Adventures Await: Explore Vermont for Your Next Family Vacation

There’s no better way to get a feel for the genuine personality of a town than by taking a stroll down the main streets. In each of Vermont's picturesque towns and villages, you’ll find an assortment of quaint shops, trendy boutiques, little bookstores, charming cafes, and local eateries. As you browse locally crafted goods, sample artisanal cheeses, and maybe even indulge in a sweet treat from a bakery, you’ll likely fall in love with the ambiance of the area—and you’re not alone in that.

On your next Vermont family vacation, experience the more rural side of the state by visiting a working farm. Here, you can get up close and personal with friendly farm animals, learn about sustainable agriculture practices, and even pick your own produce. Opt for a guided tour, take part in the hands-on activities (like milking cows to harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables!), and sit in on the educational workshops to learn about the farm lifestyle in the state. 

Vermont has a variety of hiking trails that cater to families of all ages and skill levels. From true nature walks to more challenging rocky inclines including five summits higher than 4,000 feet, there's a trail for every hiker to explore the forests of the Green Mountains. Some of our favorites are Camel’s Hump for the views, iconic Mount Mansfield with the tallest peak in the state, and Killington Peak, which is also known as “the Beast of the East” to skiers and snowboarders in the winter months. Bring some water and a picnic of your favorite snacks to make a day of it.  

With 55 state parks located throughout the state, Vermont is bound to have your ideal place to throw down a picnic blanket, unload your basket, and cheers to a lovely day in the sun. Depending on your vibe, you can dine al fresco by a lake or skip the water and enjoy a flower-filled meadow or grassy forest. Post picnic, you can swim, fish, kayak, explore, hike, and more depending on which state park you choose. Some also have community events like poetry readings, bird walks, concerts, and speaker series throughout the warmer months.

One of the ultimate outdoor family activities in VT involves a bathing suit and a towel. Cool off on a hot summer day by taking a dip in one of Vermont's 80+ lakes, ponds, or waterfalls. Whether you prefer to swim in the clear waters of a secluded mountain lake or splash around in a waterfall pool, you can do it all in the Green Mountain State. Hit Bristol Falls for the 14-foot waterfall and series of natural swimming holes, take to Blanchard Beach located in Burlington’s Oakledge Park to experience Lake Champlain, or opt for Vermont’s deepest lake lined with fjord-like peaks, Lake Willoughby.  

New England Inns and Resorts was founded in 1907 and has been devoted to providing unforgettable experiences ever since. With over 300 hotels, inns, resorts, and more located across New England, we support exceptional hospitality with a dedication to keeping it local at every location. 

There you have it: some of the best things to do in Vermont with your family. The weather is finally warm and it’s the perfect time to venture to New England for a long weekend. This season, stay in Vermont and let the adventures begin!