Events, features and things to do for families in New Hampshire
Family Favorites 2011 Winners
The votes are in for our first-ever Family Favorites competition. About 1,100 readers filled out our online survey during the summer and chose their favorites in more than 90 categories. Here’s a closer look at some of the categories.
Dad’s Favorite Place: Home Depot
We had a number of different responses to this question, with activities ranging from going to various restaurants and bars to playing golf and paintball to sitting on the couch. But the winner here was Home Depot, with locations throughout New Hampshire. What we want to ask Dads is if this is really their favorite place to be, or is this the place they just seem to find themselves at every weekend so they can get those home improvement projects done.
Best local role model for kids: Adam Sandler; Christa McAuliffe; Jenny Thompson; Mom
These four people were most often mentioned, but we were impressed with the varied responses to this question. You also suggested skier Bode Miller, children’s entertainer Judy Pancoast, Pierre Pouliot, a police officer in Goffstown, along with other law enforcement officials, and teachers, from across the state. We’re glad to see Mom way up on the list and happy to see so many positive role models out there.
Best Birthday Place: Children's Museum of NH; NUThin' but GOOD TIMES!; Bounce U; Granite State Bounce; Chuck E. Cheese; Jump On In; McIntyre Ski Area.
There are a lot of fun places to hold a birthday party for your child. It was a close race! But while parents love to have their kids’ birthday parties elsewhere and let someone else do all the work, parents also said having them in their own backyard is another popular idea.
Favorite party entertainer: Steve Blunt and Mad Science (tie)
One of the most popular personalities at Parenting New Hampshire’s Family Fun Fair each April is Steve Blunt -- no doubt you’ve seen him sing in libraries and schools and at events all over the state. Mad Science also puts on quite the show, one that's both entertaining and educational for kids.
Best Beach: Wallis Sands (Rye)
There was no question after reading the responses that when our readers think beach, they think ocean. Kingston State Park and Echo Lake State Park (Conway) were the front-runners if you are not a fan of the waves or if you can’t make it over to the coast.
Best place to fly a kite: Hampton Beach (or just about anywhere)
Our top vote-getter was Hampton Beach, no doubt because of all that space to run on without having to deal with trees and power lines. But you also suggested the backyard, Derryfield Park, ConVal High School football field, Wagon Hill in Durham, Great Island Park in Newcastle, North Conway Common, Monson land trust in Milford and Greeley Park in Nashua. Now if someone tells you to go fly a kite, you’ll know where to go.
Best parade to watch: Manchester Christmas Parade
It’s no surprise The Spirit of the Season Christmas parade, scheduled this year for Dec. 4, is your favorite. According to IntownManchester, each year nearly 30,000 people descend on downtown to see festive floats, world-class marching bands and, of course, Santa Claus! The community event is the largest float parade in the state.
After-school program: Boys & Girls Clubs of New Hampshire
So many fun and educational things for kids to do under one roof. According to Boys and Girls Clubs in New Hampshire, services are provided at 28 sites and 16 school-based locations serving 82 communities in New Hampshire, with organizations headquartered in Concord, Derry, Laconia, Manchester, Milford, Nashua and Salem. In 2009, more than 19,000 young people in New Hampshire were Boys & Girls Club members, with more than 45,000 youth participating in programs, outreach efforts and special events.
Kid-friendly menu: T-Bone's - Local Chain; Friendly's - Regional Chain
After looking at the menus, I’m tempted to try to eat off the kids’ menu. With offerings like Mac ‘N Cheese and grilled cheese at T-Bones and of course yummy ice cream at Friendly’s, you’ll be tempted, too.
Best fair: Deerfield
This year is Deerfield Fair’s 135th year, and it’s still going strong. This year the fair is Sept. 29 and 30, and Oct.1 and 2, and. according to our poll numbers, you’ll find a lot of Parenting NH readers there. There’s something for everyone, including performers, food, animals and shows.
