When the granite hills of New Hampshire burst into color, our state transforms into a summer playground for families, friends, and nature lovers alike. To expand your options for memorable fun in recovery, you can choose from a wide variety of outdoor adventures, cultural events, and community-centered activities. Here are just a few opportunities.
Explore Natural Wonders
When you’re ready to stress less, it’s easy to find a way to unplug and reconnect with nature. Start with a visit to White Mountain National Forest, where you’ll find more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails. Popular destinations include Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, where you can hike the challenging Tuckerman Ravine Trail or take the Mt. Washington Cog Railway for incredible summit views without the climb. Families looking for more moderate hikes can enjoy spots like Flume Gorge or Diana’s Baths, where waterfalls and rock formations offer natural wonders for all ages.
For water lovers, Lake Winnipesaukee is the crown jewel of our state’s Lakes Region. Families and friends can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or small boats to explore the lake’s many coves and islands. Public beaches in towns like Weirs Beach offer swimming, picnic areas, and arcades for kid-friendly fun.
Camping is another great way to soak in summer’s charm. Whether you’re pitching a tent in a remote state park or booking a family-friendly cabin near a lake, New Hampshire’s campgrounds offer beautiful settings and plenty of opportunities for campfires, stargazing, and outdoor games.
Visit Unique Festivals and Events
Founded in 1933, the League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair at Mount Sunapee is one of the longest-running craft fairs in the nation. This nine-day event features high-quality handcrafted goods, interactive workshops for kids and adults, live demonstrations, and a chance to meet the artists. It’s a great way to explore creativity and support local artisans.
Experience the sky filled with colorful hot air balloons at the enchanting Suncook Valley Rotary Balloon Rally in Pittsfield. The event includes tethered rides, live music, and food vendors. Evening balloon glows add a magical touch to this scenic celebration.
Henniker’s Summer Concert Series in August features free weekly concerts with a mix of local bands playing everything from rock to folk. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music under the summer sky.
If you enjoy agricultural events, the Hopkinton State Fair is a classic. With livestock exhibits, horse shows, tractor pulls, and carnival rides, it’s a wholesome and engaging experience for the whole family.
Get Your Game On!
While New Hampshire doesn’t have any major professional sports teams, summer is rich with amateur and regional sporting events that are accessible, affordable, and family-oriented.
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, a minor league baseball team based in Manchester, hosts games throughout the summer. The games are family-friendly with frequent theme nights, fireworks shows, and kids’ entertainment between innings. Also, ride the adrenaline at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which features different race events throughout the summer, including a NASCAR-sanctioned event and the opportunity to camp at the track.
If you prefer active participation, there are numerous community road races, bike rides, and triathlons held throughout the summer. Adventurous people might also enjoy outdoor sports like ziplining at Bretton Woods Canopy Tour, horseback riding in the White Mountains, or taking part in the Color Craze Run.
Slip Into Rainy Day and Cultural Attractions
Not every summer day is sunny, but New Hampshire has plenty of engaging indoor options, too. The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover offers hands-on exhibits for young kids, while the SEE Science Center in Manchester inspires curiosity with interactive science exhibits for all ages.
If you enjoy history, take a trip to Canterbury Shaker Village, where you can explore 200 years of Shaker life and craftsmanship. Or visit the Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, a living history museum with preserved homes, costumed interpreters, and family programs that explore American life from the 1600s to the 1950s.
New Hampshire also has a strong summer theater scene, with venues like Jean’s Playhouse in Lincoln and The Barnstormers Theatre in Tamworth offering kid-friendly performances, musicals, and community productions.
Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire: Helping You Craft a Better Recovery
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a day trip with members of your sober network, or a full family vacation, our state’s rich blend of natural beauty and cultural vibrancy ensures there’s something for everyone—without needing to rely on nightlife or substance-centric events.
With your long-term recovery success in mind, our primary mission at Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire is to deliver high-quality, evidence-based treatment. We have three locations to serve you:
- The Antrim House in Antrim, a detoxification and residential treatment facility for men and women.
- Recovery Mountain in Tilton, a residence for Veterans, first responders, and athletes as part of outpatient and inpatient programming.
- The Lakes Addiction Treatment Center in Laconia offers inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient rehabilitation programs for men and women.
Our board-certified professionals have other sober recreational suggestions to help you navigate recovery with guidance from our addiction specialists, therapists, and alumni. Talk to our admissions staff to learn more.