By Sarah Valek
There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for kids in Vermont.
It is good to be a kid in Vermont. With many well-built playgrounds and a variety of activities you can't find anywhere else, Vermont is a child wonderland. Parents can choose from farms, child-friendly theaters, world-class museums and scenic parks. Vermont is sure to have something to please your youngster, regardless of age or interest.
Big Picture Theater & Cafe
This family-friendly destination isn't your average theater. The Big Picture shows indie films but also has a cartoon lunch hour, hosts a "mom and me" playgroup and offers an extensive kids menu. Even more, the theater features couches to sit on--not your typical stiff, crammed movie chairs.
Big Picture Theater and Cafe
48 Carroll Road
Waitsfield, VT 05673
802-496-8994
bigpicturetheater.info
Shelburne Farms
Have your kids learn about conservation and sustainability with a visit to Shelburne Farms. The farm is a nonprofit environmental education center complete with walking trails, daily activities, a children's farmyard, tractors and--of course--animals. The farm also hosts many special events, from scavenger hunts in the fall to summer campfires.
Shelburne Farms
1611 Harbor Road
Shelbourne, VT 05482
802-985-8686
shelburnefarms.org
The Swimming Hole
It is no secret that Vermont gets bitterly cold in the winter. But there is still plenty to do when the temperatures dip into the teens. The Swimming Hole looks like a giant barn but is actually an aquatic oasis. The facility offers a fitness center, competition-sized swimming pool, heated toddler and child pool, swimming lessons for all ages, and kids yoga and fitness programs.
The Swimming Hole
75 Weeks Hill Road
Stowe, VT 05672
802-253-9229
theswimmingholestowe.com
Davis Studio
Is your child a budding artist? If so, he will love Davis Studio in Burlington. The studio offers art, theater, design and fashion classes for kids ages 2 to 15. Your child can choose to learn acrylic painting, tree house architecture, comic book art, interior design or film-making. The studio has rave reviews from customers and even offers special classes for homeschooled children.
Davis Studio
4 Howard Street
Burlington, VT 05401
802-425-2700
davisstudiovt.com
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center studies the "ecology, culture, history and opportunity" of the Lake Champlain basin through more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Children will love the live animal feedings (many fish, amphibians and reptiles live at the museum) and scavenger hunts, known here as Echo Encounters. Kids will not be bored.
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
One College St.
Burlington, VT 05401
877-324-6386
echovermont.org
Allen Brook Nature Trail
Need some tranquility? Take the kids for a stroll on the wooded Allen Brook Nature Trail located on Central School Drive in Williston. The trail is short enough--it's a 0.5 mile loop--for any aged walker to complete and is paved to allow strollers. The trail features a boardwalk and observation platform and is near two playgrounds, one of which is designed for toddlers and small children. This trail is a great way to get away without having to walk far.
Allen Brook Nature Trail
Central School Drive
Williston, VT 05495
town.williston.vt.us
About the Author:
Sarah Valek has been a writer since 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in writing and art from Ithaca College. Valek's work has appeared in ModernMom.com, "Mommies Magazine" and "Natural Moms Talk Radio."
Photo Credits:
Vermont state contour against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from
Fotolia.com
