Building A FreakOut: Fun for Everyone in the White Mountains.

I’m happy to say we have a few Kids coming to FreakOut and of course many kids at heart. So, this week I want to mention a few more fun places to visit.

The masses don’t descend on the White Mountains until mid-June when kids are out of school. Many tourist-oriented businesses are only open weekends but members may be able to squeeze one or two into their plans.

The Living Shores Aquarium will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday of FreakOut. You will drive by on your way to the Auto Road and Concorso. This could be a nice stop after Concorso on your return to Bartlett.

The Living Shores Aquarium boasts over 32,000 square feet of interactive tide pools, exhibits, activities, and more. I like touch tanks. My favorite would be the Stingray tank. I recommend feeding them. You hold the food, usually a piece of fish under water until the ray swims over your hand and sucks in the food. Fun! They also have Lorikeet feeding. There’s an additional fee for both.

The Living Shores Aquarium is next door to my childhood favorite theme park, Story Land. Story Land is also open Friday, Saturday and Sunday of FreakOut, 9:30AM to 5:00PM. I loved this park as a child and when I brought my daughters as well. As we started working on FreakOut I found Story Land now has Nostalgia Nights for adults. Unfortunately, they don’t have one during the week for FreakOut. Maybe a destination for a road trip later this summer.

They have many well themed story book activities and rides. I was always a big fan of the swan boats, antique cars and train. Check out Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach, it’s really a car. Notice the horses’ hooves are hovering above the road. Not as cool as the Moxie car because you don’t ride the horse but you can take your friends along in the pumpkin. The Pumpkin Coach also represents what they will do to modernize while keeping to their story book theme.

Another of my favorite theme parks as a child was Santa’s Village. We didn’t go as often because it was a little too far north for a day trip. But from Bartlett it’s an easy ride. If you drive the Dixville Notch drive you will pass by it in Jefferson.

Stop by the Blacksmith Shop for a complimentary “Good Luck Ring” specially made to fit the finger of choice, and all it costs is a smile. Children have been collecting these for about 70 years. I can recall waiting for the blacksmith to size the reindeershoe nail to my finger. I was surprised when they were still doing it when I brough my children. It’s become a signature tradition at Santa’s Village.

Like Story Land they have antique cars, a train, and other amusement rides like the Yule Log Flume and Rudy’s Rapid Transit Coaster. Two other good ones are the Skyway Sleigh Monorail where you ride above in a sleigh and the Reindeer Carousel where you ride a reindeer.

Admission is very limited each day.  To purchase tickets for the Jolly June FEASTival now, santasvillage.com, Add $1 per ticket processing fee.

Jolly June FEASTival 2023 special event dates admission pricing includes many of Santa’s favorite park foods in the cost of admission: fountain soft drinks, juice boxes, milk, hot chocolate, and coffee; entrees from the Burger Meister Food Court, Nick’s Pizza Emporium, Dasher’s Delights, and Merry Mess Hall; desserts like cookies from the Sugar ‘n Spice Bakery, ice cream from Frosty’s Freezer, and doughnuts from the Mini Doe-Nut Factory; and snacks from Nutcracker Sweets, Polar Expresso, Fruit Loop’s Farm Stand, and Jingle Bell Concessions.  Feasting on park favorites is included with admission!

Well, registration was extended and the numbers continue to grow. I think I’m going to have to offer a second, class time for the Bear Felting class. FreakOut 40 White Mountains, is the place to be June 7-11, 2023! (June 6 if you’re Riding on the Conway Scenic Railroad!) 😊

25 Days! We’ll see you soon.