Free things to do with kids in Nashua, NH
Kids’ events whose own page says they’re free, places that say admission is free, and parks and playgrounds whose town page lists no fee, in Nashua, Hudson, Merrimack, Hollis, Amherst and Milford.
Free kids’ events in the next 30 days
8 events marked free on their own page. Some still ask you to register.
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10 AM–11 AM
Toddler Play Along Fall '26
Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium), Milford · Apple Maps for Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium) Google Maps for Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium)
Free weekly drop-in toddler group with safe equipment, open play space and circle time for toddlers and caregivers.
This FREE program requires you to register online via Milford Recreation Checked
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3 PM–4:30 PM
Trick-or-Treat On The Oval!
Milford Oval Band Stand, Milford
Children in costume trick-or-treat at the Milford Oval Band Stand with the Milford Recreation Department and local businesses; candy while supplies last.
Checked
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10 AM–11 AM
Toddler Play Along Fall '26
Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium), Milford · Apple Maps for Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium) Google Maps for Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium)
Free weekly drop-in toddler group with safe equipment, open play space and circle time for toddlers and caregivers.
This FREE program requires you to register online via Milford Recreation Checked
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10 AM–11 AM
Toddler Play Along Fall '26
Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium), Milford · Apple Maps for Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium) Google Maps for Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium)
Free weekly drop-in toddler group with safe equipment, open play space and circle time for toddlers and caregivers.
This FREE program requires you to register online via Milford Recreation Checked
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4 PM–4:45 PM
Master Builders LEGO Club (Ages 5-11)
Hollis Social Library, Hollis · Apple Maps for Hollis Social Library Google Maps for Hollis Social Library
A monthly LEGO club starting with a building challenge followed by free-building time.
Registration is required. Checked
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11 AM–11:45 AM
Music & Movement with Miss Jackie (Ages 0-6)
Hollis Social Library, Hollis · Apple Maps for Hollis Social Library Google Maps for Hollis Social Library
Music and movement with Miss Jackie for young children to dance and sing.
Registration is required. Checked
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10:30 AM–11:30 AM
Sensory Play Time (Ages 0-5)
Hollis Social Library, Hollis · Apple Maps for Hollis Social Library Google Maps for Hollis Social Library
A hands-on sensory program inviting babies, toddlers and preschoolers to explore different textures and activities.
Registration is not required. This is a drop-in event. Checked
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10 AM–11 AM
Toddler Play Along Fall '26
Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium), Milford · Apple Maps for Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium) Google Maps for Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (gymnasium)
Free weekly drop-in toddler group with safe equipment, open play space and circle time for toddlers and caregivers.
This FREE program requires you to register online via Milford Recreation Checked
No events match. Try a longer time range or another town.
Free places to go
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Beaver Brook Association (Maple Hill Farm)
117 Ridge Road, Hollis, NH 03049 · Apple Maps for Beaver Brook Association (Maple Hill Farm) Google Maps for Beaver Brook Association (Maple Hill Farm)
Nonprofit conservation and nature education organization protecting over 2,200 acres with 35 miles of trails, a Nature Play Area and children's programs.
- Hours
- Trails open year round dawn to dusk
- Admission
- Trails are free and open to the public
- Phone
- (603) 465-7787
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Nashua National Fish Hatchery
151 Broad Street, Nashua, NH 03063-3213 · Apple Maps for Nashua National Fish Hatchery Google Maps for Nashua National Fish Hatchery
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fish hatchery within Nashua city limits where visitors can view fish, go birding and picnic at pollinator garden tables.
- Hours
- 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.; free guided tours Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. as staff schedules allow
- Admission
- Free admission
- Phone
- 603-595-0891
Parks and playgrounds with no listed fee
The town’s page for each of these lists no admission or parking fee. Check the linked page before you go.
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Benson Park
19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, NH 03051 · Apple Maps for Benson Park Google Maps for Benson Park
Benson Park is a 166-acre town park on the former site of Benson's Wild Animal Farm with walking trails, ponds, a playground, picnic areas, a 9/11 Memorial and a fenced dog park.
- 166-acre passive recreational area open to the general public
- Walking trails through wooded and open areas
- Playground and public restrooms
- Picnic areas with park benches and picnic tables
- 9/11 Memorial
- Bird watching
- Leashed dogs welcome (leash no longer than 6 feet); no dogs in the playground
- Fenced Hudson Dog Park just inside the entrance with separate large and small off-leash areas
- Mountain biking listed as an amenity
- Fishing permitted per NH regulations; no swimming
- Groups of 15-50 must submit a Park Usage Form; groups over 50 not allowed
- Once home to Benson's Wild Animal Farm, opened in 1924; maintained by the Department of Public Works with volunteers
- Hours
- May 1-Aug 31: 5:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sept 1-Oct 31: 5:00 AM-7:00 PM; Nov 1-Feb 29: 5:00 AM-5:00 PM; Mar 1-Apr 30: 5:00 AM-7:00 PM
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Elks Playground
Rancourt Street · Apple Maps for Elks Playground Google Maps for Elks Playground
Elks Playground on Rancourt Street has a playground and a baseball/softball field.
