Best Things to Do in Vermont for Families

Hike a Trail at Mount Philo State Park – Best Outdoor Thing to Do in Vermont with Family

There are plenty of family friendly hiking trails in Vermont. Over in Charlotte, Vermont, you can hike a looped trail within Mount Philo State Park.

This looped trail is just under two miles in length. It will take your family through the forest to the summit. At the summit, you can see breathtaking panoramic views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain.

I recommend taking a picnic lunch with you to enjoy at the summit. It will be a perfect way to spend time together as a family while enjoying the outdoors.

Grab a Drink at The Vermont Brewery

The Vermont Brewery opened in 1988. It is currently the longest running brewery in the state. And it is family friendly, so you won’t need to worry about the kids being bored during this part of your Vermont vacation.

You will find this local brewery in Burlington. I recommend visiting for lunch or dinner. After all, you will want to indulge on their pub food while drinking a pint or two.

They always have eleven types of beer on tap. However, they rotate what is on tap. Therefore, you may not always find your favorite available. But you should be able to find a new favorite every time you visit.

Use my travel guide during your family vacation in Vermont. 

Eat Ice Cream at the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory is in Waterbury. Your family can take a tour to see how they make their ice cream.

During your tour, you will stand high above the factory floor. This will allow you to look down at the entire ice cream making process.

At the end of your tour, everyone in your family will get a small ice cream cone that contains the flavor of the day.

And yes, this is one of the best things to do in Vermont for families.

See Teddy Bears at the Vermont Teddy Bear Company

A visit to the Teddy Bear Company in Vermont is another popular thing to do while on vacation with family.

A Bear Ambassador will be with you every step of the way during your tour of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company factory. The tour is very informative. And you will be surprised to see how these bears are carefully created by hand.

Before the end of your tour, you will spend a little time in the Bear Hospital. This is where all teddy bears go when they need a little extra TLC.

While you can purchase a bear inside the Bear Shop, you can also create your very own bear. I recommend the later if you truly want to create memories during your time in Vermont.

Drink Apple Cider at Cold Hollow Cider Mill – A Delicious Thing to Do in Vermont with Family

There is so much to do at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center. I recommend grabbing a bite to eat at the Apple Core Luncheonette and Brew before you begin the rest of your cider adventure.

Then check out the cider press, donut robot, and the honeybee corner. Before you leave, grab all the yummy Vermont products that are for purchase at the store. There are hundreds of items to choose from, so take your time as you are shopping. After all, you won’t want to leave anything behind!

This is the perfect place to purchase honey, cheese, maple syrup, apple cider donuts, and so much more.

Eat Cheese at Cabot Cheese

Over in Cabot, Vermont, you will discover Cabot Cheese. While you can no longer take a tour of their cheesemaking factory, you can watch the process on a television in their store.

Afterwards, wander around testing all types of delicious creamy cheeses and other products with your family. You will have a difficult time deciding what to purchase.

I recommend having a large cooler filled with ice with you because it will be full when you go to return home.

This is one of the best things to do in Vermont for families when everyone needs a little snack in the middle of the afternoon.

Learn about Maple Syrup at Sugarbush Farm, Inc.

You must plan your road trip to Vermont carefully if you want to see all the maple sugaring fun. While the sugaring takes place during the cold winter months, you can still learn quite a bit during a visit to this farm at any time of the year.

I recommend taking the maple walk and the sugarhouse self-tour. They are both exciting things to do in Vermont with kids.

Don’t forget to grab some maple syrup, as well as maple cream and maple cookies before you leave at the end of the day.

Vacationing in Vermont with family during the winter? Check out these incredible ski resorts! 

Learn About Glassblowing at Robert Burch Glass

One of the best places to watch a glassblowing demonstration is Robert Burch Glass in southern Vermont. The owner has been blowing glass for more than thirty years now. So, he can answer all your questions easily.

Your family can even take a glassblowing lesson if you have always been interested in learning how to do this craft.

After your demonstration or class, you will want to do a little shopping. This will allow you to go home from your vacation with a few souvenirs to remember all your glassblowing adventures.

