Day Trips

When you’re in the mood to get away from Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom for the day, there is plenty to do!

Vermont

Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour (Waterbury).  An ice-cream making tour is a must see for every Vermonter and visitor alike!

Billings Farm & Museum (Woodstock).  A popular place among families & homeschoolers to learn about Vermont’s rural heritage.

Cabot Cheese.  (Cabot).  A visit to the World’s Favorite Cheddar maker, although considered to still be in the NEK according to some, is an awesome place to tour.  Kids love the tour and educational experience!

Cold Hollow Cider Mill (Waterbury Center).  Kids who love cider will love it even more when they see how it’s made.  Watch from the observation window & sample cider.

ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center (Burlington).  A great place for kids to learn about science in downtown Burlington, on the waterfront!

Montshire Museum of Science (Norwich).  A wonderful, hands-on science and learning museum for kids.

Regal Gymnastics Academy (Winooksi).  The go-to place for open gymnastics and fun play in Vermont!  Note:  MAY 1, 2012, Regal Gymnastics will open a new super center gymnastics facility, preschool & play village & castle for children!

Shelburne Museum. (Shelburne).  Whether it’s exploring the old jail, one room schoolhouse or Ticonderoga boat, kids of all ages will find something here to enjoy.  Note: homeschoolers watch for Passport to Learning programs, which take place twice a year!

The Pump House Indoor Water Park.  (Jay Peak).  Though still in the Kingdom, Vermont’s Mega Indoor Water Park is a day trip unto itself!

Upper Valley Aquatic Center.  (White River Junction) Relatively new pool facility, including indoor water play park for kids & spacious changing area.

Pizza Putt. (South Burlington).  This indoor play area offers mini-golf, games, indoor batting, pizza, Lazer Tag & arcade.

Vermont History Museum.  (Montpelier) An awesome hands-on museum for children and grownups to learn about Vermont’s history!  Conveniently located next to the State House).

New Hampshire

Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College. (Hanover).  Close to the NEK, this art gallery offers neat works of art for kids to soak up.

Pollyanna of Littleton.  Maybe not a day trip unto itself, but a trip to Littleton warrants a visit to check out the bronze sculpture that gives tribute to hometown Pollyanna author, Eleanor H. Porter.  Don’t forget your camera! Pollyanna Day 2012 is on June 12th.

SEE Science Center (Manchester).  Kids will love the gigantic Lego display!

Stonyfield’s Yogurt Works & Visitor Center (Londonderry, near MHT airport).  This is a great place for families to taste test the latest Stonyfield Yogurt products and learn how yogurt is made!  Learn more here.

Massachusetts

Magic Winds Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens.  (South Deerfield, MA).  A place to explore & learn about butterflies!

The Butterfly Place. (Westford, MA).  An indoor garden filled with free-flying butterflies for the kids to enjoy!