Whether you are traveling with young children, teenagers, grandparents, or a combination of ages, Vermont makes it easy to build a flexible itinerary. You can spend one day exploring travel destinations, another enjoying the outdoors, and another visiting museums, farms, and charming villages.
From Burlington and Stowe to Woodstock, Shelburne, Waterbury, and the Northeast Kingdom, these are some of the best family-friendly destinations to consider for your Vermont trip.
1. Burlington
Burlington is one of the easiest places to visit in Vermont with family because it combines lakefront scenery, outdoor activities, museums, restaurants, and walkable attractions in one destination. Families can explore the waterfront, spend time around Lake Champlain, ride bikes, or simply walk through the city and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere.
Church Street Marketplace is a convenient place for families to explore shops, grab a meal, and enjoy the lively downtown environment. The Burlington waterfront is another strong choice, especially when children need room to move around after spending time indoors.
Families interested in science and nature can also make time for the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. Its interactive exhibits make learning about the region’s lake ecosystem more engaging for children.
If your family enjoys city-based vacations, you may also like our guides to places to visit in Las Vegas with family and must-visit places in San Diego.
2. Stowe
Stowe is one of Vermont’s classic mountain destinations and works particularly well for families who want outdoor recreation combined with a charming village atmosphere. The area offers activities throughout the year, including hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, scenic drives, and easy outdoor experiences.
During warmer months, families can explore the Stowe Recreation Path, take scenic walks, or enjoy mountain views without committing to demanding hikes. In winter, Stowe becomes a popular destination for skiing and snow activities.
The town itself is also worth exploring. Families can browse local shops, stop for food, and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery at a comfortable pace.
For families planning a broader mountain vacation, our guide to the best places to visit in the mountains offers additional destination inspiration.
3. Smugglers’ Notch
Smugglers’ Notch is a strong option for families looking for an active Vermont vacation. The area is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and provides opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities depending on the season.
The narrow mountain pass itself is one of the area’s most memorable features. During suitable seasons, families can enjoy scenic drives and explore nearby trails while taking in the rugged landscape.
For winter trips, the surrounding resort area provides activities for different skill levels, making it easier for families with both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Woodstock
Woodstock is an excellent choice for families who want a slower-paced Vermont experience. The historic village is surrounded by rolling countryside, covered bridges, farms, and outdoor attractions.
One of the most family-friendly attractions in the area is Billings Farm & Museum, where children can learn about farming, animals, food production, and Vermont’s rural heritage. The experience combines education with hands-on exploration.
Families can also explore nearby trails and enjoy the village’s traditional New England architecture. If you want a trip that balances outdoor activities with cultural experiences, Woodstock is particularly appealing.
For more ideas about scenic destinations, explore our guide to scenic and historic places to visit in Quebec City.
5. Shelburne
Shelburne is a great family day-trip destination near Burlington. It offers a combination of museums, farms, lake views, and attractions that can appeal to both children and adults.
Shelburne Museum is one of the area’s major attractions. Its large campus includes historic buildings, art, Americana, gardens, and unusual exhibits that make it easy for families to spend several hours exploring.
Shelburne Farms is another excellent option. Families can walk through scenic areas, learn about agriculture, and enjoy the countryside around Lake Champlain.
The area is especially useful when planning an itinerary that mixes education, nature, and relaxed sightseeing.
6. Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain should be near the top of the list for families who enjoy being outdoors. The lake provides opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, scenic walks, and relaxing beside the water.
Families do not need to plan an intensive activity to enjoy the lake. A picnic, waterfront walk, sunset outing, or short boat trip can become one of the easiest and most memorable parts of a Vermont vacation.
Lake Champlain also gives families plenty of flexibility. If younger children become tired, you can keep the outing short. Older children and teenagers can choose more active water-based experiences.
7. Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury
The Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury is a fun stop for families who want something different from hiking and sightseeing. The attraction connects Vermont’s food culture with an entertaining visitor experience.
Children are naturally drawn to the ice cream theme, while parents can enjoy learning more about the company’s history and production process. The surrounding Waterbury area also provides opportunities to combine the visit with other Vermont attractions.
Because factory experiences and operating schedules can change, check current visitor information before making the attraction the centerpiece of your itinerary.
