Santa's Village, NH Review - Tips, Tricks, & Information for Your Visit

If you’re local to New Hampshire or New England, chances are you’ve been to Santa’s Village - or at least heard of it! My family has been going to Santa’s Village since way back - my parents went when they were kids, my husband and I both went when we were little, and now we’re lucky enough to bring our own kids as well. Here I thought I’d share some tips, tricks, and information to help you get the most out of your visit to Santa’s Village in Jefferson, NH. | This post is not sponsored. Contains personal opinion/reviews and affiliate links |

Disclaimer: This post shares opinions and tips based on our personal experiences. Please be aware that you may encounter things differently and things are subject to change. Please do your own research.

Santa’s Village is a Christmas-themed amusement park for families in Jefferson, NH.

Tickets are ONLY Available Online and can Sell Out

Probably the most important thing to take into consideration when planning a Santa’s Village trip - tickets are ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE. You can’t buy them at the gate, so make sure to buy them ahead of time! Also, Santa’s Village sells a maximum number of tickets every day to make sure the park doesn’t get overcrowded (we love that!). Because of that though, dates can and do sell out… so make sure to plan ahead and buy your tickets ahead for the date you want.

Print or Screenshot Your Tickets before Arriving

Cell phone service is VERY spotty/nonexistent in the area, don’t count on opening your email and pulling up your tickets when you get there - it might not load! It’s recommended to print or screenshot your tickets so that you have them available to scan at the gate, cell phone service or not.

Season Passes are Hard to Get!

Just a heads up if you were thinking of getting season passes, they are VERY hard to get! Santa’s Village releases a limited amount of them at a specific time and they often sell out within minutes.

Free Parking (with Guided Parking During Opening Rush)

Unlike many other theme parks, parking is free at Santa’s Village which we love! Also, it’s good to be aware that if you arrive during the opening rush (before park open and a little after), there will be parking lot attendants guiding you in to park, one car after another. They have it down to a science and are very efficient, just be ready to follow their instructions.

Note: If you have an RV or extra large vehicle, you should park across the street in their overflow lot.

It’s Like a Maze - Grab a Map

Santa’s Village is very maze-like. There are seemingly a hundred paths that spider-web across the park. It can be a little disorienting at first to find your way, so definitely make sure to grab a map when you enter! One great thing about this though is there is always tons of shade and a lot of the paths meander through the forest which is really pretty.

EVERYONE is Welcome

Even though this is a Christmas-themed amusement park and there are some religious aspects around the park (a chapel, a life-size nativity scene, etc), EVERYONE is welcome at Santa’s Village. We have seen plenty of families from different religious backgrounds enjoy the park.

NO Cell Service

Another really important thing to keep in mind is there is little to no cell service in the area for the most part. Jefferson is quite a remote area of New Hampshire, surrounded by a lot of mountains. If your party decides to separate in the park, don’t count on texting later for a meetup. Plan your rendez-vous point ahead of time like it’s the 1990’s.

Pro Tip: While we've never done this before ourselves, I have seen some families utilize Walkie Talkies to keep in touch in the park - genius!

Consider Packing Light

Everyone has their own preferences but now that I don't need a diaper bag these days I always pack light and simple - a quality belt bag with wallet, phone, keys, and hand sanitizer. That's really all you need and it's small enough to wear on almost all rides.
For those that do need a diaper bag, I recommend a modest-sized backpack diaper bag, similar to this one to keep your hands free and be able to move around the park easily.

FREE Stroller and Wheelchair Rentals

Santa’s Village has FREE stroller and wheelchair rentals available - first-come, first-serve - while supplies last. I think this is such a thoughtful and helpful touch for those that need it. You are also welcome to bring in your own strollers/wheelchairs and a lot of people do.

Feel Free to Bring the Christmas Spirit

While not necessary or expected, feel free to dig out that Christmas t-shirt from the closet and get some more use out of it! Lots of families wear Christmas shirts or accessories.

Elf University

Make sure to stop by the Elf University by the front of the park if you want to play the “Elfabet Game.” At Elf University you’ll be given a card with the alphabet on it (shaped like a Christmas tree) on an elastic string. Around the park are elf statues for every letter of the alphabet and each has a present that can “punch” your card. Find all 26 letters and bring your completed card back and earn a prize! The prize changes year to year but is usually something like a fancy Santa’s Village pen or a key chain. (Note: even if your kids don’t complete all 26 letters, you can bring it back and they will usually give you your prize - they’re very accommodating.)

Start at the Back

A great tactic we’ve found is to make a beeline for the back of the park and start there, then work our way towards the front. There’s often no lines at all at those far rides and sometimes you can ride them a few times in a row with no waits!

Santa Says…

Santa’s Village really leans into the Christmas theming… right down to their signs and rules. Be prepared to see a lot of signs that say “Santa says…. (keep hands in the vehicle, etc.)” I love this touch!

Meet Santa and Get your Picture Taken With Him

Did you know you can meet the big guy himself?! ;) It’s definitely a highlight of the trip, be ready to tell Santa what you’d like for Christmas before you get your picture taken and get a candy cane. What I love about this meet and greet is that Santa will have your kids look at you for a picture, then at the staff photographer - this way you end up with a great picture where everyone is looking at your own camera, it’s such a little thing but it’s so considerate of Santa’s Village. You can still buy the staff-taken photo too if you decide (and can get it on things like Christmas ornaments), but it’s so nice to have a good photo of your own too.

Feed Real Reindeer

Towards the back of the park is a beautiful stable with Santa’s reindeer - REAL reindeer. For a very reasonable cost (I believe it was $2 last time we went), you can buy a cup of carrots/reindeer food from the attendant and feed the reindeer yourself! It’s such a magical experience, especially for little kids.