- Playground
- Baseball/softball field
- 'Skating' listed as a feature
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Erion Field
Robinson Road · Apple Maps for Erion Field Google Maps for Erion Field
Erion Field on Robinson Road has a playground, a basketball court and a Cal Ripken baseball field.
- Playground
- Basketball court
- Cal Ripken baseball field
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Fields Grove
Field Street · Apple Maps for Fields Grove Google Maps for Fields Grove
Fields Grove on Field Street has a playground, picnic areas, and basketball and tennis courts.
- Playground
- Picnic areas
- Basketball court
- Tennis court
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Greeley Park
100 Concord St · Apple Maps for Greeley Park Google Maps for Greeley Park
Greeley Park is a city park on Concord Street with a playground, a wading pool for small children, ball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, trails and sledding.
- Playground
- Wading pool for small children only; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 or older
- Wading pool hours are dawn to dusk each day
- Wading pool is on the west side of the park near the playground and the gazebo
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
- Baseball/softball fields
- Tennis courts
- Horseshoes
- Lighted facility
- Sledding
- Trails
- Historical site
- Boat launch on Hills Ferry Road (part of Greeley Park's undeveloped area)
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Greeley Park
Greeley Street at the intersection with Central Street/Route 111 · Apple Maps for Greeley Park Google Maps for Greeley Park
Greeley Park is a Hudson neighborhood park with a playground, basketball courts, a baseball field and picnic areas.
- Playground renovated in 2002 with a large play structure, two slides, thirteen elevated play components, four-seat swings, a spring rider and a 16-by-16-foot sandbox
- ADA-compliant engineered wood fiber playground surface
- Basketball courts
- Baseball field
- Picnic tables and gathering areas
- Portable toilet
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Greenwich Commons
Bulova Drive · Apple Maps for Greenwich Commons Google Maps for Greenwich Commons
Greenwich Commons on Bulova Drive is a neighborhood park with a playground.
- Playground
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Joshua's Park
37 Courthouse Road, Amherst, NH 03031 · Apple Maps for Joshua's Park Google Maps for Joshua's Park
Joshua's Park is a 3.9-acre town playground and community garden in Amherst Village, built by the Amherst Land Trust and given to the Town.
- 3.9-acre playground and community garden in Amherst Village, between Courthouse and Boston Post Roads
- Built with playground equipment, a garden and parking; aimed at younger children
- Large pavilion (reservable) and the Stearns-Davis Community Garden
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Keyes Memorial Park
45 Elm St., Milford, NH 03055 · Apple Maps for Keyes Memorial Park Google Maps for Keyes Memorial Park
Keyes Memorial Park is Milford's main recreation park, with an outdoor pool, playground, skate park, ball fields, courts, a pavilion and a stage.
- Primary community recreation park for the Town
- Outdoor pool and kiddie pool; pool building with lockers, restrooms and concession stand
- Playground
- Skate park, open to the public - protective equipment strongly recommended
- Two softball diamonds and a baseball diamond
- Volleyball court, full basketball court and tennis courts
- Picnic area, pavilion with pergola, and stage
- Lighting
- West entrance and parking at 127 Elm Street
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Kirkpatrick Park
Shady Lane · Apple Maps for Kirkpatrick Park Google Maps for Kirkpatrick Park
Kirkpatrick Park on Shady Lane has a playground, basketball and tennis courts and a Cal Ripken baseball field.
- Playground
- Basketball court
- Tennis court
- Cal Ripken baseball field
- Lighted facility
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Legacy Playground at Labine Park
24 Cleveland St. · Apple Maps for Legacy Playground at Labine Park Google Maps for Legacy Playground at Labine Park
Legacy Playground at Labine Park on Cleveland Street is a fully accessible and inclusive playground.
- Fully accessible and inclusive playground
- Funded and built by a cooperative effort between families of children with disabilities and special health care needs, foundations, businesses and the community
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Lyons Field
Marshall Street · Apple Maps for Lyons Field Google Maps for Lyons Field
Lyons Field on Marshall Street has a playground, baseball and Cal Ripken fields, and sledding.
- Playground
- Baseball/softball diamond
- Cal Ripken field
- Sledding
- 'Skating' listed as a feature
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Merrifield Park
2B Burnham Road · Apple Maps for Merrifield Park Google Maps for Merrifield Park
Merrifield Park in Hudson has a playground, a sand volleyball court, picnic tables with grills, and wooded walking trails.
- Regulation-size sand volleyball court
- Playground
- Picnic tables and barbecue grills
- Benches
- Portable restroom
- Walking trails through the wooded area behind the park
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Navaho Park
Navaho Street · Apple Maps for Navaho Park Google Maps for Navaho Park
Navaho Park on Navaho Street has a playground and a Cal Ripken baseball field.
- Playground
- Cal Ripken baseball field
- 'Skating' listed as a feature
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Reverend Doctor Bertha A. Perkins Los Amigos Park
34 Ash Street · Apple Maps for Reverend Doctor Bertha A. Perkins Los Amigos Park Google Maps for Reverend Doctor Bertha A. Perkins Los Amigos Park
Los Amigos Park at 34 Ash Street is a neighborhood park with a playground.
