and the completely dark thrill of Black Hole as a roller coaster.
Information to help you plan your day in the park is available on the Water Country website. You’ll save time at the gate by purchasing your all-day tickets online in advance.
Other ideas for “Summer Heat Getaways” in New Hampshire
- Visit the Lake District Tourism Association website for all the information you need to enjoy swimming, fishing and boating in the cool waters of Lake Winnipesaukee . Located in central New Hampshire, the state’s largest lake covers 72 square miles and offers a host of fun summer activities.
- Take a tour of 12 New Hampshire waterfalls with this guide to scenic Mt. Falls. Washington Valley
- SwimmingHoles.org takes you to more than 50 old-fashioned New Hampshire swimming holes , including Crystal Cascade in North Woodstock, with its natural waterslide. Organized!
- If you want to protect the weather for your family’s summer getaway, book a stay at one of North Conway, New Hampshire’s indoor water park complexes – the Red Jacket Mountain View, home to the 40,000-square-foot Kahuna Laguna indoor water park. , or the Hampton Inn & Suites with its more modest 5,000-square-foot water park.
- There is a place in New Hampshire where, regardless of the heat, it is always December. December 25 to be precise! Santa’s Village in Jefferson is a great place for a day of shows, attractions, and even the chance to meet Santa in his laid-back “off-season” mode. For more information, call 603-586-4445.
