19 Best & Fun Things to Do in Exeter, NH
Exeter is one of those New Hampshire towns that feels easy to explore on foot, yet still gives you a lot to do. You can spend part of the day around Main Street and Water Street, then shift into local history, art, skating, trails, or a short drive to the coast. That mix is what makes the best things to do in Exeter, NH feel so balanced. You are not choosing between only museums or only outdoor stops. You can build a relaxed day that includes both.
The town is especially strong for travelers who like places with a clear sense of identity. Exeter has deep colonial roots, a well-known academy campus, a riverfront green, and several simple nature options that do not require a big time commitment. It also works well for families, couples, and solo travelers because many attractions are flexible. Some are quick walk-throughs. Others, like trails or nearby coastal parks, can fill half a day.
This guide stays focused on verified places in Exeter itself, plus a few worthwhile nearby stops when you want to expand your plans. Some attractions are seasonal, some are event-based, and some need advance reservations, so it helps to plan your day in the right order. With that in mind, here are the Exeter attractions that deserve your attention.
Things to Do in Exeter, NH
1. American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is one of the clearest starting points for understanding Exeter’s historic importance. This museum interprets New Hampshire’s role in the American Revolution and operates on the Ladd-Gilman House campus, which gives the visit a stronger sense of place than a modern gallery alone. Instead of just reading wall text, you are stepping into a setting tied to the period the museum explains.
Visitors can tour exhibits and book museum visits during the operating season. That makes it a strong choice for history fans, school-age kids, and travelers who want something structured early in the day. It is also useful if you are visiting Exeter for the first time and want context before walking the rest of downtown. After a museum visit, many other local sites make more sense.
The museum also hosts programs and large annual events, including the American Independence Festival, so repeat visitors may find a different atmosphere depending on the date. Hours are seasonal, with the official site listing Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from May through October. Advance booking is available, which is helpful if you are planning a weekend stop or shaping a day around limited hours.
Address: 1 Governors Lane, Exeter, NH 03833
2. Gilman Garrison House
Gilman Garrison House gives Exeter visitors a chance to see one of the town’s best-known surviving colonial buildings up close. Operated by Historic New England, this early 18th-century fortified house works best for travelers who enjoy old homes, architecture, and local stories told through real interiors. It is not a large attraction, but that is part of its appeal. The visit feels focused and specific.
Inside, visitors experience restored rooms and interpretation centered on the Gilman family and Exeter history. That makes it more than a simple photo stop from outside. It is especially good for adults, history-minded couples, and anyone building a heritage-focused day with the museum and downtown walk. Because the house is one of Exeter’s more distinctive colonial landmarks, it also helps bring the town’s early history into sharper view.
Tours are listed on the hour Fridays and Saturdays during the official season, with the last tour at 2 p.m. The official page also lists admission rates and notes that the property is closed on July 4. Since tours run on a set schedule, this is a place to time carefully. It pairs well with nearby riverside strolling afterward rather than as a spontaneous drop-in late in the day.
Address: 12 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833
3. Swasey Parkway
Swasey Parkway is one of the easiest and most pleasant outdoor stops in Exeter. Set along the Squamscott River, this public green is a simple place to walk, sit, and get a feel for the town without needing special planning. It works well for nearly every kind of visitor because it asks very little of you. You can spend ten minutes here or use it as the center of a longer downtown stroll.
The parkway is also important as a community space. Town listings confirm it is an active local facility, and it is the home area for the Exeter Farmers’ Market. That means your experience can vary. On a quiet day, it feels like an easy riverside break. During a market or community gathering, it becomes more social and energetic. Both versions are worth seeing, depending on what kind of outing you want.
This is one of the better Exeter attractions for travelers who do not want a formal tour or ticketed stop. Families can let the pace stay loose. Couples can add it between meals and museums. Solo visitors can use it as a scenic reset. Since it sits off Water Street, it is easy to fit into a walk that also includes local history sites and downtown buildings. For a simple outdoor moment in town, it delivers.
Address: Swasey Parkway off Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833
4. Lamont Gallery
Lamont Gallery offers a more contemporary side of Exeter and adds variety to a trip that might otherwise lean heavily toward colonial history. Located at Phillips Exeter Academy’s Frederick R. Mayer Art Center, this gallery presents rotating exhibitions and teaching-focused programming. It is free and open to the public, which makes it one of the more accessible arts stops in town for visitors who want something thoughtful but not time-consuming.
The gallery suits travelers who like visual art, design, and small cultural spaces where exhibitions can be seen at a comfortable pace. Because shows rotate, there is a sense of freshness that repeat visitors may appreciate. It is also a good fit for those interested in student-related art programming or in seeing how the academy contributes to Exeter’s cultural life beyond architecture and history.