- Playground
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Roby Park (Jeff Morin Fields)
138 Spit Brook Road · Apple Maps for Roby Park (Jeff Morin Fields) Google Maps for Roby Park (Jeff Morin Fields)
Ice skating: seasonal Ice skating conditions are subject to weather conditions
Roby Park on Spit Brook Road has a playground, the Jeff Morin softball fields, Erin's Trail walking trails, a sledding area and a seasonal outdoor skating rink.
- Playground
- Erin's Trail walking trails
- Jeff Morin Playing Fields (two softball fields)
- Sledding area
- Outdoor ice rink: general skating only, no ice hockey
- Outdoor rink general skate 10am to 8pm
- All city rinks are outdoor rinks and no rentals are provided
- Parking
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Roussel / Gardner Fields
78 Haines · Apple Maps for Roussel / Gardner Fields Google Maps for Roussel / Gardner Fields
Roussel/Gardner Fields on Haines Street has a playground plus Cal Ripken, T-ball and soccer fields.
- Playground
- Cal Ripken field
- Soccer field
- T-ball field
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Sandy Pond
National Street · Apple Maps for Sandy Pond Google Maps for Sandy Pond
Sandy Pond on National Street has the city's splash pad and a playground beside the pond.
- Splash pad next to Sandy Pond on National Street
- Playground
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Shepard Park
418 Nashua St., Milford, NH · Apple Maps for Shepard Park Google Maps for Shepard Park
Ice skating rink: seasonal Ice skating rink is seasonal
Shepard Park is a Milford town park on Nashua Street with a playground, baseball diamonds and a seasonal ice skating rink.
- Playground
- Two 50' baseball diamonds
- Seasonal ice skating rink
- Warming hut/storage building
- Home of the Boy Scout house in the old school building
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Sullivan Park
64 Bowers St · Apple Maps for Sullivan Park Google Maps for Sullivan Park
Sullivan Park on Bowers Street has a playground and a basketball court.
- Playground
- Basketball court
- Lighted facility
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Sunset Heights
Osgood Road · Apple Maps for Sunset Heights Google Maps for Sunset Heights
Sunset Heights on Osgood Road has a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and a Cal Ripken field.
- Playground
- Basketball court
- Tennis court
- Cal Ripken baseball field
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Temple Place
Temple Street · Apple Maps for Temple Place Google Maps for Temple Place
Temple Place on Temple Street is a small city park with a playground.
- Playground
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Thornton Road Playground
32 Thornton Road · Apple Maps for Thornton Road Playground Google Maps for Thornton Road Playground
Thornton Road Playground at 32 Thornton Road is a city playground.
- Playground
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Twin Bridge Park (Kids Kove)
487 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack, NH 03054 · Apple Maps for Twin Bridge Park (Kids Kove) Google Maps for Twin Bridge Park (Kids Kove)
Twin Bridge Park in the town center is home to the Kids Kove children's play area, with walking paths along Baboosic Brook, Bise Field and picnic tables.
- Kids Kove children's play area
- 27 acre park bounded by Baboosic Brook
- Scenic walking paths along the brook through hemlock woods
- Little League baseball at Bise Field and half-court basketball
- Picnic tables
- Hours
- All parks in town open half hour before sunrise and close half hour after sunset.
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Veterans Memorial Park
155 Camp Sargent Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054 · Apple Maps for Veterans Memorial Park Google Maps for Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park on Naticook Lake has the Warriner Playground and picnic area, a lakeside walking trail, athletic fields and a boat ramp.
- The Warriner Playground and Picnic Area at the west entrance
- Walking trail along the edge of Naticook Lake from the west entrance to the main entrance
- Picnic tables, boat ramp and athletic fields at the main entrance
- Memorial to veterans of all of America's wars
- Hours
- All parks in town open half hour before sunrise and close half hour after sunset.
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Wasserman Park
116 Naticook Rd, Merrimack, NH, 03054 · Apple Maps for Wasserman Park Google Maps for Wasserman Park
Beach: seasonal Wasserman Park Beach - Summer 2026 - Open Daily Dawn to Dusk. Lifeguards only available Mondays - Fridays from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm from June 22nd - August 21st when Camp Naticook is in session; when no lifeguards are present the facility becomes swim at your own risk.
Wasserman Park on Naticook Lake has the Norma French Memorial Playground, a residents-only town beach, picnic area, courts, ball fields and the town dog park.
- Norma French Memorial Playground
- Town Beach on Naticook Lake, for Merrimack residents and their accompanied guests only; parking in the waterfront lot needs a 2026 Transfer Station Sticker or a Wasserman Park Parking Placard
- Swimming docks and a floating raft; no swimming outside the designated swimming area
- Public picnic area
- 7 tennis courts / 14 pickleball courts, two basketball courts, two baseball fields, outdoor wall ball court, volleyball
- The Dog Park: free, open to residents and non-residents; children under the age of 8 are not allowed in the off-leash area
- Quarry Trail to Horse Hill Nature Preserve
- Home of the Parks & Recreation Department; 46.39 acres
- Hours
- All parks in town open half hour before sunrise and close half hour after sunset.
