Things To Do In Vermont With Family

Visit The Baby Animals At Billings Farm

Things to do in Stowe Vt, hike up to Trapp Family Lodge cabin

Billings Farm is a must-see attraction in Woodstock, VT. Boasting dairy cows, draft horses, sheep, and many hands-on activities, this is quintessentially Vermont. It is an especially great place to go with kids.

Time your visit for the springtime and you may be in luck to be there for the annual Baby Farm Animal Celebration, which is just as cute as it sounds.

Sample Authentic Vermont Maple Syrup And Savor A Maple Creemee

There is no better place in the United States to sample tasty maple treats than Vermont. Visiting Vermont in the summer on a family vacation? You simply must enjoy a maple creemee. The maple soft-serve ice cream sold at general stores and ice cream shops across the state is unique to Vermont.

Across the state of Vermont, there are many maple sugar houses that offer a walk-through of the traditional method for making maple syrup. Some of these farms are open for families to visit year-round, but the maple sugaring process typically takes place in the spring.

Often visitors can watch a video, go in the sugar house to see the evaporator fed by a few sap lines, and stroll through the maple forest. Of course, many of the maple sugar houses have shops where visitors can sample different types of Vermont maple syrup. Be sure to purchase some maple candies typically shaped like tiny maple leaves!

Want to learn more about places to visit in Vermont with kids to experience maple syrup production? Check out Trekaroos Experiencing Maple Sugar Production in the Northeast.

Visit The Shelburne Museum For Hands

Many of the best places to visit in Vermont are outdoors. However, the state does have a few hands-on, family-friendly museums. Just outside of Burlington, the Shelburne Museum is set up like a small town with more than 30 buildings on 45 acres near Lake Champlain. It is a unique tourist attraction that is primarily dedicated to displaying American art and historic artifacts. But, it is surprisingly kid-friendly.

Children love running from building to building through the gardens, watching the blacksmith, and walking through the circus menagerie of carved animals big and small. Scavenger hunts and kid-friendly activities are available.

Nearby in Burlington on the shores of Lake Champlain children can learn about the ecology of the lake hands-on at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. By observing turtles, digitally navigating the lake, and playing with kinetic sand to model erosion, kids learn through play.

Montshire Museum also offers hands-on experiences with natural and physical sciences, astronomy, ecology and technology through more than 125 exhibits. Located near the Connecticut River, the museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibits for budding young scientific minds.

Kids can conduct activities with air, weather, math and mechanics while interacting with the museums indoor attractions. Outdoors families can walk through an impressive scale model of the solar system.

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Check Out Vermonts Food Scene

If its not fun, why do it? This question was posed by one of the founders ofBen and Jerrys Ice Cream when the duo started their deliciously iconic company. Stop by the factory for a guided tour to get a firsthand account of how all that sweet fun is created.

From the video overview to the look out over the factory floor, your family will get an orientation to how your favorite flavors are created on this factory tour. While youre there, visit the Flavor Graveyard so you can stop mourning for Wavy Gravy, Rainforest Crunch, and other flavors that have gone to the great beyond.

Vermont is also known for its apple cider. Observe the production of hot apple cider donuts and the pressing of fresh apple cider itself at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. You may even get to see crews fire up the evaporator in the jelly room! Established in 1974 in a historic, old Vermont barn, Cold Hollow has become New Englands most famous cider mill. Can you smell the donuts now?

Theres a lot more to eat in Vermont than just ice cream, apple cider donuts, and maple syrup. From cheese to berries to fresh greens, the food in Vermont is fresh, local, and healthy.

The restaurant choices in Burlington,VT can be a bit overwhelming but it is hard to go wrong with so many farm-to-table restaurants right in downtown by the Church Street Marketplace. So, get a burger at Farmhouse Tap & Grill. Or, try out Hotel Vermonts Juniper Restaurant for brunch. Wherever you go, you wont leave hungry!

Get Air Trampoline Park

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Vermont is known for its natural beauty, but there are days when the weather isnt ideal for outdoor events and activities.

What can you do when youre forced indoors?

One idea is to hit up the Get Air Trampoline Park.

Located in Williston, Vermont, its an indoor recreation center with oodles of fun games and activities, so itll be a great way to burn off some energy with the kids while youre in town.

Jump on the trampolines.

Dive into the foam pits.

Play games of dodgeball or slamball.

Theres even a ninja obstacle course if you think that you have what it takes to climb walls, scale monkey bars and clamber across nets and inclined slopes.

Bad weather doesnt have to ruin your Vermont vacation.

If youre wondering what to do or where to go on a rainy day, just make a detour to Get Air Trampoline Park.

Rain or shine, itll provide tons of adrenaline-soaked adventures!

Address: 25 Omega Dr, Williston, VT 05495, United States

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Historical Attractions In Vermont

It’s the Green Mountain State! Vermont is a state that the whole family will fall in love with. It’s sweet farms, it’s beautiful fall colors, the adorable corn mazes and fun petting zoos…plenty of things to do with kids! Vermont is also full of rich history, so get ready for fascinating museums and historical sights. Did you know you could ski in Vermont too? We love snow fun! From mountains, farms, villages and valleys, Vermont has so many kids fun things to do with your family day out!

