7 Rainy Day Activities to do in the Upper Valley during Summer Break

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Rainy days have the ability to turn my children into the most stir-crazy beings I know. A rainy day during summer break takes the insanity to a whole new level. I had to come up with a plan and some rainy day activities for my kiddos!

Our children are outside as much as possible, and when the weather doesn’t cooperate it can make them downright miserable. Finding activities that not only engage them but also educate them as well is key when we have rainy during our summer break. This mama does not want to suffer!

That’s not to say we don’t spend time outside when it rains. In fact, we love the rain so much that we frequently enjoy a walk or short play time outside in the rain because what’s better than jumping in the puddles with your boots on? Rainy days happen to be some of our favorites.

yellow rain boots, puddle jumpingI know, however, that not everyone particularly enjoys the rain, and sometimes you just need special rainy day activities for your children to enjoy.

I’ve compiled a list of seven rainy day activities for your kids to do in the Upper Valley during summer break:

1. Montshire Museum of Science

The Montshire Museum of Science is a hands-on science museum in Norwich, VT. This is a great place to learn about native wildlife, to make bubbles, and to participate in make-your-own/ self-guided learning about science and nature.

We’ve been going here since our kids were born. Our visits have tapered off in the last few years as the kids are outgrowing it a bit, but our family membership was worth it when they were younger.

boy plays on colorful puzzle wall

The 100-acre site features both interior and exterior exhibits, along with several trails to hike and explore.

2. Upper Valley Aquatic Center

The Upper Valley Aquatic Center is a family-friendly swimming venue in White River Junction, VT. It’s the location of many birthday parties we’ve attended over the years and my kids’ swimming lessons.

The UVAC has a competition pool in one section, and another swimming area that holds the waterslide, splash park, and warm water pool.

An indoor pool is one of the best rainy day activities!

They also have a fitness center and classes available.

3. Northern Stage

Northern Stage is a professional theater company located in White River Junction, VT.

You’ll want to check their calendar for event dates and times and do note that some shows are best for older children.

I will give one alternative that is not in Vermont, but rather just over the river in Hanover, NH. Much like Northern Stage, Hanover, NH is home to the Hopkins Center for the Arts right on the Dartmouth Campus and often has shows that are targeted for a younger audience. Again, you’ll want to check their calendar for event dates and times.

4. Vermont Institute of Natural Science

VINS is an environmental education and wildlife conservation center in Quechee, VT. In addition to engaging exhibits, they also provide rehabilitation for injured birds.

The center includes live bird and reptile exhibits as well as hiking trails and environmental education programs that are suitable for all ages. And while it is located outdoors, it’s still rainy day friendly with covered exhibits and treetop canopy covered trails.

5. Tip Top Pottery

Tip Top Pottery is an adorable pottery studio located in downtown White River Junction, VT.

Tip Top Pottery offers summer camps for children over 8, but they also have open studio hours for everyone. This is one of our favorite things to do when we have run out of ideas. The children love picking out the pieces of pottery that they want to paint and making their own decisions about colors and patterns. The hardest part for my kids is the wait to get the pieces back- as it takes up to two weeks before you can pick up your glazed and fired pottery pieces.  Our finished pottery always amazes us every time we pick them up.

girl painting pottery

6. Sugarbush Farm

Sugarbush Farm is a cheese and maple syrup farm location in Woodstock, VT — need I say more?

Take a drive down a scenic dirt road just outside the downtown of Woodstock, VT and at the end of the road, you’ll find this 500-acre farm.

Admission is free and they are open year round. You can enjoy farm animals in the warmer months and the trails for the maple trees any time of the year.

They also have a store that is stocked with locally made goodies, 15 types of cheese to sample, and 4 grades of maple syrup. You enter the store where they package the cheese and can enjoy a few moments watching them perform the wax wrapping process.

7. King Arthur Flour

King Arthur Flour is a bakery cafe and store located in Norwich, VT. They offer a variety of baking classes at the baking school but are just as fun for a quick visit. This one has such sentimental value to me as I remember going here with my mom as a child. It’s changed so much over the years and is no longer that small one-room building (that is no longer there).

You can shop at the store and visit the bakery before you leave. They have a flour mill where children can see grains being milled, all while watching the bakers do their work through the big windows. Our daughter always finds a new kitchen gadget that she has to have when we visit.

There really is so much to do on the Vermont side of the Upper Valley that you can’t go wrong. If you are looking for something low key, you could also choose to visit any of the beautiful town libraries, or the handful of hiking trails nearby.

Living right on the Vermont / New Hampshire border, I’m lucky to have plenty of options for fun and indoor rainy days nearby.

rainy day activities in the Upper Valley, VT

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