Stowe, Killington, Smugglers” Notch, Jay Peak, Bromley — the list of ski resorts in Vermont is seemingly endless. But there”s more to this New England state than winter sports.
Small cities beckon families with downtown charm and unique experiences, from the darling Vermont Teddy Bear Company in Burlington to the poetic Robert Frost Trail in Bennington. Vermont is also quite famous for its food, from fresh cheese to a certain creamery in Waterbury… (cough) Ben & Jerry”s. There”s even an all-inclusive resort in Vermont that calls for a trip of its own. And then there”s the scenery…
Ready to go? Consider one of these Vermont weekend getaways for your next trip with the kids.
Written by Amanda Geronikos
1/7
Bennington
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before i sleep."
Visit the Robert Frost Trail in Bennington, Vermont, where the late poet resided from 1920 to 1928. (He also lived in Derry, New Hampshire, where tourists can visit the Robert Frost Farm). It was in Bennington that he wrote “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.†Robert Frost is also buried in Bennington, and visitors may stop by his gravesite at Bennington Centre Cemetery.
The scenic drives in Bennington are worthy of a visit, too. Check out the Molly Stark Trail and the town"s two covered bridges: Burnt Henry and Silk Road.
Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn Bennington
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before i sleep."
Visit the Robert Frost Trail in Bennington, Vermont, where the late poet resided from 1920 to 1928. (He also lived in Derry, New Hampshire, where tourists can visit the Robert Frost Farm). It was in Bennington that he wrote “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.†Robert Frost is also buried in Bennington, and visitors may stop by his gravesite at Bennington Centre Cemetery.
The scenic drives in Bennington are worthy of a visit, too. Check out the Molly Stark Trail and the town"s two covered bridges: Burnt Henry and Silk Road.
Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn Bennington
2/7
Tyler Place Family Resort
Located on a lake in Swanton, Vermont, Tyler Place Family Resort is a destination in itself. One of few all-inclusive resorts in the U.S., it offers programming for children of all ages, from outdoor playtime for infants to water sports for teens. Parents are included in the fun, too, with art classes, cooking demos and more.
Dinnertime is unique at this resort -- kids and parents are separated so mom and dad can enjoy a quiet meal before everyone reconvenes to relax in their suite or cottage.
Dinnertime is unique at this resort -- kids and parents are separated so mom and dad can enjoy a quiet meal before everyone reconvenes to relax in their suite or cottage.
3/7
Burlington and Lake Champlain
Burlington is located on Lake Champlain, making it easy to explore two destinations on your Vermont family getaway.
In Burlington, check out Church Street Marketplace (featured in many iconic photos of the city), Burlington Farmers" Market, and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. Be sure to visit the World"s Tallest Filing Cabinet for a funny photo op, too! Parents -- if you like beer, you"ll love Burlington -- there are 11 breweries in town, including well-known Magic Hat Brewing Company.
On Lake Champlain, outdoor activities are aplenty -- kayaking, boating, swimming, paddle boarding or just plain relaxing create the perfect weekend getaway in Vermont with kids. Take a ferry to explore the Lake Champlain Islands.
Recommended Hotel: Basin Harbor Club
In Burlington, check out Church Street Marketplace (featured in many iconic photos of the city), Burlington Farmers" Market, and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. Be sure to visit the World"s Tallest Filing Cabinet for a funny photo op, too! Parents -- if you like beer, you"ll love Burlington -- there are 11 breweries in town, including well-known Magic Hat Brewing Company.
On Lake Champlain, outdoor activities are aplenty -- kayaking, boating, swimming, paddle boarding or just plain relaxing create the perfect weekend getaway in Vermont with kids. Take a ferry to explore the Lake Champlain Islands.
Recommended Hotel: Basin Harbor Club
4/7
Woodstock
No, it"s not that Woodstock, but this Woodstock is worthy of a weekend getaway in Vermont nonetheless. Woodstock, Vermont is famous for Billings Farm, a working farm with fantastic exhibits and events. Kids especially love the interactive experiences, which include milking cows and churning butter.
Also well known is the charming Woodstock Inn & Resort, established by the Rockefeller family (as is much of the town). The cozy, yet upscale hotel has two farm-to-table restaurants open to the public. More restaurants and shopping can be found downtown.
Other highlights include the Woodstock Farmers Market and Suicide Six Ski Area. Stop by Sugarbush Farm for fresh cheese and real maple syrup to take home.
Looking for a place to stay? See Woodstock, Vermont Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: Woodstock Inn & Resort
Also well known is the charming Woodstock Inn & Resort, established by the Rockefeller family (as is much of the town). The cozy, yet upscale hotel has two farm-to-table restaurants open to the public. More restaurants and shopping can be found downtown.
Other highlights include the Woodstock Farmers Market and Suicide Six Ski Area. Stop by Sugarbush Farm for fresh cheese and real maple syrup to take home.
Looking for a place to stay? See Woodstock, Vermont Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: Woodstock Inn & Resort
5/7
Jay Peak Resort
Jay Peak Resort isn"t just a ski resort in Vermont. It"s a four-season destination, featuring an indoor, NHL-size ice rink called Ice Haus, and the Pump House, an indoor water park. The small water park features a waterslide called La Chute (“the dropâ€), a lazy river, interactive play area, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and a surfing simulator; there"s also an arcade. Water park access is complimentary for guests of Hotel Jay & Conference Center, but day passes are also available online.
Of course, the ski resort itself its worthy of a visit, with 78 trails and several ski programs for beginners or those who want to brush up on their skills.
Recommended Hotel: Jay Peak Resort
Of course, the ski resort itself its worthy of a visit, with 78 trails and several ski programs for beginners or those who want to brush up on their skills.
Recommended Hotel: Jay Peak Resort
6/7
Stowe/Waterbury
You could easily visit Stowe, Vermont without skiing (though the skiing is amazing) -- especially in the summer, when the area offers outdoor activities galore, from hiking to scenic drives through the mountains. Downtown, you"ll find cute specialty stores and restaurants. And the area has several spas at its resorts, many offering treatments just for kids -- perfect for a mother-daughter getaway or a treat for the whole family.
Be sure to plan a side trip to Waterbury, about 20 minutes away. This is where the Ben & Jerry's Factory is located, offering tours and tastings. There are places to hike here and a growing number of breweries, all of which welcome families.
Looking for a place to stay? See Stowe Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: Stowe Mountain Lodge
Be sure to plan a side trip to Waterbury, about 20 minutes away. This is where the Ben & Jerry's Factory is located, offering tours and tastings. There are places to hike here and a growing number of breweries, all of which welcome families.
Looking for a place to stay? See Stowe Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: Stowe Mountain Lodge
7/7
Smugglers’ Notch
Even if your brood doesn"t like to ski, this famous resort warrants a Vermont weekend getaway with kids. In fact, our favorite time to visit is the summer, when Smugglers' Notch features pools and water parks, zip-lining, hiking, biking, mini-golf, disc golf, a skate park, tennis, flyboarding, Segway tours, and more. There"s even more good old-fashioned fun on the resort"s reservoir (Rum Runners" Hideaway), such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming.
Recommended Hotel: Smugglers" Notch Inn
Recommended Hotel: Smugglers" Notch Inn
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