Taking a Vermont road trip with our kids turned out to be even more special than we anticipated. Over four days in the fall, we enjoyed mountain views, visited real working farms, tasted local foods, and explored small towns that show why Vermont is a favorite for families. We drove scenic highways, learned how maple syrup and cheese are made, spent time on a beautiful farm and discovered lively towns and a lakeside town. This trip reminded us that the best family memories come from slowing down and getting to know a place really well. In this post, I’ll share our full four-day Vermont road trip itinerary along with helpful advice for families planning their own adventure.
Vermont: Mountain Charm and Authentic Culture
Vermont is one of the prettiest states in New England, with its mountains, working farms, maple syrup, and small towns that feel like they belong to another time. The state is proud of its farming roots, love for the outdoors, and efforts to keep its local charm. Vermont is known for its Green Mountains, dairy farms, and famous foods like Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and top-notch cheeses. What makes Vermont stand out is its realness, small-town spirit, and strong ties to the land.
Fall is the busiest time to visit Vermont, with the best foliage usually from late September to mid-October. It can get chilly, so bring layers and rain jackets for changing mountain weather. From spring to early fall, the weather is warmer and all the outdoor spots are open. Vermont is great for families, with things like farm visits, scenic drives, and hands-on food experiences that kids enjoy. In most towns, you can park and walk around to check out local shops, cafes, and attractions.
What makes Vermont special for families is the authenticity of the experiences available. You are not visiting theme parks or manufactured attractions. Instead, you visit working farms where real cows are milked, ice cream factories where real production happens, and small towns where real people live and work. This genuineness creates closer connections and more memorable experiences for families who are willing to slow down and engage with the places they visit.
Vermont Road Trip with Kids Day 1: The Kancamagus Highway
We started our Vermont trip with one of New England’s most beautiful drives: the Kancamagus Highway, or “The Kanc.” This 34-mile road goes through the White Mountain National Forest, with lots of scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and picnic spots that show off the fall colors. It rained softly all day, which made the golden leaves and evergreens look even brighter. The drive was a great way to go from New Hampshire’s mountains into Vermont’s countryside.
The highway gave us lots of different views of the mountains. We stopped often to take in the wide valleys, check out covered bridges around almost every corner, and watch rivers running next to the road. Spider Monkey enjoyed finding little waterfalls in the trees and learning about the mountains’ geology. The cloudy weather made everything feel even more real than if it had been sunny. Each stop gave us new chances for photos and to get out and walk around.
The Kancamagus Highway is designed as a scenic drive rather than a quick route, so we planned to spend several hours enjoying the journey. Multiple pull-offs allowed us to stretch legs, have picnics, and explore short walks without requiring serious hiking. The drive connects mountain regions to Vermont’s farmland, making it the perfect transition between dramatic New England scenery and Vermont’s pastoral charm.
Vermont Road Trip with Kids Day 2: Vermont Farm Experiences and Iconic Food Destinations
On our first full day in Vermont, we focused on classic Vermont food and farm experiences. We started at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks near Montpelier, a family-run farm surrounded by maple trees. It’s one of the best spots to try Vermont’s famous maple syrup and learn how it’s made, from tree to bottle. The girls loved tasting the warm syrup and trying maple cream, a sweet treat that tastes amazing. The farm also has a country store, walking trails, and fun wood carvings to explore.
Next, we made a pit stop at Ben and Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, home of the iconic ice cream brand that started right here in Vermont. The surrounding area is scenic, filled with rolling farmland and mountain views. At the factory, we saw how their famous ice cream is made from fresh ingredients and watched the production process. Buttercup, our thrill-seeker, loved getting messy at the ice cream sampling station, trying creative flavors she’d never imagined.
After that, we visited Cabot Creamery and Cold Hollow Cider Mill, two local spots that show off Vermont’s farming traditions. We learned how their award-winning cheeses are made with fresh milk from local farms and watched cider being pressed while sipping hot apple cider and eating delicious cider donuts. These real, working places let families see where Vermont’s famous foods come from.
Vermont Road Trip with Kids Day 3: Shelburne Farms
On our third day, we visited Shelburne Farms, a huge 1,400 acre working farm and historic estate by Lake Champlain. As soon as we arrived, Buttercup and Spider Monkey were stunned by the beautiful setting. There were rolling fields everywhere, the lake in the distance shining, and old farm buildings that made it feel like a storybook. Shelburne Farms isn’t just for tourists. It’s a real farm with a long history in Vermont and a focus on sustainable farming!
We spent the morning learning what it’s like to work on a real farm. We tried milking cows and saw how cheddar cheese is made. Both girls were fascinated by the process and loved meeting the cows. We also met a friendly group of sheep who enjoyed being petted, and both Buttercup and Spider Monkey got to feed the animals by hand. Spider Monkey was especially curious about the farm’s history and how it’s lasted for so many years, while Buttercup enjoyed all the hands-on activities and time with the animals.
The farm has pretty walking trails, a cozy farm-to-table restaurant, and lots of beautiful spots to explore. We walked through the barns, checked out the gardens, and watched the farm in action. Both girls enjoyed every minute at Shelburne and asked if we could stay longer or come back another time. Being part of a real working farm and joining in the daily activities gave us memories that will last much longer than a regular tourist stop.
Vermont Road Trip with Kids Day 4: Vermont Route 100 Scenic Byway and Burlington
Our final day explored Vermont’s most picturesque regions, starting with Vermont Route 100 Scenic Byway, one of America’s most celebrated scenic drives. We drove through Jeffersonville, a peaceful village surrounded by mountains and farmland, then continued through quiet rural areas where the landscape became even more charming. We passed through North Moretown and South Duxbury, rural quiet areas surrounded by forested hills, winding rivers and peaceful farmland. The road then led to Smugglers’ Notch, a dramatic mountain pass carved amid towering cliffs. Buttercup was amazed by the narrow road and the lofty walls of stone on both sides.
We continued into Stowe, one of Vermont’s most charming mountain towns, known for ski slopes, boutique shops and warm cafes. The historic village features church steeples, covered bridges and beautiful trails in every direction. From there we drove through Waterbury and Granville, presenting endless views of waterfalls, maple groves and colorful mountain scenery. The drive felt like travelling through a postcard at every turn. Finally, we arrived in Burlington, Vermont’s lively lakeside town filled with charm, creativity and stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.
Burlington’s waterfront was the perfect spot for our last evening. There are wide paths to walk, sailboats on the water, and the Adirondack Mountains in the background, making it peaceful and beautiful. We strolled through Church Street Marketplace, a busy street just for pedestrians, filled with shops, cafes, and street performers. The whole place was lively and full of music. Burlington is known for its relaxed feel, great farm-to-table food, and friendly small-city vibe, with colorful murals that show off its creative side.
The Family Verdict
Vermont exceeded all our expectations in all respects. The combination of working farms, iconic food experiences, breathtaking scenic drives and charming small towns created a road trip that engaged everyone in our family on different levels. What surprised us most was how accessible these experiences were. We were not hiking mountains or doing extreme outdoor activities. Instead, we were having authentic Vermont experiences that families of any activity level can enjoy. From the moody magic of driving through fall foliage in the rain to the magic of Shelburne Farms winning both girls’ hearts, from Buttercup’s thrill-seeking adventures to Spider Monkey’s fascination with farm animals and historic sites to the electric vibe of Burlington’s waterfront, our Vermont road trip showed us why we adore exploring together. Vermont captured our hearts, and we will return to Vermont again and again.
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures in Acadia, Portland, Maine, and Vermont. Also follow along on our full family adventure through New England!
Follow along with our adventure travel family and explore more amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
