Strawbery Banke Museum

Strawbery Banke Museum offers a captivating journey through 300 years of Portsmouth history across 10 acres of restored colonial buildings and gardens. Kids can interact with costumed interpreters demonstrating period crafts, explore authentic historic homes, and participate in hands-on activities like colonial games, rope-making, and seasonal programs that make history tangible and exciting for young learners.

• ✓Costumed interpreters demonstrating colonial trades like blacksmithing, weaving, and pottery
• ✓Historic homes you can walk through from different time periods (1695 to 1950s)
• ✓Hands-on activities like trying colonial games, grinding corn, or writing with quill pens
• ✓Beautiful heritage gardens with herbs, vegetables, and flowers from different eras
• ✓The Abbott Store, a recreated 1940s general store where kids love seeing vintage packaging and products

1. 1.Start at the Visitor Center to grab a map and ask which costumed interpreters are offering hands-on activities that day, as schedules vary.
2. 2.Wear comfortable walking shoes as the museum grounds are expansive with uneven brick paths and gravel walkways between buildings.
3. 3.Visit on weekends during summer for the most interactive programming with multiple interpreters demonstrating period crafts like woodworking, cooking, and textile arts.
4. 4.Pack sunscreen and water bottles, as much of the experience is outdoors walking between historic houses with limited shaded areas.
5. 5.Don't miss Puddle Dock, the recreated neighborhood area where kids can peek inside multiple homes and see how different families lived across centuries.

Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the best experience with all buildings open, gardens in bloom, and the most costumed interpreters on site. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekends, giving kids more one-on-one time with interpreters for questions and hands-on activities.

Admission is budget-friendly at under $20 for adults and under $10 for kids (5-17), with children under 5 free. On-site parking is limited, but there's street parking nearby and a public lot within two blocks. No cafe on-site, so plan to eat before or after your visit in downtown Portsmouth.

Open daily from May through October with full programming. Limited winter hours (weekends only) from November through April with fewer buildings open and no costumed interpreters. Special family events include Candlelight Stroll in December and summer craft workshops. Gardens are most impressive June through September.

The Friendly Toast (5 minute walk) serves creative comfort food with a fun, quirky atmosphere and excellent kids menu. Ceres Bakery (3 minute walk) is perfect for quick sandwiches, pastries, and kid-friendly lunch options with outdoor seating in warm weather.