Vermont is a treasure trove of family adventures. There are plenty of Vermont family vacation ideas to choose from. I can help you determine the best things to do in Vermont for your family, so you can create lasting memories during your vacation.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip to Vermont or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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Acadia National Park: Things to Do During Your Family Vacation

Watch the Sunrise in Acadia National Park

Watching the sunrise from anywhere in Acadia National Park during your family vacation will take your breath away. However, if you want the best experience, I recommend going over to Cadillac Mountain early one day.

You must start your journey to the summit of Cadillac Mountain early in the morning. But your reward will be the first light to touch the east coast during certain days of the year. If you are not a morning person, you can always choose to watch the sunset instead.

Use my travel guide to help you start planning a family vacation in Maine. 

Stop at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center

Most people will skip over the visitor centers at the national parks, due to the crowding. I always stop at them though, because they are jam-packed with important information that allows me to enjoy my visits so much more.

So, take my advice and visit Hulls Cove Visitor Center to talk to a ranger before you venture out to explore Acadia National Park.

Go Hiking on the Trails in Acadia National Park

There are so many different hiking trails to choose from within Acadia National Park. You will definitely not be able to do them all during your family vacation. However, you should be able to do a couple.

I recommend the Precipice Trail, which is just over two miles long. The Beehive Trail is a little shorter at a mile and a half. Plus, it is not as high as the former trail, which is good if you are scared of heights.

Check out these other hiking trails in Acadia National Park. 

Take a Drive Along the Scenic Park Loop

The scenic park loop in Acadia National Park is one of the best things you can do during your family vacation in Maine. This road is twenty-seven miles long.

You can see many attractions and landmarks during your drive. A few of the most notable things you will see include Cadillac Mountain, Otter Cliff, Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and Thunder Hole.

I recommend you plan on at least half a day for this drive, so you can make as many stops along the way as you wish.

Check out this 8-day itinerary for an amazing family vacation in Maine that includes a visit to Acadia National Park. 

Visit Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

The most popular attraction in Acadia National Park is the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. There are two trails that lead to this lighthouse. They are both just over a mile long. Although, one is steeper than the other.

The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is still in operation, but you cannot go inside. You can take pictures though. I recommend taking advantage of the many different vantage points. This ensures you capture the best shots to frame when you get home from your family vacation.

These are some of the best things to do in Acadia National Park during your next family vacation in Maine. I can recommend so many other things to do for your family trip too. After all, I want to make sure you have the best family vacation when you travel through the state of Maine.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip to Maine or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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Family Vacation in Vermont Use My Travel Guide

History in Vermont

The French and British both settled in the state of Vermont back in the early 18th century. Most people are not aware that this state declared its independence from the other thirteen colonies. Vermont was admitted to the Union many years later in 1790. This is when it became the 14th state.

Vermont earned the nickname, Green Mountain State, thanks to all its mountains covered with lush green trees. History is everywhere in this state. Almost everyone knows that this is where Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream was created, and that more maple syrup is made in the state than anywhere else.

However, did you know one of the first ski lifts was developed in Vermont? A farm in Woodstock created the very first ski lift back in 1934. An old Model-T Ford engine powered the ski lift.

You also may not know that the state capital, Montpelier, is the smallest state capital out of all the state capitals.

The littlest known historical fact I could find for the state of Vermont was something I had never thought of before. Back when Social Security checks were first issued, the very first recipient was Ida May Fuller of Ludlow. She retired from her legal secretary job and received her first Social Security check on January 31, 1940.

Weather in Vermont

There are four very distinct seasons in the state of Vermont. However, winter is the longest season, and it often decides that it wants to hang on so much longer than it should. If you love the cold and the snow, the Vermont winters are definitely going to be for you! And if you don’t love the snow, then you will want to take your vacation in Vermont during one of the other shorter seasons.

Spring in Vermont

Spring in Vermont normally begins around the month of April when temperatures begin to soar into the upper 40s and low 50s. Snow is still common during the spring months. I recommend being prepared for any weather during your visit. By the time May comes around, the snow should be mostly gone, except higher up in the mountains. The sun will be out more, and you may actually feel like you can walk around without freezing.

