Day Trips from Portsmouth
← All Portsmouth day tripsDay Trips from Portsmouth: Family Activities & Kid-Friendly Fun
The best family-friendly activities and kid-approved destinations within driving distance of Portsmouth, NH. Zoos, amusement parks, interactive museums, and outdoor fun the whole family will enjoy. Drive times, ratings, and budget estimates included.
12 family activities near Portsmouth
Space Zero
Braintree, MA 02184
Just 1 hr 18 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.9 stars by 3,045 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Suzuki Land
Everett, MA 02149
Just 58 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.8 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Castaway Island
Salem, NH 03079
Just 47 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.6 stars by 474 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Adventure River
MA 01001, USA
Just 2 hrs 25 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.6 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic, CT 06355
Just 2 hrs 34 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.5 stars by 17,529 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Hilltop Fun Center
165 NH-108, Somersworth
Just 22 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.4 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
New England Aquarium
Boston, MA 02110
Just 1 hr 3 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.4 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
The Dinosaur Place
CT-85, Oakdale
Just 2 hrs 34 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.4 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Cape Cod Inflatable Park
West Yarmouth, MA 02673
Just 2 hrs 18 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.3 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Stone Zoo
Stoneham, MA 02180
Just 56 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.3 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Fun World
Nashua, NH 03060
Just 1 hr 2 min from Portsmouth, rated 4.2 stars, known for excellent food, drink, and local flavor.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but harvest season (Sep-Oct) is peak for wineries and farm-to-table.
Living Shores Aquarium
Glen, NH 03838
Just 1 hr 50 min from Portsmouth, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Activities Day Trips from Portsmouth
What are the best family activities near Portsmouth, NH?
The best family activities near Portsmouth include zoos, children's museums, amusement parks, state parks with easy trails, and interactive science centers. Check the cards above for top-rated spots with real drive times.
What are cheap things to do with kids near Portsmouth?
State parks, nature preserves, and many community attractions near Portsmouth are free or under $15 per person. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Check the budget estimates on each card above.
Are there indoor family activities near Portsmouth for rainy days?
Yes. Children's museums, aquariums, indoor water parks, and science centers near Portsmouth are all great rainy-day options. Look for "Family" tagged destinations above.
How far should I drive for a family day trip from Portsmouth?
For families with young kids, 1-2 hours is the sweet spot. Longer drives (2-3 hours) work well with older kids and are worth it for standout destinations like major zoos or amusement parks.
Don't know where to go?
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