Mom's Choice, Top Picks For Kids
So, you're visiting Vermont and you've got kids. Every parent knows, if the kids are happy, everyone is happy. Luckily, Vermont has many things to do that are fun for children of all ages. If the sun is shining, head outdoors. If it's really hot, go cool off. And if it's raining - fear not. The hard part is choosing which fun spots to hit and which ones to save for next time. Here's a little something for everyone. And, don't forget your camera.
Top Picks for Kids, Spring, Summer, Fall
Top Picks for Kids, Winter
Top Picks for Spring, Summer, and Fall
Vermont is an adventure for all family members. In addition to the outdoor recreation found throughout the state, Vermont offers attractions and special events everyday that will keep the action flowing. With hands on historic sites and museums, working farms, spunky fairs and festivals, it is action you want - we have it.
Look! Up in the Sky!
Vermont’s mountains offer great thermals for the balloonist. Three great balloon festivals to visit are: the Vermont Balloon and Music Festival, June 2-4 in Essex Junction. Adm. www.cvfair.com; The Quechee Balloonfest, June 16-18 in Quechee. Adm. www.hartfordvtchamber.com and the Stoweflake Balloon Festival in Stowe, July 7-9. Adm. www.stoweflake.com
Another uplifting experience found in Vermont is to board a soar plane. The thermals that make for great balloon rides have also won the Green Mountains distinction as a place with consistently ideal conditions for soaring. Try Sugarbush Soaring, Waitsfield. Adm. 802-496-2290 www.sugarbush.org, and Stowe Soaring, Morrisville. Adm. 802-888-7845.
Take Them Out to the Ballpark!
Two Vermont communities have revived a tradition of local passion for baseball that smaller communities haven’t enjoyed since early in the last century. Montpelier’s Mountaineers www.thevermontmountaineers.com and the Vermont Lake Monsters in Burlington www.vermontlakemonsters.com feature high level skills and future major league stars ... and entertaining mascots. Both teams take to their fields in June.
History in its Real Places
Vermont’s history, first as an independent republic and then as the first state to join the original thirteen, began with Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys. A visit to his restored homestead in Burlington will give insight into frontier life in the 1700's. Adm. 802-865-4556.
A visit to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes is a special treat for hardy or would-be sea goers with hands on activities for everyone. Among the museum exhibits are full-scale replicas of vessels that plied the waters of Lake Champlain centuries ago. Adm. 802-457-2022 www.lcmm.org
No matter where you travel in Vermont you will find windows to the past. Two US Presidents were born in Vermont and you can visit their homesteads: The President Chester A. Arthur reconstructed homestead in Fairfield, and the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch. Adm. www.historicvermont.org
The State House in Montpelier is one of the smallest in the nation and is located in the smallest capital city www.vtstatehouse.org. Look for the fossils embedded in the lobby’s marble floors. Next door to the State House is the Vermont Historical Museum where the history of Vermont is on display. Adm. www.vermonthistory.org. The Shelburne Museum in Shelburne will be celebrating the 100th Birthday of the steamboat Ticonderoga on July 15th with live music, games, activities, presentations and special exhibitions. Adm. 802-985-3346 www.shelburnemuseum.org
Large fairs like the Champlain Valley Exposition, which will be celebrating its 85th year from August 26 to September 4 in Essex Junction www.cvfair.com, and the smaller fairs and county field days throughout the season give you a chance to experience Vermont agriculture. Prize winning farm animals and displays of farm equipment, sometimes antiques and often new, a walking tour through the exhibits is something to remember.
Farms with cows, horses, sheep, llamas and alpacas are just a few of the farm experiences to be explored. Families can also visit apple orchards, strawberry fields, vineyards, tree farms and more. For a more involved and personal agricultural experience, stay at a working farm. Find out where the food chain begins and even help with chores. 866-348-3276.
Hands on!
Is the best way to enjoy museums and nature centers. The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich offers educational experiences both inside and out. Adm. 802-649-2200 www.montshire.org. The VINS Nature Center in Quechee offers walking tours and performances featuring live raptors. Adm. 802-359-5000 www.vinsweb.org. The Vermont Toy & Train Museum also in Quechee has three fantastic operating model train layouts, toys from the past 60 years, and a live steam train and merry-go-round. ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain on the waterfront in Burlington is a science center and aquarium focusing on Lake Champlain. Adm. 802-864-1848 www.echovermont.org.
Vermont Alive!
Music rings throughout the mountains and valleys. Concerts such as the Plymouth Folk and Blues Concert in Plymouth Notch, Sept. 2-3. Adm. www.plymouthfolk.com; The New World Festival at Chandler, September 3rd in Randolph brings together the Celtic and French Canadian heritage of Northern New England through music and dance. Adm. www.newworldfestival.com; and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s offering of outdoor concerts throughout the season are but a few. Adm. 800-VSO-9293 www.vso.org.
