Story Land, a Fun Family Vacation

If you are a parent of young children, a family vacation can often leave you yearning...for a vacation! There is so much planning and packing involved when taking a trip with youngsters. Between backpacks filled with juice boxes and snack packs, to diaper bags' brimming over with wipes, bottles and toys, just getting ready to leave for a trip can be exhausting. Small children are not always at their most cooperative away from home and their regular routine. They throw tantrums upon arrival, refuse to let mom or dad put them down, even for a second, and in general, can make any vacation miserable. No vacation is going to perfect, no matter how hard you plan. However, many places cater to families with young children, making your get-a-way a little less stressful for everyone.

One of my favorite places to visit with my children is the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. There are several attractions all within an hour (or less) driving time for families, each one unique and interesting. For families with young children, Story Land, located along picturesque Route 16 in Glen, New Hampshire, is a must-see attraction. A sprawling amusement park, "Where Fantasy Lives," Story Land is a scaled down version of Disney, with cheaper tickets, shorter lines, and an all around less-frustrating experience than the Happiest-Place-on-Earth.

Story Land caters to children between the ages of 2 and 12. Each year the park expands its features, adding new rides and attractions. Visitors can take a jaunt in a pumpkin carriage to Cinderella's castle, or go flying in a Dutch shoe. They can go on a safari ride, hijack a pirate ship or take a spin in Alice's teacups. They can even brave the seemingly innocent looking Cuckoo Clockenspiel ride. Warning: the Clockenspiel is not for those with weak stomachs. I found that out the hard way.

There are many rides in the park that older children will enjoy, such as the Polar Coaster and Bamboo Chutes. These rides, as well as a few others, have height restrictions. However, most rides allow toddlers, so long as an adult accompanies them. The most popular attraction, with the longest wait time is the antique cars. This ride is the first attraction children see upon entering the park. You will witness parents pulled hastily from all directions toward the cars by their excited offspring. After all, what child is going to pass up a chance to drive a real car? In order to avoid an hour-plus of waiting in line, be sure to make the antique cars your first stop.

A whole section of the park is made up of walk through attractions based on children's nursery rhymes. Children can visit Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater's giant pumpkin house, the Old Woman who lived in a shoe, or the Swiss cottage belonging to Heidi and her grandfather. The Three Little Pigs and Three Billy Goats gruff are also in residence, located in a small petting zoo.

A less traditional attraction, but fun nevertheless, is Professor Bigglestep's Loopy Laboratory. The Loopy Lab is a perfect stopping point for tired parents. Inside the cool vaulted canvas building, kids can play with a variety of vacuum hoses (who doesn't love vacuums?) and foam balls. They can shoot balls at one another, or even better, at their exhausted parents. This is a very fun attraction for toddlers, especially. Professor Bigglestep also puts on a fun show where kids are invited to participate.

I suggest you take a moment to visit the flock of well fed mallard ducks, who take up residence in the man-made pond, at the center of the park. These delightful ducks are the friendliest of creatures, waddling right up to you, in hopes of a scrap or two of food. They especially like popcorn. Small children love watching the birds, and shriek with delight each time a duck gobbles up a popcorn kernel.

Amenities offered by Story Land include meticulously clean grounds and restrooms. There are several changing rooms for mothers, where they can nurse, if needed. There is a large variety of moderately priced food and drink throughout the park. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks. There are even misting tents placed about the park, where kids (and adults) can jump in to cool off on hot, muggy days. If you or the kids get tired of walking, a courtesy train picks up and drops off visitors all over the park. Strollers and pet kennels are available free, on a first come, first serve basis.

Story Land is open from Memorial Day weekend, through Columbus Day weekend. The best time to visit Story Land is early or late in the season. According to Story Land's website, August is the busiest month. The site also mentions that Saturdays are the busiest day, while Friday and Sunday are the least busy. Rainy days are slow (no way!) while the day following rainy days is usually busier. The park opens at 9am; However people usually start lining up about a half hour before. I would not bother arrive much before 9am though, since the lines move very quickly.

My husband and I were lucky enough to discover that the last Sunday in August is a great time to visit. Many families were at home, getting ready for the start of the new school year. As our children were only two and four at the time, we were able to plan our visit much later than other families. There were hardly any lines! The following year, when our daughter started kindergarten, we were forced to visit a week earlier. Oh, what difference! It was so much more crowded! However, it was still much less so than Disney.

If you are planning a longer stay in the White Mountains, there are many local campgrounds, hotels, and resorts to fit any budget. Many places feature a discount on Story Land tickets, when you lodge with them. Story Land also offers an after 3pm deal. If you buy your ticket after 3pm, then it is good for the next day as well. I recommend this deal, if you are planning on an extended stay.

Like stepping into a fairy tale, Story Land is the perfect place to relive childhood fantasy, and make new memories with your own family.