Pro Tip + Important Note: Only a certain amount of reindeer food is sold every day to make sure the reindeer don’t get overfed. If feeding the reindeer is important to you, make sure to visit early in the day to avoid possible disappointment.

The Ride Queues Aren’t Always Obvious

Many of the rides at Santa’s Village don’t have fenced queues. Thankfully the lines are usually short or nonexistent, but it can get a little confusing when a line does start to develop and everyone kind of gathers in a makeshift line in whatever direction suits them. Though, I do wish they would paint a candy cane stripe on the ground or something for a few feet to kind of guide people into what direction to start the line.

Don’t Miss the Skyway Sleigh Monorail

The Skyway Sleigh Monorail is one of our favorite rides - it brings you around the whole park in a giant sleigh and lets you get a birds-eye view of everything. It’s so magical “flying” through the trees!
Note: If you are afraid of heights then you probably want to skip this one. Also, this ride probably has the longest wait in the park so be prepared for that.

The Midnight Flyer is SO Smooth

Santa’s Village’s newest roller coaster, Midnight Flyer (opened in 2024), is SO smooth! Seriously, it’s one of the smoothest roller coasters I’ve ever been on, Disney rides included. If you have child who’s never been on a roller coaster before and is nervous to try one, this might be a great introduction (though it does set a high bar, for sure).

(This roller coaster replaces the old Rudy’s Rapid Transit roller coaster which I honestly thought was terrifying, haha)

Santa’s Water Park

Santa’s Village also has a huge water park that’s included with admission. It has 3 separate areas, each with a different vibe. Poogee’s Splash Pad is mostly for the littlest kids - it’s an area where water jets shoot up from the ground and is a great place to cool off. Polar Paradise better for toddlers and younger kids - it has a huge splash area and kid-friendly water slides. Finally there’s the Ho, Ho, H2O / Joy Ride Slide area - I would say these are best suited for older kids or brave younger ones that don’t mind a lot of stimulation and water spraying/dumping. If you forget your bathing suit they do sell them at the Trading Post gift shop right by the water park area.
Note: The water park does close on colder days and is not open in early spring, fall, or winter.

Santa’s Cabana Rentals

Santa’s Village also has a limited number of Cabana rentals available around the water park. These need to be rented ahead of time when you purchase your tickets and they almost always sell out - so if you want to rent one we recommend planning far ahead. These make a great home base for those spending a full day here and have shade, a mini fridge stocked with some drinks, and a place to take a break or for your little one to take their afternoon nap.

Free “Reindeer Shoe” Ring

Make sure to stop by the Reindeer Shoe Blacksmith Shop to get a free “good luck ring”, made from a nail that’s custom fit to your finger. This is another really nice touch that’s included for everyone with admission.

Outside Food is Allowed

If you’d like to bring your own food into the park for snacks or lunch that is welcome and allowed. Just no glass containers or alcohol!

Buying Food in the Park

You will be pleasantly surprised by the food offerings at Santa’s Village. They have all the typical park food - chicken fingers, burgers, fries, etc. But they also have seasonal-inspired treats like fresh apple cinnamon mini donuts (SO good!) and cookie decorating. They even have a food stall called Fruit Loup’s Farm Stand that offers (gasp) fresh fruit and veggie trays (unheard of at amusement parks)! We have been pleasantly surprised by the good food quality at Santa’s Village (their mac and cheese is so rich and good), and love the little touches like the kids meals are served on a Santa’s Village frisbee that they get to keep and bring home (such a nice bonus!).

Our one criticism is that there isn’t anywhere to get a really GOOD cup of coffee in the park. We found Polar Expresso to be very disappointing… just very mediocre drip coffee available. I would love a latte or really good frosted coffee drink! (Santa’s Village, I hope you’re reading this and bring in some good coffee options!)

The Park is Immaculate

One of the biggest take-aways from Santa’s Village is just how clean and immaculate it is. Nothing ever looks rundown or broken - so much pride and joy is taken with upkeep and cleaning. You will constantly see employees walking around picking up litter and even squeegeeing off park benches in the rain to give people a dry-er spot to sit.

Leaving the Park and Re-Entering? Get Your Hand Stamped!

Super important - if you’re looking to leave Santa’s Village and re-enter the same day, make sure to ask for a hand stamp at the Stocking Stuffer Exit Gift Shop. You’ll need that hand stamp to re-enter the park!

Don’t Forget the Themed Old-School Playground at the Exit

At the exit there is what looks like a giant Nutcracker and Drum sculpture - but this isn’t just a sculpture, it’s actually an old-school playground! Climb up inside the Nutcracker and slide down his arms onto the drum! There’s also some tunnels and other areas to explore around the base.

Talk to Rudolph when you Leave (Easy to Miss!)

Talk to Rudolph at the “Santa Cam” Kiosk

When your day at Santa’s Village is done, make sure to look for the “Santa Cam” kiosk outside (just outside of the park exit) that looks like a ticket booth and has a large Rudolph head in it. Go talk to Rudolph and he will talk back to you - really! Trust us on this one, you definitely want to go say hi and have a quick conversation with him - your kids and you will get a huge kick out of it.

FEASTival Events

On select days in June and September, Santa’s Village has FEASTival Days where most food items are included in your admission cost! This event does cost a little more than regular admission but it more than makes up for it with what’s included.

Holly Jolly Halloween Events

On select days in October, Santa’s Village transforms into a mash-up of winter and Halloween (think pumpkin snowmen, elf jack-o-lanterns, and more fun decorations) and trick-or-treating. Definitely wear layers - it can be chilly! (Water park/rides are closed during this time.)

Guests are welcome to wear Halloween costumes or shirts if they would like, but it's not necessary.

Christmastime at Santa’s Village

Santa’s Village also is open for select dates in November/December to make Christmas extra-special! Just imagine exploring Santa’s Village in the snow with Christmas lights twinkling around. Specific ride operation is subject to weather conditions - but Santa’s Village typically runs a lot of rides during this time. However, all water park/water rides are closed.