The arts are alive in Vermont and galleries and shops offer a wide variety. Many communities bring the artistry outside for you to enjoy, such as Rutland with their "All Aboard Rutland!" giant toy trains; and along Rte. 4 from White River Junction to Woodstock you can "Spot the Sheep". This year enjoy "Pallets of Vermont" when communities throughout the state join together to design and display decorated artists pallets. www.vermontartscouncil.org
And not to be overlooked -
Winter is just a passing memory now, and many of the ski resorts are geared up for summer, enjoy water and alpine slides, miniature golf, chair lift and gondola rides and much more.
Manufacturing is a large part of life in Vermont and you should include some of the fascinating companies in your visit: The Rock of Ages quarries in Barre features the world’s largest deep hole granite quarry. 802-476-3119 www.rockofages.com. Everyone loves teddy bears and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company in Shelburne offers both an exciting tour and opportunity to make your own. 802-985-3001 Adm. www.vermontteddybear.com. Food is fun - visit the Cabot Creamery in Cabot and watch them make their wold famous cheese. Adm. www.cabotcheese.com; and if you haven’t tried maple syrup, many maple producers welcome you to their facilities year around.
Camping in one of Vermont’s State Parks can bring out the woodsmen in everyone. Once you have set up camp, take advantage of the mountain hiking trails and lakes or ponds for swimming, fishing, and boating. Check out the parks scheduled activities and plan on getting "back to nature". 802-241-3566 www.vtstateparks.com.
If you family enjoys backpacking, the Long Trail, meandering along the mountain from Massachusetts to Canada offers day, overnight or extended excursions, 802-244-7037 www.greenmountainclub.org.
Top Picks for Winter
Sleigh Ride Weekends at the Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock offer not only horsedarwn rides and "Jack Jumper" sledding, but special educational programs also. The January 14 - 16 weekend will highlight Vermont’s Daisy Turner in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. February 18 - 20 salutes President’s Day when you can sample favorite cookies of the Presidents and make Presidential silhouettes. 802-457-2355 www.billingsfarm.org
Visit Brookfield on January 28, 2006 and see how ice was harvested off the lakes and ponds of Vermont many years ago. Youngsters will enjoy the great stories told by "old timers" and the opportunity to participate in a spirited competition to see who can harvest a block of ice from the lake the quickest. Watch an ice sculpting demonstration and try out a pair of old fashion snowshoes. 802-276-3959 http://brkice@aol.com
Have you ever wanted to build an igloo? The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich will offer your family the opportunity on February 18, 2006. Under the direction of an U.S. Army CRREL engineer you will cut snow blocks and participate in building a small igloo village. Indoor activities will be also be offered throughout the day. Free with museum admission. 802-649-2200 www.montshire.org
If your family is looking for an opportunity to ski and begin the holiday spirit early, visit Killington during the Vermont Holiday Festival, December 8 - 11, 2005. Enjoy the White Lights Festival, Santa’s Workshop, horse-drawn sleigh rides, live reindeer and story readings. The Festival of Trees offers a raffle of Christmas trees decorated by local residents and businesses with their own style and flair. A drawing will be held and winners take home a completely decorated tree. info@vermontholidayfestival.com www.vermontholidayfestival.com
The Morgan Horse is Vermont’s state animal, and a visit to the National Museum of the Morgan Horse in Shelburne will give you an exciting journey into the origin and history of this breed. Follow the life of Justin Morgan and his horse Figure, who was the beginning of the Morgan line. 802-985-8665 www.morganmuseum.org
Experience the thrill of flying across the snow under the extraordinary power of the sled dog at Green Mountain Dog Sled Adventures in Morrisville. With an experienced musher and team of eager Alaskan Huskies kids can be transported over 8 miles of trails. They can learn how to harness the dogs, ride the runners and more. Private tours, call for appointments. 802-888-8911 info@dogsledvt.com www.dogsledvt.com Other locations throughout Vermont offer dog sledding.
Treat your family to the Magic Hat Mardi Gras Weekend parade in Burlington on February 25, 2006. The city celebrates with over 40 floats loaded with Louisiana moon-pies, Lake Champlain Chocolates and thousands of bead necklaces. Also included is the annual Masquerade Ball featuring Jazz Mandolin Project, Cajun food and the crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen. 802-658-2739 www.magichat.net
"Snowshoe and Ice Cream Too" at the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury. From mid-December through mid-March your family can take an Umiak guided snowshoe tour on trails behind the plant and then go inside for a tour of Ben & Jerry’s. Also watch their web for the Winterfest! A snow ball of a day for the family. Please call for dates, times and fees. 866-BJ-TOURS. www.benjerry.com
Take a special snowshoe nature trek at VINS in Quechee on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the winter. Watch for animal signs and tracks, learn about hibernation, how to identify trees in winter, and the science of snow. Snowshoe rentals at $5 per pair, and free hot chocolate at the end of the hike. Visit the live raptor enclosures and discover the secrets that make them one of nature’s most highly skilled predators. Adm. 802-295-1550 www.vinsweb.org
Think flowers, and visit the Vermont Flower Show in Essex Junction from February 24 - 26, 2006. See display gardens filled with flowering plants, water features and stonework to help you plan your own gardens. A special kids room is offered with hands-on activities such as - making hats, planting a seedling, garden art and scheduled performers. Adm. 1-888-518-6484 admin@vaph.org www.vaph.org
Want to star in your own weather report? Then come to ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain on Burlington Waterfront, Vermont’s premiere lake aquarium and science center. ECHO’s exhibit, "Be A Watershed Weather Reporter," features a real television studio, where you’ll be "on camera" in front of a special effects green screen, read a teleprompter, and then edit-in funny ecology commercials. You can even buy a DVD of your weather report to show family and friends! Toll-Free 1-877-ECHOFUN www.echovermont.org.
