School is out and summer has begun! Which means it’s only a matter of time until you hear those words that can drive any momma crazy – “I’m bored!” We are here to rescue you from those dreadful words with our Ultimate Vermont Summer Guide full of ideas for some family fun!
We’ve done the research and we’re taking you straight through the summer with 90+ ideas for summer outings and endless family fun.
Airport Park– A great park in Colchester with a toddler and a big kid playground! Close to the bike path for additional fun.
Arts Riot– Unwind at the end of the week and take the family for dinner and live music at Arts Riot on Pine Street. Every Friday from 5-10pm, take the night off from cooking and have a great time visiting local food trucks with your family.
Audubon Center– This outdoor nature center is located in Huntington and is wonderful as an unscheduled day-trip, or if you want to attend one of their educational events.
Barrio Bakery– Cookie Decorating at Barrio Bakery in Burlington from 10-11am every Wednesday!
Battery Park Free Concert Series– Thursday evenings in July, beginning at 6:30 pm, you can enjoy a free concert at Battery Park- perfect for the whole family.
Bayside Park– A great playground, free beach access, and an awesome skate park in Colchester.
Berry Picking– Visit one of the many berry farms to pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and more. You can also check out this comprehensive list of farms around VT.
Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tour– Grab the kids and take the factory tour, enjoy some ice cream, let them loose on the on-site playground, and visit the ice cream flavor graveyard. On weekends, they often have additional activities for kids.
Bread and Butter Farm Burger Night– Every Friday night you can head to Bread and Butter Farm for their Burger Night in Shelburne. Enjoy some delicious grass-fed burgers and music, fun, and more! Be sure to get your season passes or individual tickets ahead of time.
Billings Farm– Take a day trip to the Woodstock area and visit Billings Farm. Explore the barns and check out the exhibits to learn about 19th century rural Vermont life.
Bread and Puppet Museum– Located in Glover, this free museum showcases props used in the Bread and Puppet festivals such as masks and gigantic puppets. Not far from here is the famous Parker Pie, where you can dine on delicious pizza while sitting outside watching the kids play.
Burlington Bike Path– Hop on your bikes and travel along the Burlington Bike Path for some family fun and beautiful views.
Burlington Farmer’s Market– Looking for a delicious Saturday activity? Head to the Burlington Farmer’s Market to buy some local products and produce. Enjoy live music and grab a bite to eat!
Burlington Skatepark, AKA Andy A_Dog Williams Skate Park– This newly-designed skatepark is a great place for your little skateboarders and bikers to try out their newest tricks. Located downtown near the waterfront in Burlington.
Burton Island State Park– Located in St. Albans. This island, that you can only get to by boat, is great for a day trip, swimming and hiking, or an overnight camping visit!
BVTMB Park Hops– We are hosting a BVTMB Park Hop play date series this summer and will be visiting different local parks. Join us for lots of fun- and follow BurlingtonVT Moms Blog for specific dates.
Calvin Coolidge Homestead– Located in the tiny community of Plymouth Notch it is designated as a National Historic Landmark. It is open daily from late May until mid-October, from 9:30am to 5:00pm. Visit the homes of Calvin Coolidge’s family and neighbors, the community church, cheese factory, one room schoolhouse, and general store.
Camping– There are plenty of spots to take the family camping!
Catamount Outdoor Center– This Williston-based center offers individuals and families the opportunity to use their 426-acre park for walking, hiking, and mountain biking. Also, check out their Tuesday night running series, a family must! Day passes, as well as season passes are available for purchase.
Champlain Valley Fair– August 24- September 2nd at the Champlain Valley Expo Center. Ten days of fried dough, maple cotton candy, and spinning rides are a perfect way to wrap up summer.
Church St.– Catch one of the many street performers, let the kids run up and down the car-free street, grab a delicious bite to eat at one of the fabulous restaurants, finish it off with some ice cream, and browse the shops. Church Street is for everyone.
Circus Smirkus– With showings in June, July, and August throughout VT, this Circus features youth performers and is sure to provide some great family memories!
City Hall Park Concert Series– Every Wednesday and Friday at noon, you can catch a free concert at City Hall Park on Church Street, Burlington.
Cold Hollow Cider– This is a can’t miss during the fall, but can still be lots of fun to visit any time of the year. Try the cider slushy! Located in Waterbury.
Colossal Corn Roast– Do yourself a favor and make sure you attend this gigantic free bonfire and corn roast in Underhill, Vermont. Date TBA, in early September.