Definitely wear lots of layers and even your snow clothes! It can be downright cold!

Disclaimer: This post shares opinions and tips based on our personal experiences. Please be aware that you may encounter things differently and things are subject to change. Please do your own research.

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Santa’s Village is Famous Amongst Theme Park Enthusiasts

Now to share a fun personal story… two years ago we went down to Disney World for vacation. I went to a gift shop in Magic Kingdom and was checking out at the cash register, making small talk with the Cast Member. He asked me where I was from and I told him New Hampshire. He asked me, “Have you ever been to Santa’s Village?! That’s on my bucket list of theme parks to visit, I’ve always wanted to go there!” I was so surprised that someone who works at Disney World and has experienced so many other parks, had little Santa’s Village in remote New Hampshire on their wish-list to visit. It just goes to show what a quality theme park Santa’s Village is.

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Story Land Tips & Tricks (from Long-Time Season Pass Holders) - New Hampshire

Post updated for 2026 Season | We’ve been going to Story Land for forever it seems - I went yearly as a child back in the 80’s and 90’s, and now we’ve been season pass holders for the last 10+ years. This may be our last year as season pass holders as our kids are getting too old to make Story Land trips a regular occurrence, but we’ve learned a lot over the years and I thought I would share some of our tips, tricks, and hacks with you. | This post is not sponsored. Contains personal opinion/reviews and affiliate links |

Disclaimer: This post shares opinions and tips based on our personal experiences. Please be aware that you may encounter things differently and things are subject to change. Please do your own research.

Story Land is a family-focused storybook themed amusement park in Glen, NH.

Consider Season Passes

If you’re a New Hampshire local (like us), or come up to the area at least 2-3x a year, Season Passes are definitely the way to go! They can pay for themselves in just two visits. Make sure to pay attention to levels of passes when purchasing as some have blackout dates and some have different perks - like free parking, discounts for food or merchandise, free or discounted “Buddy Passes,” or tickets to Living Shores Aquarium next door. It’s also really nice not feel pressure to do or see it all when we’re at Story Land because we know we can catch something next time; it gives us a lot of flexibility to just come for a few hours when we want.
PRO TIP: Buy season passes ahead of time for the following season on Black Friday! That’s typically when prices are lowest.

Season Pass Monthly Perks

If you are Season Pass holders, Story Land typically has bonus pass perks that change every month on top of your regular season pass perks! It could be something like 50% one souvenir for a certain month, or “buy one get one free” ice cream for a particular month. These bonus monthly perks change month-to-month and are announced at the beginning of every month (in other words, it’s a surprise what the next month’s perks are going to be).

Buy Day Tickets Ahead (if not Season Pass Holders)

If possible, NEVER buy tickets at the gate - always buy ahead online. Buying ahead gives you the best deal on day tickets. Sometimes they can be be 50% or more off depending on current offers, though you may have to buy a week or more in advance to get the best deal.

Go Midweek if you Can

Weekends can be insanely busy at Story Land. We highly recommend going Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday if you can - those definitely seem to be the lighter days.

“Final Three = Next Day Free!”**

Story Land often has a promotion where if you first enter the park in the final 3 hours of operation you can come back the next day for free! This is a great way to get some extra time in the park, especially if you’re from out of the area and staying in a hotel locally.
**NOTE: We have seen this offer come and go over the years — some years they offer it, some years they don’t. Do your research and confirm with customer service in writing if they are currently honoring that offer and how best to use it with dated tickets before you try to use it.
**EDIT 2026: This year I saw an offer where you can come for the last three hours the day before your dated ticket, so it’s backwards of what it used to be. DEFINITELY CALL/EMAIL AND CONFIRM HOW IT WORKS BEFORE YOU TRY TO USE IT.

Paid Parking

New in 2024, Story Land is now asking you pay to park in certain lots (namely all the ones surrounding the park), though free parking is included with Season Passes. Parking across the street in the dirt lot is still free and there is a pedestrian tunnel under the road to safely cross. (Personal note: I am really disappointed about this change.)

Bag Policy

Make sure to check Story Land’s bag policy before coming. It’s new in the last few years, but be prepared for security to check your bags on the way in and limitations on the size of bags brought in (exceptions can be made for diaper bags or medical supplies). You may also have to go through a metal detector as well. And just like before, Story Land still does not allow glass bottles/containers or hard sided coolers brought in.

Now that I don't need a diaper bag these days I pack light and simple - a quality belt bag with wallet, phone, keys, and hand sanitizer. That's really all you need and it's small enough to wear on almost all rides.

Story Land is Cash-Free

Starting a few years ago Story Land became a cash-free park. This means they ONLY accept credit card/debit cards for payments at all places (food, gift shops, concession stands, etc) in the park - so make sure to bring your plastic with you ;) If you forget or don’t have a credit card, there are machines in the parks that can transfer cash onto pre-paid gift cards that can be used instead.

Pack a Lunch

This is an easy way to save big if you come frequently - make sure to pack your lunch to avoid paying for over priced food and drinks in the park. You can leave your lunch cooler in your car and go out* and have a “parking lot picnic” (*don’t forget to get your hand stamped on the way out so you can re-enter the park!) or you can bring your lunch into the park with you as long as it fits in with Story Land’s bag policy and doesn’t contain glass containers. When our youngest was a baby we used to always eat our lunch on the train - that way the baby could take her time finishing her bottle while my oldest ate her sandwich and no one felt like we were missing out on anything - we’d just ride the train in circles until everyone was done.

