Our daughter is 4 and loves this place, and has si...

Our daughter is 4 and loves this place, and has since she was 2. There's plenty of shade for hot days and everything's laid out so that even when the parking lots are full, the trail never feels over crowded. It is a science center, and not a zoo. Quite often, the animals are hidden from view. More often, though, quiet patience brings you face to face with NH's amazing residents.

I strongly recommend a stroll through Kirkwood Gardens while you're there. This area is technically outside the Science Center, so free to enjoy, but it's immediately adjacent and offers a nice mid-visit break for kids to potty and eat snacks (food and drinks, other than water, not allowed on the trails).

The gift shop has gift shop prices, but they also have low cost options for kids to enjoy gift shop victory.

If you live local enough to visit more than once or twice a year, get the membership. Not only can you get in free, but just about every public activity the Center offers comes with a perk for members, including 10% at the gift shop.