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Atherton Trail
Amherst, NH
The Atherton trail is a short Amherst conservation trail connecting toward the village.
- Provides some trail connectivity to Amherst Village
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Betty Arnold Forest
Amherst, NH
Betty Arnold Forest is an Amherst conservation area with rugged single-track trails plus an easy short kids' walk, reached from trailhead parking on Austin Road.
- Extensive rugged single-track trails for hiking and mountain biking
- Bicentennial Trail links it to Joe English (north) and Daquino Forest (south)
- Lorden Path climbs to the highest point in the area
- 'I Scream' trail: about a 10-minute easy walk with kids to Tastee Cone
- Bench with a view over Sky Meadow
- Trailhead parking on Austin Rd.
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Buck Meadow
30 NH-101A, Amherst, NH 03031 · Apple Maps for Buck Meadow Google Maps for Buck Meadow
Buck Meadow is a former golf course in Amherst being turned into a recreation and nature area, with an easy perimeter trail and playing fields.
- Retired golf course being converted into a recreation and nature area with Amherst Recreation
- Perimeter trail for easy walks and Nordic skiing
- Excellent bird watching
- Playing fields (town lists Fields 1-3) and a building
- Large parking area at the end of a driveway off Rt. 101A; small trailhead on Stearns Rd.
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Caesar's Brook
Amherst, NH
Caesar's Brook is a small Amherst conservation area with easy walks of a mile or less, good for families with small children.
- Smaller area for an easy-moderate walk of a mile or less
- 'Wolf' trees over 200 years old and forest streams
- Good for families with smaller kids
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Colburn Town Forest
20 Musquash Road · Apple Maps for Colburn Town Forest Google Maps for Colburn Town Forest
Colburn Town Forest is a 52-acre Hudson town forest with 1.5 miles of hiking trails and trailhead parking at both ends.
- 52 acres
- 1.5 miles of hiking trails with vistas and wildlife viewing
- Bird watching
- Leashed dogs welcomed
- Trailhead parking across from Copper Hill Road (west) and Trigate Road (east)
- Designated a Town Forest by voters in 2019
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Dacquino Forest and Bicentennial Trail
Amherst, NH
The Bicentennial Trail runs north from across the Amherst DPW through Dacquino Forest to Betty Arnold Forest and the Joe English Reservation.
- Bicentennial Trail, established in 1976, is the oldest in Amherst's network
- Good for hiking and mountain biking; generally easy-moderate with a few fairly steep sections
- Starts across from the DPW and runs north through Daquino Forest to Betty Arnold and Joe English
- Access from Betty Arnold Forest trailhead parking or a small pullout (1-2 cars) on Dodge Rd, north of the DPW
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Gilmore Hill Memorial Forest
Greens Pond Road at the junction with Greens Pond Brook · Apple Maps for Gilmore Hill Memorial Forest Google Maps for Gilmore Hill Memorial Forest
Gilmore Hill Memorial Forest is a small town conservation forest on Greens Pond Road with a trail along Naticook Brook.
- 13 acres of forest land overlooking 10 acres of early successional forest/shrub land
- A trail leaves the area of the kiosk where Greens Pond Road crosses Naticook Brook
- Permitted: hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling
- Due to beaver activity along the brook the area may experience flooding in the spring
- Hours
- There are no hours restrictions on this property.
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Granite Town Rail Trail
Milford, NH
The Granite Town Rail Trail is a multi-use rail trail running about 3 miles from Milford's DPW garage on South Street to the Brookline line.
- Former rail bed trail; surface cinders, organic debris and asphalt millings
- Foot, bike and ski use
- Trailhead on the west side of Rt. 13, 3/4 mile south of downtown, at the Public Works Garage (behind DPW on South Street)
- 110-foot tunnel under Rt. 101; Melendy Rd underpass with parking
- 2.95 miles to the Brookline town line, continuing another 4 miles in Brookline
- Passes private land on a trail easement - stay on the trail; white blazes
- Flashing-beacon crossing at Armory Rd
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Grater Woods
Madeline Bennet Drive · Apple Maps for Grater Woods Google Maps for Grater Woods
Grater Woods is a 480-acre town forest behind Merrimack Middle School with a large trail network, ponds and wetlands.
- Contiguous 480 acre parcel managed by the Merrimack Conservation Commission
- Trail network used by hikers, bikers, runners, hunters, snowmobilers, horseback riders, skiers and bird watchers
- Streams, ponds, swamps, vernal pools, beaver ponds and glacial erratics
- You are not encouraged to park at the Middle School parking lot when school is in session
- Hours
- There are no hours restrictions on this property
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Haseltine
Amherst, NH
Haseltine is a 129-acre Amherst conservation area with challenging hiking and biking trails and big boulders near the trailhead for kids to climb.
