Family outings in Burlington
Burlington, Vermont's largest city, sits on Lake Champlain with a relaxed, very family-friendly feel. You'll find a lake-focused museum, a lively pedestrian street, a waterfront bike path and, nearby, farms and producers kids enjoy. In summer the beach and boat rides lead the way; in autumn the colours are superb. Burlington is easy on foot or bike, but a car helps for Shelburne and Waterbury, about 15 and 40 minutes away. Locals love ice cream even in cool weather, so build in a stop at a scoop shop, and bring layers because the lake breeze can cool the evenings quickly.
Must-do activities
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
A museum and aquarium with fish, turtles and interactive exhibits about the lake. Perfect on a rainy day.
Church Street Marketplace
A pedestrian street with patios, street performers and ice cream shops. Kids can wander without worrying about cars.
Waterfront and Island Line Trail
A big lakeside park and a bike path that stretches out over a causeway. Free, with lots of room to run.
Shelburne Farms
About 15 minutes away, a large working farm estate with animals, trails and meadows. Kids love the farmyard area.
Shelburne Museum
An outdoor museum spread across historic buildings, with an old paddlewheel steamer and varied collections. Best explored at a relaxed pace.
Ben & Jerry's Factory (Waterbury)
About 40 minutes away, a tour of the ice cream factory with a tasting. A Vermont classic for sweet tooths.
Free parks and playgrounds near Burlington
- 🌳 Courthouse Plaza
- 📚 Fletcher Free Library
- 🏖️ Blodgett Beach
- 🛝 Roosevelt Park Playground
- 🌲 Centennial Woods Natural Area
- 🌳 City Hall Park
- 📚 Billings Library
- 🏖️ Lakeside Beach Access
- 🛝 Oakledge Park Playground
- 🌲 Arthur Park
- 🌳 Champlain St Park
- 📚 David W. Howe Library
Making the most of Burlington as a family
Whether you live in Burlington or are just visiting for the weekend, there is no shortage of family outings: parks, playgrounds, libraries, museums and seasonal events are often free or low cost. FamiSwipe gathers these ideas in one place so you can stop searching.
To choose well, think about your children's ages, the weather and the travel time. A park with a splash pad suits hot days, while a library or community centre saves rainy or freezing ones. Pack a snack, water and a change of clothes.
Tip: swipe through the suggestions in the app, keep your favourites and share the shortlist with the other parent. Free activities are perfect for trying something new without pressure, and short trips close to home spare everyone a long car ride.
Bookable activities in Burlington
Tours, attractions and tickets in and around Burlington, often with free cancellation.
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Family outings not to miss
→ Discover activities in Burlington on FamiSwipe
FAQ
What can kids do in Burlington, Vermont, when it rains?
ECHO is the obvious choice, with its aquariums and exhibits. The Shelburne Museum also has several indoor buildings.
What are the free family activities in Burlington, Vermont?
The lakefront, the Island Line Trail, Church Street and city beaches. FamiSwipe shows parks and playgrounds around you with the real distance.
Can you do Burlington, Vermont, as a weekend from Montreal?
Yes, it's about two hours by road. A weekend covers downtown, ECHO and an outing to Shelburne.
Do you need a car in Burlington, Vermont?
Downtown and the lakefront are easy on foot or bike. For Shelburne, Waterbury and farms, you'll need a car.