Kids Will Love It Too: Unforgettable Fun for the Whole Family
October 30, 2023 by GO STOWE
Stowe is the perfect place to spend time as a family and create lasting memories together. Beyond family-friendly lodging and restaurant accommodations, Stowe is full of unique activities and experiences suited for all ages no matter the season. With so many options to choose from, here are some favorite recommendations in all different seasons to help get you started. Check out more family fun as you plan your trip to really customize your family’s stay.
Get Outside as a Family
Biking: Hit the trails or enjoy a nice ride on the Stowe Recreation Path as a family. Stowe is home to an extensive network of trails you can enjoy. Equipment rentals are available around town. Experience fat biking in the winter time to enjoy Stowe on wheels in the snow!
Covered bridges: These historic structures are a classic, New England staple and Vermont is home to over 100 of them. Travelers visit from all over to admire and photograph their unique architecture and design. There are three covered bridges in the Stowe area. Check off all three as a family and then maybe venture off to discover a few more throughout the state.
Dog Sledding: Eden Ethical Dogsledding offers educational sledding adventures for families or couples in the fall, winter, spring and summer. Don’t worry about if there is snow or not, they offer wheeled sleds in the event there is no snow on the ground.
Fishing: A unique opportunity that happens virtually year-round in Stowe. Dip your toes into fishing in the spring through the fall or give ice fishing a try in the winter months. If you’re looking for a guide to the best local spots, Stowe is home to a number of experienced fishing instructors.
Hiking: Stowe has many beautiful hiking trails that vary in length and difficulty. Some of the shorter, easier trails that appeal to families include: Bingham Falls (0.5-mile), Moss Glen Falls (0.6-mile), Sunset Rock (1 mile), Kirchner Woods (2 miles) and Wiessner Woods (2.1 miles). Stowe Pinnacle (3.6 miles) is a longer more moderate trail that is also popular.
Paddling: Explore Vermont’s breathtaking landscape from a canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board during the warmer months. Rentals are available through Umiak Outdoor Outfitters.
Skiing & Riding at Stowe Mountain Resort: During the winter season, there is lots of family fun to be had up at the mountain. New to the slopes? The Stowe Mountain Resort Ski and Ride School offers lessons for all ages and abilities. If you’re visiting during the summer or fall, be sure to enjoy Mt. Mansfield on either the Gondola SkyRide or Auto Toll Road.
Sleigh rides and carriage rides at Trapp Family Lodge: A magical way to take in the scenery in any season. Experience the natural beauty of Trapp Family Lodge and its extraordinary mountaintop setting with this fun-filled adventure and bring a truly unique memory home with you.
Stowe Recreation Path: This 5.3-mile paved public path is free to use and easy to access. It starts in the historic Stowe Village and ends at a beautiful covered bridge. The Stowe Rec Path is open all year long and is enjoyed by runners, walkers and cyclists in the spring, summer and fall as well as cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter time.
Indoor Family Fun
Ben & Jerry’s Factory: A true Vermont staple and family favorite, stop by and take a tour of the factory before indulging in your favorite flavors. Be sure to stop by the Flavor Graveyard to pay your respects to their Dearly De-pinted flavors from the past.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill: Your families go-to place for fresh apple cider and delicious cider donuts. Located along scenic Route 100, stop by Cold Hollow and watch how cider is made using a traditional 1920s rack and press.
Once Upon a Time Toys: Whatever your age, you will find something fun or fanciful that will bring a smile to your face at this Stowe toy shop. Pop inside this local favorite located right off Main Street for some fun finds as a family.
Stowe Bowl: This boutique bowling alley is not only a great activity for kids and adults alike but it also has delicious food and a full bar. Experience a night of family fun enjoying the good old family sport that everybody knows and loves.
Stowe Free Library: The Helen Day Memorial Library and Art Center is a historic building in Stowe that was built in 1863 as Stowe Village School. The building is now home to The Current, an art gallery and education center, and the Stowe Free Library. It is a great place for families to visit.
Indoor climbing at Stowe Rocks: Located in the Adventure Center at Spruce Peak Village, Stowe Rocks Climbing Center is a state-of-the-art facility featuring climbing challenges for adventure seekers young and old.
Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum: Located in the old Town Hall building in the heart of Stowe village, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum has been dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the rich history of skiing and riding in Vermont since 1988. Pop in to see the exhibits and collections or check out more museums and galleries when you’re in the area.
In addition to year-round activities, there are so many events to enjoy as a family throughout the calendar year in Stowe. From the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival in the fall to the Stowe Winter Carnival, you can find all of these unique events on our events calendar.
Start planning your family getaway to Stowe now. You can browse lodging rates online here or give our knowledgeable vacation planning experts a call at (800) 467-8693 for more family friendly recommendations.