Cooler in the Mountains Concert Series– Head to Killington every Saturday afternoon July 14-September 1 for FREE outdoor live music from top national and regional acts.
Creemees– Cool off and head to one of the picks on our list of top creemee spots around Burlington!
Dragon Boat Festival– On August 5th, Dragon Boats take off on Lake Champlain. Children will love the drumbeats and the exciting boat races!
ECHO– Especially perfect for those rainy days. Kids can get out some energy as they run around exploring the different exhibits. They are sure to have hands-on fun while learning about nature in Vermont.
Essex Cinemas– A family movie is a great treat and Essex Cinemas is one of our favorite places to go!
Essex Family Fun and Entertainment Center– In Essex, near Lang Farms, the Family Fun Center offers miniature golf, batting cages, and a driving range. A great experience for everyone.
Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and Park– Located off of North Ave. in the New North End, there is a great playground, hiking trails and picnic spots along the river. Don’t miss the museum and tours, too!
Evolution Yoga– This summer, they will offer kids mini sessions and summer camps. There is something for every age, and your kids will love these classes and camps!
Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium– This one is a bit of a drive but a lot of fun! Located in St. Johnsbury, this natural history museum has great interactive exhibits.
BVTMB Family Fun Day! Our 5th annual Family Fun Day will be this summer. This event sells out very quickly, so be sure to follow us on Facebook to stay up to date!
Farmers Markets– Most towns in Vermont seem to have a weekly, or bi-weekly farmers market. Farmers markets offer a great opportunity to purchase locally grown food, chat with neighbors, and make some new friends!
Festival of Fools– From August 3rd to the 5th, come to Church Street for some family fun with the Festival of Fools! Witness amazing interactive street performances.
Franklin County Field Days– From August 2nd to 5th, in Highgate, this small hometown fair brings more than just rides. With live music, poker tournaments and tractor pulls, it’s an event for the whole family.
Friday Night Live– Check out this fun concert series in Rutland featuring music, outdoor dining, children’s activities and more. Headliners perform at the “Pit” parking lot, which is transformed into a unique, amphitheater-like concert venue. Merchants and vendors set up along the street in open air fashion with fun for the whole family!
Get Air– Let your kids bounce off some extra energy in an air-conditioned, amazing space. This trampoline park in Williston is a must for all ages!
Hiking– There are endless hiking trails to choose from in Vermont! Check out our top 6 hikes for families around the area and 4 trails to tackle with your kids before they turn 10. There are some great hikes in Franklin County too! Meet up with your local Hike it Baby branch in South Burlington or Rutland County!
Horseback Riding at Lajoie Stables– Located In Jeffersonville, these wonderful humans and horses will give you and your kids an incredible horseback riding experience.
Indian Brook Park– This Essex park has a beautiful reservoir and hiking trails that are perfect for the whole family.
Intervale’s Summervale– Summervale happens each Thursday night from 5:30-8pm and features live music, great food from local vendors, kid’s activities, and beautiful grounds for the kids to wander around and explore.
Island Line Bike Trail– Travel along and over Lake Champlain on this stunning 14-mile trail!
Jay Peak Resort– Enjoy gorgeous hikes and visit the Pump House indoor waterpark for some serious splashing! You can also take a summer tram ride and experience stunning views.
Jig in the Valley– The Jig in the Valley is a quintessential Vermont gathering. Enjoy this musical, family-friendly event which is always held on the last Sunday of July. Local vendors, the pie tent, and free kids’ activities make this a delightful afternoon for the entire family.
Kayaking– Kayaking as a family can be a lot of fun. You can rent kayaks at Canoe Imports and enjoy Lake Champlain for a few hours.
Killington Adventure Center– Zipline, roller coaster, climbing wall, ropes course, jump tower, climbing wall, trampoline jump, alpine tubing. You name it, they’ve got it. Just added this year: Downpour Derby Water Wars and a Woodward Wrecktangle. Also on site, mountain biking and Segway tours.
Lake Champlain Chocolates Factory Tour– Did someone say chocolate? Located on Pine Street, they offer FREE tours Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm, which include a yummy tasting!
Lake Champlain Maritime Festival– From July 26th-July 29th, Burlington’s waterfront is taken over by all things Maritime. From food, a parade, concerts and more, this is always a crowd favorite.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum– Open daily from 10-5pm, this museum shares the history of Lake Champlain in a fun and interactive way. And make sure you attend the annual Pirate Festival!
Lake Monsters Baseball Game– A family favorite, Lake Monsters games are tons of fun! They always have special activities planned for home games, like superhero night, so be sure to check their schedule. Sign your kids up for CHAMP’s Kids Club so they can attend five games for free!
