Family & Kids
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.
Vermont is for Families
Go along with Kina Pickett and his family of four as they road trip to Vermont, Pickett’s home, in an old Airstream, visiting the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, walking along a scenic beach, picking flowers, and exploring local food together.
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.
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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.
Read More about SkiingLearn MoreVermont 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.
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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.
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Vermont’s 800+ lakes and ponds beckon families to play on the beach and swim in the water all day.
Read More about Swimming Learn MoreMountain 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.
Read More about Mountain BikingLearn MoreThings 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.
ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Learn about the species that call Lake Champlain home and efforts to conserve this natural ecosystem.
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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.
Read More about Vermont Institute of Natural Science Learn MorePump 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.
Read More about Pump House Waterpark at Jay Peak Learn MoreVermont Teddy Bear
Tour the Vermont Teddy Bear factory and build your own teddy bear at this location in Shelburne.
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The power of play fosters curiosity and exploration in young kids with puzzle, reading, and clay modeling exhibits.
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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.
Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium
A combination natural science museum, history museum, and Vermont’s only public planetarium.
Read More about Fairbanks Museum and PlanetariumLearn MoreShelburne Museum
More than 150,000 exhibited works span 39 historic buildings on the museum’s expansive grounds.
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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.
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A working farm highlighting historic Vermont agriculture with a museum, live demonstrations, farm animals, and a seasonal sunflower house.
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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.
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.
Learn More about Vermont State FactsVermont 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.
Kids Coloring Sheet
Color in scenes from Vermont life, including mountains, maple syrup, and farm animals, in this free coloring sheet.
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