8. Quechee Gorge
Quechee Gorge is one of Vermont’s most recognizable natural attractions and can be a rewarding stop for families who enjoy scenery without needing to plan a full-day hike.
The gorge provides impressive views of the surrounding landscape and the river below. Families can enjoy the main viewpoint and choose additional walking opportunities based on their children’s ages and energy levels.
The nearby area also includes other family attractions, making it possible to combine Quechee Gorge with a museum, farm, or nature-focused activity during the same day.
If your family enjoys nature-focused travel, our guide to natural places to visit in Ontario provides additional ideas for scenic outdoor destinations.
9. Vermont Institute of Natural Science
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science, commonly known as VINS, is a particularly good choice for families who want an educational outdoor experience. Children can learn about birds, wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation while spending time outside.
The attraction works especially well as part of a Quechee-area itinerary. Parents can combine a visit with Quechee Gorge and other nearby attractions rather than spending the entire day driving between distant locations.
For children who are naturally curious about animals and the environment, VINS can turn a family vacation into a memorable learning experience.
10. Montpelier
Montpelier offers a different side of Vermont. As the state capital, it gives families opportunities to explore history, government, architecture, museums, parks, and a compact downtown area.
The Vermont State House is an important landmark, while the Vermont History Museum can provide context about the state’s past. Families can also spend time outdoors at Hubbard Park and enjoy views of the surrounding area.
Montpelier is especially useful for families who want to include educational experiences in their vacation without giving up opportunities for outdoor exploration.
11. Green Mountain National Forest
Families looking for a more immersive nature experience can explore the Green Mountain National Forest. The area offers forests, mountain scenery, trails, wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Not every trail is appropriate for young children, so families should choose activities according to age, experience, weather, and trail conditions. Shorter walks and scenic stops can be more enjoyable for families than trying to complete a demanding route.
The forest is particularly attractive during autumn, when Vermont’s foliage creates colorful mountain landscapes.
If your family enjoys seasonal road trips, our guide to the best places to visit in the fall can help inspire a broader autumn itinerary.
12. Killington
Killington is a strong choice for families who want a four-season mountain destination. Winter brings skiing and snow-based activities, while warmer months provide opportunities for hiking, biking, sightseeing, and other outdoor adventures.
The advantage of choosing a destination like Killington is flexibility. Families can create an active itinerary or mix outdoor adventures with relaxing time at their accommodation.
When traveling with children, choose activities according to their ages and experience levels. A family vacation is usually more enjoyable when there is plenty of time between major activities rather than trying to fit everything into one day.
13. Jay Peak
Jay Peak is another destination worth considering for families, particularly those planning a winter vacation. The area is known for mountain recreation and offers options beyond traditional skiing.
An indoor waterpark can be especially useful for families because it gives children something to do when weather conditions make outdoor activities less appealing. This makes Jay Peak an interesting choice for families who want variety during a winter trip.
Before traveling, check current resort schedules, activity availability, and age requirements so your itinerary matches what your family can actually enjoy.
For more cold-weather inspiration, see our guides to New England in winter and the best places to visit in the Northeast in winter.
14. Manchester
Manchester is a good choice for families who prefer a combination of scenery, shopping, history, and outdoor experiences. The town provides access to the Green Mountains while maintaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere.
Families can explore the town, visit local attractions, enjoy scenic drives, or use Manchester as a base for exploring southern Vermont.
The destination can also work well as part of a longer road trip through Vermont, especially when families want to avoid staying in one location for the entire vacation.
15. Bennington
Bennington is another worthwhile destination for families interested in Vermont’s history and culture. The town offers historic attractions, museums, scenic surroundings, and access to southern Vermont’s outdoor landscapes.
The Bennington Battle Monument is one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks, while the surrounding region provides additional opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor recreation.
Bennington is particularly useful for families who want to combine educational attractions with a traditional Vermont road-trip experience.
Best Places to Visit in Vermont With Family by Interest
Best for Young Children
Families traveling with young children may want to prioritize Burlington, Shelburne, Waterbury, Woodstock, and Quechee. These destinations provide a mixture of interactive attractions, farms, museums, easy outdoor experiences, and family-friendly sightseeing.
