This razzle-dazzle water park looks out of place in the staid White Mountains, but you know what? If the kids are cranky after all the hiking and scenic driving, the waterslides, lazy river and wave pool might be a fun – dare we say awesome – change of pace. And parents can enjoy a waterside beer while the kids do their thing.
Whale's Tale Waterpark
White Mountains
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
29.86 MILES
Perched on high like a king surveying his territory, the arts-and-crafts-style Castle in the Clouds wows with its stone walls and exposed-timber beams,…
10.34 MILES
Robert Frost (1874–1963) was America's most renowned and best-loved poet in the mid-20th century. For several years he lived with his family on a farm…
29.04 MILES
Signposted 2 miles east of St Johnsbury, this captivating spot celebrates the legacy of Vermont artist Stephen Huneck. There's an entire gallery devoted…
16.16 MILES
This pretty park maintains an extensive system of hiking trails. From the Willey House visitor center, you can walk the easy 0.5-mile Pond Loop Trail, the…
Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
27.74 MILES
If you don't have time to drive to the summit of Mt Washington, but you think wild weather is cool, take an hour to explore this small but fascinating…
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
23.81 MILES
To get up close and personal with the wildlife in the Lakes Region, visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Four nature paths weave through the…
23.45 MILES
Perched atop New England's highest summit, this observatory is staffed year-round by scientists who measure the mountaintop's extreme weather conditions;…
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
6.79 MILES
This tram shoots up the side of Cannon Mountain, offering a breathtaking view of Franconia Notch. You can also hike up the mountain and take the tramway…
Nearby White Mountains attractions
1.6 MILES
Just north of North Woodstock on US 3, Clark's has been a traditional family stop since 1928. Children who've spent too much time in the car can burn off…
2. Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
5.49 MILES
Adventurous kids will enjoy exploring this network of caverns and crevices formed by glaciers millions of years ago. Each cave has its own title and story…
3. Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza
6.48 MILES
Franconia Notch was long the residence of the Old Man of the Mountain, a natural granite formation shaped like a man's face that became New Hampshire's…
4. Old Man of the Mountain Museum
6.6 MILES
All New Hampshirites mourn the Old Man of the Mountain, a rock formation resembling a man's face in profile that remains the state symbol despite its…
5. Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
6.79 MILES
This tram shoots up the side of Cannon Mountain, offering a breathtaking view of Franconia Notch. You can also hike up the mountain and take the tramway…
6.81 MILES
Bode Miller's Olympic medals are on display at this tiny museum near the base station for the aerial tram. The permanent exhibit traces the history of…
7.39 MILES
Despite its proximity to the highway, this little lake at the foot of Cannon Mountain is a pleasant place to pass an afternoon swimming, kayaking or…
10.34 MILES
Robert Frost (1874–1963) was America's most renowned and best-loved poet in the mid-20th century. For several years he lived with his family on a farm…