9 Favorite Kid Friendly Seacoast NH Hiking Trails
Hiking is not just for the mountains! A hike is when you go exploring, and these trails are definitely for kid friendly NH hiking.
Nothing makes my kids happier than being outside in nature. They could be having a tough day but when we hit a trail, they turn into little adventurers. My children are little wild ones and we try to be outside most of the time. We definitely have our favorite kid friendly seacoast NH hiking trails that we visit multiple times a year.
Living in New Hampshire, I’m lucky to have endless hiking trails right in my backyard. Every week, my two kids and I hit the trails, exploring new spots and soaking up nature together. Over time, we’ve found a few favorites that are perfect for little legs and big adventures.
Exploring with our kids is one of our favorite things to do as a family. Over the years I have compiled a list of our favorite go-to family hikes around the NH Seacoast. These are the best hikes in NH with kids. Some hiking trails are more kid friendly than others, and I have personally hiked on all of the trails listed below and can personally recommend them for kids!
- Odiorne Point State Park – Rye, NH
- Gonic Trails – Rochester, NH
- Wagon Hill Farm – Durham, NH
- Winnie The Pooh Trail – Barrington, NH
- Little River Trail – Lee, NH
- Sweet Trail – Durham, NH
- Little Harbor Loop Trail – Portsmouth, NH
- Adam’s Point Loop – Durham, NH
- Great Bay Discovery Center Campus – Greenland, NH
Odiorne Point State Park – Rye, NH
This State Park has a lot to offer and is very versatile. There are lots of trails that wind through the park through rocky beaches, old military forts, and dense vegetation. You can decide how far you would like to go with options to loop or to go out and back. After hiking you can picnic on the beach or at one of the many picnic tables available.
There is also a good size playground that kids could enjoy. Located within the park is also The Seacoast Science Center that has lots of fun marine life to check out and a touch pool. (There is an additional fee to enter the museum). Odiorne charges a parking fee during peak hours in the summertime. Such a fun kid friendly hiking trail. Some areas are definitely stroller friendly as well.
Gonic Trails – Rochester, NH
Gonic Trails are a bit outside of the seacoast area, but they’re too good not to mention. These trails, located in the outskirts of Rochester, NH, are managed by Waste Management.
There are 3 main trails ranging from 1.3 miles to 7 miles. My favorite part of this hike is that the trail will lead you to the Isinglass River where there is a roaring waterfall. Very kid friendly trail, we love stopping at the river to eat lunch. Parking here is always free.
Wagon Hill Farm – Durham, NH
This piece of land used to be privately owned but was given to the town of Durham as conservation. You will find lots of different trails and loops throughout this farm giving you a lot of different options for how long you want to hike for.
There are trails through the grassy plains as well as trails through the thickly wooded areas. This trail is kid friendly with lots of bridges and boardwalks to explore as well as many lean-tos constructed in the woods. Also along the middle of the farm is a gravel walking trail that leads you directly to the Great Bay. Lots of options here and parking is always free.
Winnie The Pooh Trail – Barrington, NH
This is a smaller loop inside of the Goodwill Conservation trail in Barrington, NH. It is less than 1 mile and has lots of fun signs, stories, and “homes” of the Winnie The Pooh characters to explore!
This is a fun interactive kid friendly hike for your little ones. There is a small parking lot and no restrooms.
Little River Trail – Lee, NH
This is an easy 1 mile out and back hike that starts at Little River Park in Lee, NH. It is a thickly wooded area that makes you feel like you are deep in the woods.
The trail takes you along the Little River that is fun to explore. Parking is always free. With a sturdy jogging stroller, this trail is stroller friendly.
Sweet Trail – Durham, NH
This is a 8 mile, out and back trail near Durham, New Hampshire. You can stop and turn around at any point, making it great for kids.
This trail takes you through the woods along a creek that is teeming with wildlife. These trail heads don’t have a lot of parking, but you can also park along the road. Parking is always free.
Little Harbor Loop Trail – Portsmouth, NH
Who knew such a beautiful trail in the woods could be located in the heart of a bustling city! Located in Portsmouth at the Wentworth Coolidge Mansion, this trail has beautiful scenic views of the water.
This is a 1.5 mile loop through woods, wetlands, and coastline. There is always free parking here.
Adam’s Point Loop – Durham, NH
This is a 1.5 mile loop located in Durham, NH around Adam’s Point Wildlife Management Area. Adam’s Point is a beautiful peninsula that jets out into Great Bay.
Take this loop slow and enjoy the plethora of wildlife. We have discovered horseshoe crabs, oysters, mussels, and clams here!
Great Bay Discovery Center Campus – Greenland, NH
You can spend hours at the Great Bay Discovery Center. The center has free parking and bathrooms. There is a boardwalk and trails that all together make about 1 mile. There are hardwoods and marsh areas to explore.
The center also has a Gundalow, canoe, and fishing boat that kids can play on. As you walk down to the marsh you will discover, our favorite part, a wigwam! You can actually go inside of the wigwam and have endless imaginary play here. This is also a stroller friendly hike.
I always find that my children are much more calm, inquisitive, and observant when we are in nature. I love taking them to little hiking trails to discover creatures, plants, and birds as well. Breathing in the fresh air and moving their little bodies does wonders for their overall well being and behavior for the rest of the day!
We love NH family hikes!
These trails have become some of our family’s favorite spots to explore together. Each hike has its own charm, whether it’s a quiet forest path or a seaside view. I hope this list of our favorite kid-friendly Seacoast NH hiking trails inspires you to get outside and make some memories with your kids! So pack some snacks, lace up those hiking boots, and enjoy all that the Seacoast has to offer. Happy trails!
More Resources:
Top 5 Kid Friendly Hiking Trails in Southern Maine
