Vermont's rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are the heart of summer here. The Waterbury Reservoir — less than a mile from our home — is a local gem with calm, clear water perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Families love the easy access and relaxed vibe.
For a quintessential Vermont experience, head to one of the region's beloved swimming holes:
For a full-day outing, Lake Champlain in Burlington is about 30 minutes away. The lakeside beach parks offer easy parking, calm warm water, concessions, and stunning views across to the Adirondacks — perfect for families with young children.
The Stowe Recreation Path is a scenic 5.3-mile paved path winding through the heart of Stowe with views of Mount Mansfield and charming village stops. It's lovely for families — just note that the several bridges along the path, while beautiful, can be trickier for very new or very small riders.
For the easiest family ride, the Rail Trail in nearby Morristown is flat, wide, and ideal for little ones on balance bikes or training wheels — a relaxed spin through gorgeous scenery with no technical challenges.
More experienced cyclists will love the mountain biking scene. The Waterbury Trail Alliance maintains an excellent network of trails for all skill levels right in our backyard, and the greater Stowe area is nationally recognized for its mountain biking.
Another great biking outing is the Burlington bike path (pictured here!). A mostly flat, 8-mile paved trail that runs adjacent to the Lake Champlain shoreline. It features stunning, car-free views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains, passing through several major waterfront parks and downtown Burlington. The very end of the path takes you through the Colchester causeway. It feels like you are cycling right on top of the open water, offering panoramic views of Vermont's Green Mountains to the east and New York's Adirondack Mountains to the west
Central Vermont is one of New England's premier hiking destinations, with trails ranging from gentle woodland walks to rewarding summit climbs. Here's a range of options to match your crew.
Great for Very Young Children
Moss Glen Falls Trail in Stowe is the ideal first Vermont hike for little ones. The falls are just a quarter mile from the trailhead on a flat, partially boardwalked path — you'll be standing in front of an impressive multi-tiered cascade in minutes. The trail extends to 0.8 miles if you want to keep going, but there's no pressure. Note that it gets steep and slippery very close to the falls, so keep young ones close to you near the top. We took our son here during all of the seasons while he was 1-4 years old and he loved looking for frogs, seeing where the beavers have been, and throwing rocks into the river.
Accessible & Family-Friendly
The Dalley Loop in Waterbury Center is a wonderful next step — a wooded loop following old logging roads past small brooks and the remains of 19th-century homesteads (including the former home of Civil War veteran Dan Dalley). At 3.9 miles it's manageable for most families, and a shorter 2-mile version using the Hedgehog Hill connector makes it very doable for younger kids. Practically in our backyard.
For Active Families with Older Kids
Mount Elmore in Elmore State Park is a serious but spectacular hike — 5.5 miles and 1,450 feet of gain, plan for 3–4 hours round trip. Best suited for kids 8+ who are comfortable on sustained climbs. The payoff is a summit fire tower with 360° views of Mount Mansfield, Camel's Hump, Lake Elmore, and the entire Worcester Range. Worth every step — just go in with realistic expectations. Parking there also gives you access to their lovely lake 'beach' with a snack shack and clean restrooms. Bring your bathing suit!
Worth the Effort
Sterling Pond, accessed off Route 108 near Smugglers' Notch, rewards hikers with one of the most beautiful alpine ponds in Vermont. The trail is only 1.1 miles each way, but gains 1,000 feet with steep terrain, large roots, and boulders — don't let the mileage fool you. Most kids 7+ can handle it with proper footwear and plenty of breaks, and the pond is absolutely worth every step.
The Big Ones
Right in our neighborhood are the trailheads for Stowe Pinnacle and Hunger Mountain (pictured here!) offer rigorous climbs with payoff summit panoramas of the entire valley. Best for older children and adults comfortable with steep, sustained ascents — but the views are genuinely breathtaking. DO NOT skip bringing water and snacks -- no matter your fitness level, you will need it!
One of the great joys of a Vermont summer is the food. Less than a mile from our home, Cold Hollow Cider Mill is famous for its maple creamees — Vermont's beloved soft-serve made with local maple syrup. It's a daily ritual for families in the area and a true Vermont rite of passage for any visiting family.
For another iconic stop, Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury offers 30-minute tours ending with ice cream samples, plus a playground for kids and the legendary Flavor Graveyard. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Farmers markets are woven into summer life here:
Vermont weather can be wonderfully unpredictable — and that's part of the charm. On grey days, the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington is one of the best family museums in New England. With over 100 interactive exhibits, 70 live species, Vermont's only National Geographic Theater, and a dedicated early learning space for young children ("Champ Lane"), it's easy to spend a full day here. Admission: $20–$23 per person.
Closer to home, Stowe Village has mini golf, a bowling alley, and a small movie theater — perfect for a low-key afternoon with the kids when the mountains are in the clouds.