Such a great spot to bring the family for some outdoor fun! There are multiple basketball courts, a…read morepool that is open to the public and also offers swim lessons, and an awesome playground! There is a walking trail behind all of this that looks like it may be stroller friendly- we haven't ventured to it yet. No bathroom at the playground or basketball court but the pool should have one. Not sure if you can use it when the pool isn't open.

Worth the drive! Especially in the fall the leaves are amazing. Lots of places to hike and cool…read moreviews. It's an amazing drive through the Kancamagus highway as well!

This is the most eastern national forest in the US. I really enjoyed hiking the trails of this…read morelovely national forest. Trails are of various difficulty which was perfect since during the time of my visit, I was nursing a sprained ankle. Looking forward to my next visit!

Perfect spot in downtown Dover for kids to play after going to the Children's Museum or out to eat…read more They have a splash pad that's usually open in the summer as long as there isn't a drought advisory. The park has a fun "music" area with outdoor xylophone type instruments and drums. Swings, Slides, Splash pad, and Sand areas to play. It can get a little busy and on one occasion there were some interesting characters skulking about. There is parking on either side of the park. Water fountain available. Some shade available as well!

This is probably one of the coolest playgrounds we've been to. Didn't expect to see it. We were…read moregoing to the children's museum and then came out to a really cool playground. I liked all the different swings. They really are inclusive. All the different things that require the kids have balance. The slides are a little scary but my son did like them. There's definitely a lot of people when we went. Seems to be a visited place especially on nice days which I get but we would love to go back especially if they have a splash pad. I mean, I honestly think it's a very neat park that has lots of different things to it. You definitely can't get bored there and it seems to be inclusive to everyone, not just able body.

I went here on off season so there was plenty of parking but not much open on the pier. Not much of…read morebeach but a long boardwalk. The views are great though! There is lots of restaurants and bars during peak season. We took a boat ride off the pier and it was super fun!

We visited this past week and really enjoyed our stay there. Although we did not necessarily go…read moreswimming at the beach because it was a bit too cold for it. We did enjoy walking on the beach and enjoying the sites. Because the day was a bit overcast it was not too packed but it still was a nice area to spend some time in.

Gorgeous trail! Beautiful views of the lake and very well maintained. A regular walking spot for…read moremorning walks with my dog. Getting good use from cyclists and walkers/joggers.

One of the best integrated sculpture garden/landscape garden/botanical garden/art installations we…read morehave ever experienced. Excellent guide map gives a little blurb about each significant stop, and leads you around so you don't miss a thing. It is not a huge place where you walk half a mile in between sculptures, it is a pleasant path of regularly-occurring creative elements to observe and appreciate. Look up, down, and all around so you don't miss the many sculptures made from reclaimed salvage. Barbells, band saws, cymbals, farm implements -- all welded together in artistic ways that guide you along the path. Meanwhile, flora and fauna of unique varieties abound. Benches and chairs here and there. We strolled along and spent about 90 minutes doing the loop on the grounds. So much to see, so many deep breaths to take, plenty of picnic spots. Good bathrooms, interesting gifts, something for all ages. Hidden gem.

Lovely and eclectic garden. Great place to spend an afternoon. I will definitely go back again!read more

Kirkwood Gardens and the Holderness Inn were a gem of a surprise on our recent visit to the Squam…read moreLakes Science Center. With free admission, the garden offers a beautifully landscaped and historic place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It would be a great place to have a picnic. They host local artist exhibits throughout the summer, and offer wedding packages. Inside the Holderness Inn there is the Kirkwood Café and the Squam Lake Artisans Gift Shop. The cafe is small and cute with premade sandwich offerings as well as ice cream and cold drinks and coffee. The large Gift Shop has many high-end gifts from local artists. Also, clean, modern bathrooms are located by the barn. There's a small parking lot. If you are visiting the Science Center, the grounds are directly accessible through a gate along the trail, and makes a great little 'side tour.'

This place was just beautiful. You can visit it on its own or when you go through Squam Lake…read moreScience Center. Either way if you're info flowers you could stay here quite a while soaking up all there beauty. There is a little gift shop to buy snacks & drinks and outdoor seating for you to relax and take it all in!

Nice place to walk. Opens at 9. Get there early before all the other tourists come and then it…read moregets crowded.

Lovely area for hiking and very beginner/family friendly. Literally anyone can do this one! Albeit…read moresimple, it's so pleasant and filled with scenery. The tree coverage made for comfortable shade and the basin itself gave off a nice cooling mist and was just a stunning shade of crystal clear blue. There is plenty of nearby parking and this trail is free. Add this to your white mountain itinerary!

The only reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 is because you have to be a resident to park here to…read moreenjoy the beach. There is no parking along the road leading to the beach, and there are no other roads. So unless you know someone who lives by the beach and can park at their house, you have to have pass--the same one used for the transfer station. This beach is perfect for little kids! It's kind of a hidden jewel and I'm sure the town wants it to stay that way. I have been here twice. The water only ever gets to just above my waist-I am 5'3-within the boundaries. There are two bathrooms and slides/swings for when the kids need to switch it up. There are picnic tables and some shaded areas. It's a small beach but it's my favorite and I wish non-residents could purchase a pass because I would in a heart beat. My kids and I love this beach.

Tucked away behind a neighborhood, this free public beach is a gem. The water is so clear and the…read moreright temperature. There are amazing views of mountains. There is ample shade provided by tall pines. The bottom of the lake is mostly clay not mud, which provides comfortable footing and cleaner water than many other lakes. The parking lot can be somewhat limited, particularly when two impromptu Saturday birthday parties are going on. There is one whole bathroom. Unfortunately, this beach has a 'smoking friendly "section"' which is "adjacent to handicapped parking." A few disgusting smokers were taking advantage of lax rules by not disposing of their filters properly, and not adhering to personal space boundaries. There was substantial litter from children's juice boxes, as well. Gross! Fortunately, there is a long enough beach to carve out a small space away from these ash holes. Many people arrived at the beach via boat or jet ski instead of driving. The beach was great fun for families and I would return.

Despite an amazing amalgam of July 4th happiness seekers, we found quiet respite on the Sunday…read more(6th) following the 4th at Ellacoya. I think my 11yo son and I may have been the only two kayakers on the lake (cove), but damn is it beautiful and clear. Definitely loads of boaters and beach goers that weekend

Easy access once you are in the park. Lots of sand with cool summer water and amazing views. If…read moreyou want to be sure you can park, you need to make a reservation. That took me 20 minutes! Guard shake manned by young guy. I think he needed a nap and we interrupted him with this question, "how do we get to the beach from the parking lot"