Vermont - Kids Trails

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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-

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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

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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

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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.

Ben & Jerry’s
Route 100 North
Waterbury, VT  01247
Phone: 802-846-1500

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

The Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop
Route 7 South
Bennington, VT  05201
Phone: 888-8APPLES

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In addition to a visit to the farm, entertainments for children include Pumpkinosauris Lily, a pumpkin-eating dinosaur; the A-Maize-ing Cornfield Maze; performances of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by The Puppet People troupe; the Vermont Institute of Natural Science’s Raptor Encounter show; and Brisky the Clown.