- 129 acres of forest and wetland
- Moderate-difficult hiking and cycling trails with roots, rocks and steep slopes
- Massive erratic boulders kids can climb on at the end of the Rivendell trail, near the trailhead
- Two trailhead parking areas on Austin Rd.
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Heritage Rail Trail
Nashua, NH
The Heritage Rail Trail is a city bicycle and pedestrian path through downtown Nashua; its west section runs from City Hall to Simon Street.
- Bicycle and pedestrian route
- Heritage Rail Trail West runs from City Hall to Simon Street
- Heritage Rail Trail East extends along East Hollis Street from Main Street to Denton Street
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Hitchiner Town Forest
Milford, NH
Hitchiner Town Forest is a 194-acre Milford town forest of old fields and stone walls with a loop trail to Burns Hill, reached via Mullen Road.
- 194-acre former farmland with fields and many stone walls (town forests page says 193 acres)
- Loop trail to Burns Hill (751'), whose summit is on private land with access allowed by the landowner
- Hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and birdwatching
- Pavilion near the trailhead
- Camping by permit only
- Hunting allowed
- Parking lot at the end of Mullen Road (dirt road off Osgood Road)
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Hollis Town Forest and Conservation Land Trails
Silver Lake Rd., Hollis, NH · Apple Maps for Hollis Town Forest and Conservation Land Trails Google Maps for Hollis Town Forest and Conservation Land Trails
The Hollis Trails Committee maintains more than 40 miles of multi-use trails on the Hollis Town Forest and town conservation land.
- 40+ miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling
- Henry's View on Birch Hill (views to Boston on a clear day), parking off Federal Hill Road at Monson
- Dogs must be on a leash; pick up after animals
- No motorized vehicles (dirt bikes, ATVs, e-bikes, etc.) - $1000 fine; no fires - $1000 fine
- Hunting allowed in the Town Forest only
- Groups of 10 or more need permission from the Trails Committee and permits from the Town
- Parking areas: Silver Lake, Federal Hill/Monson, Woodmont Orchard, Farley Road, Dunklee Pond, Rideout Road
- Snowmobiling only in proper conditions; Hollis Nor'easters post trail open/closed status
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Horse Hill Nature Preserve
184 Amherst Rd. Merrimack, NH 03054 · Apple Maps for Horse Hill Nature Preserve Google Maps for Horse Hill Nature Preserve
Horse Hill Nature Preserve on Amherst Road is Merrimack's largest conservation area, with trails over two hills, streams and ponds.
- 563± acre property, the largest preserved open space property in Merrimack
- Trail network on old logging roads; streams, ponds, swamps and wetlands
- Permitted: hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, snowmobiling, horseback riding, Class 1 E-Bikes
- Orienteering map and an insects brochure are available to download
- Linked to Wasserman Park by the Quarry Trail
- Hours
- There are no hours restrictions on this property.
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Joe English Reservation and Peabody Mill Environmental Center
66 Brook Road, Amherst, NH 03031 · Apple Maps for Joe English Reservation and Peabody Mill Environmental Center Google Maps for Joe English Reservation and Peabody Mill Environmental Center
The Joe English Reservation is Amherst's largest conservation area, with trailhead parking at the Peabody Mill Environmental Center, a town-run nature education center at the end of Brook Road.
- Peabody Mill Environmental Center (PMEC): environmental and science education center run by the Amherst Recreation Department
- Next to almost 600 acres of Joe English conservation land, the Conservation Commission's largest area and most extensive trail network
- Trails range from flat and very easy to rugged; mountain biking on specified trails
- Dogs welcome on PMEC grounds and Joe English land, leashed or under voice command
- Pedal bikes allowed on most trails; no motorized vehicles
- Hunting allowed in season - wear blaze orange
- Trail maps at the kiosk by the parking area and inside PMEC
- PMEC offers environmental programs, scheduled hikes, school vacation and summer day programs, and a nature museum and library
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Joppa Hill
Amherst, NH
Joppa Hill is an Amherst-Bedford conservation area with easy trails through forest and grassland, reached from Joppa Hill Farm.
- Conservation area jointly managed with Bedford
- Easy trails through forest and grasslands with wildlife viewing
- Accessed from Joppa Hill Farm on Joppa Hill Rd
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Kimball Hill Conservation Land
Hudson, NH
Kimball Hill is a 52-plus-acre Hudson forest and wetland property with unmarked walking paths, off Kimball Hill Road near the Pelham line.
- 52+ acres of forest and wetland
- Hiking, walking, bird watching
- Many unmarked paths - the page warns it is easy to get temporarily lost
- Maintained by the Town as a working forest
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Laurel Haven Trail (Schweiker Easement)
Amherst, NH
The Laurel Haven Trail is a 0.9-mile Amherst hiking and biking trail on conserved land with a viewpoint over Baboosic Lake.
- 0.9-mile hiking and biking trail across about 40 wooded acres between Baboosic Lake Road and the south shore of Baboosic Lake
- View spot over Baboosic Lake
- Laurel groves flower in spring
- Public access guaranteed by an Amherst Land Trust conservation easement
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Lindabury Orchard
Amherst, NH
Lindabury Orchard is a retired hilltop apple orchard in Amherst with views, short loop trails and room for a family picnic.
