Families Visiting the Upper Valley Region

We don’t have a beach, but you won’t miss it.

Looking to spend some quality time with your family in beautiful New England? Look no further, because the Hanover Inn and the Upper Valley is the best choice for you and the kids to have a great time. There are few places in New England that can provide the variety of family adventures found here in the Upper Valley. Your kids will be talking about this vacation for years to come. Imagine standing just ten feet away from the majestic Bald Eagle by visiting Vermont Institute of Natural Science, or kayaking the gentle waters of the historic Connecticut River to an island for a pirate’s lunch. If you are here for a bit of winter family fun, ice skating, skiing, and snowshoeing are just minutes from the Inn, with rentals available for everyone. With this many exciting things to do, you may want plan on a longer vacation!

The Family Fun Day
Because there is so much to do here, it can actually be a little overwhelming. That's where we come in, "The Family Fun Day" is our personal recommendation for a starting day of activities in the Upper Valley. Please note that we are happy to work with you to customize your activities during your visit and when it's all finalized, we'll even make all of the arrangements for you. A full list of local attractions can be found here.

• Start your day off right with breakfast at the Inn, in our elegant Daniel Webster Room. As our little gift, breakfast is on us for children 10 and under. Our children’s menu is sure to please you with our house specialties already tested and approved.

• Next stop...museum! Enjoy a complimentary pass to the Montshire Museum of Science, Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), or The Billings Farm and Museum as our gift to you. The Montshire Museum of Science is conveniently located just five minutes away by car or a 15 minute walk from the Inn. Children 10 and under are admitted free. Visit Montshire Museum of Science for current programs and exhibits.

• If a winter visit is in your future, than it wouldn't be complete without a trip to The Dartmouth Skiway—where everyone will enjoy great skiing on intermediate and beginner trails without the hassle of long lift lines, we don’t like lines. Visit Dartmouth Skiway for current conditions.

• Lunch? Not a problem, let us pack a lunch for you and the family before you head out for the day.

• After your fun-filled family outing, it's back to the Inn in time for a little break and dinner in the relaxed atmosphere of our winebistro, Zins. Then it is off to a Dartmouth Hockey or Basketball game, both just a short walk from the Inn. Go Big Green! Visit Dartmouth Athletics for a home game schedule.

• Babysitting is always available if you are hoping to take in a show or just want a little time for yourselves. Please inquire as soon as you know you are ready for some quite time together.

The Montshire Museum of Science
This is a hands-on museum located in Norwich, Vermont, that offers dozens of educational exhibits that relate to the natural and physical sciences, ecology and technology. Complimentary Day Pass for children 12 and under.

River Excitement
John Marshall, blessed with 15 years of guiding experience, offers fishing, birding and scenic float trips on the beautiful Connecticut River. The Connecticut River below Wilder dam is home to Brook, Rainbow and Brown trout, and John is ready to help families to master and enjoy the many pleasures of fishing. Whether you like to spin fish or fly cast, John has equipment on board for your use, including fine fly rods by Orvis and Sage, plus all lures and flies. If birding and nature viewing are more to your liking, John offers half day or 6 hour floats on the beautiful Connecticut River. Possible sightings include bald eagles, hawks, ospreys, ducks and geese. For more information, please call 802.457.4021.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS)
Experience nature, expand your understanding of the true meaning of ecology and explore the natural world through the eyes of live raptors. Be amazed by these efficient predators in engaging presentations featuring the VINS feathered ambassadors. VINS also offers summer camp and other educational programs and exhibits. Complimentary visit for children 12 and under.

Billings Farm and Museum
A fully operational dairy farm of distinction and a unique museum dedicated to telling the story of Vermont's rural and agricultural heritage. The Billings Farm and Museum is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation, Inc., a charitable non-profit institution founded by Mary French and Laurance Spelman Rockefeller. Complimentary Day Pass for children 12 and under.

Dartmouth Athletics
The excitement of being on an Ivy League campus is most fully appreciated at "The Game." From the Hanover Inn you can walk to any Dartmouth College sporting event, including the baseball team in its new state-of-the-art complex. Check out the complete 2009 home baseball schedule on the "Special Events" page of this web site. Enjoy watching Dartmouth defeat its Ivy League rivals, then return to the Hanover Inn to enjoy a festive post-game meal or to plan your next family outing.

Hanover Country Club
The Hanover Country Club is an 18 hole championship-quality course that underwent a major renovation in 2001. The course was lengthened to 6500 yards, four new holes were added, and all 18 greens were reconstructed with distinctive Donald Ross style features under the careful supervision of Ron Prichard, golf architect. Free round of golf for a day when staying two nights or longer at the Hanover Inn.

Dartmouth Outing Club
The staff of the Hanover Inn can arrange guided trips for myriad activities, or you can venture out on your own with easy access to all the equipment needed for any of the following outings:Canoeing, Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Biking, Golfing, Skating on Occum Pond or Swimming on the Connecticut River.

Dartmouth SkiWay
A family-friendly setting with more than 100 acres of snow riding terrain spread over two mountains. Offering big-mountain challenges and a lot of variety, the Dartmouth SkiWay has everything skiers and snowboarders need for winter fun. Complimentary Lift Pass with 2 night stay or longer for children 12 and under.  603.795.2143

Hood Museum
The Hood Museum of Art provides access on the Dartmouth campus to collections of works of art that have historic and cultural significance. The staff members at the Hood Museum take every opportunity to activate the collections as visual material for the Dartmouth curriculum, and for teaching and learning resources. The museum is located right next door to the Hanover Inn, a convenient and stimulating learning resource for every member of the family. Free every day to enjoy and explore!

Hopkins Performing Arts Center
Each year "The Hop" sells more than 125,000 tickets to more than 100 live performances in virtually all genres of music, theater and dance. "The Hop" also screens more than 200 films, many cinematic classics of the past, and provides a full range of social and cultural activities. Only a few steps from the front door of the Hanover Inn!

Hike the Appalachian Trail
You can start the hike from just outside the front door of the Hanover Inn! Ask the front desk to help you connect with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a volunteer-based, private non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the 2,175-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a 250,000-acre "greenway" extending from Maine to Georgia.

King Arthur Flour
Learn tips and techniques from the pros at King Arthur Flour, just a short trip across the Connecticut River in Norwich, Vermont. Take classes, attend demonstrations or visit the retail shop to buy delicious pastries and fresh-baked artisan breads