Family Day Trips from Burlington: Lakes, Farms and Trails

Lake Champlain: Beaches and Islands

Burlington's own waterfront at Waterfront Park and North Beach offers a sandy swim with lifeguards in summer, but for a full day out head south to Shelburne Beach (12 miles, 20 minutes), where the shallow entry and picnic tables suit young children. Farther south, Button Bay State Park in Ferrisburgh (30 miles, 40 minutes) has a rocky shoreline and a nature center with kid-friendly programming. If you want to make a loop, continue to the Champlain Islands via Route 2 through South Hero; the Sand Bar State Park day-use area has a wide, warm beach and costs a few dollars per adult. Best months: June through August; water is warmest in late July.

For a different lake day, drive north to Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans (30 miles, 40 minutes) for a small beach and a ferry to Burton Island, a state park with rental cabins and walking trails. The ferry runs seasonally and is a hit with children. Keep in mind that Lake Champlain's weather can shift quickly; pack layers and check the forecast. If you'd rather stay close to Burlington, the Burlington Bike Path connects North Beach to the city, making it easy to combine a swim with a stroll. Book a hotel in South Burlington for easy access to both the lake and the interstate.

Farm Visits: Cows, Cheese and Maple

Vermont's working landscape is on show at Shelburne Farms (7 miles, 15 minutes), a 1,400-acre nonprofit farm and National Historic Landmark with walking trails, a children's farmyard and cheese-making tours. Entry to the grounds is free; some activities have fees. For a smaller, hands-on stop, the Dakin Farm in Ferrisburgh (20 miles, 30 minutes) sells maple syrup and cheddar and offers samples, though it's more shop than farm. A better bet for families is the Vermont Dairy Farm, a working operation in Enosburgh (45 miles, 1 hour) that runs tours by appointment—call ahead. Best months: May through October, when animals are outdoors and maple sap is flowing in early spring.

For a full farm day, combine Shelburne Farms with a stop at the Shelburne Museum (adjacent), which has outdoor sculptures and a vintage carousel that appeal to kids. If you're visiting in April, check the Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans (30 miles, 40 minutes), a annual event with sugarhouse tours and pancake breakfasts. Otherwise, skip the larger farm stands along Route 7, which are mostly retail. Instead, head to the Intervale Center in Burlington's North End, where small farms sell produce and you can walk the trails along the Winooski River. For lodging, South Burlington hotels are a 10-minute drive from Shelburne Farms.

Trails and Rail Corridors: Easy Rides and Walks

The Island Line Trail is the region's signature family ride: a 14-mile rail-trail from Burlington's waterfront to the Champlain Islands, including a 2-mile causeway over the lake (with a seasonal bike ferry). The grade is flat and the surface is packed gravel, suitable for hybrids and kids' bikes; rent from Local Motion at North Beach. For a shorter walk, the Colchester Causeway segment offers lake views and birdwatching. Best months: May through October; the bike ferry runs late May to early October. Parking at the trailheads fills by 10 a.m. on weekends, so arrive early and bring water—services are sparse.

Inland, the Stowe Recreation Path (30 miles, 40 minutes) is a 5.5-mile paved trail that passes swimming holes and picnic areas, with the village of Stowe at one end. It's stroller-friendly and has gentle slopes. For a more wooded hike, the Trail Around Middlebury (40 miles, 50 minutes) circles the town through fields and forest, but sections are not stroller-friendly. If you have time for one trail, choose the Island Line for its lake scenery and novelty. After a ride, refuel at a cafe in Winooski (5 miles from Burlington) and stay overnight in South Burlington to avoid city parking hassles.

Practical Logistics and Where to Stay

Most of these trips require a car; public transit in Chittenden County is limited to local buses, and rideshares are scarce outside Burlington. Drive times above assume no traffic; Route 7 south can be slow on summer weekends. For families, a base in South Burlington makes sense: it's close to the airport, the interstate and the lake, and hotel rates are often lower than downtown Burlington. Book ahead for summer weekends and foliage season (late September to mid-October), when demand spikes. If you're visiting in winter, focus on indoor attractions like the ECHO Leahy Center and the Shelburne Museum's covered exhibits.

For a two-day stay, pair a lake day with a farm visit, then add a trail day if weather allows. Skip the tour buses and crowded waterfront on July 4th; instead, head to a smaller beach like Kill Kare. Check the Vermont State Parks website for day-use fees. If you need a hotel near Burlington, South Burlington's options along Williston Road offer free parking and easy access to I-89. Book directly with the hotel for the best available rate. For a quieter stay, consider Winooski or Essex Junction, both within 15 minutes of downtown. In sum, the Champlain Valley rewards families who venture beyond the city line.