Top Family Day Trips in Vermont

There’s something about Vermont that makes it perfect for family adventures. Maybe it’s the winding country roads that lead to sugar shacks and swimming holes. Or the small towns where general stores still sell penny candy and ice cream cones. Maybe it’s the way the mountains cradle each valley, inviting families to slow down and stay awhile.

As a Vermont local, I’ve had the joy of exploring these spots with family and friends over the years. This guide pulls together some of the best family friendly day trips across the state. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, looking for hands-on learning, or just want the perfect place to eat maple creemees in the sun, Vermont has you covered.

Here are some of my favorite kid-approved, parent-loved day trips to make your Vermont visit unforgettable.

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Outdoor Adventures for All Ages

Vermont is a playground for nature lovers, and many trails and outdoor spots are ideal for young explorers and cautious grandparents alike.

1. Sterling Pond Trail – Smugglers’ Notch

• Distance: 2.1 miles round trip
• Elevation: 741 feet
• Highlights: Mountain views, pond for dipping your toes, alpine wildflowers

This short but steep hike is one of the most popular in northern Vermont, and for good reason. The trail starts from a scenic pull-off on VT-108, climbs through mossy forest, and ends at a quiet pond nestled between mountain peaks. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view.

2. Mount Philo State Park – Charlotte

• Distance: 0.75 miles (hike up) or drive to summit
• Highlights: Picnic tables, restrooms, sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks

Perfect for a lazy afternoon, this low-key state park has both drive-up and hike-up options. Kids can explore the fields, parents can relax under a tree, and everyone will love the scenery.

3. Lye Brook Falls – Manchester

• Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
• Highlights: One of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls, fern-lined paths, birdwatching

This hike is a bit longer but well worth it. The trail is relatively flat and shaded, making it doable with older kids or teens. The 125-foot waterfall at the end is an absolute stunner.

4. Lake Champlain Islands – South Hero & Grand Isle

• Activities: Swimming, biking, visiting local farms, berry picking

These lakefront communities offer peaceful beaches, picnic areas, and plenty of small-town charm. Families can ride bikes on quiet backroads, pick apples or berries in season, and stop for maple creemees along the way.

5. Waterbury Reservoir – Waterbury Center

• Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, swimming, paddling lessons
• Rentals available on-site

This calm reservoir is perfect for first-time paddlers. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the water at your own pace. There are also several spots along the shoreline to swim, build sandcastles, or lay out a picnic blanket.

6. Kingdom Trails – East Burke

• Activities: Family-friendly mountain biking
• Trails: Wide, well-marked, and suitable for beginners

If your kids are old enough to ride bikes on dirt trails, this place is paradise. Kingdom Trails is nationally recognized for its well-maintained network. Stop in town afterward for snacks and souvenirs.

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Unique Vermont Experiences You Can’t Get Anywhere Else

Vermont’s charm isn’t just in the scenery. It’s in the quirky stops and hands-on places that turn day trips into unforgettable memories.

7. Sugarbush Farm – Woodstock

• Highlights: Maple syrup tasting, cheese samples, walkable maple trail, friendly farm animals

A real working farm that’s as educational as it is tasty. Learn how syrup is made, feed the goats, and leave with delicious treats. The walking trail through the maple trees is a great way to teach kids about Vermont’s sugaring tradition.

8. Billings Farm & Museum – Woodstock

• Activities: Historic farm tours, seasonal events, wagon rides, cow milking demos

This living history museum is especially fun in spring and fall. Kids can help with barn chores, meet draft horses, and learn how Vermont farmers lived in the 19th century.

9. Vermont Toy Museum – Quechee Gorge Village

• Highlights: Huge collection of vintage toys, arcade games, nostalgic displays

Parents will get just as much joy from this quirky little museum as their kids. It’s packed with classic toys from every era. Make it a full day by walking across the nearby Quechee Gorge.

10. Rock of Ages Quarry – Barre

• Activities: Guided tours, view the world’s largest granite quarry, try granite bowling

See how Vermont granite has helped build famous monuments across the country. The on-site visitor center has a fascinating quarry overlook, and the granite bowling lane is a hit with kids.

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Rainy Day Fun – Indoor Options That Still Feel Special

Don’t let the weather spoil your plans. These indoor spots are ideal for rainy afternoons or when you need a break from the sun.

11. Montshire Museum of Science – Norwich

• Highlights: Interactive exhibits, water play zone, indoor-outdoor science park

This is one of the most engaging museums in New England. Everything is hands-on and built for learning through play. In summer, kids can cool off in the outdoor science water park.

12. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain – Burlington

• Highlights: Live animal encounters, giant fish tank, play zones for toddlers

Located right on the Burlington waterfront, ECHO blends science, nature, and local ecology. You’ll find turtles, fish, and rotating exhibits that keep things fresh.

13. Phoenix Books – Essex Junction & Rutland

• Highlights: Storytime, cozy corners, locally curated books and toys

These independent bookstores are the perfect place to relax with kids. Check the calendar for events like author readings or puppet shows. Grab a cookie and read a few picture books before heading back out.

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Seasonal Day Trip Ideas

Each season in Vermont has its own magic. These ideas are great for making the most of what’s in season.

Fall Favorites

• Hackett’s Orchard (South Hero) – Pick apples, explore a kid-friendly corn maze, and grab warm cider donuts.
• Stowe Auto Toll Road – A scenic drive to the top of Mt. Mansfield with plenty of lookout points and spots to stretch your legs.

Winter Wonders

• Sledding Hills like Hard’ack (St. Albans) and Hubbard Park (Montpelier) – Free, fun, and family approved.
• Visit a year-round sugarhouse – Some spots keep their shops open in winter so you can sample maple candy and warm up with syrup tastings.

Spring Adventures

• Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) – Quechee – Get up close with birds of prey, hike through their forest canopy walk, and visit during baby animal season.
• Shelburne Farms – Shelburne – Spring means lambs, calves, and kids (both the goat and human variety) running through the fields.

Summer Classics

• Warren Falls or Bingham Falls – These swimming holes are natural gems. Bring water shoes and snacks.
• Creemee Tour – Try maple creemees from top spots like Al’s French Frys (Burlington), Palmer Lane Maple (Jericho), and Canteen Creemee (Waitsfield).

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Tips from a Local for a Stress-Free Day Trip

• Go early – Vermont is popular, especially on weekends. Beat the crowds by starting your day early.
• Bring snacks and water – Many rural areas won’t have nearby restaurants. Pack a lunch or stop at a country store.
• Pack layers – Weather can change fast in the mountains. Bring rain jackets and an extra set of clothes for kids.
• Map it out ahead of time – Cell service can be spotty in rural zones. Download maps or jot down directions before leaving.
• Respect local spaces – Pick up trash, be kind to staff, and follow Leave No Trace principles on trails and beaches.

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Make Vermont Family Memories That Last

There’s no shortage of ways to spend the day as a family in Vermont. From hands-on maple syrup tours to breathtaking hikes and splash-worthy swimming holes, this state is packed with hidden treasures and beloved traditions.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or live just down the road, take the time to explore what makes Vermont so special. These day trips aren’t just good for kids — they’re good for the soul.

So pack your snacks, buckle the kids in, and let the Green Mountains guide your next great family day.

Want more local tips like this? Subscribe to the blog or tag us in your Vermont adventures using #GreenMountainPeaks. Let’s make some memories.