Nature Centers for Kids in New Hampshire

Ruggles Mine

Ruggles Mine bills itself as "The Mine in the Sky" - after making the trip up the mountain in first gear you are sure to agree! But it is definitely worth the trip, for both the view and the nifty rocks you and the kids can find and take home. Each person is allowed 2 trips out of the mine once you enter, so bring old backpacks, buckets, and your own hammers. The trip down to the bottom of the open mine and back is truly a HIKE, especially if you are carrying lots of rocks, so keep this in mind. My little one made it at 3.5 years old (above, in the header photo) , but it was a tough climb--maybe moreso for mom! I recommend this trip for older kids who can handle the hike and who have at least some interest in science. There was a great guide there when we went who spent a lot of time with us explaining the differences between the types of stone and some of the history of the mine.

Address: Off Route 4 at the Village Green, Grafton, NH (and waaaaay up a mountain)
Phone: 603-523-4275
Season: Weekends: May - early June, Daily: mid-June - mid-October
Admission: $20 for 12 and older, children 4-11 $10
Website: www.rugglesmine.com