- Retired apple orchard with hilltop views
- Excellent for a family picnic, birding and short hikes
- Short loop trails of moderate difficulty with some steep sections
- A cider festival is held there every autumn
- Small 2-car pullout on Christian Hill Rd
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Mayflower Hill Town Forest
Milford, NH
Mayflower Hill Town Forest is a small Milford town forest near the Oval with an easy loop trail to a scenic lookout.
- 35-acre town forest half a mile from the Milford Oval
- Easy loop trail to Lookout Point with views west to Temple Mt. and the Pack Monadnocks
- Evidence of old small quarrying operations
- Hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing
- Connects north to the Patch Hill Trail into Amherst
- Parking on Shady Lane (main) and Falconer Ave; also accessible from Perkins St.
- No fires, no alcohol; carry in, carry out
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Merrill Park
Hudson, NH
Merrill Park is a secluded Hudson park with picnic tables and a path to the Merrimack River for carry-in canoe and kayak access.
- Picnic tables
- Scenic path to the banks of the Merrimack River
- No vehicle access to the river; canoes and kayaks can be carried down the trail
- Bird watching
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Mile Slip Town Forest
Milford, NH
Mile Slip Town Forest is a 452-acre Milford town forest with trails to Mitchell Brook and the summit of Badger Hill.
- 452 acres purchased by the town in 2005
- Connects to nearly 7,000 acres of undeveloped land in Brookline, Mason, Wilton and Milford
- Mitchell Brook Trail (about a 1.3-mile hike back via Mile Slip Rd)
- Summit Trail to the top of Badger Hill (782'); very steep on the southern slope
- Parking lot on Mile Slip Road
- Dogs on leashes welcome (on Commission hikes)
- No motorized wheeled vehicles; hunting allowed
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Mine Falls Park
Whipple Street · Apple Maps for Mine Falls Park Google Maps for Mine Falls Park
Mine Falls Park is a 325-acre city park along the Nashua River and the Mill Pond canal with trails for walking, biking and cross-country skiing, plus fishing, boating and sports fields.
- 325-acre park with forest, wetlands and open fields, bordered by the Nashua River and the Mill Pond canal system
- Walking, boating, fishing, cross-country skiing and biking
- Several fields for organized sports (Soifert Playing Fields)
- Marked trails: Blue 2.94 mi, Green 1.96 mi, Orange 0.38 mi, Purple 0.62 mi, Red 1.40 mi, Yellow 0.83 mi (2012 trail map)
- Secondary trails may not be suitable for strollers or small children
- Boat launch and Mill Pond fishing access
- Historic 1886 Gatehouse
- Park trails are part of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail system
- Hours
- Monday - Sunday 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
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Monson Center
Hollis, NH
Monson Center is a 269-acre Forest Society reservation on the Hollis/Milford line with a 3-mile trail system to the cellar holes of an abandoned colonial village.
- 3-mile easy trail system to seven original colonial home sites with biographical markers
- Former colonial settlement (1737-1770), protected in 1998
- Main trails meet at a beaver wetland with benches; heron rookery in early summer
- Family-oriented; birdwatching, cross-country skiing, dog-walking, geocaching, snowshoeing
- Pull-off parking for a few cars on Adams Rd. in front of the gate; kiosk
- No bicycles or other wheeled vehicles; no camping; no fires
- 269 acres (Hollis/Milford)
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Musquash Pond Trail (Musquash Conservation Area)
74 Musquash Road · Apple Maps for Musquash Pond Trail (Musquash Conservation Area) Google Maps for Musquash Pond Trail (Musquash Conservation Area)
The Musquash Conservation Area in Hudson is a 416-acre property with a 6.9-mile loop trail, historic sites and a canoe launch near the parking area.
- 416 acres
- 6.9-mile loop trail
- Leashed dogs welcome
- Canoe and kayak launch near the parking area
- Historic sites along the trails (Deacon Merrill Homestead remains, Upper Foundation)
- Hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, running, snowshoeing
- Best used from March until October
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Nashua River Rail Trail (Gilson Road trailhead)
94 Gilson Road · Apple Maps for Nashua River Rail Trail (Gilson Road trailhead) Google Maps for Nashua River Rail Trail (Gilson Road trailhead)
The Nashua River Rail Trail starts at Gilson Road in Nashua and runs south to Ayer, Massachusetts, for walking and biking.
- Walking and bicycle trail
- Entrances at Gilson Road and West Groton Road
- Trail runs from Nashua to Ayer, Massachusetts
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New Hampshire Forest
End of Bockes Road · Apple Maps for New Hampshire Forest Google Maps for New Hampshire Forest
New Hampshire Forest is a 226-acre wooded property at the end of Bockes Road in Hudson with walking trails through managed oak-pine forest.
