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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Travel Guide: Three Days on Georgetown Island, Maine

This September my husband and I celebrate 10 years of marriage. Originally we were hoping to plan a big getaway… maybe out west somewhere to one of the National Parks, or overseas - but when we were planning this past spring Covid was still a big concern so we decided to plan a short getaway closer to home. In the end it all worked out, because as another surge is coming upon us we feel like we just snuck in our little trip in time before Lockdown 2.0 (though hopefully it doesn’t come to that again). Overall we had an amazing three days on Georgetown Island, Maine and I wanted to share about where we stayed, what we did, and where we ate.

Seguin Tree Dwellings

When we were searching for a New England-based getaway we lucked out that Seguin Tree Dwellings had a cancellation for August (they are usually quite booked), so we jumped at the opportunity to stay here. We’ve seen photos of this magical-looking place for years and always wanted to check it out. We stayed at the Souhegan Treehouse which is arguably the most Instagrammed of the three treehouses at Seguin.

Our treehouse had three “sections”: the main house which was two stories tall and had a small kitchenette/dining area, full bathroom, and screened porch on the first floor; on the second floor up a twisty ladder was the bedroom loft and balcony with views of the tidal Black River.

Then attached to the main house by swinging rope bridges was a second smaller treehouse with a balcony that we had set up as a sitting room (though it can be converted to a second bedroom if you had more people in your group, or if you didn’t want to use the loft bedroom). We enjoyed the sitting room a lot - we brought magazines and books and it was so relaxing to just sit back and read and not be distracted by our phones (which we never even signed into the WiFi).

Finally, the coolest (in my opinion) part of the tree house - the cedar wood-fired hot tub! And yes - that is a hot tub, in a tree, with a swinging bridge to get it to it. Does it get any cooler? We spent every evening watching the sun go down over the Black River and relaxing in the hot tub. It was just picture perfect.

Seguin also had canoes and kayaks available for guests and we spent one morning paddling along the Black River, watching herons fish and taking in the landscape. The whole time out we only saw one other boat - it was so beautiful and so peaceful.

Red’s Eats

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was getting lunch one day at Red’s Eats which is just down the road a-ways in Wiscasset, so not technically on Georgetown Island but well worth the trip for sure! It was a rainy weekday - we got there about 30 mins before opening and the line had already started, though it wasn’t long yet. We patiently waited our turn and I just have to say the food was amazing and the service was even better (is that possible?!). Deborah and her crew handed out fried shrimp samples to eat and sanitized umbrellas to borrow while we waited in line in the rain. They also got on the intercom and gave some shout-outs to other local area shops and restaurants, which I thought was so kind of them. I ordered Fried Haddock and my husband got one of their world-famous Lobster Rolls as well as a Crab Cake. I wish I got a photo of the food but we gobbled it up too fast, it was so good. Red’s Eats definitely lived up to its stellar reputation and we will be back for sure next time we’re in the area.

Harborside General Store

One day we popped in to Harborside General Store at the very end of 5 Islands Road. It was super cute (check out that amazing view out the window too!). We chit chatted with the shopkeeper and found out she was originally from our area, what a small world. We picked up a picture book about boats to give to our kids when we got home and they loved it.

The Coastline

What is a trip to Maine without checking out the coastline? Most of our trip was a kind of rainy/overcast, but we didn’t mind - give me a rainy beach day anytime! We had the whole place to ourselves and it was so enjoyable to take in the sights and sounds of the ocean without tons of people around.

Five Islands Farm

During our stay, we popped over to Five Islands Farm a few times to grab some snacks or drinks. They had a great selection of gourmet foods, local produce, and gifts. One night we just bought a pint of ice cream there and split it for dinner at the beach - no rules on vacation! Right? Right. ;)

Doubling Point Lighthouse

Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of this lighthouse, but I recommend checking it out if you get the chance! We went early one morning to check it out, only to be met with a sign saying the grounds opened at 9AM… we were tempted to go check out this picturesque lighthouse with a long dock leading to it, but the home there looked like it was a private residence and we wanted to be respectful of those that lived there, so we left without seeing it up close. It’s important to note that to get there you take a narrow dirt residential road and there is only room for 2-3 cars to park.