We love history here at Family Days Out, which is why we LOVE to explore the many historic attractions in Vermont, as they are just so diverse and great for kids!

Kids can really immerse themselves in the history books with a visit to places like Billings Farm and Museum, that dates back to 1871 and still operates today. You can learn all about the Lincoln legacy at Robert Todd Lincolns Hildene, or kids can learn about the traditional cultures and folkarts of the state!

Did you know that there is a REAL castle in Vermont? Yep! Wilson Castle is an architectural masterpiece dating back to the 19th century, and YOU can visit!

Why read a history book when you can live it in person during a family day out? History IS fun, and with the many things to do in Vermont that embrace history, kids can learn that for themselves!

Vermont Institute Of Natural Science Nature Center

Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center

Have you always wanted a hawk to land on your outstretched arm?

Do you think itd be the coolest thing ever to take a selfie with an owl?

Though it primarily functions as an environmental organization, its most famous for its avian rehabilitation, and visitors come from all over the country to see its hawks, raptors, eagles, owls and songbirds.

Take a canopy walk and see the birds flying across the tops of the trees.

Watch a demonstration to observe how theyre fed and handled.

You can even visit the meadows and other outdoor habitats to see additional critters such as turtles and snakes.

Whether youre a long-term animal lover or just a curious traveler whod like to see the raptors up close, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center is one of the niftiest places to visit in Vermont.

Soar to its location as soon as you can!

Address: 149 Natures Way, Quechee, VT 05059, United States

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Ben & Jerrys Flavor Graveyard Waterbury Vt

Deliciously macabre, Ben & Jerrys Flavor Graveyard sits on a hill in back the milk tanks, silently overlooking the 300,000-visitor-a-year factory and touring facility.

This plot exists way to Ben & Jerrys never-ending desire to push the envelope of cream flavors.

Some flavors had an honest run, some died too young, and a few never got off the bottom.

But, reportedly, annually eight to 12 become candidates to be put bent pasture, as it were.

In total, the corporate has laid down around 200 variations, and also the Graveyard that watches over them hosts slightly below 30 graves.

Bike The Kingdom Trails

Visiting Vermont: Things To Do with Family

In Vermont’s remote Northeast Kingdom, there’s an extensive network of multi-use trails that beckons to mountain bikers. Purchase a day pass, and you’ll have access to Kingdom Trails‘ diverse riding options for all ability levels. This non-profit has negotiated legal access to private lands in one of the state’s most scenic natural areas, and you’ll be awed by the care that goes into maintaining these trails.

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Reserve Your Tee Time

Vermont has more than 75 scenic golf courses: some historic, some modern. Opportunities to play nine or 18 holes are scattered statewide, but you’ll find the highest concentrations of courses in resort destinations like Stowe and Killington. Mild summer temperatures make Vermont an ideal place to golf. While some of the state’s top-rated courses are open only to members, there are plenty of gorgeous public golf courses in Vermont that you can play including the Equinox Golf Resort & Spa’s mountainside course, designed by Walter Travis in 1926 with 1991 updates by Rees Jones.

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

Exuding all the charm and fascination of an old-time Victorian museum, without the mustiness, the museum endowed by the owner of Fairbanks Scales covers subjects from Vermont wildflowers to the mysteries of the universe.

The 1891 building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, exhibits many of the usual things you’d expect mounted birds and animals, Native American stone tools, Civil War memorabilia as well as many delightful surprises. Take, for example, the bizarre collection of Victorian portraits of Washington, Lincoln, and others formed entirely of bugs and beetles.

Vermonters love visiting the live broadcast studio for their favorite weather report, Eye on the Sky. Downstairs is a hands-on nature center with wasp hives, frogs, iguanas, and creepy things kids love. Planetarium programs examine the sky above St. Johnsbury and beyond.

Across the street is the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, whose Art Gallery was added in 1873, making it the oldest art gallery in the United States still in its original form. The collection features American and European artists from the late 18th- to mid-19th century.

These and other outstanding examples of Victorian architecture on Main St. are described in a walking tour map of the street, available at the museum.

Address: 1302 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont

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See The Lincoln Family Home Hildene In Manchester

If youre a fan of presidential history or pretty old houses, you are sure to love Hildene. This property belonged to Abraham Lincolns son Robert Todd Lincoln. Not only does the site boast a magnificent home that you can tour, there are also verdant gardens, breathtaking mountain views, and a working goat farm. Hildene also has a fantastic gift shop, for grabbing your Vermont souvenirs.

Burlington ‘halloween Howl’ Haunted Hayrides

When: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Oct. 23.

Where: North Beach campground, Burlington.

More information: The family-friendly hayride event features “spectacular spooks, creeps, and fun scenes,” according to Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront. While kids wait their turn, they can get their face painted or have their fortune read. Admission is $5, and registering in advance will secure a spot on the wagon. Masks are required on the hayride. Visit enjoyburlington.com/event/halloween-howl for more information.

