Adrenaline Rush in the Merrimack Valley

Ever wanted to try skydiving without the shadowy threat of death, yet all the fun of being Superman? My son David and I headed to Nashua to check out SkyVenture, which can best be described as an indoor adventure arena that features a vertical wind tunnel, a 32-foot “SurfStream” pool for surfing and boogie boarding (the largest in North America), a fishpipe water slide (giant, rotating barrel ride) and a “tropical” rock climbing wall. Our instructor Ben had David and me suited up, mentally prepped and in the tunnel in no time. We took turns in the tunnel and the sensation isn’t of falling, but rather rising up. At first the wind is breathtaking, but you adjust quickly and enjoy the flight. We both opted to fly high, spinning in the uppermost part of the tunnel, which was exhilarating. After the rush of flying, we tried out surfing — a challenge for this newbie, but still a lot of fun. David picked it up quickly, and the scariest part for me was putting on a swimsuit in April. For a range of adventures all in one space, you cannot beat this place. Pick a package deal and try them all.

Time to choose your adventure:

Hiking: The North (1,324 feet) and South (1,321 feet) Uncanoonuc peaks in Goffstown are my favorite hiking spots with kids. Just enough of a scramble up and sweet summit for a picnic.

Climbing: Vertical Dreams in Manchester is an indoor climbing and bouldering gym perched on the top floor of the historic Waumbec Mill building, and it boasts New Hampshire’s tallest climbing wall.

Camping: Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, with more than 10,000 acres, is the largest developed NH state park. There are 40 miles of trails, 101 camping sites, two archery ranges, and places to fish, hike, bike or do whatever else sounds like fun for you and your family.  

Exploring: America’s Stonehenge in Salem is an astronomical calendar site, and is said to be the oldest man-made construction in the US. It was built either by Native Americans or European migrants.

In the Water: The beach at Weare’s Clough State Park is a peaceful swimming spot on a hot day. Bring a picnic and enjoy the 900-foot sandy beach on Everett Lake and watch the kids frolic.

On the Water: Milford’s Kaley Park offers some scenic sections of the Souhegan River through which to kayak or canoe. Enjoy this watershed’s views of both farms and forests, and glimpse wildlife along the way.