Shelburne Farms

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Where

1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne, VT 05482 Visit Website | 802-985-8686 | rgraham@shelburnefarms.org

Details

Ages: Babies, Toddlers, Kinder, Kids, Tweens Cost: Walking Trails and Children's Farmyard (seasonal) are open by donation. Parking: Yes

Shelburne Farms is a membership-supported education nonprofit whose mission is to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future through its programs, place, and products. Our programs offer transformative learning experiences for all ages; our place—a 1,400-acre working farm and National Historic Landmark on the shores of Lake Champlain in Shelburne, Vermont—is a living classroom for learning; our sustainably produced products—including farmstead cheddar cheese—connect learners to where food comes from. Please visit our website for a complete list of opportunities and experiences.

 

 

 

Reviews

34 reviews
  • October 5, 2015
    "I love taking my children to Shelburne Farms. Not only is it beautiful any time of year but they get experiences there that are incredible. My 3 year old AND one year old both milked a cow this weekend and had a blast on all the big machines at Tractor Day. Shelburne Farms is one of those places you always have a different experience and it is always a pleasant one. The tractor ride to and from the farm barn from the main parking lot make coming and going easy!"
    - twoboys23
  • February 12, 2015
    "Most magical place in the area!! We are here every year for the maple open house weekend, as well as throughout the summer. Tractor rides, cookies from the bakery, petting the animals, and playing in the big sandbox are just some of our favorite things to do there. "
    - HipHopopotamus
  • February 10, 2015
    "A state treasure! I have a 6 year old and a 13 year old and our entire family loves Shelburne Farms. Amazing staff and truly a gem."
    - genevieve*ann
  • June 18, 2014
    "Shelburne Farms has always been a great family friendly place that brings the heart of Vermont together. Love everything about it and would highly suggest it to anyway looking for an outing. "
    - Morganjacquescftc
  • June 18, 2014
    "Shelburne Farms is a great activity for all ages. We bring our 3 year old here almost every weekend to see the animals, enjoy a fun hayride and eat the delicious goodies from the bakery. The property is huge and all the staff are extremely friendly. We love our Saturday mornings here!"
    - MrsMarieVT
  • April 15, 2014
    "Love love love this place! Summer, Fall, Winter Spring there is always something to do. We love coming in the summer to see the animals, take a tractor ride, play in the sand box, walk the trails, sample some cheese and help out the farmers. Love to take walks in the fall. Snowshoeing and sleigh rides in the winter! Would highly recommend a season pass, makes it easy to drop by for a few hours. Also love the discount in the shop. "
    - dealmomma
  • August 20, 2013
    "Amazing place for children! It's not a fast pace place where you feel like your running around its calm and something for everyone! "
    - Vtmomma2
  • August 19, 2013
    "Always a lovely time the tractor ride to and from is great, or the walking from parking is just long enough to feel like a bit of a walk with kids but not so long that the kids are totally over it. Love the animal interaction and the staff is always kind and engaging. One of the loveliest spots around."
    - Mischka1628
  • August 19, 2013
    "This is a truly wonderful place! My children never get sick of it. From the friendly animals to the beauty of the grounds your sure to enjoy yourself here. "
    - katiebug_1530
  • January 31, 2013
    "I took my 3 year old and 9 month old this past summer. We walked to the children's farmyard from the parking lot and it was a gorgeous walk! My son loved touching the animals and picking up chickens! He played for a long time with the wheelbarrow and veggies as well. Lunch was delicious at the outdoor cafe."
    - becky2911
  • January 24, 2013
    "This is a worldclass place. No matter what time of year you go, there is something to do, whether organized through the farm or on your own. My entire family has been able to enjoy this farm during all of the kids growing years, and still does. It is a wonderful place to show visitors when they come, and when the season is warm, the tractor ride to the farm can't be missed with small kids or grandparents that would appreciate the ride! Animals, learning, the natural setting, trails that range from very easy to moderate for any small child's age, this place is a mustdo for our family many, many times a year."
    - twincoastlove
  • August 18, 2012
    "Absolutely love the walking path! "
    - Cheryl B
  • August 13, 2012
    "Shelburne Farms is a staple playdate for my two daughters and all my other moms. Unfortunately I have yet to walk to the barnyard, because my kids just love the wagon ride instead! We usually pack our own picnic lunches, well I often treat myself to their delicious food cart for myself. The kids run around all day, and play with the animals. I love the SF staff too. They are so kind. "
    - VTchick
  • June 14, 2012