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Why Go On A Vermont Family Staycation Or Vacation Next Spring

If you like farms, cheese, and ice cream, there are really cool tours you plan during your Vermont family vacation. There are farm tour options via Vermont Farm Tours where you can learn how to make cheese and see farms around the Shelburne, Vermont area. The Cabot Creamery and Ben & Jerrys Factory are also both located in Vermont. The Cabot Visitors Center is in Cabot, Vermont, which features activities like cheese tastings and product displays. Additionally, the Ben & Jerrys Factory in Waterbury, Vermont offers a guided factory tour and products shop.

Another destination that can be fun in the springtime is The Equinox, which is a hotel, luxury golf resort, and spa. This is a relaxing place where you can get away while also staying close to the Manchester Designer Outlets and the town of Manchester itself.

Lastly, another place to visit in the spring is the college town of Burlington, VT. This is the home of the University of Vermont, which has great shopping, dining, and scenery. While it is a decent drive from some of the towns previously listed, it makes a great day trip. It also lies on the shore of Lake Champlain, which provides more springtime activities.

Hiking In Stowe Vt Enjoy One Of Stowes Many Scenic Trails

Stowe, known for its natural beauty, offers world class trails ranging from easy to expert. Hiking is a popular summer activity around Stowe, and with over 40 trails to choose from its easy to see why. For some of the best hikes in Stowe, VT try:

  • For short, gentle trails try the Wiessner Woods or Kirchner Woods trails.
  • For a leisurely sunset walk, take the Sunset Rock Trail
  • For spectacular views and a more challenging hike, climb the Stowe Pinnacle Trail
  • For waterfalls explore Bingham Falls, Moss Glen Falls Trail or Sterling Gorge Falls

To do justice to all the trails would require multiple posts, but I will highlight a couple below.

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Give Atv Riding A Whirl

If you’ve never been on an all-terrain vehicle , NEK Adventures will introduce you to this adventurous summer pastime. Their guided ATV tours, which depart from Concord, Vermont, take place at a sightseeing pace and rumble through remote areas you’d probably never see without a four-wheeler beneath you. Participants must be 18 years old .

Check Out The Old Round Church

5 Best Things to Do in Vermont, New England | US Travel Guide

Round buildings are really interesting, and Vermont is home to a few. The Old Round Church in Richmond is a historic site.

Technically not round, the Old Round Church is a sixteen-sided town meeting hall and place of worship built in 1812-1813. Its definitely worth a visit, simply because it is so unique and photogenic, but also essential for history buffs.

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Grandma Moses Exhibit Bennington Vt

The Bennington Museum holds the most important collection of Grandma Moses paintings within the world.

Anna Mary Robertson Moses, Grandma, though not until much later in life came into the world on the year Abe Lincoln was assassinated.

She was a self-taught artist who began painting at the ripe adulthood of 78, and he or she was best known for her artistic contributions of works depicting the simple farm life.

Bring Your Canine Pal To Dog Mountain

One of the quirkier Vermont tourist attractions out there is Dog Mountain. I havent yet been to this canine mecca, but I am anxious to go.

Dog Mountain is a private mountaintop spot in St. Johnsbury that belonged to artist Stephen Huneck. Today, it houses a gallery, a dog chapel, and hosts several events throughout the year. Dogs are always welcome on the property to run free and enjoy the sights alongside their human companions.

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Gold Brook Covered Bridge Aka Emilys Bridge

Gold Brook Covered Bridge, Stowe, Vermont

If you are looking for a ghostly encounter, the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, more commonly known as Emilys Bridge should be on your list of things to do in Stowe, Vermont.

Legend has it that the bridge is haunted by a girl named Emily, who died there. Stories vary as to how she died, and there is no evidence she was actually a real person. However many people claim to hear strange noises, such as footsteps, and a girl screaming.

This small, covered wooden bridge was built in 1844 over the Gold Brook and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Take A Brewery Road Trip

Beer should be a part of your essential Vermont activities without a doubt. We have so much amazing craft beer here in VT. Our biggest city, Burlington, is home to a great many of these breweries, but there are dozens more scattered throughout the state. A perfect excuse for a New England road trip.

Check out some of the best breweries in Burlington.

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Have A Summertime Adventure At A Ski Resort

During the summer months, Vermonts ski resorts turn into mountain playgrounds with mountain biking, zip lining, aerial adventure courses, climbing walls, and mountain coasters.

When the temperatures heat up in New Englands cities along the coast, these mountain resorts offer spectacular views of the mountains with a cool breeze.

In the summer months, ski trails turn into a massive bike park. Killington offers more than 30 miles of trails and a 2-hourLearn to Mountain Bike lesson that includes a bike rental and lift tickets. These lessons are family-friendly.

Parents and kids are paired with an experienced instructor. Instructors begin with the basics of how to properly apply the brakes on a mountain bike with full suspension then move on to teaching proper positioning and turning.

In just a couple hours, youll be riding down the easiest green trails. Believe me, I gave it a try, I survived, and Im looking forward to hitting the trails again soon with my 9 year old.

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