14 Popular Things to Do in Vermont with Kids
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When you think of Vermont, what do you think of? Ski mountains? Lakes? Maple syrup? It’s true that those are all some of the top things to do in Vermont with kids, but that is just the beginning.
Though the state is small, the list of things to do in Vermont with kids (and without) is long. Whether you’re visiting summer, spring, winter, or fall, we’ve rounded up the best kid activities in Vermont to ensure that you have an exciting, eventful trip that the entire family will remember.
If you’re local to Vermont, we’ve also made note of some activities that are popular throughout the year for families.
Related Post: Awesome Family-Friendly Things to Do in Bennington, VT
Get on (or in) the Water
Though Lake Champlain is perhaps the most well-known, there are over 800 lakes in the tiny state of Vermont. Wherever you are in Vermont, it’s a guarantee that there’s water close by, and one of the best things to do in Vermont with kids is to enjoy it.
Splash around, kayak, try stand-up paddleboarding, or, if you’re adventurous, wakeboarding. Some resorts, like Basin Harbor Resort, will provide water toys for the guests and even have trampolines in the lake for the kids.
Learn to Ski and Hit the Slopes
When you think of things to do in Vermont in winter, skiing is probably one of the first things to cross your mind. It’s why most people visit Vermont in the winter, and with good reason.
But don’t worry – you and the kids don’t need to be pro-skiers to enjoy Vermont in the winter. Learning to ski together can be a great opportunity for family bonding. Many top ski resorts in Vermont, like Smuggler’s Notch in Jeffersonville, VT, offer lessons and designated kid ski areas.
Not a fan of skiing? Give snowboarding a try instead.
Drive Through a Covered Bridge
There is almost nothing more quintessentially Vermont than covered bridges. They remind us of a time gone by, but many still stand all over Vermont.
There is something magical and purely New England about covered bridges, no matter the time of year. Whether beautifully restored and maintained or a bit more rustic, driving or walking through a covered bridge is something the whole family should experience at least once.
Learn About History, Ecology, and Archeology at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
There is much to learn at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes, VT. For example, did you know there are over 40 shipwrecks in the lake?
If you are a family of divers, you can even explore some of them. For those who don’t dive, you can see replicas of some of the sunken ships in the museum and exhibits on Prohibition, Women’s Suffrage, and more.
The Maritime Museum is closed during the winter. For those local to the area, check out the different events and clubs they offer for kids and teenagers.
Pick Apples at Scott Farm
At the top of the list of things to do in Vermont in the fall is heading to an orchard to pick your own apples! Scott Farm Orchard, located in Dummerston, Vermont, is one of many apple orchards in the state.
Each of their PYO (pick-your-own) orchards feature several varieties of apples, including McIntosh, Cortland, Gala, and Honeycrisp. Two varieties of peaches are also available to pick.
Each variety ripens at a different time, so a visit anytime between Labor Day and mid-to-end of October should be prime-time for some apple picking!
Visit the Bear Hospital at Vermont Teddy Bear
A visit to Vermont Teddy Bear in Shelburne, VT. begins in the Bear Shop, where you can choose to create your own teddy bear, then continues on a tour of the property. You’ll get to see how each bear is handmade and then visit the Bear Hospital and meet Dr. Nancy, who helps stitch up any broken bears.
This is a fun tour for everyone, even more so if your child has a teddy bear friend to bring along.
Taste Some of the Best Ice Cream in the World
Waterbury, VT. is home to the famous Ben & Jerry’s Factory, where you can take a tour to see how their delectable ice cream is made. In addition to a tour, you can taste a sample of one of their flavors, visit the cafe, buy a souvenir at the gift shop, and visit the Flavor Graveyard.
The Flavor Graveyard is a spot on the hill that honors the now-retired ice cream flavors from Ben & Jerry’s past.
In addition to the ice cream goodness, the views and beautiful surroundings are almost worth the visit alone.
Learn About Maple Syrup at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
Vermont is famous for maple syrup, so it’s only fitting to plan a visit to a farm and sugarhouse. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, a local icon that’s been passed down, is located in Montpelier, VT., and welcomes visitors year-round.
During a visit to the farm, you can learn about maple syrup, visit the sugarhouse and meet Rex and James, the resident goats.
See the Eclectic Collection of Art at Shelburne Museum
Of all the museums in Vermont, the one with the largest variety of exhibits and collections is the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, VT. Their exhibits rotate frequently, so check their calendar to see what is happening at the museum.
Depending on their interests, kids may be interested in their permanent collections on everything from circus collections to toys and dolls.
But perhaps the most unique thing about the Shelburne Museum is its collection of buildings. Over 39 buildings, ranging from houses, barns, schoolhouses, and even a lighthouse, can be found on the property.
Most of these buildings had been relocated to the museum as historic examples of architecture.
Learn to Mountain Bike at Killington Resort
Looking for something fun and active to do during the summer? Brush up your mountain bike skills at Killington Resort in Killington, VT. While Killington is a top ski destination during the winter months, during the summer months, it’s perfect for hitting the trails on a bike.
As a family-friendly activity, they offer a 2-hour “Learn to Mountain Bike” course that’s perfect for the whole family. It’s open to everyone six years of age and up.
Once you learn the ropes, you can head out on some of the property’s 30 miles of bike trails!
Relax in the Sun at North Beach
Located in Burlington, North Beach is the largest and most family-friendly beach. You’ll find lifeguards posted during the summer months and activities like kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards available.
Pack a picnic or grab something from a food concession stand. There’s also a playground if the kids get bored playing in the sand.
Have Some Hands-On Fun at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
One of Vermont’s best activities for kids is visiting the interactive ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington, VT. Here the exhibits are designed not just for children to look at but for them to interact with.
The Early Learning exhibit is perfect for toddlers. At the same time, everyone can enjoy learning about everything from lake weather and invasive species to how to be an engineer at the Engineer It exhibit.
New temporary exhibits frequently open, so if you’re local, take a peek at their site every so often.
This is just one of the many fun things to do in Burlington, VT with kids.
Bike Along the Burlington Greenway
Head to the Burlington Greenway in Burlington for a more relaxed family bike ride. This mostly flat trail runs for 8 miles along Lake Champlain.
There are plenty of spots to take a break at the beach and even jump in the water, so pack a lunch and head out for a relaxing bike ride.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a local just looking for new kid activities in Vermont or plan on passing through on vacation, these ideas will ensure you have a good time in the Green Mountain State!
More Fun Things to Do in Northern New England
If you enjoyed these popular things to do in Vermont with kids, check out these other amazing things to do with kids in northern New England.
