New Hampshire is a relatively diminutive state; however, it has an excellent reputation for its scenery, vibrant communities, and exceptional levels of public education. Because of this fantastic system of education, families tend to search for the best elementary schools when planning their relocations to other states. Additionally, there are countless recreational opportunities, cultural fairs, and exciting family events to enjoy in New Hampshire. Within this resource guide, you will learn about the various activities available in New Hampshire, as well as the upcoming events, attractions, and more throughout each season.
Reasons to Explore New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s four-season lifestyle includes the mountains, lakes, forests, and spectacular Atlantic oceanfront. Anytime you are in New Hampshire, you have somewhere to go, whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, walking on beaches, or attending local festivals. The state’s safe communities, great elementary schools in New Hampshire, and active neighborhoods appeal to families wishing to balance their educational opportunities with their quality of life.
Big events that happen every year in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has many popular events that show off its culture, history, and seasonal beauty.
Events in the Spring (March to May)
In the spring, sugarhouses all over the state open their doors for tours and tastings. This is the famous maple sugaring season. As the weather gets warmer, spring fairs, local farmers markets, and outdoor art shows also start.
Things to Do in the Summer (June – August)
In New Hampshire, summer is the time for festivals. Along Lake Winnipesaukee and the Seacoast, you can expect outdoor concerts, food festivals, county fairs, and events by the water. Many towns have family movie nights and music nights every week.
Events in the Fall (September to November)
People come from all over the world to see the fall foliage. The calendar is full of harvest festivals, craft fairs, and apple-picking events, especially in the White Mountains and small historic towns.
Events in the winter (December to February)
In the winter, there are holiday markets, tree-lighting ceremonies, ski festivals, and winter carnivals. The season is all about snow sports and warm community events.
Big events that happen every year in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has many popular events that show off its culture, history, and seasonal beauty.
Events in the Spring (March to May)
In the spring, sugarhouses all over the state open their doors for tours and tastings. This is the famous maple sugaring season. As the weather gets warmer, spring fairs, local farmers markets, and outdoor art shows also start.
Things to Do in the Summer (June – August)
In New Hampshire, summer is the time for festivals. Along Lake Winnipesaukee and the Seacoast, you can expect outdoor concerts, food festivals, county fairs, and events by the water. Many towns have family movie nights and music nights every week.
Events in the Fall (September to November)
People come from all over the world to see the fall foliage. The calendar is full of harvest festivals, craft fairs, and apple-picking events, especially in the White Mountains and small historic towns.
Events in the winter (December to February)
In the winter, there are holiday markets, tree-lighting ceremonies, ski festivals, and winter carnivals. The season is all about snow sports and warm community events.
Top Attractions & Things to Do in New Hampshire
🍁 New Hampshire Maple Weekend
Dates: March 21-22, 2026.
Visit many sugar houses across New Hampshire during maple syrup time! This family tradition runs in the spring and includes tours, tastings, and live demonstrations of maple syrup production.
Moonpreneur’s In-person Workshop for Kids
Moonpreneur is a new program for kids in New Hampshire ages 7 to 16 that teaches them about robotics, AI, coding, IoT, and game design in a fun and effective way. It encourages creativity and helps students solve real-world problems while building strong STEM foundations through hands-on, project-based learning. This makes it a fun and educational choice for kids who are interested in STEM.
Link: Moonpreneur In-person Workshop for Kids
🎶 Hampton Beach Summer Concert Series
Dates: June-August 2026 (weekly concerts)
Free concerts at Hampton Beach featuring local and national acts! A wonderful night out for families, couples, and visitors looking for entertainment while enjoying the beach.
🎡 Deerfield Fair
Dates: September 24-27, 2026.
The longest-running agricultural fair in New England, the Deerfield Fair features carnival rides, food vendors, livestock exhibits, crafts, and live entertainment.
🍂 New Hampshire Fall Foliage Festival (White Mountains)
Dates: October 3-11, 2026.
Travel through the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire during peak fall foliage season! Enjoy scenic drives, local craft fairs, guided hikes, and special food events.
🎄 Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade
Date: December 6, 2026
Join us for a fun and festive holiday parade featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, holiday characters, and a tree-lighting ceremony on the streets of Portsmouth.
❄️ Ice Castles at Loon Mountain
Dates: January-February 2026 (weather permitting)
Icy sculptures created by man, with tunnels, slides, and evening light displays! A magical experience for families visiting in winter.
Family-Friendly Things to Do
Families love New Hampshire for its safe, engaging activities. Popular options include:
- Children’s museums and science centers
- Nature trails and wildlife parks
- Seasonal fairs, parades, and town festivals
- Outdoor recreation like biking, kayaking, and skiing
It’s no surprise that families drawn by the best elementary schools in New Hampshire also appreciate the wide range of activities that support children’s growth beyond the classroom.
Free & Budget-Friendly Activities
There are a lot of free or cheap things to do in New Hampshire:
- Hiking trails and state parks
- Community days and free concerts in the town
- Beaches open to the public and scenic drives
- Local festivals and markets that happen at certain times of the year
These choices make it easy for families to have fun without spending too much money.
Best Towns in New Hampshire to Explore
Some of the most popular towns include:
- Portsmouth – History, arts, and waterfront charm
- Conway – Gateway to the White Mountains
- Lincoln – Outdoor adventure hub
- Hanover – College-town culture and walkability
- Meredith – Lakeside charm and festivals
Many of these towns are also known for strong school systems and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Conclusion
New Hampshire provides a broad range of attractions. From seasonal festivals and outdoor adventures to historic towns and a community that is diverse in its cultural offerings, New Hampshire has something to offer for all. The quality of life, access to outdoor recreational opportunities, and high standards in education are attractive attributes for families to seek out. When travelling or considering relocating, exploring the many Things to Do in New Hampshire is one way to experience what truly makes this state unique.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
