Stowe is an ideal destination for families seeking a fun-filled summer vacation in Vermont. With an abundance of activities to do in Stowe with kids during the summer months, families will have a memorable experience.
What makes Stowe a perfect summer vacation spot for families is its moderate temperature, even during the peak of summer. The town’s picturesque landscape, with Mount Mansfield as a beautiful backdrop, provides the perfect setting for an Instagram-worthy Vermont family vacation. Families in the Northeast can easily plan a road trip to Stowe, making it a convenient and accessible destination.
Below, we will explore some of the best things to do in Stowe with kids during the summer months. With so many options available, families should consider adding Stowe to their next Vermont family road trip itinerary.
Things to Do in Stowe with Kids this Summer
Stowe offers a variety of family-friendly activities to keep your family active and off their screens this summer. Here are ten activities to consider during your next Vermont road trip:
- Hiking on the scenic trails
- Canoeing or kayaking on the river
- Biking on the picturesque paths
- Visiting the Ben & Jerry’s Factory
- Exploring the Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center
- Swimming at the Waterbury Reservoir
- Discovering the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum
- Taking a scenic drive through Smugglers’ Notch
- Attending the Stowe Farmers’ Market
- Enjoying live music at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center
There’s something for everyone in Stowe this summer, so don’t miss out on these exciting activities!
1. Canoe or Kayak with the Kids at Lamoille River
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity in Stowe this summer, go kayaking on the Lamoille River. This calm river is perfect for beginners and offers breathtaking scenery that the whole family will enjoy.
Vermont Canoe and Kayak offers rentals for single and tandem kayaks, standup paddleboards, and canoes (life vests included). The 3-seat canoes are perfect for families of four, with two adults and two children sitting on cushions.
The rental includes a shuttle upriver, where a guide will help launch the canoe and provide useful tips for paddling on the Lamoille River. However, this flat river is so easy to navigate that families can also go on their own without a guide.
There are three drop-off points available, with the 4.5-mile drop-off being the most suitable for families with kids. It takes around 1.5 hours of non-stop paddling to complete this route, but families should plan for around three hours to allow for breaks, lunch, and swimming stops.
Along the way, there are many beaches where families can stop for a picnic lunch or take a dip in the river. Vermont Canoe and Kayak even offers a scavenger hunt for kids to keep them engaged during the journey.
For those who prefer to have a guide, Vermont Canoe and Kayak offers several family-friendly guided trips, including the Ice Cream Float and Maple Tours.
Located in Jeffersonville, on the other side of the mountain from Stowe, Vermont Canoe and Kayak is a short and picturesque drive away. Don’t forget to pack lunch, snacks, and plenty of drinks, as well as sunblock and bug spray.
2. Bring Your Kids to Bike at Stowe Recreation Path (rec path)
Stowe Recreation Path is a great place for families to enjoy biking in the summer. The path spans 5.3 miles and is paved, making it a smooth and easy ride for all ages. Additionally, the path offers stunning views of the mountains, making it a scenic experience for all.
Along the way, families can enjoy a variety of activities, including crossing bridges, stopping for lunch at one of the picnic tables, taking a dip at a swimming hole, or taking a break at the shops and restaurants near the path.
To access the Stowe Recreation Path, there are several entry points and parking options available. Here are four different points of entry:
- The Lintilhac Park entry point is located behind the Stowe Community Church on Main Street in Stowe Village.
- The Chase Park entry point is across from Stony Brook Condominiums on Luce Hill Rd, just off the intersection of Rte. 108.
- The Thompson Park entry point is off Rte. 108 across from the Percy Farm Corn Maze.
- The Topnotch Access entry point is off Brook Road, just past Topnotch Resort on Rte. 108.
Biking at the Stowe Recreation Path is a fun and enjoyable way to spend a summer day.
3. Take the Kids for a Gondola Ride to the Peak of Vermont’s Tallest Mountain
Families with young children looking for a fun summer activity in Stowe should go on a gondola ride up to the top of Mount Mansfield at Stowe Mountain Resort. The ride offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and the signature red gondolas provide a unique and memorable experience.
Once at the top of Mount Mansfield, families can enjoy hiking trails or grab a snack at The Waffle. The resort is located at 5781 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Overall, taking a gondola ride to the peak of Vermont’s highest mountain is a great family-friendly activity that offers breathtaking views and a fun experience.
4. Take the Kids to Hike at Moss Glen Falls
Moss Glen Falls is an ideal spot for families looking to enjoy a summer hike in Stowe. The trailhead parking area is just a 5-minute drive from historic Stowe Village, and the hike to the falls takes approximately 10 minutes. This easy hike is perfect for families with children or those who are new to hiking.
The beautiful waterfall is a highlight of the hike. However, it’s important to note that signage for the Moss Glen Falls trailhead can be lacking. Follow the brook upstream to avoid getting lost. Additionally, it’s recommended to bring bug spray and to exercise caution when climbing on rocks, as they can be slippery.
The Moss Glen Falls trailhead is located at 369-615 Moss Glen Falls Rd, Stowe, VT 05672. Families looking for a fun and easy summer hike in Stowe should definitely consider visiting Moss Glen Falls.