- 226 acres
- Trails through a managed oak-pine forest
- Seasonal views to the southwest from a hill on the northwest side
- Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, dog walking
- Leashed dogs welcome
- Limited roadside parking for 4-5 cars
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Oxbow
Amherst, NH
Oxbow is a small Amherst conservation area along the Souhegan River for watching wildlife and the river's meander.
- Small area for observing the meander of the Souhegan River
- Wildlife that use the river habitat
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Patch Hill (Amherst)
Amherst, NH
Patch Hill is an Amherst conservation area with easy trails past historic quarries that continue into Milford.
- Trails to historic quarries
- Generally easy with long gradual slopes
- Connects to Milford's Patch Hill conservation land
- Trailhead parking on Lyndeborough Rd.
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Patch Hill Trail (Milford)
Milford, NH
The Patch Hill Trail links Milford's Mayflower Hill Town Forest with Amherst's Patch Hill trails, passing a brook and old granite quarries.
- Connects the Mayflower Hill trails at Chase Lane north into Amherst, ending at Lyndeborough Rd.
- Brook, old granite quarries, vernal pools, mountain laurel and lady slippers
- Hike, jog, mountain bike, snowshoe, cross-country ski or bird watch year round
- Roadside parking on Chase Lane (one-way road)
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Pelham Road Conservation Land
68 Pelham Road · Apple Maps for Pelham Road Conservation Land Google Maps for Pelham Road Conservation Land
The Pelham Road conservation land is a 40-acre wooded Hudson property with existing hiking trails.
- 40 acres of forested woodland with wetlands and existing trails
- Hiking and walking
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Pond Parish Reservation (Pond Parish, Converse Woods and B&M Trail)
Amherst, NH
Pond Parish Reservation is Amherst's 1,000-plus-acre trail network, with a boardwalk and beaver pond at Pond Parish and flat trails at Converse Woods.
- Pond Parish is known for its boardwalk and beaver pond, a good family outing
- More than 1,000 acres combining Pond Parish, Converse Woods and a 200-acre parcel toward Grater Woods
- Converse Woods: wide, flat trails for easy hikes, good for Nordic skiing
- Josiah Parker trail connects across Baboosic Lake Rd to the B&M trail; a spur goes to the 'corn crib'
- Trailheads on Spring Rd, Pond Parish Rd and Grater Rd
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Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary
Rhodora Drive, Amherst, NH · Apple Maps for Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary Google Maps for Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary
Ponemah Bog is an NH Audubon wildlife sanctuary in Amherst with a boardwalk trail and viewing platforms around a kettle-hole bog pond.
- NH Audubon sanctuary (page header: 72 acres, 0.75 miles of trails)
- Three-acre kettle-hole pond surrounded by a floating sphagnum mat
- Bog Trail is mostly narrow boardwalk with spur trails to four viewing platforms
- Carnivorous plants including sundew and pitcher plants
- Foot travel only; no pets; stay on the boardwalk
- No swimming, camping, fires, hunting or trapping; carry in, carry out
- Hours
- Open throughout the year during daylight hours only
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Rangers Town Forest
70 Rangers Drive · Apple Maps for Rangers Town Forest Google Maps for Rangers Town Forest
Rangers Town Forest is a wooded Hudson town forest off Rangers Drive with informal walking and biking trails.
- 29 acres (later expanded with additional parcels)
- Informal wooded trails for walking and biking
- Designated town forest in March 2019; additional land added in 2020
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Robinson Pond
Off Robinson Pond Road · Apple Maps for Robinson Pond Google Maps for Robinson Pond
Seasonal Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day weekend
Robinson Pond is Hudson's public swimming area and boat launch, open daily in summer for Hudson residents and their guests.
- Public swimming area and boat launch, with parking at both
- Picnic tables and BBQ grills
- Restrooms
- No dogs allowed
- 88 acres
- Beach monitors on duty weekends to verify residency; facilities are for Hudson residents and their guests
- Town posts cyanobacteria/water advisories for the pond
- Hours
- Daily 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend)
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Robinson Pond Trails
52 Robinson Road · Apple Maps for Robinson Pond Trails Google Maps for Robinson Pond Trails
Robinson Pond Trails is a 47-acre Hudson conservation area with easy walking trails and a fitness loop next to Robinson Pond.
- 47-acre conservation area next to Robinson Pond
- Walking trails through wooded terrain, mostly flat
- Fitness loop with exercise stations, hurdles and a log walk
- Observation area and bird watching
- Loop trail (Yellow Triangle Trail) about 1.2 miles
- Connects to the beach, picnic areas and boat launch
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Rotch Wildlife Preserve Town Forest
Milford, NH
The Rotch Wildlife Preserve is a Milford town forest with trails viewing a large beaver wetland.
- 57-acre parcel between Rt 13 and Ruonala Road (town forests page says 40 acres; 16 acres recently added)
- Trails overlook a large wetland complex with beavers, waterfowl and turtles
- Some blazed trails not accessible due to beaver activity
- Parking area about 1/2 mile up Ruonala Rd on the left
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Souhegan River Trail
Milford, NH
The Souhegan River Trail follows the Souhegan River in Milford in two sections, west on state hatchery land and east from Emerson Park through farm fields.