Editor’s picks:
Best Comic Book Store: Double Midnight Comics in Manchester, www.dmcomics.com
Best selection of comics and games anywhere for all ages, bar none. Stop in and Brett Parker and company will make you feel right at home.
Best place to grab a cupcake: Queen City Cupcakes in Manchester, www.qccupcakes.com.
Arguably the hardest item in town to get your hands on, but if you are on Elm Street at 11:30 a.m. right when the store opens, you may just be lucky enough to score one of the many of flavors of cupcakes the store cranks out everyday.
Best gluten-free market: Natural Choice Market in Hooksett, www.naturalchoicemarketnh.com
A tremendous selection of gluten-free foods for the gluten-intolerant. If you are craving something, you’ll find it here.
Family day trip:
Hampton Beach
Family bike trail:
Mine Falls (Nashua)
Family hike:
Pack Monadnock (Peterborough)
Fair:
Deerfield Fair
Amusement park:
Canobie Lake Park
83 No. Policy St., Salem
893-3506; www.canobie.com
State park:
Pawtuckaway State Park (Nottingham)
Public park:
Livingston Park (Manchester)
Indoor play place:
NUThin’ but GOOD TIMES!
746 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack
429-2200; www.nuthinbutgoodtimes.com
Water park:
Water Country
2300 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth
427-1111; www.watercountry.com
Beach for families:
Wallis Sands (Rye)
Family ski resort:
Gunstock (Gilford)
293-4341; www.gunstock.com
Outdoor learning center:
Squam Lake Science Center
23 Science Center Road, Holderness
968-7194; www.nhnature.org
Family campground:
Jellystone Park
35 Jellystone Park, New Hampton
968-9000; www.jellystonenh.com
Place to fly a kite:
Hampton Beach
Skateboard park:
Rye Airfield
6 Airfield Drive, Rye
964-2800; www.ryeairfield.com
Best movie theatre:
Chunky’s (Pelham and Nashua)
Best parade to watch:
Manchester Christmas Parade
Family road race:
CIGNA 5K
Family bike ride:
Windham Bike Trail
Annual event for families:
Touch a Truck at the Mall of NH
1500 South Willow St., Manchester
669-0433
Sporting event for families:
Fisher Cats
1 Line Drive, Manchester
641-2005; www.nhfishercats.com
Rainy day outing:
Children’s Museum of NH
6 Washington St., Dover
742-2002; www.childrens-museum.org
SEE Science Center
200 Bedford St., Manchester
669-0400; www.see-sciencecenter.org
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
2 Institute Drive, Concord
271-7827; www.starhop.com
Fun Spot
Weirs Beach
Picnic spot:
Prescott Park (Portsmouth)
Library:
Manchester and Nashua (tie)
Best educational service:
Sylvan Learning Center
72 South River Road, Ste. 203, Bedford
622-7772; www.sylvanlearning.com
Children’s theater:
Palace Theatre
80 Hanover St., Manchester
668-5588; www.palacetheatre.org
Museum for kids:
Children’s Museum of NH
6 Washington St., Dover
742-2002; www.childrens-museum.org
Place to paint pottery:
You’re Fired (four NH locations)
Musical instruction:
Manchester Community Music School
2291 Elm St., Manchester
644-4548; www.mcmusicschool.org
Family fitness club:
YMCA of NH
The Works
246 Route 108, Somersworth
742-2163; www.theworkshealthclub.com
Bowling alley:
Leda Lanes
340 Amherst St., Nashua
889-4884; www.ledalanes.com
Mini golf:
Mel’s Funway Park
454 Charles Bancroft Hwy
424-2292; www.melsfunwaypark.com
Martial arts studio:
Neil Stone’s Karate Studio
108 Route 13, Brookline
672-8933; www.neilstoneskarate.com
Dance studio:
N-Step Dance Center
