Vermont is such a great place to explore as a family. Burlington has been one of our favorite destinations in the Northeast. We used to have family that lived in the area, and it gave us plenty of time to see everything that Burlington has to offer. There is plenty to do and see in and around Burlington! Here are a few we have enjoyed.

Church Street

Church Street is a pedestrian street that is fun to explore, with lots of places to shop and eat. It isn’t too far from the waterfront on Lake Champlain either, so you can make a day of checking out a variety of places. We enjoyed walking around, shopping, and enjoying good food!

Shelburne Farms

Shelburne Farms is a working farm, including a bakery, cheesemaking factory, and more. They have summer camps, a variety of programs, and you can visit the animals, take a tour, and more. We have enjoyed going there and spending hours exploring the farm property, taking a cheese tour, sampling food, and walking on the trails. We have also gone on sleigh rides in the winter.

Shelburne Farms

Waterfront Park / Lake Champlain

It is nice to take a relaxing walk or bike ride along the waterfront. There are plenty of places to eat, and large areas to set down a picnic blanket and relax. You can also walk to shops, rent bikes, and more.

Independence Day Fireworks Burlington Vermont

They also have events on a regular basis, like their July 4th celebration (this is a pre-pandemic photo).

Independence Day Fireworks Burlington Vermont

Farms, Orchards & Pick Your Own

There are lots of great orchards in the Shelburne area, where you can explore, pick apples, pick berries etc. My kids have always enjoyed apple and berry picking, and there are usually other attractions like visiting farm animals.

In the fall, we have also done some corn mazes like Sam Mazza’s that were so much fun!

Rent Bikes

We have rented bikes for years in Burlington. When the kids were very small, we rented a bike with a trailer, and the kids loved it!

ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center

This is a great place to check out, especially on a rainy day. There are lots of fun and educational activities here for kids of all ages.

Moss Glen Falls Trailhead, Granville, Vermont

Short hikes

There are some short hikes to be found in the Burlington area, which are kid-friendly. A few of these include Shelburne Farms, Red Rocks Park, Mt. Philo, and the LaPlatte River Marsh. If you want to go a little further, there are lots of other spots, like Moss Glen Falls.

Beach and swimming holes

If your kids love water activities, you can check out the beaches on Lake Champlain. If you are willing to take a day trip of it, there are swimming holes like Red Rocks Park (in town) or Bristol Falls (about 40 minutes away).

Bristol Falls

Enjoy a Maple Creemee

Find a shop like an ice cream shop or Country store that serves Maple Creemees. If you aren’t familiar with this Vermont staple, it is a delicious maple soft-serve ice cream.

Green Mountain Sugar Shack, Ludlow, Vermont

Check out our list of places we have visited in Vermont HERE!