Story Land, a Fun Family Vacation

If you are a parent of young children, a family vacation can often leave you yearning...for a vacation! There is so much planning and packing involved when taking a trip with youngsters. Between backpacks filled with juice boxes and snack packs, to diaper bags' brimming over with wipes, bottles and toys, just getting ready to leave for a trip can be exhausting. Small children are not always at their most cooperative away from home and their regular routine. They throw tantrums upon arrival, refuse to let mom or dad put them down, even for a second, and in general, can make any vacation miserable. No vacation is going to perfect, no matter how hard you plan. However, many places cater to families with young children, making your get-a-way a little less stressful for everyone.

One of my favorite places to visit with my children is the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. There are several attractions all within an hour (or less) driving time for families, each one unique and interesting. For families with young children, Story Land, located along picturesque Route 16 in Glen, New Hampshire, is a must-see attraction. A sprawling amusement park, "Where Fantasy Lives," Story Land is a scaled down version of Disney, with cheaper tickets, shorter lines, and an all around less-frustrating experience than the Happiest-Place-on-Earth.

Story Land caters to children between the ages of 2 and 12. Each year the park expands its features, adding new rides and attractions. Visitors can take a jaunt in a pumpkin carriage to Cinderella's castle, or go flying in a Dutch shoe. They can go on a safari ride, hijack a pirate ship or take a spin in Alice's teacups. They can even brave the seemingly innocent looking Cuckoo Clockenspiel ride. Warning: the Clockenspiel is not for those with weak stomachs. I found that out the hard way.