2626 Brown Ave., Manchester
641-6787; www.nstepdance.com
Equestrian center:
Apple Tree Farm
49 1/2 Wheeler Road, No. 2, Hollis
465-9592; www.appletreefarm.org
Indoor soccer facility:
Hampshire Dome
50 Emerson Road, Milford
673-8123; www.hampshiredome.com
NH Sportsplex
68 Technology Drive, Bedford
641-1313; www.nhsportsplex.com
Hockey arena:
Conway Arena
8 Riverside St., Nashua
595-2400; www.conwayarena.com
Kids yoga class:
Childlight Yoga (various locations)
781-3323; www.childlightyoga.com
Gymnastics facility:
Atlantic Gymnastics
150 Gosling Road, Portsmouth
433-0404; www.atlanticgym.com
Day camp:
YMCA of NH
Overnight camp:
Camp Carpenter (Daniel Webster Council)
300 Blondin Road, Manchester
625-6431; www.nhscouting.org
275 Mammoth Road, Ste. 1, Manchester
663-8350; www.elliothospital.org
Children’s dentist:
Dr. Gary Lindner
Lindner Dental
72 South River Road, Bedford
624-3900; www.lindnerdental.com
Orthodontist:
Dr. William Mehan
Mehan Orthodontics
113 Mammoth Rd., Manchester
623-8003; www.drmehan.com
Child care facility:
Noah’s Ark
491 East Industrial Park Drive, Manchester
669-7990
After school program:
Boys and Girls Club of NH
Family-friendly bank:
TDBank
Place to buy a family car:
Autofair
1477 South Willow St., Manchester
634-1003; www.autofair.com
Financial planner:
Ameriprise Financial
5 Bedford Farms, 3rd Fl., Bedford
668-1273; www.ameripriseadvisors.com
Family health plan:
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Family health care facility (Hospital):
Elliot Hospital
4 Elliot Way, Ste. 401, Manchester
663-8933; www.elliothospital.org
Child photographer:
Michelle Brewster
MAC Photography
500 Market St., Ste. 2B, Nobel’s Island, Portsmouth
373-8695; www.mac-photography.blogspot.com
Kids hair cut:
Snip-its
449 Amherst St., Nashua
889-0000; www.snipits.com
Silly Beans Kids Cuts
260 Mammoth Road, Manchester
629-9600
Great Clips
92 Cluff Crossing, Salem
893-6300; www.greatclips.com
Supercuts
Wal-Mart
OB/GYN:
Dr. Mary Jo Montanarella
30 Canton St., Ste. 6, Manchester
624-1638
Birthing center:
CMC Mom’s Place
100 McGregor St., Manchester
663-8164; www.catholicmedicalcenter.org
Place for unique baby gifts:
NiNi Bambini
166 South River Road, Ste. 9B, Bedford
666-6464; www.ninibambini.com
Maternity shop:
Mother and Child
650 Amherst St., Greystone Plaza, Nashua
886-6727
Baby furniture store :
Babies R Us
Baby-Go-Round
105 Lafayette Rd., Hampton Falls
926-2255; www.babygoroundinc.com
Mom blog:
One Mom’s Review
www.onemomsreview.blogspot.com
Fertility specialist:
Dr. Richard Reindollar
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
100 Hitchcock Way, Manchester
695-1859; www.dhmc.org
Pizza:
Sal’s Pizza - Regional Chain (various locations)
FlatBread Company - Local Chain (various locations)
La Festa Brick & Brew
300 Central Ave., Dover
743-4100; www.lafestabrickandbrew.com
Ice cream:
Hayward’s
7 Daniel Webster Hwy, Nashua
888-4663; www.haywardsicecream.com
Goldenrod Drive In
1681 Candia Road, Manchester
623-9469; www.goldenrodrestaurant.com
Moo’s Ice Cream
27 Crystal Ave., Derry
425-0100; www.moosplace.com
Puritan Backroom
245 Hooksett Road, Manchester
669-6890; www.puritanbackroom.com
Kid friendly menu:
T-Bone’s - Local Chain (various locations)
Friendly’s - Regional Chain (various locations)
Kids favorite breakfast place:
Ihop - Regional Chain (various locations)
MaryAnn’s Diner
29 E. Broadway, Derry
434-5785; www.maryannsdiner.com
