Things to do in New Hampshire this Weekend: Ice Castles

Have you heard of the Ice Castles? Well up until a couple of years ago I hadn’t either. This year I added a trip to these structures completely sculpted out of ice onto my list of fun things to do with kids in the winter, which can be found HERE.

Our first trip to the Ice Castles New Hampshire, 2 years ago, was just Aaron and myself. We had a kid free weekend and decided to do a little weekend getaway just the two of us. The Ice Castles that year were in Lincoln, NH and I was mesmerized by all the details that went into building them! So I knew going into this year the castles would be amazing, I had no idea how amazing they would actually be!

This year we made a family trip to the ice castles in North Woodstock, NH. I was given free entry into the Ice Castles in exchange for my review, however, all my opinions are my own.

So, what are the Ice Castles?

Founder Brent Christensen created his first ice cave in his very own front yard after moving to Utah from California in order to entertain his children during the cold winter. Area kids learned about this ice cave and ventured over to play in what became known as the “ice castle.” The Ice Castles have now grown to include 6 locations in Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Alberta, Utah and New Hampshire (where we visited). Thousands of new icicles are made every day to add to the castles. Inside: there is many different things to explore including ice canyons, sides, tunnels and even snow princesses on the weekends. The castles also include LED lit sculptures, fire pits and even fountains making this a truly magical experience.

To learn more about the Ice Castles visit their website HERE.

 

Here is how to prepare for one of the best things to do in New Hampshire.

1. Plan ahead

If you plan to go on a weekend it is best to purchase tickets in advance. The Ice Castles usually sell out so it is best to make sure you have your tickets ahead of time. We went on a Friday night and the tickets were all sold out so don’t plan to come unless you have purchased your tickets already!

We arrived a little bit before 5 pm which was a good time due to b able to see the full details of the castle due to it being slightly light out still.

 

2. Expect a Crowd

Since this usually is a sold out event, prepare for it to be packed. It is also dark so make sure you make a plan with your family members, friends and kids on where to meet in the event that you become separated.

3. Prepare for the Weather

The name says it all; Ice Castles. It is going to be cold. Wear hats, gloves, jackets, layers of clothing and snow pants for the children and adventurous adults. I will say that we were not fully prepared for the weather with the children but they still had fun regardless! If your like us, there are little areas though out that offer a place to warm up.

Also, don’t even think about bringing a stroller in there if you have small babies. Carry them in a carrier or bring a sled to pull them along on.

4. Explore every space and then explore them again

There is so much going on at the Ice Castles. Caves, tunnels, small spaces to squeeze through, ice sculptures, slides and a giant throne to sit on! It takes hours to really take in the beauty of all that the Ice Castles has to offer. We found new spots to explore on our second trip around include a fun little tunnel that Hayden loved crawling through.

5. Have fun!

Whether your 7 or 30, you can have fun at the Ice Castles! Crawl through the tunnels, jump on the slide and gab some hot chocolate at the snack hut. It is such an amazing, fun family event that anyone can enjoy. Even Avery was entertained by all the lights and the commotion going on around her.

Have you ever been to the Ice Castles and what did you think? To plan your own visit to the Ice Castles head to Icecastles.com to find out more information!

Also, please let me know of any other fun adventures in the New England area that I can take my family on in the comments below.