    "I went here with behavioral kids I worked with as well as school class trips. We seemed to do something different each time we went and it was always handson and a blast for both kids and adults. Highly reccomended for any age! I will be taking my toddler very soon!"
    - rougeurbleu
  • June 13, 2012
    "We love Shelburne Farms! We have been coming here since our oldest son was 2.5 we would have sooner, but we had just moved to Vermont that summer and love this place! My son is now 3.5 and we have a 14 month old who both enjoy it so much. Endless amounts of play, things to see and learn. We always pack a lunch, because we know we'll want to stay. If you are a Shelburne resident, it's free to go too!"
    - itsamandarae
  • June 12, 2012
    "We visit Vermont once a year, and each year we have looked forward to visiting Shelburne Farms. I have a now 5 year old, who fell in love with the place when he was three. He enjoys the tractor ride, the march of the chickens, and feeding time. There's a permanent food truck that sells lunch, and nothing beats the cheese that they have for sale in their gift shop. Their gift shop also has cookbooks and other Simple living books that I have not found anywhere else. There's also a cheesemaking exhibit that my boys found really cool as well. Go you won't be sorry!"
    - Jenn1A
  • September 14, 2011
    "I spent an entire day at Shelburne Farms last weekend with my husband, sister, and baby son....it was so relaxing, enjoyable and picturesque! Being such a gorgeous day, we decided to take the Farm Trail a 4.5 mile loop, so we could walk leisurely throughout the grounds. Our first stop was the Farm Barn, which was completely adorable. My son is too young to fully experience it he can barely sit up, let alone milk a goat or chase chickens, but I look very much forward to bringing him back again and again over the next couple of years. I had a great time just watching all the other kids there having such a blast! We had a quick snack at the picnic tables and then made our way back onto the trail. Once we got a bit away from the Farm Barn, the grounds were suprisingly desolate. For being such a beautiful day, I was pleasantly suprised to feel like we had the whole place to ourselves. We stopped numerous times to take pictures, feed the baby, take in the views, and even do the ocassional cartwheel couldn't resist. By the time we made it back to the car, we were blissfully exhausted. I just had a couple of regrets 1. we didn't bring the jogger the terrain was a bit more rugged than we had expected and 2. I will definitely dress much cuter, as every picture we took has such a stunning backdrop that I want to frame them all I did feel as though the 8person admission price was a bit much considering all we did was go for a walk especially considering Burlington has so many amazing trailspaths for walking that are absolutely free. A family pass DEFINITELY seems the way to go."
    - Bizzybee
  • August 18, 2011
    "I LOVE this farm, so many different types of animals, and many fun activities for the kids to do. "
    - Ktallini36
  • August 18, 2011
    "Shelburne Farms is just beautiful, every time we go we discover something different yesterday we went using a free pass from our local library and found a little resting spot on a path behind the farm barn that we had never seen before. The kids had fun just rolling down the hill there. The chickens are a big hit for my kids and getting the chance to milk a goat or comb a sheep is a great experience for them. We came after the morning rush and the crowds were much lighter we were able to get a snack and a drink from the farm cart and that was a great little break. We'll be back!"
    - mom2girls
  • August 17, 2011
    "A fabulous place to take your kids as well as out of town guests. Lots of space for running around, and lots of opportunities to learn about animals, farming, gardening, and cheese makingto name a few. The staff is very friendly and available. "
    - BigMamaVT
  • August 17, 2011
    "I LOVE this place. We are so lucky to have it so close by to Burlington. Kids love it too. The only thing to watch out for is the chickens. They aren't afraid to come peck at your food. Be ware of eating snack nearby the flock! There is a schedule of events...kids can watch a chicken parade, milk a cow, gather eggs. There is a playroom, cheese sampling spot and a bakery. The lunchcart has delicious items. Spend the day and explore the trails. This is a wonderful place. "
    - mpc
  • August 15, 2011
    "We made our first trip to Shelburne Farms this year, and my family really enjoyed it. We opted to walk the threequarter mile in to the barn, and enjoyed the vistas offered by the Farms. My son LOVED getting up close and personal with the animals he could pet. He still talks about touching chickens and getting in their house with them. There is an abundance of learning activities I don't think we'd ever be able to get through them all in a day. I see us making recurring trips, and I would consider membership to keep informed about the ongoing events. We're so lucky to have such a wonderful family activity so close to home!"
    - TeamA
  • June 7, 2011
    "We love Shelburne Farms! We have a family membership and go at few times a month, it never gets old. We usually bring the backpack for our 18 month old son because it's easier than navigated the stroller over the bumpy gravel roads. Pack a picnic or get lunch from the delicious farm cart same fresh foods as the Inn."