Best for Outdoor Adventures
Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch, Green Mountain National Forest, Killington, Jay Peak, and Lake Champlain are strong choices for families who prefer hiking, skiing, water activities, mountain scenery, and other outdoor experiences.
Best for History and Education
Montpelier, Woodstock, Shelburne, and Bennington are particularly useful for families who want to learn about Vermont while traveling. Museums, historic buildings, farms, and cultural attractions can make sightseeing more meaningful for children.
Best for Fall Foliage
Vermont is especially appealing in autumn. Stowe, Woodstock, Manchester, the Green Mountains, and southern Vermont can all provide excellent opportunities for scenic drives, photography, hiking, and colorful foliage.
Families planning a wider autumn trip can also explore Upstate New York in fall and Massachusetts in fall.
Best for Winter Family Trips
For winter, consider Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch, Killington, and Jay Peak. These destinations offer access to snow-based recreation while giving families options for different ability levels.
Best Time to Visit Vermont With Family
The best time to visit Vermont depends on what your family wants to do. Summer is ideal for hiking, biking, lake activities, scenic drives, farms, and outdoor attractions. Fall is especially popular for foliage and scenic road trips. Winter is best for skiing, snowboarding, snow activities, and winter resort experiences.
Spring can be quieter and is a good time for travelers who prefer fewer crowds, although some seasonal attractions and outdoor activities may operate on limited schedules.
Families should always check current attraction hours, trail conditions, road conditions, and seasonal operating schedules before traveling because Vermont experiences significant changes between seasons.
Tips for Planning a Vermont Family Vacation
- Choose a central base if you want to reduce daily driving.
- Mix outdoor activities with indoor attractions so the itinerary works in changing weather.
- Plan activities around your children’s ages and energy levels.
- Leave extra time for scenic stops and small towns.
- Pack layers because mountain and lake areas can experience changing conditions.
- Check seasonal opening dates before visiting farms, museums, resorts, and outdoor attractions.
- Book popular accommodations early during fall foliage and winter travel periods.
- Do not try to visit every major attraction in one trip; choose a few destinations and enjoy them at a comfortable pace.
If you are comparing Vermont with other family destinations, our global travel guide and places to visit around the world can provide additional trip-planning inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to visit in Vermont with family?
Some of the best family destinations include Burlington, Stowe, Woodstock, Shelburne, Lake Champlain, Quechee Gorge, Waterbury, Montpelier, and the Green Mountains. The best choice depends on your children’s ages and the activities your family enjoys.
Is Vermont good for a family vacation?
Yes. Vermont offers a wide range of family-friendly experiences, including hiking, skiing, museums, farms, lakes, wildlife attractions, historic towns, and scenic drives. This variety makes it possible to create an itinerary for different age groups.
What is the best time to visit Vermont with kids?
Summer and fall are excellent choices for families who want outdoor sightseeing and scenic drives, while winter is ideal for snow activities and ski destinations. Fall is particularly attractive for families interested in foliage and mountain scenery.
What part of Vermont is best for families?
There is no single best region for every family. Burlington and Shelburne are convenient for lakefront activities and museums, Stowe is excellent for mountain recreation, Woodstock is ideal for a quieter village and farm experience, and southern Vermont provides historic towns and scenic road-trip opportunities.
How many days do you need in Vermont with family?
A long weekend can cover one area, but five to seven days gives families much more flexibility. A week allows you to combine destinations such as Burlington, Stowe, Woodstock, and southern Vermont without spending every day on the road.
Final Thoughts
The best places to visit in Vermont with family are not limited to one type of attraction. The state’s biggest strength is its variety. Families can explore mountain towns in the morning, visit a farm or museum in the afternoon, and finish the day beside a lake or enjoying a quiet village.
Burlington is a strong choice for lakefront and city attractions, Stowe and Killington are ideal for mountain adventures, Woodstock offers classic Vermont charm, and Shelburne provides excellent educational and cultural experiences. Quechee, Waterbury, Montpelier, Manchester, and Bennington add even more variety to a family itinerary.
Rather than trying to see everything, choose destinations that match your family’s interests, travel season, and preferred pace. With a little planning, Vermont can provide a relaxed and memorable family vacation in almost any season.
