The Montshire Museum of Science

Location: 1 Montshire Rd., Norwich, Vermont
Hours: 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm
Get tickets: montshire.org

At the Montshire, enjoy a truly unique experience, with over 150 exciting hands-on science exhibits, both indoors and out, a 100-acre to explore along the Connecticut River, spectacular views, and amazing opportunities for discovery. In summer, enjoy outdoor water play at the David Goudy Science Park and its 250-foot long watercourse that takes a meandering path from the Museum building toward the river. 

Enjoy easy, free parking, and bring a picnic! There is seating areas inside and out for snacks and lunch.

Find and Go Seek Tip: Stop by King Arthur Flour, just down the road, for a lunch to go!

It's May and Spring has sprung across the Montshire’s 110 acres! Take a walk across Science Park, through the railroad tunnel, and around the meadow to discover The Play Grove and Timber Tumble, whimsical play areas nestled on the forest’s edge. Or take a hike on one of our six serene walking trails, from the Woodland Garden to The Planet Walk. There's an outdoor adventure for everyone at the Montshire!

This summer welcome Toys: The Inside Story, the Montshire's featured exhibition, opening May 24th. Toys celebrates human ingenuity by exploring the working mechanics inside some of our most iconic playthings. In Toys: The Inside Story, you’ll peek inside common and vintage toys to understand the physics of pulleys, cams, gears, and linkages—the same mechanisms that operate drawbridges, cars, prosthetics, and cranes! Toys: The Inside Story also showcases how engineering is central to a variety of rewarding careers.

Shelburne Museum

Location: 6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, Vermont
Hours: Open10 am - 5:30 pm, May 10 through October 26, 2025
Get tickets: shelburnemuseum.org

Shelburne Museum offers a truly unique experience for visitors of all ages. Set on 45 beautiful acres with 39 buildings, many of them historic and relocated to the campus, and dozens of gardens, a visit to Shelburne is magical. Experience Impressionist art, contemporary art, and American folk art. Ride a 1920s vintage carousel. Walk the decks of the 220-foot Ticonderoga, the last boat of its kind to ply the waters of Lake Champlain before coming to rest in its grassy basin at the Museum. See a blacksmith and printer at work at the Blacksmith and Print shops, and step back in time to see what people purchased at the General Store.

Find and Go Seek Tip: Need a sensory-friendly experience? Check out the museum's monthly Sensory Friendly Friday Mornings. And we love their Shelburne Summer Nights events where they offer free access during evening hours, paired with live music and activities for the kids.

Visit Shelburne Museum for a full day of exploration (though it’s hard to see everything in one day) or become a member for unlimited visits!

Wonderfeet Kids' Museum

Location: 66 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Get tickets: www.wonderfeetkidsmuse...

Bring the whole family for summertime fun at Wonderfeet Kids' Museum in Rutland. Kids and grownups alike are encouraged to play and learn together. Whether that means getting creative or flexing your STEAM-skills in the Jr. Mint, using your imagination to go on an adventure on the train, or having four-seasons' worth of fun in the Killington exhibit, there is something for everyone, all ages and stages. 

Bring a lunch to enjoy in the lobby, or pop out to a local eatery in Rutland and come back after your meal. Read a book, create a project to take home, and make core memories with the ones you love. Come have fun!

Check out this 5-star review from Trista in 2024: 

"Such a great place for kids to open their minds and be creative. They rotate learning opportunities which keeps things fun! We love Wonderfeet"

Admission is $8 for adults and children, $4 for seniors and military, and $3 for reduced cost customers. Kids under 1 are free. 

Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS)

Location: 149 Natures Way, Quechee, VT
Hours: Daily, 10am to 5pm
Get tickets: vinsweb.org/visit/

Head to Quechee, VT for an unforgettable family-friendly experience at the VINS Nature Center. Walk among the treetops on the Forest Canopy Walk—no climbing required and stroller/wheelchair accessible—where the exciting Eagle's Nest and Treehouse features spark imagination and adventure.

Watch little eyes light up during daily Live Raptor Programs as majestic hawks, owls and eagles soar overhead! Kids will love walking the trails, which are just the right length for small adventurers, while interactive exhibits make learning about nature engaging for all ages. Explore the natural playground designed for creative outdoor play and visit the Nature Store for healthy lunch and snack options, and environmentally-friendly gifts for the whole family.

The Nature Center is open daily, year-round, with activities for every season. Check vinsweb.org for exhibit details, tickets, and special events happening during your visit.

Check out this 5-star review from Erin in 2024:

"Great place to spend a few hours with kids. My kiddo loved the creative playground, dinosaur exhibit and treehouse room. We went through the raptor aviary three times. The Snowy Owls were her favorite. Would recommend bringing a stroller if your kid isn't a great walker as stuff is a little spaced out and the trails are extremely accessible."

