Summer is a blast here in the White Mountains and while we love a nice, sunny day, sometimes it is just too dang hot out there! If you need some tips on how to cool off after a full day of adventuring, check out our ideas below on how to chill out on those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.

Water Fun at White Mountains Attractions

Beat the heat at Santa's Village! Not only is it is Christmas all summer at this fun, family-friendly attraction, but you can also chill out and cool off at the Yule Log Flume Ride as well as Santa's Waterpark. The four water features of the park including the Ho Ho H2O, Polar Paradise, JOY Ride Slides, and Poogee's Splash Pad will have you chilled out in no time.

Story Land is a "cool" spot for the kiddos with Dr. Geyser's Remarkable Raft Ride, Bamboo Chutes Log Ride, and Splash Battle: Pharoh's Reign. The littlest of visitors will love Dr. Geyser's Mini Geysers splash pad.

Whale’s Tale Waterpark has all the elements you need to beat the heat and stay cool this summer. Spend the day riding down 11 water slides, 3 water thrill rides, 2 tube rides, wave pool, ¼ mile tranquil river, 4 toddler slides, and the AKUA Beach Surf Simulator.

 

Cool off in a cave!

A great way to take the edge off the heat is to explore some cool, dark caves. Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in North Woodstock, takes you on a short walk on a boardwalk that leads you through the shaded woods to a 35 foot waterfall and 12 caves. The granite caves stay cool all summer long and a couple have water running through them, dropping the temperature even more. Polar Caves Park in Rumney offers 9 unique granite caves, one that even has ice in it through August! There are shady Nature Trails to explore when you’re done adventuring in the caves.

 

Swimming Holes!

There are many swimming holes in the White Mountains, and they're a great place to spend some time on a hot summer day. These are a few popular spots but we’re sure you can find many more without looking too hard!

Otter Rocks- Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) in Lincoln. This popular spot offers facilities including a rest room and picnic tables.

Sawyer Rock- Crawford Notch. This family-friendly spot, is a little hard to find from the road, but after passing Sawyer Rock on your left as you head West on Route 302, you will see a small pull-off on the right, and will probably see cars parked there. Take a walk down a small, dirt path and you will come to a beach, sunning boulders to jump from, and large pools of water to swim in.

Jackson Falls -Jackson. This swimming hole is located right off the road, and offers picnic tables and many flat, smooth rocks to relax on. There are cascades, slides, and a waterfall with a natural rock seat behind it.

Lower Falls -Albany. This popular swimming spot is located on the Kancamagus Highway with many cascades and pools to splash around in. While you’re there, take advantage of the rest rooms and the covered picnic area with a charcoal grill.

Cascade Park -North Woodstock. Located behind Main Street, you can go for a drip, relax on the rocks, or enjoy a picnic lunch.

 

Take a Lazy Trip Down a River or Lake

The White Mountains is home to many beautiful rivers, including the Pemigewasset, the Saco, and the Androscoggin. A great way to stay cool is to explore these rivers by tube, canoe, or kayak. Great Glen Trails in Gorham will bring you on a Guided Wildlife Kayak Tour or a Whitewater Kayak Trip on the Androscoggin River. Rent a tube with Saco River Tubing Center in Conway and enjoy a lazy, relaxing float down the Saco. There are small, sandy beaches and rope swings along the way so you can make a day of it. Ski Fanatics/Paddle the Pemi in Campton are not only your winter activity outfitter, but they also offer canoe, kayak, and tube rentals for a ride down the Pemi.  North Country Kayak offers lake and river tours, from Franconia Notch, points north, as well as kayak rentals so you can explore on your own. Experience Squam Boat Excursions offers a variety of tours on Squam Lake. Swimming is an option and you can BYOB and food.

 

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

We can’t think of a better (or more delicious way to cool off than to eat a scoop (or two) of ice cream. Here are a few options to whet your whistle. Udderly Delicious located on Main Street in Lincoln, offers fresh, New England made ice cream, and a build your own ice cream sandwich bar. After you order from one of 50 homemade ice cream choices from Coneheads Ice Cream in North Woodstock, walk down to Cascade Park and enjoy the Pemigeswasset River while you eat your cone. If you're over in North Conway, be sure to stop at the Christmas Loft's newest and sweetest venture, Tricks & Treats, for a delicious ice cream or milkshake creation.