Family and kids activities range from a teddy bear factory to farm visits

Imagine all the fun things to do with children on vacation and you still might not cover the range of kids trails activities in Vermont. Here are just a few examples: visits to teddy bear and ice cream factories and historice working farms and horse farms. Also, nature and art museums, summertime coaster rides down a ski mountain, and maple suger-making shacks. Where will you start??

Central Northern Southern
Central top of listings

Billings Farm & Museum

Route 12N and River Road Woodstock, VT 05091 Phone: 802-457-2355

Billings Farm & Museum is a gateway for parents and kids to Vermont’s rural heritage. Children may explore the working dairy farm; the 1890 Farm House; and the farm life exhibits. Many family-oriented activities. Learn about sheep herding; take a wagon ride; help make butter and ice cream.

Bragg Farm Sugar House and Gift Shop

Route 14 North East Montpelier, VT 05651 Phone: 800-376-5757

See where the maple syrup comes from and learn how it is made. Among the farm’s offerings are educational tours and a 20-minute video ; a maple walking trail; maple syrup taste testing; a large collection of old sugar-making tools; beautiful mountain views; and a gift shop.

Cabot Creamery

1 Home Farm Way Montpelier, VT 05602 Phone: 888-792-2268

At the creamery’s Visitors Center, kids and families can take a factory tour and watch cheesemakers at work. There are plenty of free samples, and the building is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in world.

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

4472 Basin Harbor Road Vergennes, VT 05491 Phone: 802-475-2022

Open: May 22-October 31, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Four acres of exhibits, shipwrecks nautical archaology, antique boats and more. Explore the vibrant history of the Champlain Valley through its military, commercial and regional periods. Climb aboard the 54' replica gunboat Philadelphia II. Twelve exhibit buildings, collections, working forge, boat building courses and workshops, replica gunboat, shipwrecks, nautical archaeology center, antique boats, boat livery, visitor center and museum store, field study, outreach, summer programs. Cost: Adults,$10; seniors, $9; students age 5-17, $5.

Montshire Museum of Science

One Montshire Road Norwich, VT 05055 Phone: 802-649-2200

Open: Year-round, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

This hands-on museum offers dozens of exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. The building is located on a 110-acre site near the Connecticut River, and the museum’s outdoor environment is a large part of the visitor experience. Science Park is a two-acre exhibit area in a park-like setting. Also outside is a network of easy-to-moderate walking trails for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Cost: Adults, $9; children age 3 to 17, $7.

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks

1168 County Road Montpelier, VT 05602 Phone: 800-242-2740

Free sugar house tours and tasting, multimedia displays in a real woodshed theater, a nature trail, country store, and whimsical carved folklife characters created by Burr Morse. Open daily year-round.

Rock of Ages Quarry and Manufacturing

558 Graniteville Road Graniteville, VT 05654 Phone: 866-748-6877

Learn about quarrying and try it for yourself. The Cut-In-Stone Activity Center offers hands-on activities for children and adults. Sandblast-a-souvenir allows kids to create a memento of their visit. Other activities include geology explorations and learning the hand signals of the quarry derrickman. Check for seasonal changes in programs.

Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences Nature Center

Route 4 (near Quechee Gorge) Quechee, VT 05059 Phone: 802-FLY-5000

Some recent activities of the center that will thrill kids and adults include “Meet the Raptor” for a close-up view of these majestic birds; “Winged Wonders,” a lesson in flight mechanics; “Enter the Gorge Hike,” for a guided walk into the canyon; and “The Secret Lives of Frogs.” Many offerings are seasonal, so call ahead for scheduling.

Vermont Marble Museum

52 Main St. Proctor, VT 05765 Phone: 802-459-2300 / 1-800-427-

All things marble lie behind the monstrous stone entrance to this museum. A film, “The Legacy of Marble,” describes the marble-cutting industry. The Geology Room features a hands-on exhibit for adults and children, explaining the geological history and evolution of Earth. A short walkway takes visitors to the Sutherland Falls Quarry, where picnicking is encouraged.

Vermont Toy and Train Museum

Route 4 Quechee, VT 05059 Phone: 800-438-5565

Part of Quechee Gorge Village specialty shops, the museum features hundreds of toys from the 1950s through today, along with antique dolls and trains. Children and parents can enjoy three large model railroads in miniaturized mountain settings. Outside, a small train ride circles the grounds.

