Enjoying Winter In Portsmouth: Beat The Blues With These Seacoast Activities

PORTSMOUTH, NH — There are two more months of winter on the Seacoast of New Hampshire.

And while most Granite Staters wait until it is warm to take in activities along the state’s 18 miles of coastline, there are things to do in the winter, too.

Portsmouth’s Historic Downtown

Similar to strolling along the boardwalk of Hampton Beach, taking in all the sights and surroundings of historic Portsmouth is also a fun thing to do in the winter.

There are plenty of shops to check out and cafes to stop in and grab a cup of tea or coffee to take with you along your walk. There is also a wide variety of performance spaces and restaurants to enjoy.

Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond

Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth has a winter skating pond that is open to the public.

It offers daily skating, lessons, private rentals, hockey games, and other winter fun opportunities. Strawbery Banke, which has more than 350 years of history on display, is also open during the winter for special programs. Its official reopening for the season is in late April.

Hampton Beach State Park

Hampton Beach State Park, the main beach and south beach, are open during the winter for strolling, bird watching, and other activities. Late fall, winter, and early spring months are the only times pets are allowed on the beach. Horseback riding is allowed, too. While it is often cold, it is nice strolling along the boardwalk, too. Many of the restaurants are also open during winter.

Oceanside state parks in Rye, like Jenness State Beach, Wallis Sands, Odiorne Point, and Rye Harbor State Park, are also available for winter strolls and other non-summer activities.

Tuck Museum Of Hampton History

The Hampton Historical Society maintains its operations at the Tuck Museum Of Hampton History on Park Avenue. Admission to the museum is free. The society hosts many different events so refer to the online calendar for more information. It will be closed until April.

Other Ideas On The Seacoast

Here are some other activities to keep you busy on the Seacoast this winter.

3S Artspace features gallery showings and concerts, too.

Albacore Park, a national historic landmark, has self-guided tours of a preserved submarine.

Monkey Mind Escape Rooms also has adventure games for all kinds of occasions.

Vent Activity Rooms in Portsmouth has pre-planned interactivity for families and children.

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover has all kinds of activities and events.

Let’s Move in Newington offers interactive entertainment with more than 50 games.

The Seacoast Science Center in Rye is also open during the winter and has pre-planned school vacation scheduling, too.

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