Vermont is a beautiful place for kids and families. The state is well known for its abundance of nature, outdoorsy adventures, and picturesque landscapes. If you are looking to get out and about with your children during the summer or as winter approaches, I have compiled a list of some of the best places in Vermont that are great for just that!
In no particular order, here are my top ones:
Stowe
This charming town has plenty to offer families with something for everyone. From skiing in winter to hiking on the Appalachian Trail in summer, it’s easy to stay active while enjoying the scenic views from Mount Mansfield. Stowe is also home to the Waterbury Sports Park, which offers adults a chance to play tennis, basketball, or golf. For a family-friendly activity, try miniature golf or go for a walk at the nature center. The Latchis Theatre in downtown Stowe has plenty of kid-friendly performances throughout the year and is a great place for families to get together.
Burlington
North of Stowe in Vermont’s state capital, is a diverse community that’s perfect for families looking for outdoor activities year-round. The city hosts several festivals throughout the summer, including the Vermont Summer Festival and the Greater Burlington Festival of Fools. The Burlington ArtsFest is a month-long celebration featuring lots of performing arts, including live theatre, music, dance, and comedy. The Vermont Statehouse is also an important part of the city, with programs and exhibits for kids of all ages. Burlington’s waterfront can be explored by boat or bicycle and offers spectacular views of Lake Champlain.
Montpelier
This state capital is rich in history, from its colonial architecture to the unique sculptures at the Statehouse. During the year, families can visit Colonial Williamsburg and Brattleboro Historic Village that showcase American history and culture through colonial-era houses, museums, gardens, mills, and more. The Montpelier Family Adventure Park offers free admission to over 40 interactive exhibits. The Vermont State Parks offer miles of trails for hiking and camping in the beautiful Green Mountains.
Richmond
Just north of Burlington is a town where history comes to life with more than 40 museums, historic sites, and historic buildings. The Vermont Statehouse is a great place for kids to learn about Vermont’s long history and culture through an audio-visual program, art projects, and more. The Zion Church in Richmond was placed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its significance as one of the most significant buildings built between 1741-1753. It’s also home to the Church’s old cemetery with headstones dating back to the early 1800s. The Children’s Museum of Richmond is another must-see attraction for kids.
Bennington
This town in southern Vermont offers a glimpse at colonial history from its town Green, historic buildings, and museums. There’s also plenty of outdoor activities for families, including hiking, biking, and camping. The annual Vermont Renaissance Faire offers food, fun, and entertainment for all ages, including magic shows, music concerts, jousting tournaments, and family games that make it a great place for kids.
Stowe Mountain Lodge
Located just outside Stowe, this lodge is a perfect spot to get away from the city for a little while. With 320 acres of property with numerous ski slopes, eight different kinds of trails, and a full ski and services center, this place is ideal for families. You can also enjoy snow tubing, a Cross Country Ski Center, a Nordic ski center, and a snowshoe center.
The Woodstock Inn & Resort
Dating back to 1789, Woodstock’s beautiful resort offers numerous activities for the whole family. With an indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, tennis courts, and horseback riding available on-site, you’ll never run out of things to do on your vacation. Plus, the resort is located right in the middle of town where you can enjoy shopping at their shops or those at other nearby stores.
Kingdom Trails
Located just outside of Bristol, this area is a biker’s paradise with over 500 miles of trails available to all skill levels. You can even take a guided tour on two different bike routes for the more adventurous families out there.
The Flume Trail
Located outside of Burlington, this trail is a year-round outdoor adventure for all ages. From snowshoeing to mountain biking, this trail offers something for everyone and is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore.
As you can see, there are lots of great places to visit in Vermont, especially for families. It’s no wonder why it has been named the best state for raising kids.
