I love breaking up our typical routine and going to explore some place new as a family. Whether it’s just a quick day trip to a fun destination or a planned out vacation that spans several days, there are so many wonderful places around VT where family memories can be made! Below I’ve listed 8 of our team’s favorite spots around VT and New England that are sure to please everyone in your family.
Day Trips
1. Upper Valley/Woodstock
There is so much to do in this area! First you can make a stop at the Montshire Museum. This one is especially great when it is warm out, as there is a great outdoor water area that kids love!
You can also stop by Billings Farm and Museum to explore the barns and farm house, and check out their interactive activities and programs. You can also check out the VINS Nature Center. They have beautiful nature trails for a family hike and their live raptor shows are so fun to watch!
2. Montreal
There are endless possibility for a fun family day in Montreal! A great place to spend the day is the Space for Life which houses the Biodome, Insectarium, Planetarium and the Botanical Gardens. There is SO much to see and do in these, and kids will love all of the hands-on components of each place. The Science Center is also another great stop, particularly for older children. You can catch a show at their amazing I-MAX theater and then explore the many amazing exhibits.
Looking for something a little more low key? Why not just grab the family and wander downtown for a bit? Having lived in larger cities before moving to Burlington, there is still something that excites me about walking around a bustling and busy downtown. Check out some shops, grab some delicious food and just take in all the different sights and sounds!
3. Jay Peak Pump House
Jay Peak Pump House is always a safe bet, especially on a rainy or cold day. This massive indoor water park at Jay Peak Resort something for kids of all ages; from the super fun wading pool area for little ones to the dare devil water slide “La Chute” that can fulfill any adventurous kid’s dreams.
4. Waterbury and Stowe
This area is a family favorite of ours because there is so much to do and it is close to Burlington. Whenever we have people visit from out of state we make sure to take them up the gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort. The views are amazing and we love grabbing a glass of wine and some appetizers at the top (there are kid frinedly munchies too). There is also the Alpine Slide which is great for older kids!
There are a countless number of hikes in the area that are great for families with kids of all ages. One of our favorites from this past fall was the Sunset Rock Trail in Stowe. It starts right off of Main St. and gives you gorgeous views once you reach the top!
Of course we can’t mention Waterbury without reminding you to stop at the Ben and Jerry’s factory! Delicious ice cream, a fun tour, and a giant playground outside make this a must visit.
Overnight Options
5. Lake Willoughby
Lake Willoughby is a glacial lakes in the North East Kingdom of Vermont that is well worth the drive. This lake is known for it’s beautiful clarity and chilly temps…and let’s not forget the stunning views. Absolutely breathtaking. Try out a new water sport, do some cliff diving, or take the family on a hike.
6. Boston
We love visiting Boston as a family! The Children’s Museum and Museum of Science offer great opportunities for learning and play for kids. (Insider tip: If you have a pass to ECHO in Burlington it will get you in FREE at the Boston Children’s Museum!)
When walking around Boston you literally find yourself surrounded by history everywhere you turn. If it’s warm out, one of the walking tours can be great for seeing the city and learning about all of it’s rich history. Grab some lunch and head over to Boston Commons for a picnic and let the kids run around.
7. Lake George, NY- Great Escape Lodge and Six Flags
Looking for some theme park fun? Head down to Lake George, NY to check out Six Flags and Great Escape Lodge with it’s indoor water park. The water park is free with your stay at the Lodge and has over 38,000 square feet of water fun! The Lodge also has lot of fun activities for the kids like character meet and greets, bed time stories with milk and cookies, parties, and more! And of course, Six Flags theme park is right around the corner so you can get your fix of extreme roller coasters and rides.
8. White Mountains, NH- Storyland and Santa’s Village
From train rides to ziplines, White Mountain, NH has it all! Too much to put into just a paragraph but be sure to check out this resource to help you plan your stay. Visit beautiful gorges, zip through the tree tops on a canopy tour, visit Santa’s village and Story Land, and ride a train up Mt. Washington. Whatever you do, your family is sure to have some serious fun!
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In addition to the Boston Children’s museum the Boston Museum of Science and the Montreal Museum of Science are all free with an Echo membership.
The stowe gondola is closed this summer, scheduled to reopen in September 2014. Also, the alpine slide is closed indefinitely while construction at Spruce Peak goes on this summer.
Just a quick note…you mentioned that the Boston Children’s museum can be accessed via the Echo membership. I just wanted to add that the Montreal Museum of Science can be as well.