Planning matters here. Official hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but the gallery is closed between exhibitions. Public guests also need reservations. That means this is not the best stop for a purely spontaneous visit unless you have already checked the schedule. If it aligns with your dates, though, it is one of the more rewarding indoor things to do in Exeter for art-minded visitors.
Address: Frederick R. Mayer Art Center, Lamont Gallery, 26 Tan Lane, Exeter, NH 03833
5. Phillips Exeter Academy campus
Walking the Phillips Exeter Academy campus is one of the most distinctive free experiences in town. Founded in 1781, the academy is deeply tied to Exeter’s identity, and town tourism materials specifically name it as a place of interest for visitors. Even if you are not taking a formal visit, the grounds offer a satisfying mix of history, architecture, and atmosphere that helps define the town as much as any single museum.
This stop is especially good for travelers who like self-guided walks. You can move at your own pace, notice older buildings, and take in the better-known architectural features around the Louis Kahn-designed library area and major academic buildings. It works well for couples, solo travelers, and anyone who enjoys campuses that feel both historic and active. It can also be paired naturally with Lamont Gallery or a downtown coffee and walk.
The academy maintains official visitor information and campus visit options on its site, so check there if you want something more structured. For a casual visit, the campus streets identified by the town include Front Street, Court Street, Tan Lane, and Main Street. Travelers exploring New Hampshire towns may also enjoy comparing Exeter’s academic feel with places in guides like Meredith or Salem, though Exeter stands out for this blend of school history and architecture.
Address: 20 Main Street, Exeter, NH 03833-2460
6. The Word Barn & Meadow
The Word Barn & Meadow is one of Exeter’s strongest culture-focused options, especially for adults and couples looking for an evening plan. Rather than functioning like a standard museum or gallery, it is an intimate indoor-outdoor arts venue built around live performances, workshops, and special event experiences. That makes it feel more local and event-driven, which can be a real plus if you want your trip to include something happening in real time.
The venue’s calendar shows concerts, workshops, and food-centered events, so what you do here depends on the schedule. That flexibility is part of the appeal. Some visitors may come for music, while others may choose a workshop or a themed gathering. Because the experience changes, it is one of the better repeat-visit attractions in Exeter. It can turn a simple day trip into a fuller afternoon and evening outing.
This is not a drop-in attraction with regular museum-style hours, so planning ahead is essential. The official event page confirms the Exeter address and active upcoming programming. Check the live calendar before you go and build the rest of your day around the event you choose. If you like smaller arts venues with a community feel, this is one of the most rewarding fun things to do in Exeter, especially when you want a break from daytime sightseeing and a more social local experience.
Address: 66 Newfields Road, Exeter, NH 03833
7. The Rinks at Exeter
The Rinks at Exeter is a practical year-round option that adds active recreation to the town’s mostly historic and walkable appeal. The complex has two ice rinks and offers public skating as well as stick-practice sessions. That makes it useful for families, teens, and anyone who wants to move a little instead of spending the whole day in museums or on short walks. It is also one of the best indoor choices when weather changes your plans.
Town visitor information highlights the facility as a place for skating, watching hockey, and family activities. Even if you are not an advanced skater, public sessions make the complex approachable for casual visitors. For travelers with kids, this can be a strong energy-release stop. For adults, it can be a fun break from a history-heavy itinerary. In colder months, it fits naturally into a New Hampshire trip. In warmer months, it still works as a weatherproof activity.
The official site lists current public skate and stick practice information, along with contact details and pricing pages. The rink also notes that online pre-registration and updated information are current, so it is smart to check availability before driving over. If your trip includes more New Hampshire stops, you can compare Exeter’s active indoor options with other town guides such as Barlett and Salem.
Address: 40 Industrial Drive, Exeter, NH 03833
8. Exeter Public Library
Exeter Public Library is more than a basic town library stop. For visitors, it works as a calm indoor break with practical value and a little local character. The building is useful for architecture, local history resources, exhibits, and community programming, so it can serve both as a quick stop and as a place to slow down during a busy day. It is especially handy if you are already walking downtown and want a quiet reset.
The library’s website highlights museum passes, art exhibits and displays, and local history and genealogy resources. That makes it a good fit for travelers who like regional context but do not always need a formal museum experience. If you enjoy browsing local material, seeing what a town values, or escaping bad weather for an hour, this is a smart option. Families may also appreciate it as an easy indoor stop with no pressure to stay long.
