Spring into vacation mode with these seasonal trip ideas and April vacation events in the White Mountains! From listening to birdsong while biking a rail trail to watching some local talent during a live performance, April is the perfect time to try something new.
Do your research prior to arrival, especially if you plan on visiting earlier in the week. Many area businesses, restaurants, and attractions have different schedules and operating hours during the spring season, and reservations are always highly encouraged.
BOOST YOUR ADRENALINE AT ALPINE ADVENTURES (Lincoln, NH)
If hearing the words “White Mountains” brings to mind heart pounding activities, start planning your spring escape with a stop at Alpine Adventures in Lincoln, NH. This adventure hub is features an exhilarating series of ziplines as well as the Thrillsville Aerial Challenge Park for intrepid ascenders.
TAKE IN THE SIGHTS ON THE CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD (North Conway, NH)
Here in the White Mountains, the trees are just beginning to bud. That means you still have quite a few weeks to catch unobstructed, breathtaking views aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad! You will have your pick of two different excursions, as well as seating upgrades (we love the Premium option for 360-degree sightseeing and plenty of sunshine basking). Both trips depart from the historic Conway Scenic Railroad station, an Insta-worthy local structure built in 1874.
RIDE UP HIGH ON THE MT. WASHINGTON COG RAILWAY (Mount Washington, NH)
Planning your spring escape for mid-week? Right now, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway is open daily for trips to Waumbek Station, a scenic stop located partway up the flanks of Mount Washington (trust us, even from 3,900’, the views are stellar). Come late spring, the train typically ascends even higher, stopping at Skyline for a total elevation of 5,500’! Don’t forget to bring your camera and warm layers – while it might look like springtime at the base station, winter conditions can happen year-round on this famed mountain.
If you are looking to make it all the way to summit of Mount Washington aboard the Cog, book your trip for April 29th or later. As always, keep in mind that summit trips are subject to weather conditions.
TOUR AROUND LIVING SHORES AQUARIUM (Glen, NH)
Many people head to the White Mountains for wildlife viewing, but moose can prove a bit elusive. Why not focus on otters instead? We’ll make it easy for you: start looking at Living Shores Aquarium in Glen, NH! This awesome spot boasts a whole romp of Asian small-clawed otters, as well as lorikeets, rays, starfish, and all kinds of reptiles and fish. Spend a few hours at Living Shores, and you’ll quickly see why we consider it one of the best spring activities for families in the White Mountains.
CUT LOOSE AT LIVE A LITTLE FITNESS (Lincoln, NH)
Parents craving some time to shop sans kids should look into booking a Studio Play session at Live a Little Fitness in Lincoln, NH. This cozy gym is perfectly situated within the Village Shops complex and offers augmented reality spaces with interactive games to encourage movement, plus a fully padded floor for active tumblers. The attentive staff at Live a Little Fitness are all CPR/First Aid Certified, giving parents peace of mind if they choose to explore the other offerings within the Village Shops while their children play.
To book a Studio Play session, call or text (603) 348-7220.
(Photo Credit: Caitlin P. Farrar)
LEARN THE ROPES AT NORTH COUNTRY CLIMBING CENTER (Lisbon, NH)
For those planning a family vacation with high energy children, a session at North Country Climbing Center (NC3) is a must. This Lisbon, NH climbing gym boasts multiple pitches, as well as kid-friendly Open Climb packages that include a day pass, full climbing gear rental, and belaying from the attentive NC3 staff. Be prepared to sign a waiver before the climbing begins, and pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for maximum fun and flexibility!
WATCH A LIVE PERFORMANCE AT THE FLYING MONKEY (Plymouth, NH)
If you have a kid-free evening marked in your calendar, make it a date night! The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performing Arts Center in Plymouth, NH has a fantastic line up of performers for the spring season, including the likes of The Sixties Show, Adam Ezra Group, Eaglemania, and The Wallflowers.
