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Family & Kids

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A family stands next to a pond looking down at the water.

Two children, holding hands, splashing in a shallow river in a forest.

A Classic for a Reason

A Family Vacation in Vermont

There’s a reason Vermont tops the list for New England family vacations. Summer’s long days beg to be explored outdoors by all ages and ability levels, whether that means a bike ride, a camping trip, swimming in a lake, or simply gathering around a bonfire together. Fall is a great time to take the whole family to a Vermont farm to pick produce, meet farm animals, and learn skills like butter churning and basket weaving. When the snow falls, the state transforms into a playground perfect for a winter family vacation, with slopes and ski and ride lessons for learners, and other activities like tubing, an indoor waterpark, and more.

New Family Experiences on Vermont’s Slopes

Introducing kids to skiing teaches them lifetime skills and adds another layer of fun on the slopes for parents. Here’s what sets Vermont apart as a ski destination for families.

Ways to Play Outdoors

Vermont’s mountains, rivers, lakes, and trails are a playground for family members of all ages. There are so many ways to get kids in touch with the natural world that surrounds them in Vermont, from hiking and biking to getting out there on skis.

Hiking

A checkpoint or scenic view is a real milestone when a family hikes together. Rail trails, accessible boardwalks, a path that crosses Lake Champlain, and sensory trails to explore mean hiking is accessible for all ages.

Swimming

Vermont’s 800+ lakes and ponds beckon families to play on the beach and swim in the water all day.

Vermont State Parks

Vermont’s 55 state parks remain open year round, offering amenities like beaches, camping, hiking trails, boat rentals, a swimming pool with a lifeguard, places to cook out, and more.

Fishing

Fishing is a great way to forge strong family bonds and make memories, all while bringing home dinner. Fishing clinics, derbies, and lessons can help new anglers hone their skills.

Skiing

Skiing and riding are the makings for a great family winter vacation. Kids in the fifth grade can ski for less at participating ski resorts with Ski Vermont’s Fifth Grade Passport program. Learning hills and lessons make the sport fun for every age, and some even offer night skiing.

Mountain Biking

Pump tracks, lift-served mountain biking, and networks like Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Kingdom Trails, and Cady Hill Forest mean there’s mountain biking available for learning little ones to shredding teens.

Things to Do For Families

Almost everything in Vermont is family-friendly, and many attractions were designed and built with kids in mind. Learn about Vermont’s ecosystems, build your own Vermont teddy bears, and more.

Vermont Teddy Bear

Tour the Vermont Teddy Bear factory and build your own teddy bear at this location in Shelburne.

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

This science and nature museum, located on the Burlington waterfront, offers over 100 interactive exhibits, 70 live species native to Lake Champlain, and an immersive 3D theater. While you’re there, check out the largest sculpture of Champ, the legendary lake monster.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science

See raptors up close, learn about Vermont’s wildlife, and see views of the Ottauquechee River from the height of a bald eagle’s nest on a fully accessible boardwalk.

Pump House Waterpark at Jay Peak

Four waterslides, including La Chute, which starts with an almost vertical drop, a lazy river, and more water attractions at Vermont’s only indoor waterpark.

The Great Vermont Corn Maze

Danville’s Great Vermont Corn Maze is New England’s largest, comprising 24 acres of winding paths, including 100 bridges and an underground tunnel. Open from the end of July through mid-October, discover family-friendly attractions like friendly goats, a play area, barnyard golf, and more.

Wonderfeet Kids Museum

The power of play fosters curiosity and exploration in young kids with puzzle, reading, and clay modeling exhibits.

Museums for Kids

Hands-on learning is one of the best ways for kids to gain a natural grasp on scientific and historic concepts. Vermont’s museums offer interactive exhibits for family members of all ages to explore, learn, and get curious.

Shelburne Museum

More than 150,000 exhibited works span 39 historic buildings on the museum’s expansive grounds.

Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium

A combination natural science museum, history museum, and Vermont’s only public planetarium.

Billings Farm and Museum

A working farm highlighting historic Vermont agriculture with a museum, live demonstrations, farm animals, and a seasonal sunflower house.

Montshire Museum of Science

Take a break from all that outdoor fun and discover new worlds of wonder, like those found at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, focusing on interactive exhibits to teach kids about scientific concepts.

Two circus performers dressed in bright shiny colors on a unicycle, one on the shoulders of the other.

Four brightly dressed Circus performers on a stage, all balancing on one bent arm and facing in different directions.

Under the Big Top

This old-fashioned Big Top Circus will delight the whole family with clown performances, dance, juggling, and more. Kids can even attend workshops at Circus Smirkus in Greensboro to learn circus arts.

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Vermont State Facts

Did you know Vermont’s state bird is the hermit thrush, and that the state has its very own fossil reef? Learn more facts about the Green Mountain State, including the origin of that name, here.

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Vermont is Accessible for the Whole Family

Vermont’s natural beauty is best enjoyed together. Get to know Chase and his family and see how Vermont Adaptive creates opportunities for every body to get outside and ride bikes, paddle, sail, hike, play tennis, and more.

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Kids Coloring Sheet

Color in scenes from Vermont life, including mountains, maple syrup, and farm animals, in this free coloring sheet.

Download The Sheet