The Anti-Gravity Grail at Mount Snow, February 25 - 26 offers families an opportunity to watch professional and semi-professional skiers and riders competing in freestyle events such as the Halfpipe, Big Air and Railjam. This "last chance" qualifier for the 2006 Gravity Games will offer live music, fireworks and parties. Children will thrill in the amazing visuals offered. 802-464-4191 www.mountshow.com
For 25 years the Adams Farm in Wilmington has offered sleigh rides through the countryside to a cozy log cabin in the woods for hot coco and music from the antique player piano. They also offer guided snowshoe tours to discover the signs of winter. Reservations required. This fascinating farm is a child’s delight with animals and numerous events scheduled the year around. 802-464-3762 www.adamsfamilyfarm.com
History comes alive at Vermont’s Historic State House in Montpelier. It is the smallest capital city in America with the oldest legislative chambers restored to their original condition anywhere in the country. The Legislative session begins in January and you have the opportunity to view the lawmakers in action. 802-828-2228 http://www.vtstatehouse.org
Near the State House you will find the Vermont Historical Museum featuring a review of Vermont’s past. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 - 4 pm. Adm. www.vermonthistory.org
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the "Disney Adventures Family Fun Winter Carnival" at Smugglers’ Notch resort on March 2, 2006. Ring toss, bottle drop and other games with prizes, clowns and magicians entertain. Live music and dancing make it a swingin’ family event. Kids can pose with costumed characters for memorable pictures, and everyone enjoys the complimentary hot dog BBQ and takes home bulging goody bags. Free event. 802-644-1156 www.smuggs.com
Any child will be proud to earn a Junior Sugar Maker Certificate at Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock. Visit the sugar house, watch the video and walk through the woods to find the answers to this fun challenge. Another favorite is tasting the cheeses, jams, maple syrup and other products offered by the farm. 802-457-1757 www.sugarbushfarm.com
Children love teddy bears! At the Vermont Teddy Bear Company in Shelburne and Waterbury Center, teddy bears come to life before your eyes. Help create your own in the "Make a Friend for Life" fun factory, help stuff, sew and then dress your bear. 802-985-3001 www.vermontteddybear.com
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas. Bring the family to Vermont to choose and cut your own Christmas Tree. While here, visit a working farm where children can see and experience rural life where the food chain begins. 1-866-348-FARM (3276) www.vtfarms.org
Chocolates are a favorite treat and Vermont has many companies that invite you to see how they are made, visit the Champlain Chocolate Factory in Burlington 802-864-1807 www.lakechamplainchocolates.com; or Snowflake Chocolates in Jericho 802-899-3373 www.snowflakechocolate.com. In Bennington visit Vermont Confectionery 1-800-545-9243 www.vermontcandy.com
Many communities offer Winter Carnivals or New Year’s First Nights. Real and hilarious competitions combine with music, demonstrations, ice sculpture contests, dances and special dinners. Check with the local chamber of commerce in the area you plan on visiting to see what special events are happening.
All kids love taste testing. At the Cabot Creamery in Cabot, taste the "Best Cheddar in the World" and lots more. Call ahead to find out "Cheese making" days. Sampling can also be tried at the Cabot annex on Rte. 100 in Waterbury. 1-800-837-4261
Kids get a kick out of looking close up at snowflakes to see the designs. This is a good science lesson, too. Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley of Jericho discovered that no two snowflakes are alike.
Visit the exhibit of his work at the Old Red Mill in Jericho. 802-899-3225 www.snowflakebentley.com
The Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury is a historic treasure filled with mounted animals, tools, toys, dolls, dinosaurs and exhibits from Vermont and around the world. The museum is open daily year round. Adm. 802-748-2372 www.fairbanksmuseum.org
Swimming in warm pools backlit by sparkling slopes of snow id magical at every age. Many hotels and resorts feature indoor pools.
Watching artisans turn molten glass into a vase, dish or bowl is intriguing for everyone. At Simon Pearce Glass manufacturing facilities in Quechee and Windsor, you can watch as glassblowers use traditional techniques to produce unique original designs. 802-295-2711 www.simonpearce.com
Sue Kruthers and her son Kensington live in Montpelier, Vermont. At age 16 he has had a chance to experience and comment on a lot of the ideas contained in this list.
|
