8 Things to Do in Nashua, New Hampshire

Trying new things is good for your brain and releases dopamine, which can increase your sense of happiness. New activities can help you discover more favorite hobbies, develop new strengths, make new friends, and experience feelings of excitement, curiosity and wonder. 

If you haven’t tried anything new in a while, there’s no better time than right now! If you’re wondering what to do in Nashua, New Hampshire, we’ve got an eclectic list of eight fun locations to get you started. Skim on through to find the perfect way to spend your next solo, friend group or family-friendly weekend. 

Spyglass Brewing Company

Looking for things to do in Nashua for adults? At this innovative artisan brewery, you can enjoy delicious food and 32 different draft beers brewed on location. Although it’s worth visiting just for the beer, Spyglass Brewing Company also hosts fun events throughout the week. 

Enjoy live music, art workshops, trivia and more! Just check the company’s calendar to see what’s coming up. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed at this location — so if you’re looking for an activity with your furry friend, you’ll want to reference some of the other options on this list. 

Key To Escape 

Put your brain together with friends and enjoy a high-adrenaline escape room at Key To Escape in Nashua. This venue has four unique escape rooms, and some are ideal for kids as young as 10. At this location, groups are always private and you never play with strangers — perfect for friend and family bonding!

Key To Escape is open Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. If you’d like to go on a weekday morning, they can open for you by appointment. This escape room venue has solid reviews and is the perfect way to expend some mental energy with friends.

Axel’s Throw House

Axe-throwing at Axel’s Throw House is another high-adrenaline activity that’s perfect for a fun night out in Nashua. This axe-throwing venue has taken the experience to a whole new level, with a premier lounge area, food and beer in-house, and a variety of game options. It’s the perfect place for an exciting date night or time destressing after work with friends. 

Because this venue is so much fun, it was recognized in 2023 as the Best of the Best for group outings and friendly competition by New Hampshire’s largest weekly newspaper, The Hippo. If you come on Friday nights, you can enjoy karaoke and axe-throwing at the same time. Axel’s axeperts make sure everyone stays safe and has a fabulous time! 

Time To Clay 

This fun art studio has been operating out of Nashua for more than two decades. Visitors can try their hand at glass fusing, throwing clay on the pottery wheel, resin pouring, pottery painting and more. You can walk in during their weekly hours, but reserving a spot is suggested, especially if you go on a weekend.

To attend a class, you can check Time To Clay’s event calendar and sign up ahead of time. All supplies are included for classes and walk-ins. The pricing is affordable, making this a fun outing for anyone who loves to be creative! This venue is kid- and adult-friendly. 

The Butterfly Place 

If you’re looking for things to do near Nashua for kids, look no further than The Butterfly Place. Located just 20 minutes south in Westford, Massachusetts, this indoor botanic garden is full of free-flying butterflies. Bring your family to enjoy the peace, beauty and wonder of nature! There’s also an educational video on butterflies and an outdoor eating area. 

In addition to colorful butterflies, you’ll find koi fish and quail birds enjoying the garden. To keep the butterflies happy, the space is kept at 80-85 degrees. The Butterfly Place is open from Valentine’s Day through Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Nashua River Rail Trail

If you want something more low-key to do this weekend, consider exploring the Nashua River Rail Trail. Located 15 minutes from Nashua’s city center, this rail trail goes south into Massachusetts and extends more than 12 miles. You can find several parking areas along this route that give you access to different sections of the trail. 

The Nashua River Rail Trail is an awesome place to enjoy biking, walking your dog or getting some exercise while you chat with a friend. Because the foliage is so beautiful here in the fall, autumn is a prime time to plan a visit. However, this area is pretty year-round, and there’s always the possibility of seeing new plant and animal species while you’re there. 

Mill No. 5

If you love shopping, coffee and farmers markets, Mill No. 5 will be a dream come true. This fully indoor market has a variety of fun things to do with friends and family and is an excellent place to spend a free weekend. You’ll find this fun location just 30 minutes south of Nashua in Lowell, Massachusetts. 

The shops in Mill No. 5 are decorated with salvaged storefronts for a great vibe. In addition to independent shopping and good food, you can also enjoy a show at The Luna Theater or attend one of the events frequently hosted in this space. Events include trivia, open mic nights, vintage markets and more. 

Canobie Lake Park 

Families and friends looking for an exciting way to enjoy the nice weather can visit Canobie Lake Park, an amusement park just 30 minutes east of Nashua in Salem, New Hampshire. This venue combines all the fun of a waterpark, thrill rides, arcade games and more with tons of different rides and attractions. 

Enjoy the park on its own or attend a special event, like fireworks or live music. Check the park’s calendar to plan your trip, and make sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time online for weekend visits. This park fills up fast in the summer months and is open through the first Saturday in November. 

Try Something New at Axel’s Throw House

If you’re looking for indoor things to do in Nashua, New Hampshire, check out Axel’s Throw House for a fun bonding experience with friends or family! Our axeperts will help you perfect your throw, ensuring a good time for beginners and those who’ve been axe-throwing before. We’ve worked hard to make our venue stand out — offering a full ambience with food, music and comfortable seating. 

When you visit us, you’ll experience the very best in axe-throwing. Our throwing lanes are designed to avoid bounce-back and only accommodate one person at a time, enhancing safety. We love the community of Nashua and are thrilled to offer this fun opportunity for community gatherings. 

Book your next adventure with us today!