Official hours are generous on weekdays, with Monday through Thursday open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday is closed. Because it sits right in town, the library works best as part of a larger walking route that includes Swasey Parkway, the academy area, and nearby dining. It may not be the headline attraction of a trip, but it is one of the most useful and pleasantly low-key Exeter attractions.
Address: 4 Chestnut Street, Exeter, NH 03833
9. Raynes Farm Trail
Raynes Farm Trail is one of the better outdoor picks in Exeter when you want more than a sidewalk walk but do not want a full excursion. Part of the town’s trail network, the area combines open fields, woods, and Squamscott River scenery. That mix gives the walk more visual variety than a simple wooded loop and makes it a strong option for visitors who want a quiet break close to town.
Town trail planning materials describe conserved land, historic farm elements, and walking opportunities on the property. In practical terms, that means the setting can appeal to several kinds of visitors at once. Casual walkers can enjoy a light outdoor reset. Nature-minded travelers can look for changing scenery. People interested in local land use and conservation may also find it more meaningful than a generic park trail. It is a good choice when you want something low-key but not empty of character.
The town’s current Exeter Trails page provides official driving directions, which is useful because this is more of a local trail access point than a heavily signed tourist attraction. Bring suitable footwear, since conditions can vary by season and weather. This is also a self-guided experience, so daylight hours and basic trail awareness matter. If your ideal trip mixes town history with fresh air, Raynes Farm gives you one of the easiest ways to do that without leaving Exeter.
Address: Access via Newfields Road in northern Exeter; Town of Exeter Parks and Recreation provides official driving directions on its Exeter Trails page.
10. Henderson-Swasey Trail
Henderson-Swasey Trail is a simple, woods-based recreation option for visitors who want a quick nature outing without committing to a long drive or a formal park visit. As part of Exeter’s established public trail system, it is best approached as a self-guided walk where the value comes from the setting itself. You are coming here for quiet, trees, and a break from roads and buildings, not for staffed facilities or a major landmark.
This trail suits travelers who like short outdoor stops between other plans. It can work well in the morning before museums open, or in the afternoon when you want movement after lunch. Because it is part of the town-maintained network promoted for walking and approved uses, it is one of the steadier choices for visitors who prefer official local trails over informal paths. Couples, solo walkers, and active families may all find it useful.
The current town trails page confirms the trail and gives official driving directions. As with many local conservation-style trails, conditions may vary, so proper shoes are the practical choice. It is also best treated as a daylight activity. Travelers comparing smaller New England towns may notice that Exeter offers several modest but easy-to-reach trail options, which adds welcome balance to the historic core. Henderson-Swasey may not be the most dramatic stop in town, but it earns its place by being accessible, quiet, and easy to fit into a real itinerary.
Address: Town of Exeter Parks and Recreation lists official driving directions for the Henderson-Swasey Trail on its Exeter Trails page.
11. Riverwoods–Jolly Rand Nature Trail
Riverwoods–Jolly Rand Nature Trail is a useful choice for visitors who want a gentler local walk and prefer easygoing outdoor stops over more demanding hikes. Listed in Exeter’s official trail guide, it gives travelers another way to enjoy the town’s natural side without going far or committing much time. The appeal here is not intensity. It is accessibility, calm surroundings, and the ability to add a nature break to a day already filled with other plans.
Supporting trail materials note accessible walking opportunities in parts of the RiverWoods system and connections to nearby conserved land. That makes this trail especially appealing for travelers who want a lighter outing or are trying to keep the day comfortable and flexible. It is well suited to older visitors, mixed-age groups, and anyone who enjoys a short outdoor pause rather than a workout. It can also be a good option after lunch when a museum feels too still and a long trail feels too ambitious.
The Town of Exeter currently lists the trail and official driving directions, so use those as your planning base. As with other self-guided nature areas, weather matters and trail users should expect a walk-at-your-own-risk setting. Good shoes are still wise even on a gentler route. For a town this size, Exeter does a nice job offering several different outdoor experiences, and Riverwoods–Jolly Rand is one of the more approachable ones for a broad range of visitors.
Address: Town of Exeter Parks and Recreation lists official driving directions for the Riverwoods-Jolly Rand Nature Trail on its Exeter Trails page.
12. Laney & Lu
Laney & Lu is not a sightseeing attraction in the museum sense, but it is a very practical stop that can improve your day in Exeter. When a town is walkable and spread across several short activities, a good breakfast or lunch place matters. This restaurant focuses on smoothies, bowls, salads, and other health-oriented meals, making it a smart fit for travelers who want something lighter and easy in the middle of exploring downtown.
