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5 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Burlington VT

Home / Vacation Ideas / Northeast Vacation Ideas / 5 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Burlington VT

Marina Kuperman Villatoro, Updated January 12, 2021

Fun things to do in Burlington
A list of five of the best things to do in Burlington VT during Summer | Photo credit: Marina K. Villatoro /Gringa SheBuysTravel
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • All About Burlington
  • Fun Things to Do in Burlington VT with Kids this Summer+−
    • 1. Take a Bike Tour
    • 2. Explore Main Street and Church Street Marketplace
    • 3. Shelburne Museum
    • 4. ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center
    • 5. Green Mountain Audubon Center
    • Also see:
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This is a list of five of the best things to do in Burlington VT according to this SheBuysTravel and her family. All of the items on this list are best to be done during the summer months, but some can also be a lot of fun during the winter.

Exploring Burlington VT is great family fun - especially on a bike.
Best way of exploring Burlington VT is on a bike. Photo credit: Marina K. Villatoro 

My parents often took us to Vermont for holidays when I was growing up. We would often visit during the winter months. So up until recently, I didn’t know much about how cool it can be to visit the area when the snow is gone. Yes, even without skiing!

On my childhood trips, we usually bypassed Burlington. I don’t think there was a reason. We simply never thought of Burlington while planning a trip.

Now, as an adult with a husband and two sons, I finally turned realized we should make Burlington one of the stops during one of our trips.

All About Burlington

The story of this town goes way back to 1865. Eventually it grew to become Vermont’s largest city. Its two iconic streets were converted to a pedestrian mall. Now, the area is known as Church Street Marketplace.

But to me, the best part about it is all of the opportunities that nature and the landscape offer. It is located between mountains and next to Lake Champlain, making it an amazing home base for hiking, watersports or simply exploring.

Coming during the summer also offers some other perks besides being able to explore the outdoors. Locals enjoy festivals throughout the summer. Plus, Burlington is said to be #2 for the title “Best Bike City in the US.”

Fun Things to Do in Burlington VT with Kids this Summer

1. Take a Bike Tour

There are many trails to go through after you get your bike rental. Since I have two boys who love biking, I ended up deciding on the Island Line Trail. It is a 26-mile trail starting in Burlington. From there, it goes all the way up to Canada.

However, we didn’t do the whole thing. We only reached Allenholm Farms, which is on the first island. The trip took us on a fun bike ferry ride on Lake Champlain. We also decided to stop at a local petting zoo that both of my sons loved. While my son had fun with the animals, my husband and I took a break at the small Farmer Cafe.

The accidental farmer cafe in Burlington VT serves great food.
Rest stop at the accidental farmer cafe in Burlington Photo credit: Marina K. Villatoro  

2. Explore Main Street and Church Street Marketplace

This is where you find most of the shops, restaurant, and cafes. This uncovered outdoor pedestrian shopping and dining mall was initially created in 1981. In it, you will find almost 90 storefronts that include retailers of clothing, housewares, and books.

Head here if you get disoriented. It is extremely easy to get anywhere in Burlington from this street.

This marketplace might be only four blocks long, but it will keep you entertained for at least a couple of hours. We made it our main place to go to for food after our adventures each day.

Exploring vermont with kids includes meeting up with this guy.
Garbage dinosaur found in Burlington while Exploring. Photo credit: Marina K. Villatoro  

3. Shelburne Museum

This is a fun yet weird museum. That is, it isn’t focused on one topic like science or art. Encompassing a little bit of everything, it has an emphasis on local history. It is also really big. It consists of 40 buildings spread over 45 acres of land.

Impressionist pieces of art from amazing artists like Degas, Cassatt, Manet, and Monet fill the walls. There is also American art like quilts. You will find transplanted 1950s era homes, a railroad station, and even a steamboat. As if all of that wasn’t enough, there are artifacts such as old firearms, horse-drawn carriages, and old toys.

The Shelburne Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $25 for adults, $17 for youths ages 13 to 17 and $12 for children ages 5 to 12, smaller kids enter for free.

Note: These fees are for May to October 2018. Check their website if you are reading this after those dates.

4. ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center

You will find this one in the waterfront neighborhood. This marine-focused children’s museum includes tons of interactive exhibits. And all of them are geared toward teaching locals and visitors about the importance of caring for water bodies. They cover many waterways, but focus on Lake Champlain.

A theater features educational films every day. There are also educational programs and temporary exhibits with collaborations with organizations like NASA and camps.

ECHO is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently, admission is $14.50 for adults and $11.50 for children.

Allenholm farm in Vermont USA is family fun in Burlington VT.
Petting animals at the Allenholm farm in Vermont. Photo credit: Marina K. Villatoro  

5. Green Mountain Audubon Center

You might need a car for this one. It is located 19 miles southeast of downtown Burlington. This is a park of over 255 acres encompassing a variety of habitats. Therefore, you get all sorts of different sceneries and have more chances to see animals in the wild.

If you have older kids, then definitely take the time to explore the 5 miles of nature trails. If you stop by the Education Barn on Sherman Hollow Road and grab a map, you won’t get lost. The best part about this place is that you can enter for free. However, donations are encouraged.

This is one of the best parks to visit in Vermont with kids.

I know that Burlington has much more to offer. But out of all of the places and activities available, these were my family’s favorite ones.

Also see:

Where can I stay in Vermont in the winter?

What state parks are in Vermont?

What can you do for free in Vermont?

5 Fun Things to Do in Burlington VT with Kids - USA Travel
5 Fun Things to Do in Burlington VT with Kids Photo credit: Marina K. Villatoro 
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Filed Under: Northeast Vacation Ideas Tagged With: Vermont

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa Harlow says

    July 24, 2019 at 9:28 am

    Are there any places to camp near Burlington Vt? Thanks

    Reply
    • Marina Kuperman Villatoro says

      July 24, 2019 at 9:32 am

      The closest i found is stowe and smugglers notch.

      Reply
    • Sam says

      August 7, 2019 at 10:13 pm

      Yes! North Beach Campground is located off of North Ave, Burlington

      Reply
  2. Natalie says

    January 1, 2019 at 9:17 am

    Hi, I loved your description of Burlington. My husband and I are interested in relocating and are seeking out family-friendly cities that are affordable, green and pedestrian/bike friendly. Do you have any recommendations on cities we should look into?

    Reply
    • Marina Kuperman Villatoro, Gringa SheBuysTravel says

      January 1, 2019 at 12:27 pm

      HI Natalie,

      Burlington is a great city. But I honestly don’t know about cities that are great for moving. I know mainly for visiting and having fun.

      Reply

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