Kid-Friendly Fun

Hampton and North Hampton are known as communities that have plenty to offer to families, which is a big reason why the combined populations in the towns are in the hundreds of thousands during the summer months.

While the beach is often the top attraction for any kid in Hampton or North Hampton, there are plenty of other things -- even right next to the beach -- for kids to when when they want a break from the surf and sand.

So, strap on in and let Hampton-North Hampton Patch's Passport Project take you on a ride to some easy-to-get-to, kid-approved destinations near the beach:

FUNARAMA -- 169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach

This storied arcade has been a go-to attraction for the young and the young at heart since it was first built in the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in 1905.

From video games to ticket-spouting challenges, and from pinball machines to Skee-Ball -- "easily" most popular game in the arcade, according to staff -- Funarama has been bringing millions of people back each year thanks to its large game selection and location at the heart of the beach.

"It's been here for a long time," said Dylan Anderson, Funarama's operations manager, who said the arcade hasn't changed much since 1905. "People love coming here, especially on rainy days.

"I think the trip to the beach would be a lot less traveled if it weren't here."

HAMPTON BEACH PRECINCT PLAYGROUND -- Ocean Boulevard, Hampton Beach

Located across the street just south of the Casino Ballroom, it's hard to miss the hundreds of children who enjoy this playground every day.

The playground was first opened in 1927 and named the "John C. White Memorial Playground" in honor of a deceased businessman who devised its plan, according to staff at Lane Memorial Library. 

The equipment (and even the location) has changed over the years, although the playground has been a popular attraction for decades -- a fitting tribute to a man who was concerned about children's safety and pleasure while playing in Hampton.

Have a location you think belongs in this entry of Patch Passport?

E-mail your name, some brief information about what you like about what the location has to offer, and some pictures to the editor at Kyle.Stucker@Patch.com and we'll include it here!