Five Islands Lobster Co.

One day for lunch we went to Five Islands Lobster Company, which is located on a working wharf on the Sheepscot River. The place was hopping! So much so that we couldn’t find parking anywhere so my husband dropped me off to get food while he waited a mile or two down the road to come pick me up later. I enjoyed the wait though, it was a beautiful day and it was so interesting watching the hard-working fishermen come and go. We got scallops and haddock and brought them back to enjoy at our treehouse at Seguin Tree Dwellings.

Georgetown Pottery

We also stopped into Georgetown Pottery to browse - so many beautiful pieces in a wide variety of styles. I particularly loved the ones with birch trees on them (no surprise). They also had some amazing sculpture pieces for the garden outside.

Winnegance Restaurant & Bakery

One thing we did struggle with finding on Georgetown Island was breakfast options… so for breakfasts we hopped over to the Bath, Maine area which was just a short drive away and got breakfast to-go from Winnegance Restaurant & Bakery every morning. We loved Winnegance for it’s small-town diner feel, with local regulars eating breakfast there each morning. We brought our breakfasts to the South End Boat Launch to enjoy breakfast with a view of the Kennebec River and Doubling Point Lighthouse across the way.

On the drive to and from Winnegance you get to pass Bath Iron Works which is always so impressive to behold, and The Maine Maritime Museum which we want to visit next time we’re in the area.

Overall we had an amazing and relaxing three days in the Georgetown Island area and we’re looking forward to another trip back there again in the future.

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Things to Do in New Hampshire This Summer

I'm a New Hampshire native, born and raised.  I love this state and all the great things it has to offer.  I thought I'd share some of our favorites - from the city, mountains, ocean, and countryside, New Hampshire has it all!  

Things to Do in New Hampshire This Summer

- This list will be continually added to, so be sure to check back often for more ideas -

The Flume  

Located in the White Mountains, The Flume is a fairly short loop trail that brings you right through a narrow gorge with a rushing river and several waterfalls.  There is a covered bridge, stairs, and deck walkways to help you through the tricky parts with ease.  

Castle in the Clouds

I confess I'm biased to this place - afterall it's where my husband popped the question and where we got married :)  But Castle in the Clouds does offer some of the most breathtaking views of the Lakes Region from the lawn of the Lucknow Estate (aka "The Castle"), where you can also explore the rooms of the mansion during your-self guided tour.  There are also miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, and a restaurant on site.  

Polly's Pancake Parlor + Lupine Festival

Pancakes - do we really have to say more..?  But seriously folks, Polly's has amazing pancakes, delicious hearty breakfasts, and great views of the mountains.  We recommend making the trip up there in June for the Lupine Festival and checking out the gorgeous fields of lupines in bloom after your hearty breakfast.  

Strawberry Banke

Strawberry Banke, a 10-acre historic collection of buildings along the seaside in Portsmouth is rich in history and historic architecture.  The buildings on the property span 300 years and costumed guides and artisans fill you in on interesting stories and facts from an era gone by.  I especially love seeing all the quirky features of the buildings there.  

4th of July Parade in Wolfeboro

As "The Oldest Summer Resort in America," Wolfeboro does the Fourth like no one else with the largest parade in the state complete with their traditional Precision Lawn Chair Drill Team, Antique Tractor Brigade, and Presidential hopefuls.  Jimmy Fallon and Mitt Romney are frequent attendees of the parade.  

Isles of Shoals

The Isles of Shoals is a group of islands off the coast of NH is known for it's rugged coastal beauty and it's historical significance.  Guided tours are available through the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company.  (Taking a tour of the islands is something we haven't done ourselves yet but have been meaning to for years - this year we plan to change that though and finally go!)  

