Summer with kids in the Mount Washington Valley: Story Land, Diana's Baths and the Saco
From Kerri Rents
Summer is when the valley fills with families, and for good reason: there's a theme park for little kids, swimming holes, a river made for tubing and a train that leaves from the middle of the village.
Story Land and Santa's Village
Story Land in Glen is the classic: rides and storybook scenes built for younger kids. From the Honey Bear Home or the Country Stay in Intervale it's only minutes up the road. Santa's Village in Jefferson is about an hour north and makes a full day out.
Swimming holes and lakes
- Diana's Baths in Bartlett: an easy, mostly flat walk of a little over half a mile to cascades and shallow pools along Lucy Brook. There's a small day-use parking fee. Go early on summer weekends.
- Echo Lake State Park: a beach at the foot of White Horse Ledge, plus a road to the top of Cathedral Ledge for the view over the valley.
- The Saco River: outfitters in Conway rent tubes, canoes and kayaks for a lazy float.
Trains, trails and rainy days
The Conway Scenic Railroad leaves from the historic station in North Conway Village, an easy walk from the Historic Village Home, where Schouler Park's playground is right next door. For an easy walk, try the Pudding Pond trail near the Pudding Pond House. On a rainy day there's the Mount Washington weather center in the village, the game rooms back at the house, and tax-free shopping at Settlers Green.