Lake Willoughby– This beautiful glacial lake located in the Northeast Kingdom provides spectacular views, lake fun, and hiking for the whole family.
Lamoille County Field Days– Located in Johnson, this is a quaint county fair, typically the last weekend of July.
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail– Named the largest rail trail in New England, this 93-mile trail currently has 33 miles of trails open and ready for exploring.
Libraries– Join a Summer Reading Program or head to a story time! Check out your town library for special events and programming.
Majestic 10 Theater– Rainy day? Grab the kids and watch a movie at another great local theater, Majestic 10 in Williston.
Maple Street Park and Pool– Another family favorite! This park, located in Essex Junction, offers a great playground and pool area with a spot perfect for younger kids and non-swimmers!
Metrorock– Go climb at this great indoor rock climbing facility in Essex.
Mills Riverside Park Concert Series– This Wednesday night concert series takes place in Jericho in the picturesque Mills Riverside Park. Pack a picnic and blanket, relax, and enjoy the sounds of some wonderful local musicians beginning July 11th.
Montshire Museum of Science– This is a great, hands-on museum in Norwich, Vermont. Visit their most recent exhibits, Prehistoric Menagerie, and their completely reimagined Bubbles exhibition, and enjoy some splashing in the outdoor water play area!
Mt. Philo– This is a must during the summer! A perfect hike for the whole family (and stroller friendly!) Mt. Philo provides some amazing views!
Northern Lights Rock and Ice– Located at the Essex Resort and Spa, this facility has outdoor adventures like a rock climbing wall, zip wires, rock climbing pinnacle, and more!
Oakledge Park Treehouse– Your kids will love this little hideaway at Oakledge Park!
Open Farm Week– Similar to Maple Openhouse Weekend, Open Farm Week gives us the opportunity to tour local farms, meet the farmers and gardeners growing and producing all the delicious local produce and meat. Be sure to check out a local farm during August 13th through 19th!
Outdoor Movie Nights with Ben and Jerry’s– These free movies start at dusk and are offered at both Waterbury and Church St. locations.
Paddleboarding– Dying to try the new fitness and recreation craze? Rent paddleboards or take a lesson. Lake Champlain is the perfect place to learn.
Palace 9 Theater– Another great local theater located in South Burlington. Watch a movie and enjoy some popcorn and sweet treats.
Petra Cliffs– Are your kids climbing the walls? Bring them to Petra Cliffs and let them climb a rock wall instead.
Phoenix Books Story Time– Check out the Saturday story time at Phoenix Books at the Burlington, Essex, and Rutland locations, all start at 11.
Quechee Balloon Festival– 2018 marks the 39th year of the balloon, craft, and music festival. Check it out June 15th, 16th, 17th.
Quechee Gorge– Located right outside of Woodstock. This beautiful gorge offers gorgeous views and a great campground for family-friendly camping.
Regal Gymnastics Open Gym– Perfect for a rainy day, let the kids run off some energy at Regal Gymnastics open gym. Monday through Friday, 11-noon for kids 6 and under.
Red Rocks Park– This location has several scenic overlooks and great hiking trails.
Renaissance Faire– A day of fun for everyone, take the family to Stowe, June 23rd or 24th from 10am-6pm for all the fun of this Vermont Renaissance event!
Reverence– This sculpture of 2 Whales Tails seen off of Interstate 89 has a great walking trail, and is a wonderful photo opportunity!
Rockfire– Located in Websterville, and billing itself as “a unique combination of art, music, and fire on a monumental scale,” this year’s event lasts all weekend. Friday night, June 29th is redesigned to be more family-friendly. Come celebrate the rich history of Vermont’s granite industry in a new way!
Rock of Ages Quarry– Tour the Rock of Ages granite quarry in Barre. It is over 600 feet deep!
Sam Mazza’s Farm– Visit the Sam Mazza’s farm stand and be sure to check out their schedule of events this summer including a strawberry festival and corn maze.
Sandbar State Park– A great state park with a beautiful beach that is shallow and great for all ages! Located between South Hero and Grand Isle.
Sandhill Pool– Cool off in their six-lane pool or let the kids splash and play in the splash pad. Either way, it’s sure to cool everyone off on a hot summer day in Essex.
Seven to Sunset Summer Concert Series– Every Wednesday and Sunday evening in Rutland, VT. Bring a picnic, family and friends to enjoy an evening of free live music in Main Street Park.
