Hampton Beach, a popular tourist area located in Hampton, New Hampshire, has been rated one of the top 10 values in beach vacations in America. Family vacation rentals in Hampton Beach include magnificent oceanfront homes, furnished condos, and spacious apartments in town. Here you’‘ll find clean beaches, beautiful landscapes, plenty of outdoor activities, and an array of restaurants to suit any tastes. Take a look at 12 of the most popular activities for families with children traveling to Hampton.
1. Take a Cruise
Sign up for a day on the water at the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. Each narrated tour teaches some history of the region, and children particularly love the Star Island walking tour. Travel from Hampton Beach to Star Island on board a boat that navigates through 10 miles of river and ocean. You’‘ll see landmarks and hear some of the legends of Blackbeard and his pirates. A gift shop and a bookstore make it easy to pick up souvenirs of the trip.
2. Beat the Heat at Water Country
Water Country is a family-friendly water park with giant water slides including an enclosed slide and a 422-foot-long racing Rapids slide. Swim in the large open pool, or grab a tube and float through the waterfalls, fountains, and caves on the Adventure River. Attractions for young children include a giant wave pool with spraying geysers and bubbling water, as well as a tree house that splashes water on children below.
3. Learn How to Surf
If you and your kids have ever wanted to learn to surf, head to Zapstix‘s Surf and Skate shop. Sign up for a one-on-one or group lesson where you‘ll learn all of the basics, or improve your existing skills and learn some new tricks. The company offers wet suit and surfboard rentals, or you can bring your own.
4. Perform Some Skateboard Tricks
On a rainy day, travel to the Rye Airfield indoor skate and bike park. Sign up for group lessons, or do some freestyling on your own. Let the kids pick out a new board, or rent everything you need from the pro shop. You can purchase T-shirts to commemorate your visit.
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5. Play a Round of Mini Golf
Challenge family members to a fun and competitive game of mini golf at Captain Cove‘s Adventure Golf. This course is set amidst a towering waterfall and nautical-themed decorations. You‘ll find lush green lawns, winding pathways, and shipwrecks to add to the fun. Before heading back to your vacation rental, grab an ice cream or a soft drink.
6. Explore the Blue Ocean Discovery Center
If you love science, visit the Blue Ocean Discovery Center, which is dedicated to teaching how to protect marine life and their habitats. Children enjoy the touch tank, where you can explore rays, starfish, and other creatures. You can also sign up to take part in a beach cleanup.
7. Play Some Games at Funarama
Share some fun and laughter at one of the largest indoor children‘s play parks in the area. Kids can jump in the ball pits, climb the slides, and explore the tunnels in a comfortable environment. Jumping castles and other inflatables add extra fun, and a snack area serves drinks and pizza. This indoor park is ideal for celebrating birthdays and special events.
8. Visit the Shops on Ocean Boulevard
Ocean Boulevard is a long stretch of shops, restaurants, and attractions located within walking distance of Hampton Beach. Teens love exploring, trying on clothes, and finding some bargains. At the end of the shopping trip, stop by a sweet shop such as The Candy Corner, Sweet Hannah’s, or Sanborn’s Fine Candies for candy and snacks to take back to your vacation rental for later.
9. Enjoy the Day at Hampton Beach
Slow down, and enjoy your vacation with a day spent on Hampton Beach. Rent paddle boards and wetsuits, and learn how to do stand-up paddle boarding with the kids. Sign up for parasailing over the Atlantic, or walk along the shore and collect seashells. Beach chairs, loungers, and umbrellas are available for rent so you can get some sun, or lie back and watch the children swim.
10. Beat the Heat at the Seacoast Science Center
Visit the Seacoast Science Center where kids can learn about marine life rescue and how actions affect the habitats in the ocean. Observe a variety of marine life, or explore the touch tanks to pet a catshark or a sea star. The center also has a host of fossils and interesting exhibits for viewing.
11. Take a Helicopter Ride
See Hampton Beach from a different vantage point with a thrilling helicopter ride from Hampton Airfield. Let an experienced guide take you and the family up to take pictures of the area, or if you have your license, you may rent a craft and explore the region on your own.
12. Watch the Wild Animals at York’s Wild Kingdom
York’s Wild Kingdom is the perfect place for families who love animals. The park is home to many exotic animals, including tigers, monkeys, the Bennett wallaby, and plenty of birds. Rides for small children including jump houses and boats, or you can explore the butterfly park to see an explosion of colorful insects.
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