The menu emphasizes made-to-order food, dietary flexibility, and compostable packaging. That is especially helpful for groups with different preferences, as well as solo travelers who want a dependable meal without too much fuss. If your day includes a walking tour, time on campus, or a riverside stroll, this can be the kind of stop that keeps the schedule moving smoothly. It works better as a useful local base than as a destination in itself, and that practical role makes it worth including.
The official site confirms there is an Exeter location, but the broader website also lists other locations, so it is best to check the live ordering page for current local hours. The menu notes that many dietary preferences can be accommodated, though the business does not certify food as completely allergen-free. For visitors building a comfortable downtown day, Laney & Lu is one of the handiest and most current places to know.
Address: 26 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833
13. Stratham Hill Park
Stratham Hill Park is in Stratham, about 5 miles southeast of Exeter, and it is one of the best nearby outdoor options when you want more elevation and trail variety than central Exeter usually offers. This town park combines hiking and biking trails, sports fields, and views from the tower at the top of the hill. That mix gives it broad appeal, especially for active families and visitors who want a more energetic outing.
The park works well as a half-day addition to an Exeter stay. If you spend one morning on history and downtown walking, Stratham Hill gives you a different kind of landscape for the afternoon. Families can spread out more easily here than on Exeter’s smaller local trails. Active travelers may also appreciate having a nearby place where the outing feels more substantial without turning into a major regional trip.
Town materials present Stratham Hill as a major local park with multipurpose open space and reservable pavilions. The Town of Stratham confirms the location at 270 Portsmouth Avenue and provides facilities information. Because this is a bigger recreation area than Exeter’s short town trails, it is a strong choice if your group wants room to move or if you are trying to balance cultural stops with exercise. Travelers exploring this corner of New Hampshire may also enjoy pairing Exeter with nearby towns and coastal areas, much like combining stops from guides in Salem and coastal Massachusetts towns.
Address: 270 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham, NH 03885
14. Great Bay Discovery Center
Great Bay Discovery Center is in Greenland, about 11 miles east of Exeter, and it is a worthwhile nearby stop for travelers interested in estuary scenery, wildlife, and environmental interpretation. The reserve campus introduces visitors to Great Bay and nearby protected habitats, giving you a nature-focused outing that feels different from both Exeter’s town trails and the open ocean views farther along the coast.
This is a particularly good option for birders, families, and anyone who enjoys learning while being outdoors. The reserve promotes hiking, wildlife watching, and estuary-focused interpretation, so the visit can be as active or as relaxed as you want. Some visitors may focus on exhibits and views. Others may come mainly for walking and marsh scenery. Either way, it adds a strong ecological dimension to an Exeter-area trip.
The official reserve says public lands are open every day from dawn to dusk, which gives you good flexibility. The Discovery Center campus is on Depot Road in Greenland, and local facility information confirms the specific address. Because the setting is tied to weather, light, and seasonal wildlife activity, this is a place that rewards a little timing. If you want one nearby nature stop that feels educational without becoming heavy, Great Bay Discovery Center is an excellent choice.
Address: 89 Depot Road, Greenland, NH 03840
15. Odiorne Point State Park
Odiorne Point State Park is in Rye, about 16 miles east of Exeter, and it is one of the strongest nearby day-trip options if you want coastal scenery and more room to roam. The park offers rocky shoreline views, picnic areas, military history features, and an extensive trail network. That combination makes it much more than a simple beach stop. It is a place where you can walk, look, learn, and spend several hours without forcing the day.
This is a great choice for visitors who want a bigger outdoor experience than Exeter itself can provide. Families can combine trails and open space. Couples can enjoy the seacoast setting at a slower pace. Travelers interested in military or landscape history will also find more depth here than at a standard park. It pairs naturally with Seacoast Science Center, which operates on the same grounds, so the area can easily become a full half-day or longer outing.
New Hampshire State Parks notes that parking is limited and reservations are encouraged, especially on weekends and holidays. The official page also says pets are not permitted. Since conditions and visitor volume can change, it is smart to check official updates and trail maps before going. If you are extending a New Hampshire trip beyond Exeter, this coastal stop offers a nice contrast to inland towns like those featured in Meredith.
Address: 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye, NH 03870
16. Seacoast Science Center
Seacoast Science Center is in Rye, about 16 miles east of Exeter, and it is one of the best nearby choices for families, rainy days, or travelers who want indoor learning paired with time on the coast. Located within Odiorne Point State Park, the center focuses on marine and coastal topics through family-friendly exhibits and educational experiences. It is especially useful when you want the seacoast to be part of your trip even if beach weather is not ideal.