5. Bring the Kids to Swim at Stowe’s Swimming Holes
Stowe’s swimming holes provide a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a refreshing swim during the hot summer months. One such spot is the Waterbury Reservoir, located just a short drive away from historic Stowe Village. The reservoir is man-made and features a swimming beach, picnic tables, concession stand, and restrooms.
Additionally, Umiak Outdoor Outfitters offers kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle board rentals for those who want to explore the reservoir further. Do note that there is a day pass fee to access the Waterbury Reservoir, which is located at 177 Reservoir Road, Waterbury Center, VT 05677.
6. Mountain Bike at Stowe with Kids this Summer
Mountain Bike with Kids at the Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe VT
For families looking to explore the great outdoors and experience mountain biking, the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT is a great place to start. With an extensive network of mountain bike trails and two bike skills parks, kids will love the boardwalk bridges and moguls at the Mountain Bike Skills Parks. Bike rentals are also available at the Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center, making it easy to get your family on the trails.
Located at 700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe, VT, the Trapp Family Lodge is a great destination for families looking to experience the beauty of the outdoors while enjoying some quality time together. For more information, call 1-800-826-7000 or visit their website.
Mountain Bike with Kids at Smugglers’ Notch, VT
For families looking to experience downhill mountain biking, Smugglers’ Notch in Jeffersonville, VT is a great option. During the summer months, the bunny hill is transformed into a downhill mountain bike course complete with bridges and moguls. Bikers can go uphill via the magic carpet, and the Smugglers’ Notch MTB Center features a flat ground skills park, a pump track, and extensive mountain bike trails throughout the resort.
Mountain bike rentals, including fat tire bikes for both kids and adults, are available from the Smugglers’ Notch MTB Center. For families looking to improve their mountain biking skills, there are also Beginner’s Mountain Bike Skills clinics, Guided Mountain Bike Trail tours, and private lessons/guides.
Located at 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Jeffersonville, VT, Smugglers’ Notch Resort is a short drive on the other side of the mountain from Stowe. For more information, call (800) 419-4615 or visit their website.
Overall, families looking to experience the thrill of mountain biking with their kids will not be disappointed with the options available at Stowe. With miles and miles of bike trails, two bike skills parks, and beginner clinics, there is something for everyone.
7. Play a Round of Disc Golf with Kids
Disc Golf is a fun outdoor activity that kids can enjoy during the summer. It is similar to traditional golf, but instead of golf balls and clubs, you use a disc to throw into a metal basket. If you’re looking for Disc Golf courses near Stowe, there are two great options to choose from.
Trapp Family Lodge Disc Golf Course at Stowe, VT
The Trapp Family Lodge Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole course that starts near the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Restaurant and takes players through the forests and meadows on the grounds of the lodge. It is a great place to bring kids to play Disc Golf.
Trapp Family Lodge is located at 700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe, VT. To make the most of your visit, grab lunch at the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall before embarking on a round of Disc Golf with the kids. The Bierhall is kid-friendly with a big outdoor patio and a good kids menu.
Smugglers’ Notch Disc Golf Center at Jeffersonville, VT
The Smugglers’ Notch Disc Golf Center is located just a few miles from Stowe, on the other side of the mountain. It is internationally recognized as one of the top Disc Golf destinations in the world, with two courses ranked in the top 11.
The Smugglers’ Notch Brewster Ridge Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole course set in the woods, while the Smugglers’ Notch Fox Run Meadow Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole course with beautiful mountain views. Kids will enjoy the hike in the woods while playing Disc Golf.
If you need instruction, Smugglers’ Notch Disc Golf Center has Disc Golf Group Lessons and Private Lessons. However, lessons are not necessary to start playing Disc Golf with your kids. If you know the rules of golf and can throw a frisbee, you can play Disc Golf without any prior experience.
Smugglers’ Notch Disc Golf Center is located at 1239 Edwards Road, Jeffersonville, VT. If you’re playing during a hot, sunny day, the Brewster Ridge Disc Golf Course will be a more comfortable course for families since it is shaded and set in the woods. Ice cold drinks are sold at the Smugglers’ Notch Disc Golf Pro shop in case you need them, and there are picnic tables outside the pro shop.
In case you think 18 holes are too long, you can play an abbreviated 9-hole Disc Golf at the Smugglers’ Notch Brewster Ridge Disc Golf course. For a family of four (with 8 and 12 year old kids), it takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete an 18-hole disc golf course.
Overall, playing a round of Disc Golf with kids is a great way to spend a summer day near Stowe. Whether you choose the Trapp Family Lodge Disc Golf Course or the Smugglers’ Notch Disc Golf Center, your family is sure to have a fun and memorable experience.
8. Bike with Kids at Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is an excellent place for families to go biking. This newly constructed bike trail is the longest rail trail in New England. The trail is made up of crushed stone and has a gentle incline, making it perfect for biking with kids.
One of the best things about Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is that it is a safe bike path for families. There is no vehicular traffic on the trail, which means that parents can relax and enjoy the ride with their children. During the summer months, the trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, and bikers.