Buying Food in the Park

If you do buy food in the park, it’s worth scoping out what the different food stalls have. There is a Dunkin Donuts when you first come in if you need that coffee/breakfast fix. For lunch, Food Fair in the center of the park has all the standard items but can get very busy on crowded park days. Some stand alone stalls like Barn Yard Pizza or The Farm Stand may have different offerings than any other food stall in the park and often shorter lines too. While you’re walking the park in the morning it’s worth checking out their menus as you pass by to decide what everyone is interested in eating for snacks or lunch. Keep in mind some food stalls may not be open during the shoulder seasons or due to staffing on certain days so it’s important to stay flexible. Offerings can also change seasonally. (Occasionally Story Land also has food trucks in the park or manning one of the food stands which is a fun change and always really good food!)
PS - if you’re a Season Pass holder, don’t forget to scan your season pass if you have food discounts as a Park Perk! (Note: Discounts aren’t available for food trucks vendors/3rd party vendors.)

Consider Baby Wearing Over a Stroller

I have been doing Story Land for years - with babies, pregnant, not pregnant, with toddlers, with pre-teens, etc. - and I am solidly in the camp “no stroller.” Personally I find it so much easier to just have everything on my person and not have to worry about watching a stroller or coming back for a stroller if we decide to get off at a different train stop, etc - and not to mention it’s much easier navigating crowds and the giant hill in the middle of the park (which is avoidable if you choose to go around - but it’s a nice shortcut) without a stroller. Story Land also isn’t a huge park, it’s very walkable and doable without a stroller for most people. I always wore our baby/toddler in a front carrier and then carried a backpack as a diaper bag that had all the essentials - diapers, lunch, bottles, etc. Obviously everyone has their own preferences and if you decide to use a stroller or wagon that’s totally fine but this is what I found to be the best for our family in this park.

Many families choose to take strollers or wagons into Story Land. Please keep in mind that they are subject to search and go through the metal detector when you enter the park. It's also not a bad idea to AirTag your stroller or wagon too, just in case.

(Personal note: I loved using the Boba Baby Carrier when our kids were small. It's good for infants through toddlers and very comfortable to wear. I would also carry a modest-sized backpack diaper bag, similar to this one so I could keep my hands free and move around the park easily.)

Plenty to Do and See with Infants or While Pregnant

If you’re pregnant or have an infant it will limit what you can do - no rollercoasters or thrill rides for example. However there is still a reasonable amount of things to see and do - make sure to check the ride information boards at each ride to see if it’s suitable for infants or pregnant women and obviously use your best judgement and advice from your doctors on what you can/can’t do. It’s better to play it safe.

Walk Up to Cinderella’s Castle, Then Ride Down

This is a simple tip I’ve realized over the years - WALK UP to Cinderella’s Castle, and then ride the Pumpkin Coach DOWN. Most people feel the need to ride up to Cinderella’s Castle to get the full effect, but if you don’t mind doing it a little backwards you can walk up to the Castle (over a really pretty bridge, mind you), meet Cinderella, and then get in line to ride the Pumpkin Coach back down. The line at the top to ride back down is almost always considerably shorter than the line at the bottom to ride up - and often there isn’t even a line at the top at all!

Take Your Own Picture with Cinderella

At Cinderella’s Castle you can stand in line to meet her and get your photo taken by a staff photographer, which is available for purchase afterwards at a little desk by the exit. Thankfully though you can take your own cell phone photo while you’re there and aren’t obligated to buy the Story Land photo which is rather expensive.

Some Rides Don’t Open Until 10:30

Story Land typically opens at 10AM, but keep in mind that the water rides (Dr. Geyser’s Remarkable Raft Ride and Bamboo Chutes) and the back section of the park that includes Moo Lagoon do not open until 10:30. We recommend doing one or two other dry rides first before circling back to catch those.

And Some Rides are Temperature Dependent

Keep in mind that most of the water rides and Moo Lagoon won’t run if it’s below 70 degrees. These rides also may not operate early in the season or after Labor Day.

The Roar-O-Saurus is ROUGH

The Roar-O-Saurus is the wooden rollercoaster in the back of the park; it has highest height requirement of all the rides at Story Land and is meant for older kids and adults. It’s a great wooden roller coaster and quite thrilling - but be warned it’s ROUGH riding it. The ride is very jolting and “jittery.” There are signs on the loading dock warning you to take everything out of your pockets and leave it in cubbies on the platform because they will be shaken out (my husband can attest to that… his wallet shook right out of his pants pocket once!). They used to even have a white board tally behind the operator logging how many items have been lost so far that season on the ride.
(Personal Note: Unfortunately this ride hurts my neck so I typically don’t ride it.)

EDIT Fall, 2025: Be warned - as of October, 2025 they will no longer let you even wear RX glasses on the Roar-A-Saurus. I usually don’t ride this ride because it bothers my neck, but my daughter needed someone to ride with her on our last trip of the season so I agreed to go on it with her. I was surprised and disappointed that I was told I could not wear my glasses on the ride, which has never been an issue before. I tried explaining that I am legally blind without them (literally, I am) and I’ve never had to take them off in all the years of riding it but it was non-negotiable on their part. We decided to get off the ride at that point because I can’t be parted from my glasses.. it was very disappointing. I understand where they’re coming from that they’ve had too many people loose items on this ride, but properly fit RX glasses will not fall off and it’s unfortunate they won’t allow even those on the ride anymore.

Pack Your Swimsuit for Moo Lagoon

Moo Lagoon, which opened in 2024, is a splash pad/water slide park located where the old Oceans of Fun Splash Pad was. If you’d like to take advantage of Moo Lagoon make sure to wear or bring your swimsuit to change into. Appropriate swim wear without buckles or anything that can “catch” is needed to use the water slides - and they don’t allow you to wear glasses of any kind on the waterslides, including prescription eyeglasses.
One thing to note is that the entrance stairs to the three tallest slides are outside of the main Moo Lagoon area. This makes it tricky to always have eyes on your little ones so keep that in mind.

