Review of Ice Castles, Lincoln, NH

Ice Castles, Lincoln, NH

1. DRESS WARM: This should be a no-brainer but you’d be surprised at what people do for the perfect selfie! Ice = Cold. Make sure you wear a warm coat, hat, and gloves. Snow Pants are a good idea if you will be using the ice slides.

2. WEAR BOOTS: If my toes are cold then I am miserable. Make your time more enjoyable by wearing warm cotton socks and insulated boots. Boots with good traction is best since it gets slippery when it is slushy.

3. BUY TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME: Even though they offer a limited number of standby tickets, I would not take the chance of being turned away at the gate. Buying your tickets ahead of time ensures you will get in. During peak season, tickets can sell out days in advance.

4. SHOW UP ON TIME: It’s common courtesy that if you are expected to be somewhere at a certain time, that’s when you show up. You are assigned a 30-minute time slot to show up, so please show up at that time.

5. NO STROLLERS: Pushing a stroller through the Ice Castles on a slushy day is like pushing one through sand. Your best bet is to bring a sled to pull your little ones around.

6. RULES: Have a chat with kids before you get there about the rules of the castles. They should not be running while inside the castle and they should not be trying to climb up the walls.

7. CONCESSION STAND: Feel like having a snack? Make sure you stop by the concession stand to warm up with some coffee or hot chocolate and nibble on something sweet. Warm cinnamon buns were screaming our name.

8. SHOWS & CHARACTERS: On weekends you can meet Elsa or even stay for a fire show! Make sure you check the website for times.

9. TALK TO THE STAFF: The staff were so warm and welcoming and were pleased to answer questions. We stopped to talk to one staff member who was chipping ice into the shape of a tree.

Another staff member explained how they begin to make the structure and called themselves icicle farmers. They used great metaphors so the kids could understand the science behind why icicles don’t fall down like they would fall off of a roof.

10. ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE CASTLE: The structure weighs about 25,000,000 pounds with walls as thick as 10’. The blue ice sparkles like glass and there is a surprise around every corner. There are endless photo opportunities and it is an Instagramer’s dream!