While I knew I wanted to go to Santa’s Village this summer, it seemed like a long distance to go for just one day. So we decided to take a couple, and explore some more areas of New Hampshire. One of the first things we did was play mini golf, since it was right across the street from our hotel. It went about as crazy as you’d expect. One kid was really into it, one was very frustrated that they weren’t better, and one loved to pick up every ball they saw and take off running with it.
I could have done with 9 holes instead of 18, but I’m pretty sure we succeeded in making some good memories, which is really all I’m looking for with things like this. Somehow I even managed to make two holes in one without even looking! I’d hit my ball quickly and then grab a child only to have Tom let me know my ball had gone in the cup. I actually did worse when I paid attention to it.
The course had fun obstacles that the kids loved to explore, and only a few dangerous water features. Though their favorite part may have been that they got to pick their own ball colors..
Another thing we decided to explore was Clark’s Bears. It’s a mini amusement park (if you can call it that, although it does have a few rides) but the main attraction is the circus and bear show. I was excited to show the kids some more entertainment type shows (and honestly selfishly excited for some sit down entertainment!) so it seemed worth checking out.
I think the kids all loved the circus show the most - there was juggling and unicycles and tables spun in the air. One of the performers did quick changes, which impressed me, but G kept look at me and asking why they weren’t doing anything fun. I guess some things don’t impress kids. Another thing that didn’t impress them? The bears! I thought the show was super cute, but they were not impressed with a bear scootering across the room. I guess they don’t realize that’s not a usual thing bears do??
The park itself was super clean and fun to walk around in. It had a lot of old history displays and cool buildings, and fun things to look out. We skipped out on the train ride, but the older two went on the bumper boats and mostly had fun (one more than the other). After that everyone had hit a wall of hunger and were all cranky, so I declared a mandatory rest and food break.
We also tried to hotel pool that day, but even with life jackets on our kids refuse to get in the water. After five years of trying to get my kids swimming, I might be giving up. Overall it was a great trip, and a great way to spend a chunk of summer. I even got a maple creeme out of it, so that’s definitely a win.
