Strawberry Banke Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Things To Do in Portsmouth - Museums and Family Attractions

1. Be immersed in four centuries of American history at Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor living history museum that’s actually a whole neighborhood. 

2. Check out the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, only a 10-minute drive from Portsmouth, to explore Touch Tanks and wildlife from the Gulf of Maine.

3. Go back in time at the American Independence Museum in nearby Exeter, where children can try on Colonial clothing, play Colonial-era games, and explore how children lived in our country's earliest days.

4. Take a guided or D.I.Y. tour of the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail to explore an often overlooked aspect of the region's history.

5. Visit the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle to climb the 44 stairs and seven ladder rungs to the top for stunning views.

6. Drop in to the Portsmouth Public Library for a children's program or just to relax with a good book.

7. Head out for some candlepin bowling at Bowl-O-Rama (you might even be able to snag a free game coupon while you're at Lexie's Joint). 

There's lots of hands-on fun at the Children's Museum of New Hampshire. Photo courtesy of the museum

8. Only 12 miles from Portsmouth you'll find The Children's Museum of New Hampshire. The short drive is well worth it!

9. Pretend to be the guest of one of Portsmouth's most influential 18th century families as you tour the Warner House. 

10. Experience the thrill of Water Country's water slides.

Things To Do in Portsmouth - Where To Eat

11. Try lunch at Cafe Espresso, where the service is friendly and the gluten-free options are bountiful (and delicious). 

12. Stop into Popovers on the Square for a delicious breakfast or lunch that will please any palate. There's an extensive kids' menu as well as many options that adults will love.

13. Visit the Portsmouth outpost of the Flatbread Company for handcrafted pizzas that the whole family will love.

14. The massive menu at the Roundabout Diner has something for everyone. It's a true crowd-pleaser with a cool vintage feel.

15. Channel Elvis through The Friendly Toast's ridiculously good "King Cakes" (can also be made gluten free) while you admire the kitschy-chic decor. And when you get back to Boston, reminisce about your trip at the Friendly Toast's Cambridge or Boston locations.

16. Stop in to Lexie’s Joint for a specialty burger and fries that are better dressed than a fashion icon.

17. Ask for a seat on the patio and take in the view while you enjoy your dinner at the River House Restaurant. 

18. Cap off a perfect day in town with a scoop of fresh, creamy, award-winning Annabelle's Ice Cream. 

Pierce Island pool photo courtesy of the City of Portsmouth

Things To Do in Portsmouth - Outdoor Activities

19. Stroll the waterfront at Prescott Park. 

20. Play at South Playground and Leary Field, where Portsmouth celebrates the 4th of July. 

21. Sail the Piscataqua River aboard a traditional gundalow (launches from Prescott Park).

22. Sometimes little legs need a break from walking, so hop on the Portsmouth Trolley to see the sights without getting too worn out.

23. Explore salt marshes, tidal pools, rocky cliffs, and meadows or go for a swim in the outdoor pool on Pierce Island (accessible by car and boat). 

24. Walk across the pedestrian causeway from Pierce Island to Four Tree Island for picnicking and stellar views of the Portsmouth harbor. 

25. Visit Odiorne Point State Park to hike the trails and catch beautiful views of the rocky shore.

26. Hop aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamboat Company for a trip out to Star Island, a Portsmouth Harbor Tour, or a Tour of the Isles of Shoals

27. Perambulate along Little Harbor Loop Trail, the 1.5 mile waterside path that connects the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Historic Site, Creek Farm and Portsmouth Conservation Land. 

28. Explore Albacore Park, home to the USS Albacore, a submarine prototype with the motto, "Forerunner of the Future".

29. Go snowshoeing or leaf-peeping and learn tree identification on the grounds of the Urban Forestry Center.

Things To Do in Portsmouth - Seasonal Festivities and Live Shows

30. See some of the biggest names in music or catch a flick in The Music Hall's gorgeous Historic Theater. 

31. Have yourself a vintage little Christmas. 

32. Taste some wicked good chowda during the annual Chowder Festival. 

33. Watch a movie under the stars, see music greats perform, or enjoy live theater during the Prescott Park Arts Festival, all summer long. 

34. Experience the magic of miniature at the (ironically, the world's largest) Portsmouth Fairy House Tour in September. 

35. Rediscover the joys of simpler times during Strawbery Banke’s annual Candlelight Stroll.

36. Get a bite to eat and settle in for an evening of intimate entertainment at the Music Hall Loft.

37. If you find yourself in Portsmouth in the winter, don't miss a twirl around the Puddle Duck Pond outdoor ice rink. 

 
Photo by Dana S. Whitney via Flickr

Things To Do in Portsmouth - Where To Shop

38. Discover a good story in the RiverRun Bookstore.

39. Browse works by New England's finest artist at the New Hampshire Art Association's Sheafe Warehouse Gallery in Prescott Park (summer months). You might even catch an artist at work on Saturday afternoons. 

40. Find a New Hampshire-made toy at the family-run G. Willikers Toy Shop on Market Street. 

Top: Gundalow adventure photo is by Michael Sterling.