    - justjack
  • September 15, 2010
    "This is the most beautiful spot in all of Vermont and run really well by people who truly care about the place and the people who visit. The farmyard is a fun place to bring kids in the summer take a tractor ride to get there!"
    - native VTer
  • September 15, 2010
    "best thing we did for this spring summer was get the membership. we are there at least once a week and my 3 year old daughter loves it. from the tractor ride to trail paths and her favorite goats every visit is memorable charming experience. cash only at the bakery so we go prepared. the food cart is great too for a sandwich or snack. many hours spent there on gorgeous days"
    - annalieseisabella
  • September 14, 2010
    "My daughter LOVES the Farm Barn, and has been going as much as possible since birth she is 5 now. The Farm Cart has amazing food for both kids and adults fresh and delicious. We also did the Bats in the Barn night this past summer, which was wonderful. There are a ton of wonderful things to do around the property all year long sled rides in the winter, great walking trails, and a bunch more. The staff is super friendly and helpful!"
    - TeacherMom
  • September 14, 2010
    "My daughter absolutely loves to go to Shelburne Farms, she loves every aspect of it, no matter how many times we go it never gets old!"
    - lolabell
  • September 13, 2010
    "Shelburne Farms is one of my favorite summer time activities with kids! Between the tractor ride, the scenery, and the animals, it is just a great experience. Last time I was there they had some newborn lambs that were jumping around on top the picnic tables. It was so cute! They also have free cheese samples, and you can watch them making cheese. They have a great lunch bus where you can get yummy salads and sandwiches, etc. "
    - Babies to Boomers
  • April 13, 2010
    "my son just finished the adventure program at shelburne farms and i was very happy with it the teachers, the subject, the environment all made it a great first school program for my 312 year old. i think we are lucky to have such an amazing place in our area."
    - ani
  • March 8, 2010
    "I heart Shelburne Farms!! In the winter time you can stroll the fields and check out the farm barn for no cost! And if you ask the staff they will even let you or your kids collect the freshly laid eggs, help feed the llamas or the sheep. We spent the afternoon there this past weekend and got to see 5 hour old lambs. All 4550 sheep are currently pregnant and giving birthwhat an amazing experience for my daughter!"
    - vkennedy
  • March 7, 2010
    "My daughet had an excellent time petting the animals and walking around the farm, but best of all was the tractor ride!"
    - lovemygirl
  • March 4, 2010
    "One of the best activities around for the kids and parents, too education, but still relaxing for mom and dad. For active kids it's a great place to run around. My daughter can turn endless cartwheels in the grass. And of course, the animals are really popular with the kids. A pass may be the way to go because you can easily go 4 or 5 times in a season without getting bored. Consider timing it to see baby goats or pigs just after they are born! Impossible to resist. Best for kids under 10 and animal lovers of all ages."
    - harveycoutrayer
  • August 27, 2009
    "Better than expected. Kids 4 and 6 really liked petting the animals, and the woodwork and cheese exhibits were neat too. The walk from the main entrance to the farmhouse is really nice as is a short hike that provides a wonderful view of the Lake."
    - visitorfromNC
  • May 17, 2009
    "Our family will never outgrow Shelburne Farms. It is a truly magical place. We love the tractor ride from the visitor center out to the children's farmyard. When the kids were little, this in and of itself was the highlight of their day. The farmyard is wonderful. Whether you check out the baby sheep, cows, pigs, donkeys or bunnies, or even get to milk a cow, there is always something to do. The staff couldn't be more helpful and engaging. We love to go inside the chicken coop and look for eggs. There is a board posted with daily activities that encourage handson participation and learning with the kids. There is a room with puzzles, books, a stationary tractor, costumes, and little ride on tractors. There are plenty of picnic tables to have a snack or bring lunch. They also have a snack stand so you can by lunch there. Now that our kids are older we love to take advantage of the hiking trails. The property and the views are magnificent. There is a trail that is just right for everyone. Even one you can take a jogging stroller on. You can start behind at the Visitor Center or head out behind the farm barn. Even the little ones can enjoy storywalk read a book while walking the Lone tree Hill Trail. Find the trail that goes to the Garden that supplies the veggies for the Inn. It is plentiful. Want a challenge take the Orienteering class in the Fall that takes you on a scavenger hunt during peak fall foliage on the trails. Be sure to check their calendar for the ongoing special activities. We have enjoyed the campfires, the preschool programs, the summer camps, sleigh rides and more. I really can't say enough about this place...don't miss it."
    - missmagpie

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