Planning a Family Trip to Portsmouth, NH
- Best for: Families who enjoy walkable towns, waterfront views, history, shopping, and good food.
- How long to visit: A weekend is ideal, although you can see many highlights in one day.
- Where to stay: Downtown Portsmouth, where restaurants, shops, and the waterfront are within walking distance.
- When we've visited: Early October and late July. We loved both!
- Our favorite kid-friendly activity: The Children's Museum of New Hampshire in nearby Dover.
Where to Stay in Portsmouth, NH with Kids
Both times we visited Portsmouth, we stayed right in downtown so we could easily walk everywhere. We highly recommend doing the same, especially with kids!
Our two hotel picks are:
Residence Inn by Marriott Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront
One of the downtown hotels we've stayed at with our kids. The location makes it easy to head out for breakfast, explore the historic streets, and walk to nearby shops and restaurants.
It's a convenient option for families who want to spend less time driving and more time enjoying Portsmouth.
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
Another downtown hotel we've stayed at and would recommend. The central location makes it easy to explore Portsmouth on foot, including Market Square and nearby restaurants.
We loved being able to walk out the door and immediately start exploring.
Our hotel tip: Stay downtown if your budget allows. Portsmouth is wonderfully walkable, and being close to everything makes a family trip so much easier.
Parking was easier than we expected during our visits. We found street parking near the hotels without much trouble, although availability and parking rules may vary depending on when you visit.
Best Time to Visit Portsmouth, NH with Kids
We've visited Portsmouth twice with our kids: once in early October during the fall and once in late July during the summer. Both trips were fantastic, but each season offered a completely different experience.
Portsmouth in the Fall
Our October visit was especially beautiful. The changing leaves, crisp air, and cozy New England atmosphere made wandering around the historic downtown feel extra special.
If you're dreaming of a classic New England fall getaway, Portsmouth is a wonderful choice.
Portsmouth in the Summer
Our late-July trip had a livelier waterfront atmosphere. The weather was warm, people were out enjoying the city, and it was perfect for walking around, grabbing ice cream, and spending time outside.
Summer is especially nice if your family enjoys exploring without bundling up.
What About Visiting in Winter?
Portsmouth can be beautiful in winter, but New Hampshire temperatures can get very cold. Since so much of what we love about Portsmouth involves walking outdoors, we'd personally lean toward summer or fall when traveling with younger kids.
Best Things to Do in Portsmouth, NH with Kids
One of our favorite things about Portsmouth is that you don't need a packed itinerary to have a great time.
The historic downtown, waterfront views, locally owned shops, and restaurants are part of the experience. You can easily spend hours exploring without feeling like you're constantly rushing to the next attraction.
Explore Historic Downtown Portsmouth & Market Square
What makes Portsmouth feel special is how different it is from many other tourist towns.
You won't find the same concentration of chain stores and restaurants that you see in many vacation destinations. Instead, downtown is filled with locally owned shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, giving the city its authentic New England charm.
We loved wandering the historic streets, popping into shops, and stopping for snacks and dessert along the way.
For families, the walkability is a huge bonus. You can explore much of downtown without constantly getting everyone in and out of the car.
Watch the Memorial Bridge Lift
One of the most unexpectedly entertaining things our kids loved was watching the Memorial Bridge.
The bridge connects Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with Kittery, Maine, and uses a vertical lift system that raises a section of the bridge to allow taller boats to pass underneath.
We had never seen anything quite like it, and watching the bridge lift was surprisingly fascinating for both the kids and adults.
It's a fun little bonus to keep an eye out for while exploring the waterfront. Just remember that bridge openings depend on boat traffic, so you may not see one during every visit.
Visit Prescott Park
One of the prettiest places in Portsmouth is Prescott Park, located right along the Piscataqua River.
The park features beautiful flower gardens, fountains, and waterfront views. It's a lovely place to stroll, relax, and watch the boats passing through the harbor.
One thing worth knowing if you're visiting with younger kids: there isn't a traditional playground in Prescott Park, which surprised us a little.
It's a beautiful place for a family walk, but not necessarily somewhere younger children will want to play for hours.
Explore the Children's Museum of New Hampshire
If you're visiting Portsmouth with kids, the Children's Museum of New Hampshire is absolutely worth the short drive to nearby Dover.
It's approximately 15–20 minutes from downtown Portsmouth by car, depending on traffic.
