12 Best Things to Do in Manchester, NH (2026 Guide)

By New England Host Co · Updated September 22, 2026

How We Picked

We looked for places a visitor can actually book or walk into, not just drive past. Every entry had to be open or have upcoming dates listed on its own website when we checked on 22 September 2026. We left out places we could not confirm. We have not printed prices, and we only mention hours where we read them on the official site that day, so always check before you go.

If you host guests in the city, this list doubles as a starting point for your house guidebook. Our local area guide template shows how to turn it into something guests will use.

1. Currier Museum of Art

The Currier is the city's main art museum, with a permanent collection plus rotating exhibitions. When we checked, it was showing Florentine Baroque paintings from the Haukohl Collection, with a Pepe Mar exhibition listed as opening on 1 October 2026.

Good to know: The museum's website listed it as open Wednesday through Sunday in September 2026. It also offers a free digital guide.

2. Frank Lloyd Wright Houses Tour

The Currier says it is the only museum in the country that stewards two houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright: the Zimmerman and Kalil houses, both in Manchester. They are open to the public by guided tour only, led by volunteer guides.

Good to know: Tours are reserved in advance through the Currier's website, and the museum notes that general admission is included with a house tour.

3. Millyard Museum

Run by the Manchester Historic Association, the Millyard Museum tells the history of Manchester from inside Mill No. 3 in the historic Amoskeag Millyard, at 200 Bedford Street. The association also runs a separate research center with books, business and family papers and newspapers.

Good to know: The association lists the museum as open year round, Tuesday through Saturday, and was advertising several extended-hours evenings for fall 2026.

4. SEE Science Center

SEE is a hands-on science center in the same Millyard building at 200 Bedford Street, aimed at kids and families but with adult evenings too, such as its Science on Tap talks. It was celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.

Good to know: SEE runs sensory-friendly and immunocompromised-friendly evenings on set dates, with advance registration.

5. The Palace Theatre and the Rex

The Palace Theatres are non-profit performing arts venues. The historic Palace at 80 Hanover Street has 834 seats and hosts its own professional productions, youth theatre and touring acts. The Rex Theatre at 23 Amherst Street is a 300-seat room for music, comedy and theatre.

Good to know: The Palace warns that third-party sites resell its tickets at higher prices and recommends buying through its own website or box office.

6. New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Delta Dental Stadium

The Fisher Cats are the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays and play at Delta Dental Stadium in downtown Manchester. Minor league games are an easy evening out, with promotions and giveaway nights listed on the team's schedule.

Good to know: When we checked, the team had already announced its 2027 home schedule, so spring and summer visitors can plan ahead.

7. SNHU Arena

SNHU Arena at 555 Elm Street is the city's big indoor venue for concerts, family shows and sports. Its calendar in September 2026 listed dates including Trans-Siberian Orchestra (27 November 2026), Professional Bull Riding (11 to 12 December 2026) and Disney on Ice (7 to 10 January 2027).

Good to know: Event dates change, so confirm on the arena's own site before booking travel around a show.

8. Massabesic Center and Lake Massabesic

NH Audubon's Massabesic Center sits at 26 Audubon Way in Auburn, just east of the city, and runs programs and art exhibits. Next door, the Lake Massabesic watershed is managed by Manchester Water Works, and the city lists boating, fishing, hiking and horseback riding among the things to do there.

Good to know: The lake is the city's drinking water source, so check Manchester Water Works' rules for the activity you have in mind.

9. McIntyre Ski Area

McIntyre is a small ski area inside the city at 50 Chalet Way. Its website describes 100% snowmaking, two lifts serving 11 trails, a large beginner area, terrain parks and a seven-lane snow tubing hill. The Hill Bar and Grille on site was open when we checked in September.

Good to know: It is a practical choice for a first ski lesson or a few runs after work, without the drive north.

10. Derryfield Park and Weston Observatory

Weston Observatory is a 66-foot granite tower in Derryfield Park. The city says its top stands 360 feet above Elm Street, with views that can take in Mount Monadnock, Mount Kearsarge, the Uncanoonuc Mountains and Lake Massabesic, and, on a clear day, Mount Washington. The city-run Derryfield Country Club, an 18-hole course, is nearby.

Good to know: The city's page does not list opening hours for the tower itself, so check with Parks and Recreation before planning a climb.

11. Livingston Park and Dorrs Pond

Livingston Park is one of the city parks with a pond and walking paths. In winter, when the weather allows, the city clears snow from Dorrs Pond for outdoor skating and opens a warming hut with a wood stove.

Good to know: Pond skating depends on ice conditions. The city posts updates on its Parks and Recreation channels.

12. Aviation Museum of N.H.

Just over the line at 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, the Aviation Museum of N.H. covers the state's flying history, with exhibits, a plane-watching program, simulator days and seasonal events such as a Haunted Halloween Hangar.

Good to know: It is close to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, which makes it an easy stop on an arrival or departure day.

Planning a Stay in Manchester

Getting here. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is on the city's south side.
Base yourself near downtown if your plans are mostly the Millyard, the Palace, SNHU Arena and the ballpark; several of them are within walking distance of Elm Street.
Winter has its own list. McIntyre, Dorrs Pond skating and indoor stops like the Currier and SEE make Manchester a year-round city, not just a summer one.

For Manchester Rental Owners

Guests who book in Manchester come for these same places, so a clear guidebook with the museums, venues and parks near your home is worth the effort. New England Host Co manages short-term rentals in Manchester, including a 4-bedroom home with a sauna, and handles listing creation, guest messaging and housekeeping after every stay. See our Manchester Airbnb management page, or compare options in our list of the best Airbnb management companies in Manchester, NH.

FAQ

What Is There to Do in Manchester, NH in Winter?

McIntyre Ski Area has skiing, lessons and snow tubing inside the city, and Dorrs Pond in Livingston Park is cleared for skating when conditions allow. Indoors, the Currier, the Millyard Museum and SEE Science Center are open through the winter.

Can You Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Houses in Manchester?

Yes, by guided tour booked through the Currier Museum of Art, which stewards both the Zimmerman and Kalil houses.

Is Manchester, NH Good for a Weekend Trip?

For a mix of museums, live shows and sports, yes. Many of the main stops are close to downtown, and the Lakes Region and the Seacoast are both within reach for a day trip.

Where Do the Fisher Cats Play?

At Delta Dental Stadium in downtown Manchester. The team is the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Best Things to Do in Manchester, NH