Families can access Lamoille Valley Rail Trail from Cambridge if they are coming from Stowe. There are several entry points and parking areas along the trail, including St. Johnsbury, Danville, West Danville, Morrisville, Hyde Park, Johnson, and Cambridge.
While biking along the trail, families will enjoy the picturesque scenery and get to bike alongside Lamoille River. They will also have the opportunity to bike by a covered bridge, which is a unique experience that kids will love.
If families need to rent bikes, they can do so at Bootlegger Bikes Bike Rental. Bootlegger Bikes has a satellite location at the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Cambridge Junction trailhead at 89 Cambridge Junction Road Ext, Jeffersonville, VT.
9. Treat the Kids to a Creemee at Vermont Maple Outlet
No trip to Vermont is complete without trying a creemee, which is a soft serve ice cream on a cone. The most popular flavor is maple, and one of the best places to try it is at Vermont Maple Outlet, located near Stowe. This family-owned producer of maple syrup offers a delicious maple-flavored creemee that is a must-try, according to many locals and visitors.
In addition to the creemees, Vermont Maple Outlet also offers a wide selection of maple syrup and other maple products, which are priced competitively. Visitors can also stop by the back room of their country store to see how maple syrup is made.
To enjoy the creemees, picnic tables and outside seats are available. Vermont Maple Outlet is located at 3929 Vermont Route 15 in Jeffersonville, VT.
A pro tip for families is to visit Vermont Maple Outlet after a day of canoeing or kayaking at Lamoille River, which is located down the road from Vermont Canoe and Kayak. This is a great way to treat the kids to a delicious creemee and learn about maple syrup production at the same time.
10. Take the Kids for a Tour at Ben & Jerry Factory
Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, VT, offers an exciting indoor tour that lasts approximately 30 minutes. To take the tour, visitors must purchase tickets in advance. Additionally, the factory features a scoop shop and gift shop. Kids can enjoy their favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, play at the outdoor playground, and visit the Flavor Graveyard, where they can check out flavor tombstones.
The Flavor Graveyard is an intriguing and enjoyable stop for the entire family. Visitors can also shop at the outdoor gift shop, which offers a variety of Ben & Jerry’s merchandise. The factory is located at 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road, VT-100, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676.
Family Friendly Hotels in Stowe, VT
Stowe, Vermont is an ideal vacation destination for families who love outdoor activities and scenic views. There are several family-friendly hotels in Stowe that offer luxurious accommodations and a wide range of activities for children and adults alike.
Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT
The Trapp Family Lodge is a charming, luxury alpine lodge in Stowe that is perfect for families. This family-run hotel is inspired by Austrian architecture and offers breathtaking mountain views from every room.
There are many kid-friendly activities at the Trapp Family Lodge, including swimming at the outdoor pool, playing disc golf, mountain biking at the skills park, and hiking with the family. Parents can also enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa or a pint at the von Trapp Family Bierhall.
The Trapp Family Lodge is located only a 14-minute drive from Stowe Mountain Resort. Families will love staying at this charming and luxurious hotel during their Stowe vacation.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Stowe, VT
The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a luxury hotel that is perfect for families visiting Stowe. Located at Stowe Mountain Resort, this hotel offers ski-in/ski-out access and breathtaking mountain views.
During the summer months, families can enjoy complimentary hikes, s’mores, swimming at the outdoor pool, playing in the game room, taking a gondola ride to the top of Mount Mansfield, and playing a round of golf. Parents can also relax with a massage at the spa while the kids take part in the many activities available.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak is conveniently located steps away from the restaurants and shops at the Village. Families will love the luxurious accommodations and the wide range of activities available at this hotel.
Topnotch Resort, Stowe, VT
Topnotch Resort is a luxurious and family-friendly hotel in Stowe that offers suites and 2-3 bedroom resort homes perfect for families who want more space during their vacation. This hotel is conveniently located within a 7-minute drive to Stowe Mountain Resort.
There are many kid-friendly activities available at Topnotch Resort, including indoor and outdoor pools, tennis lessons at the Topnotch Tennis Academy, and family-friendly spa treatments. Parents can relax while the kids are entertained with the many activities available.
Families will love the luxurious accommodations and the wide range of activities available at Topnotch Resort during their Stowe vacation.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
Smugglers’ Notch Resort is a family-friendly resort located near Stowe in Jeffersonville. Although not as luxurious as some of the other hotels on this list, Smugglers’ Notch offers condo-style units with full kitchens, making it perfect for families who want to cook their own meals.
During the summer months, families can enjoy waterparks with slides, freshwater reservoirs with kayak and standup paddle boards, mini-golf, mining, outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts, gaga court, 26,000 square foot indoor game room, mountain bike skills park, skateboard park, disc golf courses, hiking trails, and bike trails. There are also organized family activities like family bingo and evening entertainment like magic shows.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort is located on the other side of the mountain from Stowe and is only a 10-minute drive from Stowe Mountain Resort. Families will love the wide range of activities available at Smugglers’ Notch during their Stowe vacation.