Never Busy at Cuckoo Clockenspiel

Pro Tip: Even when the park is slammed and there’s crazy lines at every ride, there never seems to be line at the Cuckoo Clockenspiel! Seriously, so many times we’ve attended on insanely busy days and my kids have been the only ones on the Cuckoo Clockenspiel ride. This ride is located at the top of the giant hill that’s kind of in the middle of the park (maybe that’s why everyone misses it?). The ride itself is a beautiful giant cuckoo clock and you ride in barrels that spin (like tea cups) along the bottom. You can control how fast your barrel spins by turning the center wheel, so it’s up to you if it’s a leisurely spin or a crazy top that makes you super dizzy. (Note: Now that I shared the secret of it never being busy that may change things… maybe it’ll suddenly be busier now!)

Don’t Sleep on the Live Shows!

The live shows at Story Land are always fun too - there’s usually several different shows a day, throughout the day. They have musical shows with live singing, a Farm Follies show with characters and animatronics, Daniel Tiger shows, and more. In past years they used to have a magician show which we really enjoyed (and I hope they’ll bring back again). Make sure to check the schedule to see what shows are when. The shows can be great for downtime and cooling off in the AC on hot days too!

Update 2026 Season: We’re sad to see they have cut back on some of the free live shows and now one of them is a paid add-on experience.

Add-On Experiences

Story Land also offers some add-on experiences like a Character Breakfast or Tea with Cinderella. These are booked and paid for in addition to your day ticket or Season Pass. We’ve done the Cinderella Tea with both of our kids and even packed play princess dresses for them to put on over their clothes for the tea party. It was definitely a cute experience to give them when they were younger and the Cinderella Tea was pretty reasonably priced in my opinion. (We haven’t done the Character Breakfast yet so I can't give personal feedback on that.)

Be Wary of Rain Park Closure

Years ago Story Land would sometimes close the park early for really bad weather - I’m talking like lighting and hail kind of weather. These days they seem to close the park a lot more often due to weather - sometimes just for what seems like moderate rain. This is something to keep in mind when you make your trip there - if it’s a rainy day there is the possibility the park will close early (or maybe not even open for the day at all!). The good news is that if the park does close early you should be able to request a rain check ticket to come back another day - make sure to stop at the Customer Service desk and ask. If it’s a full closure for the entire day you should be able to use your dated park tickets for any other day that season, but it’s worth reaching out to Customer Service to confirm details.

Get your Hand Stamped if you want to Re-Enter!

Super important to know - if you’re planning on leaving Story Land and re-entering that day you need to get your hand stamped on the way out! Make sure to ask the cashier at Yum Yum Junction (the gift shop you exit through on the way out) for a hand stamp. Story Land will not honor your ticket or season pass if you try to come back in the same day, you really do need that hand stamp.

Special Needs & Autism Awareness

For those that have special needs or sensory issues, Story Land is a Certified Autism Center (CAC) with staff trained for awareness and signage available at every ride entrance that describes in detail what to expect on each ride as well as it’s IBCCES Sensory Guide (Touch, Taste, Sound, Sight, Smell) rating for each ride. In the past Story Land used to have Sensory Friendly Weekends where they would turn off or down the music in the park and on rides, however we haven’t noticed that on the calendar lately. If someone in your party is unable to wait in lines, they may qualify for the Alternative Access Program (in other words a special medical pass that lets you skip the line one time for certain rides) - you must see Customer Service to apply for this and see if you qualify when you enter the park.

There is also an adult changing room and quiet space at the front of the park behind Humpty Dumpty.

See Story Land's Accessibility Page for more information and definitely reach out to customer service if you have questions.

Nostalgia Nights

On certain nights during the season, Story Land has been offering “Nostalgia Nights” for grown-ups (age 21+). This is a separate ticketed event, though some levels of Season Passes include admission for Nostalgia Nights for those of age. During these nights Story Land is open late for the grown-ups to relive their childhood, enjoy the rides, listen to live music, and enjoy some adult beverages (available for purchase - drinks/food are not included in admission). (Personally I have never attended a Nostalgia Night myself so I can’t give specific feedback on these events.)

PS - 90's throwback t-shirts and outfits are encouraged!

Happy Hauntings

Happy Hauntings (started in 2024) are special themed weekends in October. They offer trick-or-treating, seasonal food offerings for purchase at the concession stands, seasonal decor, a new themed live show, and some rides open. We have attended during Happy Hauntings - it was very cute and our kids had fun but we felt as though the ride offerings were extremely limited — personally I don’t think I would buy day tickets to the event because you’d miss out on so many rides that are closed for the season, but as a Season Pass Holder it was a fun way to end our season. (I would also avoid Columbus Day weekend - it was insanely packed.)

Happy Hauntings weekends are a great time to wear a costume or a fun Halloween shirt!

TimeSaver Pass (New for 2026)

New for 2026: Story Land has introduced a TimeSaver Pass (kind of like Disney’s Lightning Lane Fast Passes). These passes are expensive and will let you skip the line on some of the most popular rides. Personally, I am really disappointed to see Story Land go in this direction. Thankfully though we have not seen many people utilize these yet so it hasn’t affected our wait times.

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Living Shores Aquarium

Next door is Living Shores Aquarium, which opened in 2019 - it’s owned by Story Land but please note that admission is not included with your regular ticket in most cases! Sometimes they offer bundle deals so if you’re interested in visiting Living Shores as well definitely look into current offers when purchasing your tickets.

Living Shores is rather small and can easily be done in about two hours. There are a lot of touch tanks and birds to visit with, along with some fish and animals that are for viewing-only. Overall it’s really cute and worth doing at least once. It’s also open year-round if you’re looking for something to do in Story Land’s off-season!

Disclaimer: This post shares opinions and tips based on our personal experiences. Please be aware that you may encounter things differently and things are subject to change. Please do your own research.

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August Box from The Maineland Co.