Airport Diner
2280 Brown Ave., Manchester
Entertaining place to eat:
Chunky’s (Pelham and Nashua)
Chuck E. Cheese - Regional Chain
Carry out service:
Puritan Backroom
245 Hooksett Road, Manchester
669 -6890; www.puritanbackroom.com
T-Bone’s - Local Chain (various locations)
Family restaurant:
T-Bone’s (various locations)
Kid-friendly food brand:
Stonyfield Yogurt
Cheap eats:
McDonald’s (various locations)
Clothing store for kids :
Old Navy (various locations)
Children’s Place (various locations)
Gymboree (various locations)
Clothing consignment :
Mother and Child
650 Amherst St., Greystone Plaza, Nashua
886-6727
Children’s boutique :
NiNi Bambini
166 South River Road, Ste. 9B, Bedford
666-6464; www.ninibambini.com
Children’s shoe store:
Alec’s Shoe Store
201 Main S, Nashua
882-6811; www.alecs-shoes.com
Stride Rite - Regional Chain
Children’s book store:
Toadstool Bookstore
Rte 101A/Lorden Plaza, Milford
673-1734; www.toadbooks.com
Barnes & Noble - Regional Chain (various locations)
Toy store:
Toys R Us - Regional Chain (various locations)
G. Willikers! Toy Shop
13 Market St., Portsmouth
436-7746; www.gwillikers.com
Sports equipment:
Modell’s Sporting Goods (various locations)
Crafts & hobby store:
AC Moore (various locations)
Swing set/play systems:
Woodplay of New Hampshire
36 Route 101A, Amherst
249-9773; www.woodplayofnh.com
Best mall for kids:
Mall of New Hampshire
1500 South Willow St., Manchester
669-0433; www.simon.com
Restaurant for date night:
Bedford Village Inn
2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford
472-2001; www.bedfordvillageinn.com
Hanover Street Chophouse
149 Hanover St., Manchester
644-2467; www.hanoverstreetchophouse.com
Spa day for mom:
Not So Plain Jane’s
155 Dow St., Suite 102, Manchester
622-5971; www.notsoplainjanes.com
Wingate
139 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham
772-8400; www.wingatespa.com
Dad’s favorite place:
Home Depot
Place for moms to meet:
NiNi Bambini
166 South River Road, Ste. 9B, Bedford
666-6464; www.ninibambini.com
Panera (various locations)
Unwine’d
865 Second St., Manchester
625-9463; www.unwined.net
Best local role model for kids:
Adam Sandler
Christa McAuliffe
Jenny Thompson
Mom
Favorite recent movie for kids:
Cars 2
Harry Potter
Tangled
Place to buy a cake:
Frederick’s Pastries
109 Route 101A, Amherst
882-7725; pastry.net
Creative Cakes by Debby (Nashua)
Best birthday place :
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
6 Washington St., Dover
742-2002; www.childrens-museum.org
NUThin’ but GOOD TIMES!
746 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack
429-2200; www.nuthinbutgoodtimes.com
Bounce U
21 Commerce Park North, Bedford
621-4011; www.bounceu.com
Granite State Bounce
5-7 Delaware Drive, Unit 2, Salem
458-5524; www.granitestatebounce.com
Jump On In
456 W. Hollis St., Nashua
883-1135; www.jumponinfun.com
McIntyre Ski School
50 Chalet Court, Manchester
622-6159; www.mcintyreskiarea.com
Chuck E. Cheese
Party supplies:
iParty - Regional Chain (various locations)
J&J Party & Janitorial
68 Route 101A, Amherst
672-8555; www.jandjpandj.com
Donovan’s Party & Novelty
102 Fort Eddy Rd., Concord
226-2225; www.donovansparty.com
Party entertainer:
Steve Blunt, Music For Fun
12 Burnett St., Nashua
888-3866; www.steveblunt.com
Mad Science
362-9800; www.madscience.org
Last updated by Morgen Thiboult Sep 29, 2011.
© 2013 Created by Parenting NH Administrator.
