Looking for ways to get the kids off their screens, burn off some energy, and enjoy an adventure together? The Merrimack Valley is full of opportunities for active family fun!
From bouncing on trampolines and conquering ninja obstacle courses to hiking wooded trails, swimming, and exploring nature, there's something for every age and energy level.
Whether you're planning a weekend outing, looking for something to do during school vacation, or trying to find a rainy-day activity, these active adventure ideas in and around the Merrimack Valley will keep your family moving, laughing, and making memories.
Indoor adventures: Jump, climb & conquer
1. Launch Family Entertainment Park Methuen
96a Milk St, Methuen, MA 01844, United States
Perfect for energetic kids who love a challenge! Launch offers trampolines, a ninja obstacle course, rock climbing, trampoline dodgeball, a zipline, and a battle pit. Younger children can enjoy a dedicated toddler play area, while older kids can tackle more adventurous attractions.
Best for: A rainy-day outing, birthday celebration, or active afternoon with friends.
2. Cedarland Family Fun Center
888 Boston Road, Haverhill, MA
Cedarland is packed with opportunities to move and play. Its year-round aMAZEment Action Play Center features a giant indoor maze with climbing, jumping, and slides, while little ones can explore the Comfyland sensory area. Seasonal outdoor attractions include miniature golf, batting cages, and a climbing wall.
Best for: Families with children of different ages who want several activities in one destination.
3. USA Ninja Challenge
27 Charles St, North Andover, MA 01845, United States
Does your child dream of becoming an American Ninja Warrior? This training center helps kids develop strength, balance, coordination, and confidence through structured obstacle-course activities. Children practice climbing, swinging, balancing, and navigating challenges with instructor guidance.
Best for: Kids who enjoy physical challenges and learning new skills. Check class or trial-session availability before visiting.
4. Legends Gymnastics
165 Flagship Dr, North Andover, MA 01845, United States
Gymnastics is a wonderful way for kids to get moving while improving flexibility, strength, and coordination. Legends offers recreational gymnastics and tumbling programs, along with other supervised youth activities. Check for special open-gym opportunities and school-vacation programs.
Best for: Children who love cartwheels, tumbling, and learning new movement skills.
Outdoor adventures: Explore, hike & discover
5. Weir Hill
65 Stevens Street, North Andover, MA
Take the kids on a beautiful hike overlooking Lake Cochichewick! Weir Hill offers approximately four miles of trails, including wooded paths, lakeside scenery, and hilltop views. Choose a shorter walk near the lake or tackle the uphill trails for an extra challenge.
Best for: Families who enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic views. Admission is free.
The Trustees of Reservations
6. Ward Reservation
65 Prospect Road, Andover, MA
Turn an ordinary hike into a discovery adventure! Explore forest trails, climb Holt Hill to find the fascinating Solstice Stones, and visit the boardwalk at Pine Hole Bog. With nearly 15 miles of trails, families can choose anything from a shorter nature walk to a more challenging outing.
Best for: Curious kids who love exploring, climbing hills, and discovering unusual natural features.
The Trustees of Reservations
7. Harold Parker State Forest
305 Middleton Road, North Andover, MA (headquarters)
This sprawling state forest is perfect for an entire day of outdoor adventure. Families can hike wooded trails, ride bikes on suitable routes, fish, picnic, or explore the ponds by canoe or kayak where permitted. The Yellow Diamond, Sudden Pond, and Berry Pond trails are among the marked routes to investigate.
Best for: Hiking, biking, paddling, and families who want to explore somewhere different on every visit.
More active family fun
8. Jay Gee's Ice Cream and Fun Center
602 Lowell St, Methuen, MA 01844, United States
Spend an afternoon challenging the family to miniature golf, practicing your swing in the batting cages, riding go-karts, or enjoying bumper cars. Finish the adventure with homemade ice cream!
Best for: Families with school-aged kids and teens who love a little friendly competition. Outdoor attractions operate seasonally, so check availability before visiting.
9. Academy Lanes
725 S Main St, Haverhill, MA 01835, United States
Introduce the kids to candlepin bowling, a classic New England activity! The smaller balls and narrow pins make for a fun challenge. Families can enjoy traditional bowling or check the schedule for special glow-bowling sessions.
Best for: All-weather family fun, multigenerational outings, and a little friendly competition.
10. Andover/North Andover YMCA
165 Haverhill St, Andover, MA 01810, United States
For year-round activity, the YMCA offers swimming, basketball, fitness, and youth recreation opportunities. Families can explore classes, lessons, and activities that help kids develop skills and confidence while staying active.
Best for: Families looking for ongoing activities rather than a single outing. Check membership, guest access, and program schedules.
Worth the short drive
For families looking to expand their adventures beyond the immediate Merrimack Valley:
Beanstalk Adventure Ropes Course — Reading
50 Walkers Brook Dr, Reading, MA 01867, United States
Climb across suspended obstacles and enjoy an indoor zipline. A lower ropes course gives younger adventurers their own challenge.
SkyVenture New Hampshire — Nashua
100 Adventure Way, Nashua, NH 03060, United States
Try indoor skydiving, indoor surfing, or rock climbing for a memorable special-occasion adventure.
Roller Kingdom — Tyngsborough
355 Middlesex Rd, Tyngsborough, MA 01879, United States
Lace up your skates, enjoy music and rink games, and check out the arcade or laser tag.
Make it a family adventure!
You don't have to travel far or spend a fortune to enjoy an active day together. Sometimes the best adventures are as simple as exploring a new hiking trail, challenging each other to a game of bowling, or trying something you've never done before.
Macaroni KID Tip: Before heading out, check the venue's website for current hours, age or height restrictions, waivers, seasonal closures, and admission costs.
Whether your kids are thrill-seekers, nature lovers, aspiring ninjas, or just full of energy, the Merrimack Valley has plenty of ways to get everyone moving.
Have a favorite active adventure spot in the Merrimack Valley? We'd love to hear about it and keep adding to this guide!