As you all know by now I love finding and sharing about New England-based businesses, so I was so excited when I came across The Maineland Co. - a small business that creates seasonal subscription boxes that feature Maine-made products. Maineland Co. was kind enough to send me their August Box a little early to share with all of you. | This post contains an honest review of product provided by The Maineland Co. |

The August Box from The Maineland Co. celebrates fair season and BLUEBERRIES! The curated box comes nicely presented and includes a “When Life Gives you Blueberries” t-shirt from Creation Labs, a “Blueberry Rake” spork from Pieces of Maine Jewelry, and a rustic blueberry box from Crafted Downeast.

“When life gives you blueberries…” you make pie and eat it with your blueberry rake of course! I made sure to put the t-shirt and blueberry rake spork to good use to help me enjoy this big ‘ol plate of blueberry pie ;)

And the rustic blueberry crate has so many possibilities! For now I put some hydrangeas in it to dry (it will make such a cute centerpiece on the dining room table), but it would make a great item for kitchen decor or as a catch-all by the door for your keys, wallet, etc.

Maine is well known for it’s blueberries, so what better gift for the blueberry-lover in your life than these fun items that can be enjoyed for many more blueberry seasons to come? But the best thing about Maineland Co. boxes is they bring a little piece of Maine to the recipient and every season there is a new curated box full of different Maine-made products to enjoy.

Keep Up with The Maineland Co.

| Website | Instagram | Facebook |

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- I received this item for review from The Maineland Co. but all opinions expressed are my own.  Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information -   

Coming to Wiglesworth's Mercantile!

Wiglesworth’s Mercantile is a brand new shop coming to Portsmouth’s Market Street next month and I am so excited to share that they’ll be carrying some of our ornaments and other small crafts! The owner Anne has a great vision of making it a place catered to carrying locally-made New England products. (You know how much I love local products, and I can’t wait to visit this wonderfully curated store once it’s open!)

You can check out the Wiglesworth's Mercantile website for more information about opening details.

Part of our order heading to Wiglesworth’s Mercantile.

A Picnic Lunch with New England's Finest

Brrrrrr!  Anyone who lives in the Northeast knows just how brutally cold it's been here lately - in the past two or three weeks I don't think it's gotten over 5 degrees outside!  So when the thermometer hit double digits (10 whole degrees!), we decided to take advantage of the heat wave and head outside for a little snowshoeing and a picnic. 
| This post contains affiliate links and an honest review of New England's Finest |

As you all know, I LOVE sharing about New England-based products on the blog and was so excited to find out about New England's Finest - a carefully curated subscription and gift box service that only features products crafted right here in New England. New England's Finest was kind enough to let me check out their "Picnic for Two" Box which made for a perfect lunch for me and my husband on our little hike. We're lucky enough to have some great trails here within walking distance of our house, so the second the thermometer hit 10 degrees we bundled up, grabbed our snowshoes, and headed out to enjoy the balmy weather (ha!).

After a short hike we found the perfect little clearing, spread out our picnic blanket, and unpacked our lunch.  Each New England's Finest Box has a different theme (BBQ, sweets, cocktails, etc) and ours was full of yummy locally-made foods perfect for a picnic!  In this particular box we had a selection of delicious jams/jellies, crackers, and salami - all we had to do was pack a cutting board and grab some cheese from our fridge.  

One thing I particularly love about NEF as a company is that for every 12-month gift subscription purchased they donate a gift box to a family receiving care at Boston Children's Hospital as a way to give back to the community.  So if you're looking for that perfect gift for someone (or yourself!) who loves New England or is a New Englander at heart, be sure to check out New England's Finest and get "a little flavor and charm from the Northeast."  

Follow New England's Finest on Facebook and Instagram to see their latest promotions and boxes.

Products included in the "Picnic for Two" Box: Tomato Basil Crackers from Jack's Crackers (NH), Perfect Peach Jam from Better Than Average (NH), Chorizo from Vermont Salumi (VT), Raspberry Smoked Maple Jam from Potlicker Kitchen (VT), and Cranberry Pistachio Crisps from Jan's Farmhouse (VT).

- I received this item for review from New England's Finest but all opinions expressed are my own.  Please read our full Disclosure Policy for more information - 

A Family Outing with L.L. Bean (Diaper Tote Insert Review)

Whew, this post was a long time coming!  The end of our pregnancy really knocked me for a loop as did the reality check of having a newborn again (how you forget these things!).  So the past couple of weeks really has been a whirlwind.  Thankfully L.L. Bean had been kind enough to send me their new diaper tote insert to try along with their large boat tote bag and it's been so helpful to carry around our gear as a new family of four.  
| This post contains affiliate links as well as an honest review of products provided by L.L. Bean |

Since we got home from the hospital after the birth of our little one, we've kept our outings pretty minimal - grocery store, doctor appointments, school, that sort of thing.  But now that momma is feeling better and baby has been doing well it's high time we get back outside and enjoy this beautiful weather before the snow flies.  

So much room and so easily organized!

Packing a diaper bag is always a little tricky - and even more-so when you have both a newborn and a toddler!  After all, you don't want to be caught without a necessity, but you don't want to overpack either.  Thankfully using the Diaper Tote Insert has made packing so much easier.  In the insert I am able to pack all the necessities like a changing mat (which is included!), diapers, wipes, a change of clothes for the newborn, small first aid kit, nursing cover, bottles, etc - all in handy pockets and zippered compartments.   (NOTE: This Reviewed Diaper Tote Insert is no longer available, however L.L. Bean has an amazing new Diaper Bag to check out HERE.)

After the Insert is packed it's easily interchangeable between a Medium or Large Boat Tote Bag, depending on what fits your needs best.  We've found that putting the insert in the Medium Tote works perfectly for grocery trips, school drop-offs, errands etc.  The insert fits snuggly inside with all your necessities.  