- West section runs through state-owned NH Fish & Game fish hatchery land along the river; parking off a gravel road on North River Rd
- East section starts at Emerson Park and runs along the river, past the MCAA fields and through the Trombly family farm fields (farm stand)
- Follow white blazes; trail may flood in high water
- Several bridges washed out; river bank undercut in places - use care
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Southwest Park (Yudicky Farm) & Southwest Trails
Main Dunstable Road · Apple Maps for Southwest Park (Yudicky Farm) & Southwest Trails Google Maps for Southwest Park (Yudicky Farm) & Southwest Trails
Yudicky Farm/Southwest Park on Main Dunstable Road has ball fields and a city trail network connecting to nearby conservation lands around Lovewell's Pond and Buck Meadow.
- Baseball/softball diamonds
- Lighted facility
- Trail network linking Terrell Homestead Conservation Land, the Nashua River Trail, Yudicky Farm/Southwest Park, and Lovewell's Pond and Buck Meadow conservation lands
- 8-foot-wide paved bike/pedestrian path along Groton Road
- Parking area at Old Ridge Road
- Natural trails pass wetlands, plants and wildlife
- Existing mountain bike trails (2015 project map)
- Dog park on site
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Tucker Brook Town Forest
Milford, NH
Tucker Brook Town Forest is a Milford town forest with glacial boulders, a waterfall loop, mountain bike trails and a permanent orienteering course.
- About 285 acres of rolling forest with many glacial erratics (other town pages say 258 or 288 acres)
- Ridge Trail (1.7-1.8 mi) connects the Savage Rd and Boulder Dr entrances
- Falls Loop (0.7 mi) passes Tucker Brook Falls and the remains of a mill
- Mountain bike trails built by NEMBA (Sidewinder, Jimmy's Run, Lower Path)
- Permanent orienteering course
- Parking at Savage Rd (under the power lines) and Boulder Dr
- Hunting allowed
- Excellent hikes in all seasons
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Wasserman Conservation Area
116 Naticook Road adjoining Wasserman Park and sharing the Wasserman Park parking areas · Apple Maps for Wasserman Conservation Area Google Maps for Wasserman Conservation Area
Wasserman Conservation Area is 88 acres of woods next to Wasserman Park, crossed by the Quarry Trail to Horse Hill Nature Preserve.
- 88 acres of forested land with 900 feet of shoreline on Naticook Lake
- The Quarry Trail leaves the parking area near the Parks & Recreation Office, passes an old granite quarry and continues into Horse Hill Nature Preserve
- Permitted: hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing
- Hours
- There are no hours restrictions on this property, but the abutting Wasserman Park is closed from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.
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Watson Park
441 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, NH, 03054 · Apple Maps for Watson Park Google Maps for Watson Park
Ice skating rink: seasonal Seasonal Ice Skating Rink (Winter Only). Most years, the rink is able to open in late December or early January and remains open until late February.
Watson Park on the Souhegan River in the town center has a picnic pavilion, gaga pit, hopscotch courts, a free winter skating rink and a river trail to Wildcat Falls.
- Picnic pavilion, picnic tables and charcoal grills
- Seasonal Ice Skating Rink (Winter Only): skate at your own risk, free to use; no ice skate rentals on site; lights on at dusk until 9:00 pm
- Gaga ball pit and 2 children's hopscotch courts
- 3 beach volleyball courts for drop in use only
- Butterfly garden and scenic river views on the Souhegan River
- River trail to Wildcat Falls: 0.4 miles to the Highway, then 0.2 miles to the dog beach and 0.2 miles to the Falls
- One porta potty; parking lot of approximately 40 - 45 spaces
- Hours
- All parks in town open half hour before sunrise and close half hour after sunset.
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Wildcat Conservation Area (Wildcat Falls)
Off Baboosic Lake Road at the intersection of Currier Road and Hemlock Road · Apple Maps for Wildcat Conservation Area (Wildcat Falls) Google Maps for Wildcat Conservation Area (Wildcat Falls)
Wildcat Conservation Area has trails through 87 acres of forest to Wildcat Falls on the Souhegan River.
- 87 acres of managed pine/hardwoods forest on the Souhegan River, including Wildcat Falls
- Permitted: hiking, biking, skiing, and similar passive activities
- Swimming at Wildcat Falls is not restricted but it is dangerous and is not encouraged
- Limited parking in a neighborhood lot; May 15th - September 15th road parking nearby is residents only
- River trail connects to Watson Park
- Hours
- Can only be accessed from 1/2 hour before sunrise till 1/2 hour after sunset.
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Woodmont Orchard Trails
Hollis, NH
Seasonal Trails on Woodmont are open seasonally. The trail to the top is open year-round via a specific, signed trail.
Woodmont in Hollis has seasonal walking trails around active farm fields, including a signed trail to the top that is open year-round.
- Trails on Woodmont are open seasonally
- Trail to the top is open year-round via a specific, signed trail
- During the growing season, signs direct walkers along the tree line instead of through the fields