The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

Location: 1302 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, VT
Hours: Daily, 10am to 5pm
Get tickets: https://fairbanksmuseum.org/

Looking for a fun, educational outing with kids in Vermont? The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury is a top family destination. This historic natural science museum offers hands-on learning, amazing exhibits, and Vermont’s only public planetarium.

Families will love exploring the museum’s vast collection of taxidermy animals—everything from moose to exotic birds—giving kids an up-close look at wildlife from around the world. The Exploration Station is a kid-friendly favorite, packed with interactive games, puzzles, and STEM activities.

In the summer, don’t miss the Butterfly House, where families can walk among native butterflies and learn about their life cycles in a magical, immersive space.

The Lyman Spitzer Jr. Planetarium features awe-inspiring shows that take kids on a journey through space, from stars and planets to weather and constellations—perfect for sparking curiosity about science and astronomy.

With family programs, camps, and workshops year-round, Fairbanks Museum is more than a museum—it’s an adventure in discovery. 

Killington Resort

Location: 4763 Killington Road, Killington, VT
Hours: Summer operations are 10am - 5pm. See more details below.
Get tickets: killington.com

Killington Resort boast summer fun for the whole family including 30+ plus miles of downhill Mountain Biking serviced by three high speed lifts with a stellar learn-to-bike program. Shoot a round on our championship 18-hole golf course or bring the kids to the Adventure Center, which includes a Zip Line, trampoline jump, Beast Mountain Coaster and more. Take a scenic ride on the K-1 Gondola to 4241’ and enjoy an elevated lunch at the Peak Lodge then use up those calories with a beautiful hike in the Green Mountains. With so many attractions to enjoy, you’ll need multiple days to experience it all.

Find and Go Seek Tip: There is so much to explore in the summer at Killington. Check out this review from All Mountain Mamas to help you plan a day or overnight trip, with food and lodging recommendations to boot: Endless Summer at Killington Resort. Don't forget your hiking boots and swimsuits!

The Adventure Center opens May 24, 2025, for the season.
Summer 2025 Hours of Operation:
May 24 - June 15, 2025 - Saturday & Sunday
June 19- Sept.1, 2025 - Thursday through Monday
Sept. 6 - Oct. 13, 2025 -  Saturday & Sunday

Mountain biking operations begin May 23 and run through late October. See schedule here: https://www.killington.com/thi...

Stay Cool

When the summer starts warming up, let us help you beat the heat! Do your little love to get their toes in the sand, build castles and moats, and splash in lakes and ponds? Check out our list of family-friendly beaches in Vermont! Or perhaps you prefer the shade of the forest and the flowing water of rivers and streams. Vermont is packed with wonderful, scenic swimming holes. Find them here! 

Don't forget paddling around as an options. Check out the top spots for kayaking and canoeing, or taking the family boat out!

If your favorite past time is eating creemees by the public pool, find you local cool off spot for slides, splash pads, and sweet summer memories. We have a broad list of pools and splash pads across Vermont. 

Take a Hike, Pitch a Tent

There are so many ways to get out and explore the beauty of Vermont during the summer months. Whether you want to tackle peaks as a family or simply go for a stroll in a park, we got you covered. Check out our lists of hiking trails and parks!  Our friends at All Mountain Mamas also have great guides to family-friendly hikes at ski areas around the state. Check them out: https://allmountainmamas.skive...

Looking to immerse the family fully in the great outdoor? Find great family campsites here and book your spot for the summer. What camping experience would complete without a little fishing? Find the tops fishing spots for kiddos here: https://findandgoseek.net/fish....

Farm Visits and Berry Picking

Your kiddos love animals? Check out Vermont's wealth of farms and orchards for summer fun. Find working farms that allow you to get into the action and farms with animals to pet and feed, or just beautiful landscapes to explore, treats to purchases and picnics to enjoy. 

Looking for a sweet summertime activity the whole family will love? Head out to pick your own berries! Juicy red strawberries are at their best in May and June, perfect for little hands to pluck. Cherries ripenon the tree in mid-summer. And if your crew loves blueberries or blackberries, you’re in luck—they stick around a bit longer, usually from June through August. 

28 Hours in Montreal

Head north of the border for a little cultural immersion. Quebec feels miles from home with French-speaking citizens and the metro-style of Montreal. We did a quick weekend to the city last summer and it was unforgettable. We drove to Montreal on a Saturday morning from Burlington for an overnight. The plan was to explore the city with two solid kid-friendly destinations and at least one stop for a family favorite – poutine.

Read more about our explorations in the Old City, a free visit to the Montreal Science Centre, views from the tallest ferriswheel in Canada, and the Insectarium and Olympic Park! https://findandgoseek.net/the-...