The museum is packed with interactive exhibits designed for younger children, making it an excellent option when your kids need a break from sightseeing.
Our kids were 7 and 4 years old when we visited, and they had an amazing time. We easily could have spent half a day there!
If you're traveling with preschoolers or elementary-aged children, we'd definitely consider adding this to your itinerary.
Visit the Children's Museum of New Hampshire Website
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Downtown Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth has a fantastic food scene, and there are plenty of casual restaurants that work well for families.
Whether your kids are all about pizza and burgers or your family enjoys trying something new, here are several downtown favorites worth checking out.
The Friendly Toast
A super fun and colorful brunch spot known for its creative all-day breakfast menu and quirky decor.
Kids will love the atmosphere and oversized pancakes. This is a great option when you're looking for a family breakfast or brunch that's a little more memorable than the usual hotel buffet.
Flatbread Company
If your kids love pizza, this is a must-visit.
Flatbread Company serves wood-fired pizzas made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, and its relaxed atmosphere makes it a great choice for a casual family meal.
Lexie's Joint
A casual burger spot known for creative toppings and great fries.
It's a popular local option for a laid-back meal and a good choice when the kids are craving burgers after a day of exploring.
Vida Cantina
If your family enjoys Mexican food, Vida Cantina is worth checking out.
Expect creative tacos, fresh ingredients, and a fun atmosphere that makes it a nice option for a family dinner.
Restaurant hours, menus, and locations can change. Check each restaurant's current details before visiting.
Best Coffee Shops & Bakeries in Portsmouth
Because a family vacation still requires coffee. Possibly more coffee than usual!
Portsmouth has some wonderful independent cafes and bakeries that are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or grabbing something sweet.
Elephantine Bakery
We stopped here during our visit and really enjoyed it.
The pastries were excellent, and the cafe has a relaxed European feel. Elephantine Bakery is known for handcrafted pastries and croissants made using classic French techniques.
It's a lovely spot to start your morning before exploring downtown.
Cup of Joe Cafe & Bar
A cozy downtown coffee shop with breakfast options and a welcoming atmosphere.
A convenient place to grab a coffee or something to eat while exploring Portsmouth.
Kaffee Vonsolln
A small European-style coffee shop known for espresso, coffee drinks, and pastries.
Worth considering if you enjoy independent cafes and a good cup of coffee.
Ceres Bakery
A great option for bagels, pastries, and quick breakfast items.
Perfect when you want something simple before heading out for a full day of family adventures.
Portsmouth Breweries for Parents
If you enjoy craft beer, Portsmouth has several breweries worth exploring.
Some breweries may welcome families during certain hours, but age policies can vary, so confirm before visiting with children.
Earth Eagle Brewings
A local brewery known for its craft beers and laid-back atmosphere. Check its website for current locations, hours, and policies for visitors with children.
Loaded Question Brewing Company
Located on Islington Street in Portsmouth, Loaded Question Brewing Company is a local craft brewery offering a rotating selection of beers and food.
It's another option for parents who enjoy checking out local breweries while traveling. Be sure to confirm current hours and whether children are welcome before visiting.
Best Dessert Spots in Portsmouth for Kids
No family trip is complete without dessert. At least that's how we like to travel!
After a day of walking around downtown, these are a few places to look for something sweet.
Kilwins
A familiar favorite for ice cream, fudge, chocolates, and other sweet treats.
It's a fun option for dessert after dinner or an afternoon treat.
Izzy's Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream
A locally owned Portsmouth favorite serving ice cream, frozen yogurt, shakes, and other sweet treats since 1989.
Located at 33 Bow Street, Izzy's is a fun seasonal dessert stop for families exploring the waterfront.
Seasonal note: Izzy's is closed for the remainder of 2026 and expects to reopen in spring 2027. Check its website before visiting.
Popovers on the Square
A downtown spot for pastries, baked goods, and sweet treats.
Another nice option when you're looking for a snack or dessert during your Portsmouth adventures.
A 1-Day Portsmouth, NH Itinerary with Kids
If you're visiting Portsmouth for a quick family getaway or weekend trip, here's a simple one-day itinerary that includes some of our favorite experiences.
This plan works especially well if you're staying downtown and want to explore without feeling rushed.
Morning: Breakfast & Exploring Downtown Portsmouth
Start your morning with breakfast or pastries at Elephantine Bakery or Ceres Bakery.
