This is a great hike, either in April to watch (or participate in) skiing, late July to still see snow, the fall to get the colors, or winter to take in a great winter hike. Views are great, it is a beautiful area, and if you plan properly, this is really a safe hike. Able bodied 7-8 year olds can handle the warm weather hike (all the way up the ravine to the top of Mt. Washington and back down to Pinkham Notch). In the summer, there is a large waterfall in the center of the ravine. You can hike up the ravine, hike to the top of Mt. Washington (my recommendation is the Crawford Path (the AT) up the back side), hike back down (recommendation: the Boott Spur is a great hike) and drive back to Boston in one day. Leave early (5am), start heading home around 4pm, stop for pizza with the kids (and feel your limbs aching), and be home by 8-9 or so.

 More on this hike when I have time.