Summer in Vermont

Everything comes to life in Vermont during the summer months, because the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. It can rain quite a bit in the summer. So, be prepared for a storm or two during your visit.

Fall in Vermont

Fall brings a crispness to the air in Vermont. This is when the temperatures start dropping quickly. However, you will be rewarded with the leaves changing colors under the sun that remains. This is the perfect time of the year to spend outside, exploring everything Vermont has to offer. I recommend dressing for the weather anytime you walk out the door.

Winter in Vermont

Winter arrives early in Vermont. It is common for the first snowfall to occur during the month of October. However, it will only be a small amount. You have until November before this area truly gets dumped on. The mid-40s in November will quickly turn to 30s in December and the 20s in January. This is the time of the year when most of the locals stay inside unless they are out taking advantage of all the fresh snowfall.

These are the best ski resorts in New England for your next family ski vacation. 

What to Pack for a Family Vacation in Vermont

Packing for a family vacation in Vermont is easy, as long as you keep the season you are visiting in mind. The summer months are fine for bringing shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. However, there can be some cool days and nights, especially in the mountains. Therefore, a couple pairs of pants and sweatshirts can be helpful.

Rain gear is a must throughout the year, while winter coats and boots can be a good idea for the months of October through May. Layers are also a plus during the spring and fall when the days start out cool before warming up and cooling down again.

If you plan on spending a lot of time outside, hiking boots and bug spray must go in your suitcase.

Vermonters aren’t fancy, so you can leave the evening gowns and high heels back at home.

Activities to Embrace While on Vacation in Vermont

As you are choosing activities to do with your family in Vermont, you are going to discover there are more options than what you have time for! This isn’t always a bad thing, because it allows you to choose the activities that are most important for your family.

There are quite a few hiking trails through the mountains in Vermont. Therefore, hiking must be on your list of things to do with your family. If you don’t hike too often, no worries. There are many easy trails that are not too long.

Hiking isn’t the only way to experience the great outdoors in Vermont. You can also choose to bike along some of those trails or the other bike paths in the state.

I know there aren’t too many beaches in the state of Vermont. But that shouldn’t stop you from doing some of the many watersports that are available in all the bodies of water! You will discover that Vermont has quite a few lakes and rivers. You can kayak or canoe in those rivers or lakes. There are even a few white-water courses if you have always wanted to try white water rafting.

Other family activities you can try while vacationing in Vermont include:

• Build Your Own Bear at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
• Take a Scenic Train Ride with Green Mountain Railroad
• Go Apple Picking
• Shop the Farmer’s Markets
• Take a Cruise on Lake Champlain
• Check Out the Rodeo

Check out these other activities to add to your itinerary for your family vacation in Vermont. 

Top Places to See in Vermont for Your Vacation

It is going to be quite difficult to determine what attractions should be on your list in Vermont. After all, this is a large state, and you could find yourself interested in a few places quite a distance apart. That’s okay though because I am here to make sure your family vacation in Vermont goes off without a hitch!

Ice cream lovers will want the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory at the top of their list of places to see on a family vacation in Vermont. Take a tour to learn how this ice cream brand was created. During the tour, look down at the factory floor to watch the flavors of the day being made. At the end, you can taste a sample of whatever flavors just came off the factory line. Before you leave, you must check out the flavor graveyard. That is where retired flavors are sent to be remembered forever.

Another must-see on your list might be the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. This site is where his boyhood home is located. A tour of the home and the other estate buildings can help you understand this President a little more. Another presidential attraction in Vermont is Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. This was the summer home for President Lincoln and his family. Tours of the mansion are best to see the Lincoln belongings and furniture. Your favorite spot though might be out in the gardens, where you can see gorgeous views of the Battenkill Valley.

Other amazing places to see in Vermont include:

• Robert Frost Stone House
• Tallest Filing Cabinet on Earth (just outside Burlington)
• Shelburne Museum
• VINS Nature Center and Quechee Gorge
• Cabot Creamery
• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
• Multiple Covered Bridges – The Silk Road Bridge is one of the best

Amazing Festivals You Can’t Miss in Vermont

Burke Fall Foliage Festival

By now, you should know that fall is one of the best times to visit Vermont, because of the beautiful fall foliage. The Burke Fall Foliage Festival is on the last Saturday of September. This festival is a day-long event of fun events and adventures. Your day will begin with you watching the parade. Afterwards, you can shop for arts and crafts items, participate in Cow Flop Bingo, and watch the Rubber Duck Races. You won’t want to miss the BBQ, silent auction, and live music either!