For longer outings we've really loved putting the insert in the Large Tote (with long handles), which allows for extra room along each side of the insert as well as at the bottom of the bag.  This additional room gives plenty of space for extra changes of clothes, blankets, toys, etc and the long handles make it a breeze to carry, even if you're juggling two kids.  

By using the Boat Tote Bags as diaper bags, they really pull double duty!  Their classic looks never go out of style and by going with a simple last initial monogram for the large bag, it becomes something that will grow with us and can be repurposed by anyone in our family.  By picking something classic like this you’ll be able to use it for many years to come!

(If you are looking for other ways to organize your Boat Tote bag, you can also use a canvas zip pouch or a tolietry organizer.)

This past weekend we finally got out of the house as a family of four and headed to do something fun - and what better way to take advantage of this beautiful day than spending time down by the lake and hitting up the playground before visiting family.  

Since we were going to be out for the full day, I made sure to pack the insert in the Large Boat Tote so I could pack extra supplies for everyone - and it's a good thing I did!  Right before we left our toddler got her pants all dirty playing in the wet sand at the edge of the water so it was great to have clean clothes packed for her for the rest of the day.  

We had a lot of fun exploring around this brick boathouse from the 1900's!

Diaper Bag Must-Haves

• changing pad

• diapers

• wipes

• baggies for dirty diapers and soiled clothes

• nursing cover

• change of clothes for baby

• small first aid kit

• hand sanitizer

• wrap carrier

• pacifier (and a backup one!)

• snacks and water for mom and older siblings

• bottles

• formula

• a small receiving blanket or swaddle blanket

• small toy or book

Overall, having the versatility of this diaper tote organizer has been so helpful!  And I especially love that I can easily switch it between bags on the way out the door to best fit our needs for the day.  

Click here to Shop: This Reviewed Diaper Tote Insert is no longer available, however L.L. Bean has an amazing new Diaper Bag to check out HERE | L.L. Bean Boat Tote Bag

Baby + Young Child Must-Haves:

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- I received the Large Boat Tote and Diaper Tote Insert from L.L. Bean but all opinions expressed are my own.  Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information.  Thank you to L.L. Bean for providing these items to me for review. -   

All outdoor photos by Adrian Pelletier Photography.  

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Even Harley is a fan!

Hills & Trails

Now that we're getting closer to our latest addition's due date, nesting is setting in full-force!  I want to clean everything, reorganize everything, decorate everything... if only the near-constant Braxton Hicks contractions would let me!  That's why I was so excited to receive this beautiful screen-printed pillow from Hills & Trails this past week - it's just perfect for curling up with and taking it easy.  
| Pillow was provided for review by Hills & Trails | This post contains affiliate links |

With all the Braxton Hicks I've been having, my doctor advised that I just "take it easy" - definitely easier said than done when you have a toddler and the house isn't ready yet for the new baby!  But in following doctors orders, I've been making sure to take breaks to lay down and relax throughout the day to keep those pesky Braxton Hicks contractions in-check.  

Recently, Kayna from Hills & Trails was kind enough to send me one of their beautiful hand-printed Log Cabin Pillows to share with you all and I just love how at home it looks on our bed! (And just another great reason for me to get cozy and take it easy, right?)

All of Hills & Trails products are beautifully designed and hand-printed right in Maine!  They offer a variety of items including prints, apparel, housewares, and even kids items.  This particular pillow features a silk-screened log cabin design that has a hand-drawn feel.  And bonus points to Hills & Trails for adding a zipper closure to make the linen-blend pillow case removable!  - Afterall, with kids around having to clean the pillow is inevitable.  

I just love how all of their products are wonderfully made and fit right in - whether you're "upta camp," decorating a kids room, or just want to bring a bit of rustic whimsy into your home.  

I love the heart detail over the chimney!

Hills & Trails handmade products can be purchased on their website and various retailers throughout the Northeast.

Pillow c/o Hills & Trails | Throw is from Fair Seas Supply Co. | Mug is from Falcon Enamelware

- I received this pillow for review from Hills & Trails but all opinions expressed are my own.  Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information -   

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Safeguarding Against TICKS

TICKS.  Just the word makes my skin crawl.  Living in the Northeast, we've always known to look out for them after spending time in the woods or tall, grassy fields but recently the amount of ticks has seemed to reach plague status.  We're now finding ticks places where they should just NOT be - including short trimmed lawns, sandy areas, even in our asphalt driveway.  There's more ticks than ever, with many of them likely carrying potentially debilitating diseases like Lyme.  Because of the great risk, we're not taking chances any more and have taken precautions to protect our yard and ourselves against ticks.  | This post contains affiliate links |

DISCLAIMER:  I am not an expert or medical professional.  These are tips and information I've learned over the years living in a tick-prone area.  Always check with your own doctor, vet, and local experts for the best prevention and treatment plans for yourself and your family.

Safeguarding your Yard

Eliminate Tick Habitats  

Ticks like to hide and breed in brushy areas, leaf litter, log piles, dampness, etc.  It's important to eliminate these places.  Keep your lawn cut short, trim back bushes and over hanging tree branches to maximize sun exposure to your lawn, get rid of compost piles or move them as far away from your usable yard as possible.  Also make sure to thatch (rake and scrape) your entire lawn every spring - this will reduce the litter mat under your lawn.  

Deter Mice 

Believe it or not mice, and not necessarily deer, are one of the biggest culprits at carrying ticks and transmitting diseases carried by ticks. A single mouse can easily carry and feed hundreds of baby ticks on it's body. If you have mice in your yard and around your house, they are dropping ticks. To deter them eliminate brush and log piles and spray peppermint oil around sheds, decks, and other places they might nest or hide. Mice hate peppermint oil (they are very sensitive to smells) and will generally avoid the areas where it's been sprayed. Also, make sure to get rid of bird feeders in your yard since dropped bird seed with attract mice and other small rodents.