Would you like dinner in addition to the show? Book a seat at one of the Flying Monkey’s premium tables! Sample menus available on the Flying Monkey’s website.
GET IN SOME MILES ON A RAIL TRAIL
Give local mountain biking trails a few more weeks to firm up, and bring your bike out on one of the region’s many hard-packed rail trails! For a longer ride, our pick is the 18-mile Presidential Recreational Rail Trail (part of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail), which starts in Whitefield, NH and passes through the incredibly scenic Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge on its way to Gorham, NH. Meanwhile, those looking for a shorter outing will enjoy the 4-mile Warren Recreation Trail in Warren, NH.
(Photo Credit: Caitlin P. Farrar)
ATTEND A LOCAL EVENT
There are plenty of things to do during April vacation week in the White Mountains. Attending a local event, though, might be right near the top of our list! Whether you have a taste for murder mysteries with a family-friendly, theatrical twist or want to check out a local art show or rock out while you sample some microbrews, April has got it on the agenda.
MYSTERY IN THE MOUNTAINS (North Woodstock, NH)
Kick off your April vacation week with a bit of mystery! On Saturday, 4/15 and Sunday, 4/16, the Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce is hosting a murder mystery event that will send participants scouring the streets of Lincoln and Woodstock for clues to help solve this once-a-year caper.
Mystery in the Mountains "Crime After Crime" is a family-friendly, group friendly event where amateur sleuths are invited to interview suspects at select locations, scour town for clues, and scan QR codes to help complete their investigation. Prizes are awarded to those who have entered and guessed correctly, and can range form overnight stays at local lodging to gift certificates to favorite stores and restaurants. You can register in advance or the day of the event - prices are listed below.
For more information, visit the Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce website.
Registration pricing as follows: Individual: $10 (you’ll receive one arrest warrant with your registration). | Team (up to 4 players): $25 | Team (5+ players): $40 | Additional arrest warrant: $10 (can be purchased in advance or during the event) | Suspect Reception at One Love Brewery: $30 (includes light appetizers and one beer or wine). Limited to 50 players!
SETTLERS GREEN (North Conway, NH)
Combine outlet shopping with a bit of art, and you have the 35th Anniversary Celebration: Art Installation & Ribbon Cutting at Settlers Green. This exciting event will be held on Thursday, 4/20 from 11am - 12pm, and shoppers are encouraged to congregate at The Community Labyrinth for an art unveiling of epic proportions. World-renowned artist Michael Alfano will be on hand for the ribbon cutting, so some give him a round of applause in between your outlet shopping!
WREN-LOCAL WORKS MARKETPLACE & GALLERY (Bethlehem, NH)
Extend the theme of art in the White Mountains and make your way to WREN in Bethlehem, NH. This shop-meets-gallery space dedicated to all things local is hosting "Women in Print: Four Printmakers" throughout the month of April, and you're invited to find inspiration! "Women in Print" features the work features the work of four talented female printmakers (Rachel O'Meara, Kathie Lovett, Kelly Slater, and Pam Smith), and you have every day except Wednesdays to find your favorite works.
WOODSTOCK INN BREWERY (North Woodstock, NH)
A classic option for lively local events? The Woodstock Inn Brewery in North Woodstock, NH. Here you can find great food and beer, plus recurring music-themed entertainment every single week.
Live Band: Fridays & Saturdays, 8:30pm - 11:30pm (including 4/14 & 4/15, 4/21 & 4/22) | Open Mic: Sundays, 8pm - 11:30pm (including 4/16, 4/23) | Music Bingo: Mondays, 7pm - 9pm (including 4/17) | Karaoke: Tuesdays, 8:30pm - 11:30pm (including 4/18)
Whichever way you choose to play during your spring vacay, remember to pack lots of layers as well as some flexibility. Spring in the mountains can mean snow one day and flowers the next, but we wouldn't have it any other way! Check out Trip Ideas to pull together a one-of-a-kind itinerary, or sample our mix & match adventure.