Vermont Golden Honey Festival

Vermont is known for producing maple syrup. But they are also good at making honey. Imagine walking around this festival and having the chance to purchase products related to bees. There’s honey apple pizza, beeswax lip balms, honeybee print fabrics, and beeswax soaps. The Vermont Golden Honey Festival is on the second Saturday in September.

Vermont Dairy Festival

The Vermont Dairy Festival is a 4-day event during the month of June. All the action begins on Thursday night and ends late in the afternoon on Sunday. Your time at this festival will include midway rides, food, live music, parades, performances, and fireworks.

Are you ready to plan your next family vacation in Vermont?

Now that you are ready to plan your next family vacation, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session by clicking here. Clicking this link will take you directly to my digital calendar. There you will be able to set up a convenient time for us to connect.

If you aren’t quite ready to start planning, I would like to invite you to click here to sign up for my newsletter here. This is an excellent way to stay connected with me, while learning incredible information about exciting family destinations.

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Best Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park

South Bubble to Bubble Rock

This fairly easy one-mile hike will take you all the way to Bubble Rock. There you will see incredible views of Jordan Pond.

There are a few drops off areas on this hiking trail in Acadia National Park. So, your entire family will want to be careful as you are hiking along.

Check out these other things to do in Acadia National Park during your family vacation. 

Ocean Path – Gorgeous Views Available from This Hiking Trail in Acadia National Park

The Ocean Path trail goes from Sand Beach to Otter Point or vice versa. It is an easy two-mile hike each way.

You will see many featured spots on this hiking trail in Acadia National Park. And a couple of them include Otter Cliffs, Monument Cove, and Thunder Hole.

Cadillac Mountain Loop – An Easy Hiking Trail in Acadia National Park

This hiking trail is only a half mile long. This is because you can drive most of the way up this mountain.

However, the panoramic views from this trail make the short journey worthwhile. This is a popular spot in Acadia National Park. So, plan your visit for a time other than the early morning and mid-day if you want to avoid the crowds.

Precipice Trail

The Precipice Trail is two and a half miles long. It is a quite challenging hiking trail in Acadia National Park.

Once you have reached the end of this hiking trail, I recommend connecting with the Champlain North Ridge Trail. Doing this loop is much easier than trying to backtrack along the Precipice Trail to reach your car.

Beehive Trail

The Beehive Trail is much easier to do than the Precipice Trail. It is not as steep either.

This is still a challenging trail though, so do not think it will be a simple walk you can do without a sweat. The Beehive Trail is slightly more than a mile in length, but you can add another half mile if you venture over to The Bowl.

Jordan Pond Path

This flat hiking trail in Acadia National Park is perfect for all members of your family. The Jordan Pond Path is just over three miles long.

I happen to love this hike, because I can stop at the Jordan House Restaurant for a bite to eat afterward.

Jordan Cliffs Trail

If the Jordan Pond Path seems too easy or too crowded, you may want to consider the Jordan Cliffs Trail. This three-and-a-half-mile trail will take a lot of work on your end, but the views and the experience are worthwhile.

Ladder Trail – The Most Difficult Hiking Trail in Acadia National Park

The Ladder Trail is one of the most brutal hiking trails in Acadia National Park. You will feel as if all you are doing is climbing stairs all the way to the summit.

However, that feeling will change on occasion when you are climbing ladders instead of those steps. This trail is almost three and a half miles long and it is best to pace yourself in the beginning or you will never make it to the end.

These are the best hiking trails in Acadia National Park, but they are not the only ones you should consider during your visit. I would love to help you find the hiking trails your family will love the most for your vacation. If you are new to hiking or simply looking for a new experience for your next family vacation, Acadia National Park has so many options for you to choose from. Let me help you figure out the details, so you can simply relax and enjoy a fabulous family vacation during your busy life.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip to Maine or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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