Vermont in Summer?

[Vicky Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Vicky]

We've never been in Vermont and I keep trying to get an exchange during winter week there. Now I've got an idea to go there during summer. We wouldn't drive to Smuggs, it's too far. So I need to choose between Killington, Mt. Snow and Okemo areas (I guess Stratton is impossible to get). We do like nature activities but without too much hiking. What areas and possibly resorts would be good to visit in summer given that we need to keep busy our 9 y.o.?

Any info would be greatly appreciated,
Vicky

[cluemeister Member Find all posts View Profile Close cluemeister]

A few thoughts:

Vermont is our next door neighbor, so perhaps I could throw a few ideas your way:

VT - Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory - #1 tourist destination in VT, Barre area

VT - Shelburne Museum - Burlington area, Northern VT.

Keeping a 9 year old busy won't be a problem if they like to camp or fish. Probably smuggs would be a good choice.

Now I do know a little bit more about NH. Some of the things we have:

In the north, the Mt. Washington region has a lot to do.

Mt. Washington Auto Road - Drive to the top of the tallest peak in the northeast, and the second highest east of the Rockies. You wouldn't forget this drive to the top. Some who are scared of heights find it too scary.

Cog railway to the top of Mt. Washington

Lost River Gorge - a 9 year old would love this

Cannon Mtn. Tramway to the top of Cannon Mtn., with short walking trail and beautiful views.

Jefferson - Santa's Village, an amusement park for kids. 9 year old boy should be perfect age (does he still believe in Santa?)

In the center of the state is the Lakes Region, which is very touristy, Lake Winnipesaukee area with mini golf, water park, restaurants, etc.

In the seacoast area, there is Hampton Beach NH. Not as nice as Maine Beaches, but still a very nice beach.

If you're in the central part of the state, you're also about 2-3 hours from Boston.

Not trying to take anything away from Vermont, but just thought I'd throw that out there!

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Wait a minute, isn't Burlington south or central while St. Albans is northern ?
I've stayed in St. Albans way back when the kids were kids. It might be a better bet to go with New Hampshire's White Mountains, as clue listed only some of the areas of interest. Notably absent was Lincoln's Loon Mountain,Clark's Trading Post(with a live bear show), and a water park. We go back to New Hampshire nearly every year, while Vermont has been bypassed. Also note that there is a hefty fee for kids' activities at Smuggs.
More White Mtns stuff: Six Gun City, Storyland, The Flume Gorge, Conway Scenic Railway, Hobo railroad, and some I haven't even mentioned.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Burlington

I looked it up- Burlington is north central VT or southern north VT. Seemed a longer way from St. Albans back then.

[3kids4me Super Moderator and Super Mom Find all posts View Profile Close 3kids4me]

We've spent a lot of time in Vermont, both before and after kids. In my opinion, the best stuff for kids is in the Burlington and Stowe areas, but you said that you don't want to drive that far. Southern Vermont is beautiful, but it is basically a lot of shopping and maybe some hiking...I just don't know how much there is for kids to do. Maybe a Google search would help. Pretty towns in southern Vermont include Manchester, Woodstock, and Bennington.

Sharon

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I must agree with Sharon. There is some good mountain biking at Killington, but your 9 year old probably isn't big enough (if you can't ride a full size bike, it is a VERY difficult/painful trip down on a small bike). The Killington Grand is probably the nicest t/s in the area, they do have a pool. We were there in the fall, a couple of days was enough, and while the big boys were biking, my 11 yr old and I went hiking. Some of the ski places in the Poconos and the Berkshires have summer water parks, but I don't know of any in Vermont that have built them. Okemo is near Killington, a cute town without much activity in summer...

[cluemeister Member Find all posts View Profile Close cluemeister]

TonyG's recommendations

TonyG added some nice attractions to see in NH. I have seen all of them, with the exception of riding the Hobo Railroad.

Burlington is definitely north, and sits on beautiful Lake Champlain, although it is south of St. Albans which is not far from Canada!