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| popular summer activities in Vermont |
If you've never been north of the state, there are many things to do in Burlington Vermont.
The city boasts the largest public library in Vermont and an excellent waterfront along the shores of Lake Champlain ideal for scenic walks and cycling tours.
Things to do in Burlington Vermont: Outdoor Activities
Parks
One of the best things about the city of Burlington Vermont, it’s that many of its parks overlook the beautiful Lake Champlain, offering lovely views.
Four of these parks include: Battery Park, Waterfront Park, Oakledge Park and Red Rocks Park.
Cycling
Burlington Vermont also boasts a fantastic cycling pathway that runs along the banks of Lake Champlain offering stunning views along the way.
The Burlington Bike Pathway spans over seven miles, starting from Oakledge Park all the way to North Beach Park. If you’re traveling with kids, taking a cycling tour along the Burlington Bike pathway is one of the top things to do in Burlington Vermont.
Burlington VT Beaches
North Beach Park
One of the best beaches in Burlington Vermont it’s North Beach Park, which is located less than 3 miles from downtown Burlington VT.
If you are traveling with kids, North Beach Park features fun playgrounds, toilets, lifeguards and grassy areas ideal for picnicking.
Leddy Park
Leddy Park is another beautiful beach spot, located further along North Beach Park. The beach also features grassy areas for picnicking and toilets but it does not have lifeguards.
Oakledge Park
Oakledge Park is located south of Burlington’s downtown area, around 4 miles away. The beach shoreline is rocky and hasn’t got any lifeguards so bear this in mind, if you’re bringing kids with you.
Having said this, if you are planning on doing many recreational activities, Oakledge Park also boasts courts for tennis and volleyball as well as picnic shelters.
Hiking & Camping
If you are interested in exploring Burlington Vermont’s Great Outdoors, Mount Mansfield State Forest is just 45 miles east of Burlington VT (around 60 minutes drive).
If you are a serious hiker or climber, Mount Mansfield is within the state forest and happens to be the highest peak in the state and it is one of the most popular places for hiking in Vermont.
Mt Mansfield State Forest is home to a few state parks such as Underhill State Park which offer picnicking shelters and campgrounds with toilets and running water.
Things to do in Burlington Vermont: Places of Interest
Battery Park
Battery Park is one of the most historic parks in the city, boasting a bronze statue of General William W. Wells and a wooden sculpture honoring the Native American Abenaki tribe.
Battery Park also boasts kid’s playgrounds and amazing panoramic views of Lake Champlain.
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is an excellent park where you can enjoy picnicking and recreational activities. The park also boasts a magnificent boardwalk where you can take a walk on taking in the views.
If you travel to Burlington VT in the summer, make sure to visit Waterfront Park to catch some of the fun summer events held there.
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
A visit to ECHO Center is one of the most popular things to do in Burlington Vermont amongst families with small kids.
ECHO is a lovely nature center with many exhibitions where the little ones can enjoy a fun day learning about different animal species.
Things to do in Burlington Vermont: Shopping
Downtown Burlington boasts a myriad of shopping opportunities from boutique and small shops along the pedestrian-only Church Street to department stores at the Burlington Town Center.
If you prefer to enjoy the mall experience, Burlington Vermont is also home to a few shopping malls such as Shelburne Road Plaza Shopping Center and University Mall Shopping Center where you can do some retail shopping.
Things to do in Burlington Vermont: Events & Festivals
Kids Day Festival
Kids Day Festival is one of the most popular family events in the city, happening in mid May at Waterfront Park
The event itself features plenty of concerts and live entertainment performed by young musicians and singers.
Discover Jazz Festival
Burlington’s Discover Jazz Festival is a popular summer event happening in June for 9 days, at Waterfront Park. If you love jazz or simply want to enjoy good music, this is one event not to be missed.
Vermont Food and Wine Festival
Attending the Vermont Food and Wine Festival is certainly one of the most popular things to do in Burlington Vermont. The event is also held in mid June at Waterfront Park (normally few days after the Jazz Festival).
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