Attractions

April 25. 2011 5:05PM

NH Free Attractions

Anheuser-Busch Brewery (Lisa Martineau - Correspondent for Union Leader)

Looking for something to do with the family that's not going to break the bank? Check out our top ten list of fun places to visit that don't charge for the pleasure of having a good time with your kids.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery

221 Daniel Webster Highway

Merrimack, NH 03054

Ph: 603-595-1202

Quality, tradition and a century-old reputation for brewing the world's finest beers have made the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour a favorite among New Hampshire visitors. And of course, the chance to see the legendary Budweiser Clydesdales up close adds to the fun. In one hour, you'll learn about the slow, natural brewing process Anheuser-Busch has been using for more than 100 years. The tour is highlighted by historical displays and Anheuser-Busch memorabilia that reveal important stages of progress along the way to becoming the world's largest brewer. The tours are offered free of charge.

Annalee Doll Museum

Annalee Place

Meredith, NH 03246

Ph: 603-279-6542

Open Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Replica of Annalee Thorndike's childhood home. Come see more than sixty years worth of her dolls and animals for every occasion.

Audubon Society of New Hampshire Visitor Centers & Wildlife Sanctuaries

The Audubon Society of New Hampshire, a nonprofit statewide membership organization, is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and habitat throughout the state. Independent of the National Audubon Society, ASNH offers programs in wildlife conservation, land protection, environmental policy, and environmental education. ASNH maintains both visitor centers and sanctuaries around the state.

The Basin

Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia, NH

The Basin is a large granite pothole, 20 feet in diameter, that was carved out of the ice age. Walking paths follow waterfalls, smooth rocks and the scenic beauty of the edge of the White Mountains National Forest.

Belknap Mill Society

The Mill Plaza

Laconia, NH 03246

Ph: 603-524-8813

Open year round. The Belknap Mill is the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in America and the official meetinghouse of New Hampshire, featuring an industrial knitting machine, exhibits and concerts.

Christie's Maple Farm & Maple Museum

U.S. Rt. 2

246 Portland Street

Lancaster, NH 03584

Ph: 603-788-4333

Toll free: 800-788-2118

Maple farm and museum in the shadows of the White Mountains. Learn how they make maple syrup. Free samples at the taste-testing bar. Authentic sugarhouse, gift shop, picnic area, spectacular views.

Horatio Colony Museum & Nature Preserve

199 Main Street

Keene, NH 03431

Ph: 603-352-0460

This old-time New England home is filled with original family furnishings and fabulous collections which offer a gracious view of a vanishing lifestyle of culture, refinement and travel. The Horatio Colony Nature Preserve is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk. Three and one half miles of well-marked trails with numbered stops that point out dramatic geological features, historical ruins, and plant communities are located across the preserve.

Sandy Point Discovery Center

Depot Road, off Route 33

Greenland, NH 03840

Ph: 603-778-0015

Self-guided nature trail provides an opportunity to walk through the salt marsh, view exhibits about Great Bay, its history and the wildlife found there. Programs are scheduled throughout the year. Open weekends starting Mothers Day Weekend. Open June 1 through October 31, Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

State House and Visitor's Center

107 North Main Street

Concord, NH 03301

Ph: 603-271-2154

Open all year weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours of the State House or guided group tours by reservation. Hall of Flags, Representatives Hall, Senate Chambers.

Urban Forestry Center

45 Elwyn Road

Portsmouth, NH 03801

Ph: 603-431-6774

A forestry education facility open to the general public. Has an extensive trail system, tree identification, salt marsh habitat and numerous landscape and garden demonstrations.