Family events in Rochester, NH

Celebrate a Halloween-themed weekend at Jellystone Park Lakes Region with a haunted attraction, a touch of pumpkin magic, and a costume contest. Take part in traditional trick-or-treating, then get creative in two friendly competitions, one for spooky campsite decorations and another for ghostly themed golf carts. Activities take place on the weekend.

A family-friendly Halloween adventure unfolds in the oldest neighborhood in Portsmouth. Collect treats from characters inspired by the nation’s founding while encountering spooky surprises that trace 250 years of American history. Cross paths with wandering pirates and a mysterious fortune teller, listen to eerie stories, craft oversized spider webs, dance to spooky music, and play games for prizes. Those feeling bold can try the witch’s door and ask for a treat. Tickets are available for members and nonmembers. For members, adults ages 1 and up are $8.50 or free, and children under 1 are free with a ticket. For nonmembers, adults ages 1 and up are $17, and children under 1 are free with a ticket.

A Halloween themed Pokemon Play league night brings a Pokeween twist to regular play, with treats and extra rewards throughout the event. Participants receive a Play! Pokemon stamped Spiritomb promo card at the end of the session and a Trick or Trade BOOster pack, with the usual prize packs available for those competing in the weekly standard format tournament. Costumes are encouraged, since wearing one earns an additional Spiritomb promo. Complete a Halloween activity to pick up an extra BOOster pack. Enter the weekly tournament with a spooky themed deck to claim an extra prize pack. All promotions and prizes are available while supplies last.

The craft fair returns this year at Union Congregational Church, where visitors can explore what participants have available.

Experience colonial New England during a guided visit to the carefully restored Sweat-Morin Homestead, once home to Reverend Moses Sweat, the first Congregational minister in Sanford. Explore a classic floor plan that includes a keeping room, birthing room, and parlor, highlighted by original woodwork, historic paint colors, and striking 32-foot ceiling beams. The main house features three functioning fireplaces and furnishings suited to the period. The grounds include a carriage house, a family cemetery, wooded walking paths, and a barn rebuilt with original timber framing and distinctive reverse board and batten siding. The house and barn are accessible to people with disabilities. Admission is free and donations are welcome. Advance registration is not required, though it helps organizers plan for attendance.

A costumed community walk in Ladysmith raises support for the local food bank. Participants showcase their outfits on a friendly stroll that blends lighthearted fun with a community-focused purpose.

Riley Archery Range in Farmington hosts a Halloween-themed event with two archery sessions for youth. The first is for ages 8 to 17, and participants are invited to wear costumes while aiming for treats. The second is for ages 10 and up, where attendees make their own zombie, then move to the range to shoot at monster targets and the zombie they created. Expect a festive mix of target practice and spooky fun.

Celebrate the season at a community fall festival featuring food and beverage trucks, local vendors offering sweet treats, and live music from Mr. Austin Kennie of Hanson. Enjoy activities like face painting and other entertainment, with chances to win prizes for both children and adults. Concessions will be operated by Lebanon PTO volunteers.

Pumpkin Patch Minis offers brief photography sessions in a pumpkin patch at Pick Your own at McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Maine. The style is candid and relaxed rather than heavily posed, and kids are welcome to roam, laugh, explore, and pick pumpkins so the images capture the spirit of fall. Sessions are open to families, siblings, couples, little ones, and pets. A sliding scale pricing model starts at $20, multiple images are included, and spots are limited.

A weekly Yu-Gi-Oh gathering offers casual play and learn-to-play opportunities in a friendly setting. Participants bring their favorite decks and enjoy relaxed matches with fellow fans. Once a month an official tournament takes place, and casual play continues for anyone who prefers not to compete.

Settle in for a session of Dungeons & Dragons at Diversions, where newcomers and experienced players alike can jump into the ongoing adventure. Seating is typically divided into a pre-teen kids table and an adult table. The adult table requires advance sign-up, which is free, with limited space and a confirmed reservation securing a seat for the session. The kids table is walk-in only on a first-come, first-served basis, and seating is limited. These games are organized by private groups that use the Diversions space rather than being coordinated by store staff, and they are open to welcoming new players. Nearby parking includes a free lot within a short walk, along with additional paid options in garages and lots.

A weekly board game night welcomes players who enjoy light, medium, or heavy strategy games. Participants may bring their own favorites or try a selection of in-store demos, and both groups and solo players are welcome. Outside food is permitted. Attendees are asked to be respectful of other people’s games and belongings and to help keep the play space clean. Alcohol is not allowed. Parking options nearby include the Masonic Temple Lot at Middle Street and Miller Street with free parking about a five minute walk away. The Foundry Garage offers parking for about $1 per hour and is roughly a six minute walk. The Worth Lot directly behind the store costs $2 per hour for the first three hours, then $5 per hour for each additional hour.

In partnership with White Pine Programs, this monthly walk at Highland Farm Preserve focuses on learning to identify birds, recognize birdsong, and explore the habitats they favor. It is held on the third Wednesday each month, is family friendly, and is well suited to beginner birders. The route is easy to moderate, with mostly flat trails and a few short inclines. This free program is open to the public, and registration is required. Recent eBird checklists are available for the preserve for those who want to see what has been spotted lately. New in 2026, from April through December, participants can receive $1 off any drink at Nectar Cafe at Bell Farm Shops before or after the walk by mentioning they are on their way to or have just attended Bird Walk Wednesday at Highland Farm Preserve with York Land Trust and White Pine Programs. A birding backpack with bird books, educational materials, and binoculars can be borrowed from York Public Library and brought along.

Spend a welcoming morning connecting through play, simple crafts, and stories, with a light snack included. This ongoing group meets at The Family Center at Families First in Portsmouth.

An adoption event at PetSmart in Epping, NH features dogs looking for new homes. Visitors can meet adoptable dogs and see if one might be the right match for their family.

The game room hosts a Pokémon League centered on the Trading Card Game, where participants can enjoy casual matches, trade cards, or enter paid tournaments. Those who stay through the end receive a free Play Pokemon prize pack, while supplies last. A Standard Format tournament is available with an entry fee equal to the price of a single Pokémon pack. All entry fees go directly into a prize pool that is awarded as store credit based on final standings. Please bring a Standard Format deck. Players ages 8 through adult are welcome. Attendees under 16 must remain with a parent or guardian for the duration. Minors may trade only with in-person parental permission, and staff can help review trades for fairness. Jetpack Megastore in-store events are designed to build community and encourage gameplay. Pricing is often below market value, may change at any time, and requires participation in the event. Participants who sign up and then drop will be disqualified from future events. Leaving before the event concludes makes attendees ineligible for bonuses, promos, prizes, or additional product. These policies are strictly enforced to ensure fair access, since taking a spot can prevent someone else from playing.