Shelburne, Vermont is a beautiful place to visit.  We had family that lived there for years, and we enjoyed spending quite a bit of time there.  Shelburne has a lot of great family friendly activities, and there is plenty to do nearby or for day trips.

Shelburne Farms

Shelburne Farms is such a great place to check out, and there is plenty to do for people of all ages. For younger kids, you can wander the property and visit the farm animals. This historic farm is a great place to learn about agriculture and sustainability. There are many activities and events throughout the year, including tours, workshops, and festivals.

There are also camps, programs, tours of the cheesemaking facility, seasonal sleigh rides, and much more.

Photo credit: Orah Moore via ShelburneFarms.org

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

The VT Teddy Bear Factory can be expensive, but makes for a nice special occasion idea. You can do a tour of the factory, grab a bite to eat, and shop there.  There is a nice outdoor area to enjoy as well.

Shelburne Museum

This unique museum has an extensive collection of art, Americana, and folk art. The museum is spread over 45 acres and has many exhibits that offer an insight into the history of the area. This may be less suited for younger kids if they don’t have much of an attention span for historical things.

Shopping & Farmer’s Market

There are some cute shops in downtown Shelburne, like the Shelburne Country Store, the Flying Pig book store, and other shops.  

There is also a great outdoor farmer’s market during the warmer months.  My kids always enjoyed treats and lemonades, and we would always get delicious breads and veggies to enjoy later.

Orchards

Shelburne is known for its apple orchards, and there are many orchards in the area that offer apple picking during the fall season. The orchard is a fun place to visit especially during apple picking season.  It is nice to have that Vermont fall experience and make memories going to the orchard to pick apples and shop for local items.

Parks and outdoor spaces

There are a variety of things to do outdoors in Shelburne. There are numerous hiking trails in the area that offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The Lake Champlain area provides excellent opportunities for water sports, including kayaking and canoeing. Lake Champlain is also a popular spot for fishing, and there are many charters and fishing guides in the area.

Enjoy a Maple Creemee

While you are in Shelburne, you can find a Maple Creemee (a maple soft-serve ice cream). There are different shops where you can get these. A cute place we have enjoyed buying these are at the Shelburne Country Store (29 Falls Road). The whole family loves these treats!

Green Mountain Sugar Shack, Ludlow, Vermont

Take a scenic drive

The area around Shelburne is known for its scenic beauty, and there are plenty of routes for a leisurely drive through the countryside.

Lots to do just outside Shelburne

Just outside of Shelburne, there are lots more things to do.  The Burlington area has so much to see and do, as well as visiting the lake, heading south to Mt. Philo or Charlotte. Church Street is a pedestrian street in Burlington that is great for shopping, dining, and more. There are lots of spots to sit and enjoy the sights, and also plenty nearby to explore as well.