Burlington · Chittenden County, VT

Family things to do in Burlington

Scout analyzed 63 Burlington places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$50

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Complete outings

Family Fun at ECHO & Waterfront Park

Start your family adventure at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, where kids can get hands-on with lake ecology and meet fascinating animals. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed meal with lake views at Splash At the Boathouse, perfect for satisfying hungry adventurers. Conclude your outing with a stroll along the Waterfront Park, letting the kids enjoy the open space by the lake.

Scout-verified spots

Essex Town

Uncommon Coffee

Uncommon Coffee is a good stop for a casual coffee or light bite, suitable for starting your day or a quick break. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-$15 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

South End

Shanty On The Shore

This is a good spot for a casual seafood meal with lake views, ideal for a date or family dinner. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-60 per person.

FoodViewsRelaxed

$30–$60 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

South End

Restaurant Poco

Poco is a reliable restaurant for a meal or drinks with friends, typically taking 1.5 hours. Expect to spend $30-60 per person on food and beverages.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$30–$60 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Mt. Philo State Park

Visit Mt. Philo for a moderate hike to scenic views of Lake Champlain, suitable for a 2-hour outdoor adventure. Expect to spend $5-10 per person for park entry.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$5–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Overlook Park

Overlook Park is ideal for a brief, free scenic stop to enjoy views, often paired with a drive or other local activity. Expect to spend about an hour here.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

New North End

North Beach Park

North Beach Park is good for a few hours of outdoor family fun, offering swimming, playground access, and picnic areas. Expect to spend a small amount on snacks or parking if applicable.

OutdoorsViewsFood

$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

The Grey Jay

The Grey Jay is a restaurant suitable for a meal as part of an evening out or a midday stop. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-$40 per person for food.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Splash At the Boathouse

Splash at the Boathouse is a good spot for a meal with lake views, especially for dinner or a weekend lunch. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $30-70 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsViews

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Waterworks Food + Drink

This is a good spot for a dinner out, offering American fare in a scenic riverside setting. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and $30-70 per person for a meal and drinks.

FoodCocktailsViews

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

New North End

Leddy Beach

Leddy Beach is suitable for a 1-2 hour outdoor visit, offering walking trails and lake access. It's a free activity that can be paired with a picnic or a nearby coffee shop.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Shelburne

Shelburne Museum

This is a substantial museum that requires several hours of walking across many historic buildings and outdoor exhibits, making it a good main activity for a family outing or a solo deep dive, costing around $25-35 per person for admission.

ArtsHistoryOutdoors

$25–$35 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

The Old Post

This bar and grill is suitable for an evening meal followed by drinks and entertainment. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-50 per person.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

South End

August First

August First is a great spot for a casual breakfast or lunch, offering European-style breads and pastries. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for a meal and a drink, and plan for a 45-minute visit.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

South End

Oakledge Park

Oakledge Park offers a scenic outdoor escape by Lake Champlain, suitable for family outings or a solo adventure. Expect to spend a few hours swimming, playing, or enjoying the views, with minimal costs unless renting equipment.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

New North End

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and Historic Site

This site offers a mix of indoor exhibits and outdoor exploration, making it suitable for a 1.5-hour educational stop for history buffs or families. Expect to spend $10-15 per person for admission.

ArtsHistoryOutdoors

$10–$15 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Farmhouse Tap & Grill (Burlington VT)

This gastropub is good for a casual meal or drinks, especially pairing with a stroll in downtown Burlington. Expect to spend $25-50 per person for an hour and a half visit.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Red Rocks Park

Red Rocks Park offers trails and a public beach, suitable for a 1-2 hour outdoor activity like hiking or jogging. It's a free outdoor space, best enjoyed during daylight hours for scenic views.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is ideal for a few hours of outdoor recreation or a scenic stroll, easily paired with a meal in downtown Burlington. A visit can be free, or cost up to $50 per person if renting equipment.

OutdoorsViewsSports

$0–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Niquette Bay State Park

Niquette Bay State Park is a good half-day outing for hiking with pets, enjoying beach access, and scenic views. Expect a per-person entrance fee and a few hours of walking on varied terrain.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$5–$8 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Battery Park

Battery Park is a free outdoor space ideal for a relaxed stroll with lake views, playtime with kids, or enjoying a summer concert. It pairs well with a visit to downtown Burlington, requiring about an hour and costing nothing beyond potential parking.

OutdoorsViewsLive music

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Pascolo Ristorante

Pascolo is a solid choice for a dinner outing, offering Italian comfort food in a nice setting. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $35-75 per person, making it suitable for a date or a family dinner before a show or stroll.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

South End

Spot on the Dock

Spot on the Dock is a relaxed, surf-inspired restaurant with a patio, suitable for a casual meal or drinks with a view. Expect to spend $20-$50 per person for an hour-long visit, especially nice for a weekend afternoon.

FoodOutdoorsViews

$20–$50 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Arts & Culture

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

This is a solid choice for a 2-3 hour family outing focused on lake ecology and animals, especially with younger children. Expect to spend $10-25 per person on admission and perhaps a snack at the cafe, easily pairing with a stroll along the waterfront.

ArtsShoppingAnimals

$10–$25 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Camel's Hump State Park

Camel's Hump State Park is suitable for a multi-hour outdoor adventure like hiking, offering scenic views and wildlife opportunities. It can be a full day's activity or paired with a meal afterward, with entry often free or low cost.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking