A Family’s Guide to Northern Vermont

Northern Vermont is a treasure trove of family-friendly adventures, offering a mix of outdoor excitement and educational fun. If you are planning a family trip to Vermont this summer, be sure to explore these three attractions in the Northeast Kingdom.

Jay Peak: A Summer Playground for the Whole Family

Nestled in the beautiful mountains of Northern Vermont, Jay Peak is known for its winter sports, but also makes for a fantastic summer destination for families. In summer, the resort transforms into a playground for all ages, featuring a wide array of activities that will keep everyone entertained.

Jay Peak Resort is a four-season resort renowned for its skiing and the most snowfall of any ski area in the northeast.

Jay Peak offers just as much fun in the summer, providing stunning views and a variety of activities that make it a great family destination year-round, including the Pump House Indoor Waterpark. This 50,000 sq. ft. waterpark features a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and a play area for younger children. Thrill-seekers will love “La Chute” slide and The Double Barrel Flowrider for surfing. In addition to the fantastic slides, activity river, and pools, the park has a snack café, large bar, and retail shop.

For climbing fun, Clips & Reels offers 13 self-belay walls, three traditional climbing walls, a 142-seat cinema, an arcade, and a snack bar. The Ice Haus, Vermont’s newest NHL-sized ice-skating arena, provides public skating, rentals, and hockey games. Jay Peak also boasts a championship golf course, an 18-hole disc golf course, and custom-tailored hiking programs. The resort hosts various summer events, including outdoor concerts, festivals, and family-friendly activities.

Fairbanks Museum: Where Learning is Fun for All Ages

Located in St. Johnsbury, the Fairbanks Museum is a haven for curious minds. This museum offers a blend of natural history, science, and culture, with plenty of hands-on exhibits and programs designed especially for children. The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, founded in 1891 by Franklin Fairbanks, houses an eclectic collection of animals and artifacts from around the world.

The museum’s exhibits include taxidermy animals, shells and fossils, and a vast array of ethnographic items. The museum also features the Exploration Station, where visitors can test their science skills with hands-on displays, and a native butterfly house open during the summer. Fairbanks Museum’s planetarium is Vermont’s only public planetarium, offering daily shows that explore the cosmos. The hands-on exhibits and educational programs make learning fun and engaging for children. Throughout the summer, the museum hosts special programs and events tailored for families.

Great Vermont Corn Maze: An Adventure in the Cornfields

For a unique and thrilling outdoor experience, the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville is a must-visit. This seasonal attraction opens late July and offers a fun-filled adventure for families.

The Great Vermont Corn Maze is the largest maze in New England, voted the #2 maze in America, and has been a popular summer attraction for over 20 years. It covers 24 acres of cornfields and provides a challenging and exciting adventure for visitors. Navigating the maze is an adventure, with twists, turns, and dead ends that will test your family’s problem-solving skills. The Big Maze typically takes two to three hours to solve. For a shorter adventure, the Scenic Maze offers a 45-minute walk with all the highlights of the Big Maze but without the “cornfusion.”

Other attractions include the PRETENDIN Play Area, featuring Kid Village, Barnyard Golf, Gopher Tunnels, Old Tread Mountain, and friendly goats. Try to visit in August during peak maze season when the corn is at its tallest and most challenging.

Northern Vermont offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions that are perfect for a summer adventure. Add these destinations to your Vermont bucket list and create lasting memories with your family this summer.