After breakfast, explore Market Square and the surrounding historic downtown streets.
Pop into locally owned shops, admire the historic architecture, and walk toward the waterfront to see the Memorial Bridge.
If you're lucky, you may even catch the bridge lifting to allow a boat to pass!
Late Morning: Visit Prescott Park
Next, head to Prescott Park for waterfront views and beautiful gardens.
Enjoy a relaxing stroll, watch boats passing through the harbor, and take in the scenery.
It's a great place to slow down before lunch.
Lunch: Enjoy a Casual Family Restaurant
Head back toward downtown for lunch.
Some great options include:
- Flatbread Company for wood-fired pizza.
- Lexie's Joint for burgers and fries.
- The Friendly Toast for a fun brunch-style meal.
Afternoon: Children's Museum of New Hampshire
After lunch, drive approximately 15–20 minutes to Dover to visit the Children's Museum of New Hampshire.
Our kids absolutely loved the interactive exhibits when they were younger.
Plan to spend a few hours exploring. If your children really enjoy hands-on museums, you may want to allow even more time.
Check museum hours and ticket availability before planning your visit.
Evening: Dinner, Dessert & One Last Downtown Walk
Return to Portsmouth for dinner and dessert.
For dinner, consider Flatbread Company, Vida Cantina, or Lexie's Joint.
Then finish the evening with something sweet from Kilwins, Izzy's Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream (seasonal), or Popovers on the Square.
Before heading back to the hotel, enjoy one last walk through downtown Portsmouth.
Tips for Visiting Portsmouth, NH with Kids
After visiting twice as a family, here are a few things we'd keep in mind when planning another trip.
- Stay downtown if possible. Being able to walk to restaurants, shops, and waterfront attractions makes everything easier.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes. Exploring the historic streets is one of the best parts of visiting Portsmouth.
- Plan around your kids' ages. Younger children may enjoy the Children's Museum more than a full day of shopping and sightseeing.
- Leave room for spontaneous stops. Some of our favorite moments were simply wandering downtown and finding places that caught our attention.
- Bring layers in the fall. New England weather can feel chilly, especially near the water.
- Check parking options. We had good luck with street parking, but downtown parking availability varies.
- Confirm business hours. Restaurant, museum, and attraction schedules can change seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Portsmouth, NH with Kids
Is Portsmouth, NH a good place to visit with kids?
Yes! Portsmouth is a wonderful family getaway thanks to its walkable downtown, waterfront scenery, casual restaurants, and nearby attractions. Our family has visited twice and loved both trips.
What are the best things to do in Portsmouth with young kids?
Some of our favorite activities include exploring downtown, watching the Memorial Bridge, walking through Prescott Park, and visiting the Children's Museum of New Hampshire in nearby Dover.
Is downtown Portsmouth walkable with kids?
Absolutely. One of the biggest reasons we recommend staying downtown is that many restaurants, shops, and waterfront attractions are within walking distance.
Where should families stay in Portsmouth, NH?
We recommend downtown Portsmouth. We've stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront and Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown and enjoyed both locations.
How many days do you need in Portsmouth with kids?
You can explore many downtown highlights in one day, but we recommend a weekend if you want time for relaxed meals, shopping, waterfront walks, and a visit to the Children's Museum in Dover.
Is Portsmouth better in summer or fall?
We loved both! Summer offers warm weather and a lively waterfront, while fall brings beautiful foliage and a cozy New England atmosphere. Our family visited in late July and early October.
Does Prescott Park have a playground?
Prescott Park is best known for its waterfront views, gardens, and walking areas rather than a traditional children's playground. It's a lovely place for a stroll, but younger kids may prefer a dedicated play area or the Children's Museum.
Is the Children's Museum of New Hampshire in Portsmouth?
No. The museum is in nearby Dover, approximately 15–20 minutes from downtown Portsmouth by car. It's an excellent addition to a family itinerary, especially with younger children.
Is Portsmouth, NH Worth Visiting with Kids?
Absolutely!
Portsmouth is one of those places that feels both relaxing and fun at the same time. Between the walkable downtown, beautiful waterfront views, fantastic restaurants, and family-friendly attractions, it's an easy destination for a weekend getaway.
We've visited in both summer and fall, and we'd happily go back again.
If you're planning a family trip to coastal New England, Portsmouth, New Hampshire deserves a spot on your list.
