Things to do in Vermont with Kids in the Summer

When you first hear of this New England state, you may immediately think Vermont tourism is based around winter activities. And to be honest, for years the only reason I would visit Vermont would be to go skiing. But turns out that it is actually a great place to visit year-round, and specifically in the summer. There are plenty of things to do in Vermont in the summer, including many outdoor adventures! In fact, if you live anywhere warmer than Vermont, things to do outside in this state may be a great way to escape the heat.

Best Places to Visit in Vermont

There are so many unique things to do in Vermont, especially for being such a small state. One of the most popular things to see in Vermont is the endless rolling green mountains. In fact, it is even known as the Green Mountain State, and these mountains help create some great Vermont tourist attractions. Some of the best things to do in Vermont in the summer are in central, and northern region of Vermont.

Things to do in Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, VT is located right on Lake Champlain on the border of Vermont and New York. If you are coming from New York State, a popular way to get to Burlington is to take the ferry across the lake. Burlington isn’t the capital of Vermont but it is the largest city in the state and is one of the most popular places to go in Vermont. There are many fun things to do in Burlington, making it one of the best places in Vermont.

• Burlington Bike Path
• Lake Champlain
  • Swimming
  • Water Sports/Boating
  • Spirit of Ethan Allen boat cruise
• Waterfront Park (walking path, picnicking)
• ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
• Church Street Marketplace

Things to do in Stowe, Vermont (and surrounding areas)

When someone mentions Stowe, Vermont, things to do that may come to your mind would likely involve snow. However, there are many great things to do in Stowe, VT year-round, which makes it a great family destination in the Northeast US. Some of the best things to do in Vermont, with kids, are located right in this area of central Vermont. Stowe and the areas right around it are a great place to rent a house or even a really neat tree house like this one: Stone City Treehouse. There are also many family-friendly resorts in Vermont – check out my list at the end of this post for a few favorites!

• Mount Mansfield
• Sterling Pond Hike
• Brewster River Gorge
• Camping
• River rafting
• Mountain Biking
• Ben & Jerry’s Factory

Ben & Jerry’s Factory is a great place to visit quick if you are in Vermont with kids. It’s cheap for a tour, and you even get a free sample at the end. The tour itself isn’t anything special, to be honest, but it’s still fun to explore the factory grounds and get ice cream. I would only plan on visiting for an hour or two!

• Smuggler’s Notch
• Stowe Mountain
• The Alchemist Brewery
• Moss Glen Falls

If you are looking for an easy hike in Stowe, Vermont, then Moss Glen Falls will not disappoint. The hike to the falls is really quick, under a half of a mile. You can view the falls from a few different vantage points, including walking through the water to get up close to the bottom of the falls.

Things to do in Shelburne, Vermont

• Shelburne Museum
• Vermont Teddy Bear Company
• Shelburne Farms
• Mount Philo Trail
• Fiddlehead Brewery

Best Places to Stay in Vermont

If you are visiting Burlington, VT, nothing beats staying right in the city so you can walk to everything. The city is small and totally walkable, but we also have stayed over a mile out of the city at The DoubleTree by Hilton, Burlington, VT and it is an easy drive into the downtown area. But if you choose to center yourself in the Stowe area you will be central to many other things to do in Vermont. There are many Vermont family resorts in this area that are great to stay in the summer. Here are a few of the best hotels in Vermont that we recommend (oh and the treehouse too):

The Lodge at Spruce Peak

Trapp Family Lodge

Topnotch Resort

Stone City Treehouse

Why you need to plan a Vermont Family Vacation…

There are so many great things to do in Vermont with kids, and without. While most people think of it as a winter destination, there are more than enough things to do in Vermont in the summer. I think adding Vermont in with a road trip through the northeast would be an amazing summer vacation with kids!

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