Best Family Weekend Trips in Vermont

Vermont's compact, scenic structure makes it especially well suited to family weekends that pair one clear outdoor anchor with a walkable town base — a state that rewards a realistic pace more than an ambitious itinerary.

Stowe

Stowe is one of the easiest family bases in the state, offering mountain scenery, short hikes, a lively village center, and infrastructure that holds up across all four seasons rather than emptying out once ski season ends.

Woodstock and Central Vermont

Woodstock suits families who want classic Vermont atmosphere without committing to strenuous outdoor goals, with farms, small museums, and easy scenic drives giving the trip enough flexibility for different ages and energy levels.

Killington in Summer

Beyond ski season, Killington runs a summer adventure center with a scenic gondola ride, disc golf, and mountain coaster rides, giving families a warm-weather reason to visit a resort most only associate with winter.

Burlington and Lake Champlain

Burlington offers the state's best combination of city energy and outdoor access — a waterfront bike path, nearby farms, and family-friendly food options make it one of the most practical and least fussy Vermont weekend bases.

Mad River Valley

The Mad River Valley delivers mountain scenery and genuine local character with less polish than Stowe, making it a strong choice for families who want a slightly more relaxed, lived-in version of ski-country Vermont, especially outside peak season.

Northeast Kingdom

For families comfortable with a longer drive, the Northeast Kingdom offers a very different kind of Vermont weekend — lakes, easy paddling, and a slower pace that rewards families prioritizing space and quiet over activity density.