Vermont Wildflower Farm

Route 7 Charlotte, VT 05445 Phone: 802-425-3641

This six-acre farm is home to more than 354 species of wildflowers, ferns, and shrubs. An extensive network of trails meanders over meadows, fields, and woodlands full of wildflowers, common and obscure. A retail store offers nature-based gifts, candy, jams, syrups, teas, and Vermont handcrafted items. Open daily April 1 to October 31.
Northern top of listings

Ben & Jerry’s

Route 100 North Waterbury, VT 01247 Phone: 802-846-1500

Guided tours, offered daily, are fun and educational for both children and adults. Picnic areas and gift shop.

Birds of Vermont Museum

900 Sherman Hollow Road Huntington, VT 05462 Phone: 802-434-2167

Open: May 1 - October 31, daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; in winter by appointment

Exhibits feature carvings of over 450 species of birds, including an archaeopteryx and other extinct and endangered species. There is a wild bird observation area, as well as nature trails, carving demonstrations and a gift shop. Cost: Adults, $6; seniors, $5; children age 3-17, $3; family, $15.

Echo at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

1 College St. Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: 1-877-ECHOFUN

Discover 60 species of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and reptiles, over 100 hands-on experiences, traveling exhibits, and the Awesome Forces Theater. Live animal feedings. A traveling exhibit, "Tree Houses," will be on display from November 11, 2006 to May 6, 2007. The exhibit allows visitors to explore the important role that trees play in providing homes for all sorts of wild creatures -- and people. Guests will be able to climb up a treehouse, make real wood products, and play innovative, interactive games involving trees. The 2.2 acre site also includes the Lake Champlain Navy Memorial, Eclectic Gift Shop and seasonal café. Open year-round; check for seasonal changes in hours.

Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium

1302 Main Street St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 Phone: 802-748-2372

Open: Year-round, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m.; also open Monday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., April- October. Call for planetarium show times.

Natural science collection of 160,000 objects housed in a landmark Victorian building. The historical collections contain examples of 19th-century agricultural, industrial, and household life. The natural history collection houses New England mammals and birds, rocks and minerals, shells, butterflies, insects, bird nests and egg sets, and hummingbirds. Exhibits on astronomy and rural history. Cost: Adults, $6; seniors and children age 5-17, $5; family, $18; planetarium show, $5.

Green Mountain Audubon Center

255 Sherman Hollow Road Huntington, VT 01238 Phone: 802-434-3068

This 255-acre center offers five miles of trails through northern hardwood forest, hemlock swamp, and other habitats that are home to birds, amphibians, and beaver. In late winter, stop by the sugarhouse to watch maple sugar making. During the summer, visit the butterfly garden. At The Barn, check out the Discovery Room, with interactive displays and activities. Lookout Rock offers spectacular views of the Green Mountains

Lake Champlain Chocolates

750 Pine St. Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: 800-465-5909

Take a factory tour to see chocolates made and enjoy the aromas and tastes (along with free samples to go). Kids and families are also welcome at the company’s Church Street Marketplace location on Saturdays to watch Copper Kettle Fudge being made on Saturdays. Also, frequent chocolate demonstrations, classes, and book signings.

Maple Grove Farms Museum and Factory

1052 Portland St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 Phone: 802-748-5141

Visitors may begin their tour by viewing the video, Vermont's First Industry - Maple Syrup, while sampling maple candy, followed by a guided tour of the two-story factory to see maple syrup packed and gourmet dressing produced. Down in the kitchen maple candy is made in vintage equipment while visitors watch.

Shelburne Farms

1611 Harbor Road Shelburne, VT 05482 Phone: 802-985-8686

This environmental education center on the shores of Lake Champlain invites the public to learn about environmental conservation. Visits start at the Welcome Center with a slide show and samples of the farm’s award-winning cheddar. Kids and families can then explore the walking trails and activities at the Farm Barn, including the Children's Farmyard.

Shelburne Museum

U.S. Route 7 / P.O. Box 10 Shelburne, VT 05482 Phone: 802-985-3346

Open May - October

Shelburne Museum is one of the nation’s most eclectic museums of art, Americana, and design, displaying over 150,000 objects on 45 acres in Vermont's beautiful Lake Champlain Valley. Collections of folk art, decorative arts, tools, toys, and textiles, are exhibited as are American paintings and Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Manet, Degas, and others. The museum's 25 historic New England buildings include period houses, a lighthouse, and a 220-foot paddlewheel steamboat. New exhibits in 2006 include paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe, the art of Tasha Tudor, contemporary Knoll design, and kaleidoscope quilts.