Paddleboard Yoga

There are various places around NH that offer this new trend, one being Full Moon Paddleboard in Wolfeboro.  It's a lot of fun and adds a whole other level to your yoga practice.  Whether you're a yogi master or just a beginner, you'll have a fun (yet challenging) time.  

Zip-Lining

There are many places throughout the state that offer zip line tours and obstacle courses.  We've gone with Alpine Adventures in Lincoln before and highly recommend them - great staff, great views, and a lot of fun.  

Go Hiking

There are countless mountains and great hiking trails in New Hampshire (this website is a great resource for trail info), but Mount Monadnock is definitely the most popular.  After all it's one of the most-hiked mountains in the world, and with good reason - a moderately difficult hike rewards you with great 360-degree views atop it's rocky peak.  If you hike Mt. Monadnock we recommend getting there early to beat the crowds, then getting lunch and ice cream at Kimball's in Jaffrey after.  

Cog Railway

A must-do, the Cog Railway brings you up Mount Washington (the tallest mountain in the Northeast) on the first mountain-climbing train in the world!  Make sure to bring extra clothes for the summit since Mt. Washington is also home to some of the world's worst weather.  

Go Camping

There are countless campgrounds across the state, with varying degrees of amenities.  Two of our personal favorite campgrounds are Fransted Campground in Franconia and Crawford Notch Campground in Hart's Location - both are family friendly, well-kept, and convenient to hiking trails.  

Canoe Trip

There are also many canoe tour companies throughout the state, but we really love Contoocook River Canoe Company in Concord, NH.  They offer many choices for rentals, shuttles, and tours of surrounding rivers and lakes.  I've done the 9-mile Contoocook River Tour a few times and can't say enough great things about it.  

Clark's Trading Post

A true NH novelty, Clark's Trading Post is a little theme park tucked away in the White Mountains.  It's best known for it's trained black bear act and "The Wolfman," an ornery prospector who chases the train ride to keep visitors away from his mine.  

A day in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a gem of a city tucked away along the seacoast - there are countless amazing restaurants to eat at, unique shops to explore, and historic buildings to see.  Get into downtown before 11AM to best ensure finding a parking spot in the downtown parking garage, then spend the rest of the day eating and shopping your way through town.  

Fisher Cats Game

The Fisher Cats is NH's own Minor League baseball team - their beautiful new ballpark is located conveniently in Manchester where affordable tickets ensure everyone can enjoy America's favorite pastime.  

Storyland

Storyland is a wonderful theme park where kids of all ages will find rides and attractions to enjoy.  I have so many great memories of going to Storyland with my parents and exploring the different themed areas.  Our young daughter really loves Storyland as well and I'm so excited to share the experience with her too.    

A Day Out with Thomas

If you have a Thomas fan in your family, going to A Day Out with Thomas in North Conway is a must.  You'll not only be able to meet Thomas, Percy, and Sir Topham Hatt but you'll also be able to go for a ride on the famous trains!  

Family Weekend in Ogunquit, Maine on a Budget

Last Friday we decided at the last minute to spend the weekend in Ogunquit, Maine - the weather looked great, my husband was itching to take some Milky Way photos, and it had been too long since we did a little family trip.  It was also right before "the season" starts, which meant that there would be less crowds and cheaper hotel rooms (yes!).  All-in-all as a family of three we spent less than $175 for the whole weekend, including the hotel room, so I would call that a huge success!  

For hotel we stayed at The Beachmere Inn which is conveniently located right on the Marginal Way, a 1.25 mile scenic walkway following the edge of the ocean.  Even though we were calling for reservations the day before, The Beachmere thankfully still had a few rooms available.  We opted for the least expensive one ($100+tax, which was this particular room's preseason rate).  It was a nice, modest room with a queen sized bed in the Victorian building of the hotel complex.  This room didn't quite have the view that most rooms at the hotel have, but we didn't mind since we knew we'd be out walking most of the day and then to bed early with our little one.  

