7 Fun Family-Friendly Activities to Do This Fall in Vermont

Vermont is a gorgeous state no matter the time of year, but one of the most enjoyable seasons, whether you live here full-time or are just planning to visit, is fall! Autumn in Vermont is absolutely incredible - from the beautiful colors and ideal temperatures to the abundance of exciting things to do, it is truly the perfect time of year! We've put together a list of some of our favorite, family-friendly activities that you can enjoy this fall:

In the mood for something sweet?

Who doesn't like sweets?! Vermont is home to many fantastic chocolate and ice cream places that offer delicious, locally made treats. Here are two of our favorites for fall-time:

1. Experience a Lake Champlain chocolate factory tour

Fun for all ages, the self-guided tour of the Lake Champlain chocolate factory is the perfect way to spend a cold or rainy day! The best part is that this tour ends with trying their delectable confections. You'll be able to find out the secrets of how their sweets are made and discover what the process looks like from start to finish!

2. Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory

It's never too chilly for ice cream - at least that's what we think! There are so many ice cream shops in Vermont you should check out, however, if you want to make a day of it, you can always spend quality time touring Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory. You'll see firsthand how their tasty treats are made. There is also a playground for kiddos where they can have fun running around and burning off the sugar rush that all that freshly made ice cream just gave them!

Get Outside and Enjoy the Foliage

Vermont is of course known for its stunning nature and breathtaking views. This is especially true in the fall when the leaves get shades of gold, orange, and red and create vibrant views everywhere you look. Spending quality time outdoors is one of the best ways to really appreciate this gorgeous season.

 

3. Go for a Hike

Hiking is a fun and healthy activity that all ages can enjoy. The best thing about hiking in Vermont during the autumn months is that you will be left speechless by the amazing views all around you. One of the places you have to visit in the fall is Owl's Head, located in Groton State Forest - it's the perfect spot to have a cute picnic and take in the stunning view of the lake. Or choose one of these other fantastic hiking locations to explore and enjoy!

4. Go Apple Picking

An annual fall staple for most households in Vermont, apple picking is an easy and fun activity that's super family-friendly. There are tons of places to choose from and many of them also offer pumpkins, tractor rides and delicious cider donuts - another yummy treat you won't want to pass up!

5. Visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

Visiting the Vermont teddy bear factory is especially perfect if you have toddlers, however, even older kids and adults will enjoy it too! You will be able to see how these wonderful, fluffy toys are made by hand and the best part for kids is the opportunity to make their own teddy bears to take home with them. It's a fantastic way to create lifetime memories for you and your kids. 

6. Spend a Fun Day at the Pump House Indoor Waterpark

If you're not quite ready to say goodbye to the summer, Vermont offers a perfect place to spend a fun-filled day - The Pump House indoor waterpark. Regardless of your age, it's tons of fun for everyone. Both kids and adults can enjoy extreme flow riding and different wild slides. There is also a large play area for the youngest visitors. This indoor waterpark is a part of a large family resort, so your kids are sure to have fun and be able to make new friends, too!

6. Check Out Local Museums

Another fun thing to do is to visit some of Vermont's best museums. If you are not sure which ones, we'd recommend one of these two:

• Shelburne Museum - It will be challenging to see everything before closing time as this museum has multiple exhibition buildings filled with many artistic treasures. One of the best part about it is that it offers different creative activities for kids. They can enjoy an imaginative story walk or an outdoor scavenger hunt. 
• Birds of Vermont Museum - Before touring this lovely place, make sure to check out the introductory video and find out more about some of the local bird species. You will love seeing local birds in their natural habitat. They also have indoor exhibits that combine art and science in an exciting and fun way. 

We hope you give some of these fun activities a try, and if you do, let us know what one was your favorite! If you're new to Vermont or want to relocate, feel free to get in touch - we're always here to help!

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*This blog is sponsored by Best Cross Country Movers - Thinking about making the move to Vermont? Before you do, make sure you find a reliable crew for the job. Professional long-distance movers will make the relocation much easier for you, so you can spend less time moving and more time settling in and enjoying all of the best things fall-time in Vermont has to offer!