The center suits a wide range of visitors. Children usually benefit from the accessible, hands-on feeling of science-focused exhibits. Adults may appreciate the chance to add context to a walk through the state park. It also works well for mixed groups because some people can focus on exhibits while others are more interested in the outdoor grounds nearby. That flexibility makes it easy to fit into different travel styles.
Official hours are currently listed as seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center recommends buying tickets in advance because walk-ins are subject to availability. It is also important to know that Seacoast Science Center admission is separate from the required Odiorne Point State Park fee. If you plan well, the combination of exhibits and shoreline trails can become one of the most rewarding nearby excursions from Exeter, particularly for curious travelers and families with children.
Address: 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye, NH 03870-0570
17. Strawbery Banke Museum
Strawbery Banke Museum is in Portsmouth, about 12 miles east of Exeter, and it is one of the best nearby cultural day trips for visitors who want a larger-scale history experience. This outdoor history museum preserves historic houses, gardens, landscapes, and exhibits in Portsmouth’s Puddle Dock neighborhood. If Exeter’s local history leaves you wanting more, Strawbery Banke is the logical next step because it expands the story across multiple centuries in one walkable setting.
The museum suits adults, families with older children, and anyone who likes historic environments that are broad enough to spend real time in. Rather than focusing on one house or one era, it lets visitors move through a layered site and explore at their own pace. That scale makes it a satisfying contrast to Exeter’s smaller in-town attractions. It can easily anchor a half-day or full-day outing depending on your interest level.
Current official hours are Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Tuesday guided tours only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days, which adds useful flexibility if you are staying nearby. On-site parking is limited, and nearby garages are recommended. Travelers building a wider regional itinerary may also enjoy pairing Portsmouth with nearby Massachusetts stops like coastal towns, though Exeter itself remains a quieter base.
Address: 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
18. Water Country
Water Country is in Portsmouth, about 13 miles east of Exeter, and it is a practical warm-weather option for families traveling with children or teens. As a major seasonal water park, it offers a very different experience from Exeter’s historic streets and quieter parks. That contrast is exactly why it can work so well. If part of your group wants a full day of active summer fun, this is the nearby outing most likely to deliver it.
The official site positions Water Country as a full-day attraction with multiple offerings, which makes it useful for travelers trying to fill a whole summer day rather than just a few spare hours. Families can center the day here and keep planning simple. Visitors combining cultural stops and kid-friendly fun may also like using Exeter as a calmer home base before heading over to the park for a busier outing.
Because it is seasonal, checking the live operating calendar before you go is essential. The official contact page confirms the Portsmouth address and guest relations details, while the calendar page shows current hours and dates. That means this attraction is most helpful for summer planners and less relevant in colder months. Still, for the right season and the right group, Water Country can easily rank among the most fun things to do near Exeter when energy level matters more than quiet sightseeing.
Address: 2300 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801
19. Sagamore-Hampton Golf Club
Sagamore-Hampton Golf Club is in North Hampton, about 14 miles southeast of Exeter, and it is a strong nearby recreation option for golfers staying in town. This public 18-hole course is marketed as suitable for a range of skill levels, which makes it accessible to more than just experienced players. For travelers who like to include one active half-day on the course during a trip, it offers an easy way to do that without straying far from Exeter.
The club works best for adults, golf-focused couples, and visitors building a slower itinerary with one or two anchor activities each day. It can also be appealing if some members of your group want a structured outing while others explore coastal towns or Exeter itself. Since golf takes time and planning, this is less of a casual add-on and more of a deliberate half-day choice, but that can be ideal if you want variety in your travel schedule.
The official site confirms the course is open for the current golf season and provides tee-time booking. The clubhouse address is listed as 101 North Road in North Hampton, and advance reservations are the practical way to plan. For a wider New England itinerary, golf here can combine well with town visits in both New Hampshire and bordering Massachusetts, such as Burlington or Hyannis, if you are extending your trip.
Address: 101 North Road, North Hampton, NH 03862
Final Thoughts
Exeter works best when you lean into its variety. You can start with early American history, spend time on a campus walk, follow the river, and still fit in art, skating, or a trail before dinner. That balance is what makes the town easy to recommend. It offers enough structure for a focused day trip, but enough flexibility for a slower overnight stay too.
If you want to keep your plans simple, stay in town and combine the museum, Swasey Parkway, the academy area, and one meal downtown. If you want a bigger outing, use Exeter as a base and add one nearby coastal or Portsmouth-area stop. Either way, the most rewarding approach is not to rush. Exeter is at its best when you give each stop a little room and let the town’s history, paths, and small cultural spaces connect naturally.