Get Guinea Hens or Chickens

Okay, so this tip certainly isn't for everyone - but guinea hens and chickens can be very effective at reducing the tick population in your yard.  As they free-range they forage for bugs, including ticks, and can eat a lot throughout the day.  Guinea hens are particularly known for their tick-eating abilities but can be harder to keep than chickens.  Make sure to do your homework and talk to your neighbors as a courtesy before getting guineas or chickens.  

Tick-Repelling Plants 

Ticks do not like certain plants - including lemongrass, lavender, sage, and mint.  Planting these can help keep ticks away, at least in the immediate area of the plant.  We make sure to include these in flowerbeds and planters around paths, our deck, and doorways to help deter ticks from hanging around these high-traffic areas.  

Tick Tubes

By selectively placing Tick Tubes around your property, you can help kill off the ticks that are hitching a ride on mice and other small rodents that may not have been deterred by the peppermint oil. Tick Tubes contain permethrin-soaked cotton and are placed in areas where these rodents frequent (brush piles, under decks/sheds, in stone walls, etc). Rodents take the cotton and use them in their nests. Permethrin will not hurt the rodents, but will kill the baby ticks riding on them.

Have Your Yard Sprayed

Last year was the first year we actually had our yard professionally sprayed - despite all our best efforts, the ticks in our area were just out of control.  We chose to have our yard sprayed with an all-natural spray option because we had chickens, a toddler, and a veggie garden.  We were very pleased with the results and only saw one or two ticks in our yard for the rest of the summer.  There are many spray options available out there - from all-natural to chemical-based.  There are pros and cons to every option, so it's important to discuss your concerns and situation to your pest-specialist when choosing a treatment plan.  

Despite our best efforts - short lawn, maximum sun exposure to the backyard, keeping chickens, etc. - there were still lots of ticks (as seen here on our daughter's playhouse). Soon after this we decided to have our yard professionally treated for ticks and it helped immensely.

Safeguarding your Family

Bug Spray

Whenever we spend time outside, we use bug spray each and every time. Some people prefer all-natural repellent, especially for little ones - but bug sprays containing Picaridin (our favorite to use hiking) or bug sprays containing DEET are more effective.  

Permethrin-Treated Shoes and Clothing

Permethrin is supposed to be one of the best tick deterrents around (it's also what's used in Tick Tubes). By pre-treating your shoes and outer clothing with it, it can be very effective at keeping ticks off of you. We treat all of our shoes, yard work clothes, and hiking gear with permethrin. Check the label for exact instructions, but many permethrin treatments are good for several washes or 40 days so it's great for lasting protection. We've personally had the best luck with Sawyer Permethrin Spray.

Most Importantly:  Check for Ticks - Twice

The most important safety measure against ticks is always checking for ticks - at least twice.  Despite all your best efforts, yard treatments, and bug sprays, you can still pick up ticks.  For us, we've come up with our own protocol to thoroughly check for ticks whenever we come in from spending time outdoors.  We're lucky enough to have a bathroom/laundry room right by our back door, so as soon as we come in we stop in to put all the clothes we wore directly into the washing machine and shut the door (shoes are left in the garage and not brought into the house).  Then we thoroughly check for ticks - paying close attention to check those hard-to-see areas and scalp; a full-length mirror can be very helpful with this. Then, if possible, take a shower or bath next before getting dressed in fresh clothes.  Ticks won't drown but thoroughly washing right after you come in will hopefully rinse any missed un-attached ticks off of you.  Then that night before going to bed, make sure to do a second tick check just to confirm that nothing was missed earlier in the day.  

You might think this tick-checking protocol is a little overboard, but if you live in a tick-prone area (like the Northeast) it's unfortunately very necessary.  After following this protocol for two years now, we have had instances where we found dead ticks in our dryer lint trap (it's actually the high heat of the dryer that kills them - not the washing machine) and a live one on the shower wall once... these were ticks that were on us but were stopped by our thorough system.  

Safeguarding your Pets

Up-to-Date on Preventatives and Vaccines

Talk with your vet about the best tick preventative option (collars, topical, oral medication, etc) for your pets and make sure you keep on schedule with it, even during the winter months.  You might not think that ticks are out in the winter since they go dormant, but even a brief warm streak can bring them out.  

Check for Ticks

It's a very good idea to check your pets for ticks when bringing them in as well, since ticks can "ride in" on them. We have a black lab which is particularly tricky to check, so we make sure to keep a brush and a lint roller by the back door to check her before coming in. We stop her outside and brush out her coat, then use the lint roller to roll over her legs, underbelly, and snout to make sure no ticks are hitching a ride. We also vacuum carpets and her dog beds often to make sure none get dropped around the house in the event we miss one.

If you Find an Attached Tick

**Always call your doctor right away for the best advice for your situation**

If you find an attached tick, remove it carefully without squeezing it's body - you do not want it to potentially expel any more toxins into you. Tick Spoons can be particularly helpful in removing them; we also like Tick Keys which fit handily on your keychain so it's always with you. Then wash the area with antibacterial first aid wash and call your doctor immediately. The doctor will help determine whether you need to start medications right away or wait and see if symptoms develop.
Don't count on seeing the hallmark "bulls-eye rash" though - many people who contract Lyme will never get it. Make sure to keep the removed tick as well (you can stick it in an empty jar), and see about getting it tested right away for Lyme and other diseases. This will give you the quickest and most definitive answer since even if you did contract Lyme yourself from the tick you would not test positive for it for some time.

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DISCLAIMER:  I am NOT an expert or medical professional.  These are tips and information I've learned over the years living in a tick-prone area.  Always check with your own doctor, vet, and local experts for the best prevention and treatment plans for yourself and your family.  Discuss with your doctor ahead of time what to do in the event of a tick bite (and I hope you never need to use that information).  Stay vigilant and stay safe!