University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm

74 Battell Dr. Weybridge, VT 05753 Phone: 802-388-2011

The farm is home to Morgan history and many educational programs. For over 50 years, the farm has provided educational experiences for students and visitors. Children and adults who love these majestic animals are welcome to visit daily from May 1 to October 31. Tours on the hour. Gift shop offers of horse-related items.

Vermont Teddy Bear

Route 7 Shelburne, VT 01247 Phone: 800-829-BEAR

Parents and kids will be enthralled as they watch bears come to life during a factory tour of this manufacturer of hand-crafted teddy bears. Thirty-minute tours daily.

Vermont Veteran's Militia Museum and Library

789 National Guard Road (Camp Johnson) Colchester, VT 05446 Phone: 802-338-3360

This depository of military artifacts and history has grown into a large facility housing many unique items, including vehicles, tanks, and aircraft. Exhibits include 18th-century Vermont militia uniforms as well as items from the War of 1812, Civil War, World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Best for children age 11 and older.
Southern top of listings

Adams Family Farm

15 Higley Hill Road Wilmington, VT 05363 Phone: 802-464-3762

Families and children are invited to many year-round events, including sleigh rides with Belgian draft horses; a farm animal petting area; agricultural demonstrations, such as milking and shearing; wagon and pony rides; and a fiber arts loft. And a farm store sells the essential Vermont delicacy: maple syrup and candy.

Bromley Mountain Thrill Zone

Route 11 Manchester, VT 05254 Phone: 802-824-5522

Bromley’s Summer Sun & Fun Park offers the state’s longest water-slide ride, the country’s longest Alpine Slide, the Giant Condor Cable Coaster, SpaceBikes, Twinspin, Adrenaline Zip Line, 24-foot Kiddie Slide, two Trampoline Things, gravity-driven, DevalKarts, 24-foot climbing wall, scenic chairlift rides, 18-hole championship mini-golf, Kiddie Fun Park and more.

Green Mountain National Forest

231 North Main Street (offices) Rutland, VT Phone: 802-747-6700

The Green Mountain National Forest scenic beauty along the backbone of Vermont's Green Mountains offers a four season recreation experience. Primitive recreational opportunities exist within the eight Wilderness Areas on the Green Mountain National Forest. The Forest also hosts two National Recreation Areas. The most popular season is autumn, when the mountains are ablaze with color. In spring, the forest bursts forth from the grip of winter and blooming wildflowers that are visible along many of the Forest trails. The first fishing days are enjoyed by a lot of people. Mud season is usually short but intense. Mountain biking and hiking on wet trails is not encouraged during this time. Head nets and an effective insect repellant are suggested for black fly season. Summer is popular for picnicking, camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating, and canoeing. Winter brings out skiers (both downhill and cross-country), snowboarders, snowmobilers, and snowshoe enthusiasts.
Uses: Hiking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, bird watching, bicycling, canoeing, camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling

Merck Forest & Farmland Center

Rupert Mountain Road (Route 315) Rupert, VT 05768 Phone: 802-394-7836

Merck Forest is open to the public free every day year-round. This conservation area includes forests, a farm, hiking trails, and camping. Educators offer workshop programs for children and adults on many topics of ecology. Events include pick your own flowers and vegetables, farm tours, meet the bees, mushrooming, and harvest day.

Retreat Farm

350 Linden St. Brattleboro, VT 01247 Phone: 207-255-3475 (Park season

This working dairy farm and recreation center offers a true reflection of the agricultural way of life in Vermont. The farm owns 100 cows and 450 acres of land, and from Memorial Day to the end of October operates a petting farm and gift shop farm toys, Vermont-made items, children's garden tools, and stuffed animals.

Southern Vermont Natural History Museum

Route 9 Marlboro, VT 05344 Phone: 802-464-0048

Open: Late October through Memorial Day; hours vary; please call ahead.

This natural history museum in the foothills of the Green Mountains offer mounted specimens of 600 native New England birds and mammals as well as live hawks and owls. The museum presents an amphibian and reptile exhibit and a wildflower exhibit in the summer and fall. A good side trip is a hike up nearby Mount Olga. The museum has one of the largest collections of mounted birds to be found in New England, containing over 600 birds in 100 small dioramas. Raptor center has live exhibits of owls and hawks. Cost: Adults, $5; children, $2; seniors, $3.