Family

Story Land & Conway Scenic Railroad: A Family Day Near the Loft

Two classic Mount Washington Valley outings built for kids, both easy day trips from Stow.

Fernalds Hill Loft itself is built more for adults — our FAQ is upfront that the spa features aren't ideal for young children — but the surrounding valley has some genuinely great family attractions if you're visiting the area with kids and staying elsewhere, or bringing family to visit for the day.

Story Land

In Glen, NH, about a 30-minute drive from the loft, Story Land is a fairy-tale-themed amusement park built specifically for younger children — rides and attractions themed around storybook characters rather than thrill rides. It's the kind of park that's sized right for a family with kids under ten, without the overwhelm of a full-scale theme park.

Conway Scenic Railroad

Right in North Conway village, the Conway Scenic Railroad runs vintage train excursions through the valley, with routes ranging from a short village loop to longer trips up through Crawford Notch. It's an easy, low-effort way to see the mountains from a different angle, and a good option if the weather doesn't cooperate for hiking.

Building the day

Both sit close enough to North Conway village that you can pair either one with lunch downtown or a stop at Zeb's General Store for the drive home. Story Land is the bigger time commitment — plan a half-day at least — while the shorter railroad routes fit into a couple of hours.

Good to know

Both attractions are seasonal, generally running late spring through fall — check current hours before you plan around either one, especially outside peak summer months.