The best things to do in Portsmouth

“Bowl-O-Rama Family Fun Center brings 22 candlepin lanes with automatic scoring, comfy sofa seating, and lane-side bites from Shenanigans' scratch kitchen. Between leagues, cosmic bowling, and a big arcade featuring Jurassic Park and Willy Wonka, a quick game can easily become your week's low-stress highlight.”

“Vent some steam this week, then paint your feelings at Vent Activity Rooms, a private, one-group-at-a-time spot with two ways to let loose. Go full Smash in the rage room or get gloriously messy in the Splatter action-painting room, all about self expression, stress relief, and rediscovering your inner kid.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Monkey Mind Escape Rooms brings locals into pharaoh tombs, pirate hideouts, sunken cities, and time-bending quests with clever puzzles and just enough adrenaline. Great for friends, families, or team building that doesn’t feel like homework, it’s the rare group plan people actually text about afterward.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Considering membership? Wentworth By The Sea Country Club pairs panoramic ocean views with an 18-hole Scottish links challenge where the ocean breeze keeps you honest, plus a modern tennis and pool complex and a clubhouse rich in Old New England style. Also a standout spot for weddings and polished corporate events.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, August 21, 2026

“The Music Hall keeps the week buzzing with live music, sharp comedy, author talks, and a film slate that swings from blockbuster favorites to festival gems, plus occasional big-stage magic with The Ogunquit Playhouse and intimate sets at The Music Hall Lounge.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, August 30, 2026

“The Music Hall Lounge is the smaller, intimate side of The Music Hall where live music, sharp comedy, and one-of-a-kind author events land within whisper distance. Pick a night this week, scan the lineup, and treat yourself to a show that actually fits your vibe.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Game Show Face Off is New England’s live interactive game show studio where your crew actually becomes the contestants, going head to head for ultimate bragging rights.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, August 29, 2026

“With three distinct 9s weaving through leafy woods and streams, Pease Golf Course keeps your rounds fresh, your short game humble, and your post-round options dialed, from the Golf Shop to a year-round PGA Tour simulator, then cap it with Grill 28's Friday night live music.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Portsmouth Country Club, a member-owned spot founded in 1901 along Great Bay, specializes in private events tailored to you. Book showers, birthdays, or anniversaries with Great Bay views and clubhouse polish, and you don’t even need to be a member to lock it in.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Grab a couple friends and your phone, then let Portsmouth Scavenger Hunts turn downtown and Prescott Park into your game board. Solve local-history clues, chase playful pirate prompts with the kids, and rediscover corners you’ve walked past a hundred times. A fun reset for this week.”

From the Portsmouth newsletter, August 11, 2026