This was our first stop on our week vacation in mid-August and it was a great first stop. With a coupon book our son was free so it was very affordable. Scenery was great, animals in the beginning of the park were good. My 9 year old son loved going in and out of the caves. It's definitely a workout but worth it. There's a lot of stair climbing and walking and most caves require bending and some crawling as well. Can easily spend about 2 hours here depending how many people you have.
We found this randomly. We were in Gorham so it was a little of a drive but worth the scenic drive. Worth the price of admission, some hiking was good... it is not CAVES (I have gone caving in Wyoming) but it is more like tunnels. The last 2 are TIGHT AND TINY but you can EASILY by-pass them. Not made for wheelchairs and crutches-- but little kids can go with assistance. It does take energy and strength but it is not exhausting. Gift shop was AMAZING!
I remember Polar Caves as a kid, and shockingly (I'm kidding) they are the same. It was nice to see the walkways and stairs have been replaced, they've done a great job with the upkeep. The shop has so many fantastic items, I could look around that place for hours. Just so many unique things, beautiful artistic objects, a really cool shop. What amazes me the most about Polar Caves, is the fact that these caves were formed by glaciers. Just an awe-inspiring sight, and a glimpse of NH's history. Good for any age, fun for all.
I used to live near these caves and had a season pass so my daughter and I could go anytime we wanted. They are well worth the trip and kids especially like the scrambling in, under, over and around the tight spaces. (There are bypass paths for those who get tense in tight spots.) There is also a zoo of sorts with a herd of deer and many strange, large birds. You can feed the animals from your hand. The gift shop is actually pretty good also. You can easily spend two to three hours at the park before you'll be ready to explore some other cool places.
This park is a great place to have fun. It has several sections besides the cave which were very interesting too, such as a sugar shack, walk around cliffs. However the caves are the best part. It was fun trying to squeeze in and out of the cramped areas.
This was a last minute decision to stop that was so well worth it! Not only are there great caves to explore, and spectacular views to climb to, the educational value is wonderful. This location has truly put its heart and soul into giving you all the info about the area, the history, the wild life and plant life that the area has to offer. the spots to sit and contemplate te view, or take in the quiet and Fall foliage were great. The Sugar house display and the Serenity spots were just great, The birds, water fowl, and deer were great to see and feed! We really enjoyed watching the different types of water fowl! Much to look up at home and in books when we got back! It was really a lovely, educational, yet relaxing day for the whole family!
A two hour drive with the the family to the Polar Caves was well worth it. Lots of parking, less than $20 to get in, beautiful scenery! The lit caves where exciting to explore(a little slippery and wet), my 8 year old son had a blast. You must try the "Lemon Squeeze" Cave. The foliage was beautiful, the Sugar Shack has nice treats. After an hour of exploring the caves, you are not done a short trail awaits! Pack a lunch, there aren't many places to eat near the caves, the park does have a small eating area(not a lot of selections--pizza, hot dogs). They do have a Wal-Mart and a Dunkin Donuts down the street. Fun place to visit in the fall!
My husband and I visited and were highly impressed. There is plenty to do and see including animals, nature walks, and of course the caves. The grounds were clean and well kept and the staff was super friendly. We went first thing in the morning so it was not crowded and got to take our time and enjoy everything at our own pace. The atmosphere is quite relaxing and there are many informative signs throughout the park identifying certain trees, plants, etc. The caves were incredible. Some are a little difficult to navigate but of course there is an alternative path if you would like to bypass any cave. We did them all and had a great time! The view from the top is also amazing. I would highly recommend and plan on returning.
This is our third year coming with our 4 & 5 year olds. All year they ask, "when can we go to Polar Caves?". They love going through the caves and paths here. It is a easy hike as everything is on a boardwalk or stairs/ ladders.
I took my 7 and 10 year old children here on a mid summer Monday morning. I had read the reviews so I kind of knew what to expect. The attraction had many of the typical white mountain things: animals to view and feed, gift shop, and picnic area.The caves were pretty cool; my kids were very uninterested in the signs and history behind the formations, but I found that stuff interesting. Climbing through the caves was pretty cool and some of them were fairly technical. I admit I am an over protective parent, so going down steep stairs and rock formations made me nervous with my 7 year old. But overall it was pretty safe. the stair ways and viewing areas were very clean and natural, which just feels right when you are that far north!I had read in several reviews to keep the sunglasses in the car. I am happy I listened to this advice. There is no place for sunglasses on the head, or on the face, in these caves. After the caves, we spent the obligatory $30 in the gift shop on souvenirs and mining grit. We then went to get our lunch in the car and brought it back to the picnic area, which was shaded and pleasant.I would give this attraction a 3.5 if I could. Worth doing....but wait until both kids are old enough, then do it just once!