A Perfect Summer Weekend in Burlington, VT
Make the most of a summer weekend in Burlington with our family adventure itinerary—packed with lakeside fun, outdoor markets, music, shopping, and kid-approved eats. Whether you're a local planning a for a weekend of fun or visiting Vermont for the first time, this guide will help you build the ultimate summer weekend in one of our favorite small cities. Looking for more? Check out our event calendar for family-friendly happenings in the area.
Explore ECHO at the Waterfront
Start your weekend on the Burlington waterfront with a visit to ECHO, a hands-on science and nature museum perfect for curious kids and parents alike. Explore lake-themed exhibits, meet turtles and fish, and step out onto the deck for views of Lake Champlain. It’s exciting and educational, and rotating exhibits and 3-D movies add to the fun!
Creemee stop: Champ’s Legendary Creemee Stand is right outside ECHO offering classic Vermont creemees in flavors like maple, chocolate, and vanilla. All proceeds support ECHO’s educational programs.
Get Down Friday Night in Burlington's South End
On Friday evenings, head south on Pine St. to the Barge Canal for the South End Get Down—a vibrant outdoor food truck event with live music and plenty of space to dance, play, or just relax. With dozens of art, fashion and entertainment vendors, there’s something for everyone in the family. Kids can enjoy face painting and ice cream after dinner!
The Get Down is every Friday night May 17 - August 30, 5-9pm. Family-friendly hours are 5-7:30 with shorter lines, and more seats and space for littles to dance to the music!
Saturday Morning at the Farmers’ Market
Head back down to Pine Street’s south end hub Saturday morning to explore the Burlington Farmers’ Market. Let your kids pick out a sweet treat for breakfast while you grab coffee and fresh local produce.Vendors range from prepared food to fresh produce, flowers, crafts, fine art, self care products and more. Enjoy music, art projects for the kids, and shady spots to snack.
The Market runs May 10-October 25 from 9am to 2pm.
Stroll Church Street Marketplace
Next, head up the hill a short walk to the Church Street Marketplace, Burlington’s lively pedestrian shopping street. It’s a great place for families to window shop, grab a maple creemee, and enjoy street performers. Pop into locally owned stores for books, toys, and Vermont-made gifts—plus, it’s a great spot to take a break and people-watch.
Iconic ice cream stops:
- Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop (36 Church St): Enjoy famous flavors like Cherry Garcia and Phish Food at the local scoop shop of this legendary Vermont brand.
- Lake Champlain Chocolates Café (65 Church St): This sleeper ice cream stop might have the best ice cream you’ll ever taste. You’ll have to try it to find out!
Splash Dance & Twilight Block Party
Stick around downtown and check out City Hall Park on Saturdays for the Splash Dance—a family-friendly dance party with DJs, dancing, water fountain fun. As evening arrives, the Twilight Block Party keeps the energy going with glowing lights, live, music, food vendors, and a energetic community vibe. Cornhole and kids’ activities will keep the whole family entertained.
Dinner tip: The Twilight Block Party hosts wonderful food vendors from fried chicken to samosas, or head across the street to a local family favorite, American Flatbread.
Explore the Burlington Bike Path
On Sunday morning, rent bikes or bring your own for a ride along the Island Line Trail, a scenic lakefront path that weaves from Oakledge Park all the way to Colchester’s causeway, a 7-mile path through Lake Champlain. You can even take a bike ferry to the Champlain Islands from here. Local Motion offers kids’ trailers and tag-alongs to make the ride easy for families.
Pit stops: Make playground play stops at Perkins Pier, Oakledge Park, North Beach or Starr Farm Park to give the kids a break.
Family Lunch with a View
Located right on Burlington’s waterfront at 1 King St, Spot on the Dock offers a relaxed, surf‑inspired setting perfect for a family midday meal. With sweeping views of Lake Champlain and Adirondack mountains, this seasonal dockside eatery serves up crowd-pleasers like fried chicken sandwiches, fish tacos, lobster rolls, tapas (think coconut shrimp and buffalo cauliflower bites), hearty bowls, and crisp salads.
Creemee Stop: Savor a post-dinner maple creemee while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Champlain at Burlington Bay Market & Café (125 Battery St) just down the bike path from Spot on the Dock.
Catch a Vermont Lake Monsters Game
Wrap up your weekend with an evening at Centennial Field, cheering on the Vermont Lake Monsters. This historic ballpark offers a classic baseball experience with family-friendly promotions. On Sunday, kids can take laps around the bases and play catch on the field.
Every kids highlight is meeting the team’s mascot champ. Grab a photo with him and even get him to sign your baseball or glove!
Midweek tip: Kids under 12 eat free on Wednesdays. A free meal voucher gets them a hot dog, chips, and water!
Plan your trip: Find more family-friendly activities, dining, and events in Burlington at FindandGoSeek.net. Don’t forget to check our calendar for summer festivals, live music, and more adventures!