Shelburne Farms– Check out all the animals, chase some chickens, sample delicious cheese and have fun in their play area. Also check out their list of events, the Summer Campfires and Saturday Tea Parties are sure ways to please.
Shelburne Museum– This is great for a sunny or rainy day, as you can duck in and out of the different exhibits. Kids love roaming the grounds and parents love that it is fun and informational. Don’t forget to hop on the merry-go-round and check out our list of top kids’ picks!
Smugglers Notch Resort– Located in Jeffersonville, this resort isn’t just for skiing. With several different pools and waterslides, frisbee golf course and a new Funzone 2.0, this is a place for families to visit. Several different day packages are available for purchase.
Snowfarm Vineyard Free Concert Series– These free concerts are held every Thursday evening from June through September. Picnicking begins at 5 and music starts at 6:30.
South End Art Hop– Three days of art, shopping, food and fun from September 7th-9th, on Burlington’s bustling Pine Street.
Spare Time Bowling– Grab the kids and head to Spare Time to go bowling, play laser tag or play in the arcade.
Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival– July 6th to July 8th in Stowe. 25 hot air balloons take to the sky and multiple children’s activities keep families happy throughout the festival!
Stowe Recreation Path– Walk or bike along this 5+ mile path in Stowe. Stop at one of the amazing restaurants along the way for a snack or tasty lunch.
Stowe Resort Adventure Center– New last June, Zipline, Treetop Adventure and Rock Climbing in Stowe. Come check it out!
Summer Camp– When in doubt, send the kids away! They will have a blast and you will get a break!
Sunset Drive-in– Experience a classic drive-in with the family at this theater in Colchester.
Sun Mountain Adventure Park– This one is a bit of a drive but is loads of fun! Alpine slide, climbing wall, mini golf, water slide, ropes course, zip lines, bridges, and more make this Peru, VT trip a must!
Swimming Holes– A visit to a local swimming hole can be loads of fun!
Taconic Mountains State Park– Located in Hubbardton, this is Vermont’s newest state park. Covering 204 acres with hiking and walking trails, as well as a Japanese Garden, this is a wonderful way to spend a day. This new park is not fully developed, so has no phone access.
Talent Skate Park– Let your kids loose while you enjoy a break at this indoor skate park located in South Burlington!
Taylor Park Summer Concert Series– Wednesday nights in the heart of Saint Albans rock! Bring a picnic and let the kiddos run and dance to the sounds of local bands.
The Beach– check out our list of top beaches around Burlington and go exploring!
Tuesday Night Live– Located in Johnson, there is free live music every Tuesday from 6-8:30 starting Tuesday, July 10th. This event is rain or shine and brings out amazing local musicians. Pack a picnic dinner or purchase some delicious local food from one of the many vendors set up. Located in the field on School Street.
Vermont Cookie Love– By far some of the best creemees in Vermont plus some delicious cookies make this a must visit and the perfect combination for any kid in North Ferrisburgh.
Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS)– VINS is located just outside of Woodstock in Quechee. It is open seven days a week from 10am-5pm. Visit the nature center, adventure playscape, and forest exhibit. Your kids will love it here!
Vermont Marble Museum & Gift Shop- Come check out the largest marble exhibit in the world! Located in Proctor, VT, this museum offers over 100 exhibits, but don’t miss Earth Alive! it is a hit with the kids. Before you leave town, stop for a picture on the beautiful marble bridge.
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory– Go experience one of their factory tours and send a bear through their Teddy Express Delivery Service!
Vermont State House– Keep the learning going and take a visit to the State Capitol in Montpelier. Open 7:45am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, it is a historic and educational experience. Make sure to stop by the Vermont History Museum located right next door!
Very Merry Theatre– Check out one of the multiple performances taking place this summer throughout the Burlington area. The traveling wagon tours are fun for all!
Village Scoop– This yummy ice cream shop located off of Main St. in Colchester is a great place to grab some delicious ice cream, and they have tables and chairs outside for you to sit and enjoy it in the sun.
Waterfront– Take a walk along the waterfront, bring a blanket for a picnic lunch or stop at Beansies Bus for some lunch. Bring some balls or a frisbee for some play on the large, open greens, and let the kids throw rocks into the lake. A perfect afternoon!
Wilson Castle– Come visit Vermont’s only real castle located in Proctor.
Zip lines– Head to ArborTrek near Smugglers Notch in Jeffersonville, and experience zip line canopy tours as you soar through the Green Mountains of Vermont. Perfect for older kids looking for a great adventure!
We hope you have a summer full of fun and exploring using our summer guide to all Vermont has to offer!