The Beachmere Inn

The view from our private balcony.

To save a little extra money we packed our lunches from home for that first day.  We got to the hotel around lunch time and since our room was ready they let us check in early (very nice!).  We were able to enjoy our lunch on our own private balcony overlooking the great lawn of the hotel.  

That afternoon was spent wandering up and down the Marginal Way and walking into town to explore some of the little shops and buy some delicious pastries at Bread & Roses Bakery.  We highly recommend their Cinnamon Butter Puffs and our daughter was a big fan of the massive chocolate chip cookies bigger than her head (no surprise there).  

Running along the ocean = perfection.

Mid-afternoon Daddy watched Miss M so I could get a training run in.  I ran four miles along the Marginal Way and through the high-end coastal neighborhoods, and even did a short stretch of running in the sand on Ogunquit Beach.  This run has to be the most fun and scenic I have done to date - why can't all runs be so pretty?

Dinner options in Ogunquit were a bit limited as it's still the "off season" (many seasonal businesses and seasonal rates start April 14th).  So we opted to drive up the road a few minutes to the Moody Beach area and have dinner at Jake's Seafood where we ate our weight in delicious fried seafood.  The bill for the three of us came in at $40, which was a little more than we were expecting but splurging on fried food is pretty much a must-do of any seaside trip.  

The views along the Marginal Way are breathtaking.

After dinner we went back to the hotel and played outside a bit before turning in early.  Adrian was planning to get up at 3AM to capture some Milky Way shots as long as the weather cooperated.  Luckily for him, the clouds held off and he was able to just walk off the hotel lawn and get some amazing Milky Way and sunrise shots (you can see more of his photos on his Instagram, @adrianpelletier).  

The next morning we enjoyed a nice continental breakfast at the hotel.  They had coffee, tea, cereal, bagels, fruit, and yogurt as well as selection of locally made donuts.  (I had yogurt with granola and a very delicious Boston creme donut, because you know, balance.)  

Bread & Roses Bakery - so much deliciousness!

After breakfast we walked back into town to do some last minute poking around and pick up more pastries from Bread & Roses to bring home, between our two trips here we spent about $20.  Then we went to Ogunquit Beach to let our little one run around and play in the sand a bit.  It was brisk but sunny and we pretty much had the whole beach to ourselves.  After that we decided to check out a little early and head home to catch Miss M's nap, but if we had stayed in Ogunquit for lunch we would have grabbed some sandwiches from The Village Market, which looked yummy and reasonably priced and had a picnic on the beach or along the Marginal Way.  

Overall it was a great, affordable weekend in Ogunquit.  Lots of beautiful views, good food, exploring downtown, running and photo adventures, and, most importantly, some quality family time.  

Early morning walk along the Marginal Way.

Around New England: Marginal Way, Ogunquit, Maine

It's always fun running off to the ocean every once and awhile.  Even though it's not too far away we don't get there very often.  Last week we decided to make a quick day trip to Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine.  It's always a fun little trip!  

Perkins Cove at low tide

We parked near Perkins Cove and got onto the Marginal Way there.  The Marginal Way is a beautiful 1.5 mile paved pathway that follows along the edge of the ocean and ends near downtown Ogunquit.  

Beautiful views along the Marginal Way.

Some beach roses still in bloom.

Downtown there are several trolleys that can take you around.  

We got some delicious pastries at Bread & Roses while we were there.  I highly recommend their giant cookies and mini baguette sandwiches.. Mmmmm!  

Along the Marginal Way there are a few access points down to the ocean via stairs. Our little one loved playing in the sand and checking out the rocks up close.  

So many cute shops to explore too! 

Next time you're in Southern Maine make sure to check out the Marginal Way and Ogunquit!