With its lush outdoors and tight-knit community, the Upper Valley is a prime place for family fun!
The following is a short list of some favorite spots of Tuck families and partners.
The Family Place Parent Child Center
The Family Place organizes fabulous playgroups while the parent/child center offers lectures, family events (such as storytelling and arts and crafts), parenting classes and support groups, and services (such as tuition assistance for daycare). The Family Place also has indoor and outdoor play spaces. Outdoors you will find swings, a huge sandbox, slides, a play log cabin, even a mini-trampoline, and a sprinkler. Located just after the Norwich Racquet Club on 319 Route 5 South, Norwich, VT (802-649-3268, 800-639-0039).
Montshire Museum of Science
The Montshire is a fantastic interactive museum where kids can get their hands on bubbles, balls, kaleidoscopes, etc. The museum has special hands-on exhibitions and events throughout the day. Your kids will love visiting again and again. Memberships and summer camps are available. To get there from Tuck, go over the Ledyard bridge (over the Connecticut River). Get in the left lane, and you’ll see a sign to your right that says the museum is a left turn just up ahead. Located at One Montshire Road, Norwich, VT (802-649-2200).
Apple, Pumpkin, and Berry Picking
Throughout the year, you can take children apple, berry, or pumpkin picking. Strawberry season is June through July; raspberry season is July through October; blueberry season is July through September; apple season is August through November; and pumpkin season is September through November.
Occom Pond Skating and Sledding
Just north of campus is Occom Pond, a popular skating spot for adults and children. In winter the pond is plowed with designated areas for pickup hockey games and a large circle for free skating. The Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) lodge next door offers rentals. If you love sledding, the golf course across the street from Occom Pond has a large open hill, where little Tuckies can enjoy sledding and snow tubing.
Storrs Pond Swimming
Storrs Pond is a beautiful campground and pond and beach area with lifeguards on duty. The site also includes a pool, swings, jungle gym, tennis courts, and a special-function tented area with grilling facilities. Water toys for children are provided. Season passes are available. Located on Reservoir Road, Hanover, NH (603-643-2134).
Norwich Pond Swimming
This little swimming hole is a well-kept secret, and there are no signs directing you to it. The only signs you’ll see warn that “the Norwich pool,” as the town refers to this pond, is closed after dark. There are two beach areas, one more shallow than the other. There are toddler and children’s swings, picnic tables, changing areas, and two nature trails. The pond is a great retreat for a quiet waterside afternoon or an intimate evening picnic. From Beaver Meadow Road, just take the dirt road right after the Beaver Meadow B & B.
Indoor Swimming & Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are available year-round at the Carter Community Building Association in Lebanon, NH. For swim lessons, the youngest age group is the “Guppy” group (ages 6 months to 3 years). There are 30-minute classes (for children and their parents) that teach water safety and comfort. Karate lessons start for kids age 6 and older. Located at 1 Taylor Street, Lebanon, NH. For more information, call 603-448-6477.
The Upper Valley Aquatic Center is Northern New England’s premier aquatic and fitness center, featuring state-of-the-art swimming pools, wellness programs, and an indoor splash park. The Splash Park includes a current channel that resembles a small circular river that carries you past small waterfalls and other water elements. A zero-entry pool area provides easy access to the water and a safe and fun place for your younger swimmer to play. For those craving a little adventure, climb 20 feet up to the top of the enclosed, circular slide. It will take you on a 110-foot corkscrew ride out of the building before sending you sliding back across the floor inside. Located at 100 Arboretum Lane, White River Junction, VT.
Billings Farm and Museum
The Billings Farm and Museum is a living museum of Vermont’s rural past, as well as a working dairy farm. Kids can see and touch the animals, and anyone can take the workshops offered throughout the year. Located on Route 12, Woodstock, VT (802-457-2355).
Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS)
Learn about the Vermont environment and conservation science. VINS offers environmental programs and events; hiking trails; live exhibitions with eagles, falcons, and owls; and summer camp programs. Located on Route 4, Quechee, VT (802-359-5000).
Quechee Gorge Village
At Quechee Gorge Village, kids will enjoy the toy and train museum. Adults can have fun taking a glass blowing class or shopping in the antique stores located in the same plaza. While you’re there, take a walk over to the Route 4 highway bridge and check out the 165-foot drop to the river below. Located at 5573 Woodstock Road, Quechee, VT.
Tunbridge Fair
Celebrate the annual Tunbridge World’s Fair, boasting classic Vermont food, agriculture events, and exhibitions each September. Located at 1 Fairgrounds Lane, Tunbridge, VT.
Howe Library
The Howe Library in Hanover, NH, hosts events for children and families including storytime, toddler playgroups, and special programming for school-age children. For more information, call 603-643-4120.
Bernice A. Ray School Playground
Sometimes all you really need is a good, old-fashioned playground and great weather. The Ray School has a very family-friendly playground and is located on Reservoir Road in Hanover, NH.
Vital Communities
If you love farmer’s markets, shopping locally and/or organically, and finding great hikes for kids, visit Vital Communities. Vital Communities also publishes a fantastic book called Valley Quest, made by children and adults working together to create treasure maps (or nature trail guides) to natural local sites such as wetlands, town forests, an abandoned mill site, historic cemetery, etc. Each Quest is made up of clues, which teach visitors how to see—or read—a community story. The map leads to a particular “treasure” and treasure box, complete with a story about the site, a sign-in book, and a hand-carved stamp featuring a symbol for the site. It draws public attention to the protection of special places.
Cooking Classes at King Arthur Flour
Cooking classes at King Arthur Flour in Norwich, VT, are a great way to teach your kids how to love cooking and baking. You can share a class with your child, or let him/her try it out themselves.
