Family Activities

Northern Vermont has plenty of indoor & outdoor fun for families & kids

Northern Vermont has a lot of variety -- from the biking and hiking trails of the Northeast Kingdom to the city fun of Burlington and Shelburne, and more. Families and kids can easily stay busy and entertained in all seasons of the year. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding at mountains like Stowe and Jay Peak ski areas. Celebrations, festivals and activities for kids and adults happen year-round at the elegant Stowe ski area, reminiscent of grand European ski resorts. Jay Peak also is riding high with guest popularity because of its huge and ingenious indoor water park. Burlington is a family friendly city, with a beautiful lakefront park, boat tours and water sports, and lots of great seasonal celebrations. Stowe offers fun and special events for families year-round.

3 places to visit

Shelburne Museum

U.S. Route 7 - P.O. Box 10 Shelburne, VT 05482 802-985-3346

This super-cool museum on the edge of Lake Champlain is filled with unusual attractions that are sure to entertain every person in the family. Kids and parents will love the authentic paddlewheel steamboat Ticonderoga, which was a workhourse of passenger and cargo transportation on the lake for decades in the 19th century. Shelburne Museum is one of the nation’s most eclectic museums of art, Americana, and design, displaying 150,000 objects on 45 acres in 25 historic New England buildings. There's even a lighthouse. A full day of family fun waits here.

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Shelburne Farms

1611 Harbor Road Shelburne, VT 05482 802-985-8686

This environmental education center on the shores of Lake Champlain invites the public to learn about environmental conservation. Visits start at the Welcome Center with a slide show and samples of the farm’s award-winning cheddar. Kids and families can then explore the walking trails and activities at the Farm Barn, including the Children's Farmyard. The Farm Store is open for online ordering for pickup and in-store shopping.
Hours: Open year-round daily 10am - 6pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

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ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center

One College Street Burlington, VT 05401 802-864-1848

This maritime-oriented science museum is located right on the shore of Lake Champlain, and its expertise is to study and enjoy the natural history of the Lake Champlain Basin. A visit to ECHO is a wonderful science and ecology expedition for children and families. Lots of expert work has gone into creating permanent exhibits about the ecology, wildlife, plant life, and Native human inhabitants of the region. Plenty of changing exhibits and fun seasonal activities to encourage kids to get involved in this fascinating maritime world. ECHO is open year round, 10am - 5pm daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day.

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