Story Land

Story Land has been entertaining young families in Glen since the 1950s, and it remains one of the best small theme parks in New England. The park is built around nursery rhymes and fairy tales: you walk past Cinderella's pumpkin coach, ride a storybook train, float on a swan boat and meet characters in painted storybook settings. Most rides are gentle and sized for preschoolers and early elementary children, with a few thrills such as the wooden Roar-O-Saurus coaster for the older ones. Live shows, a hilltop theater and seasonal events add variety, and the park has been investing in classic favorites such as the Turtle Twirl and Crazy Barn. Parents appreciate the shade, the clean grounds and the manageable size; teenagers will find less to do. Story Land opens in the warm months and closes for the winter, with a late-season schedule that varies, so check dates before you plan.

Plan the day around your kids' ages. Toddlers and preschoolers will love the gentle rides and the walk-through sets; children up to ten will want to repeat favorites. Arrive at opening to ride the popular attractions with short waits, break for lunch at one of the park's restaurants or picnic areas, and keep an afternoon for the shows and the water play area on hot days. Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes and a change of clothes for kids who splash.

Tickets are best bought online ahead of time, and the park offers multi-day options in some seasons. Strollers and wagons are allowed, and the grounds are relatively easy to navigate. Check height requirements for rides, which are posted at each entrance, and ask guest services about accessibility and single-rider options. Weather affects some rides, and thunderstorms can pause operations.

Story Land sits just north of North Conway on Route 16, making it an easy half-day addition to a valley trip with a train ride or Cranmore visit. In peak summer, expect crowds from late morning. Fall weekends have special events, and the park can be quieter on weekdays. For families with older children, pair Story Land with Santa's Village, Clark's Bears or Loon Mountain's adventure activities for variety.

Parents can save energy with a few habits. Walk to the back of the park first, since most families start at the front, and work your way toward the entrance as crowds build. Use the shows as downtime: seats in the shade give little ones a rest, and the schedule is posted at the gate.

Bring a refillable water bottle, hats and a small first-aid kit, and pack a change of clothes if the splash areas tempt the kids. If you are traveling with grandparents, benches and shaded paths make the park comfortable for slower walkers.

Check the height rules before promising a ride to a child who might be a bit short. Lunch lines can be long at noon, so eat early or late. After Story Land, many families drive a few minutes to North Conway for ice cream or dinner, then head back to their lodging. If your children outgrow Story Land, the nearby Cranmore adventure park and the Conway Scenic Railroad provide next-step options for ages ten and up.