If you and your family are planning a vacation somewhere in the USA, consider visiting the state of Vermont. Vermont offers vacationers a number of different family-friendly activities and fun places to see and enjoy. It is a stunning state with a plethora of pretty places, and family-friendly things to see and do. So, let’s get right to it, shall we? Here are the 11 best family vacations in Vermont. 

11 Best Family Vacations in Vermont

1. Burlington

This city offers visitors both age-friendly attractions and an intimate atmosphere as well. From pristine beaches to the scenic Waterfront Park, there’s a lot of family fun to be had here. There are also some educational attractions such as the popular ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center.

While veteran visitors recommend staying at the Hampton Inn Burlington – Colchester, this city is home to some of the state’s best family resorts. Don’t bother renting a car just to explore the city either. You will actually get more out of your visit doing it on foot. It’s one of the most walkable little cities in New England.

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Colchester

Colchester is another place to consider for family vacations in Vermont. It’s especially good if you’re into outdoor activities and getting back to nature. Colchester gives you easy access to lovely Lake Champlain where you can go fishing, motorboating, and swimming.  There are also the Green Mountains which are great for hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. When you get tired, relax and visit St. Michael’s College Playhouse and Flynn Theater. Stay at the Essex Resort.

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Stowe

You can’t take vacations in Vermont without taking a trip to Stowe. Stowe is the unofficial ski capital of the East and staying in Stowe is like vacating in the Alps, without needing a passport. Visit in the winter if you enjoy skiing and other winter sports.

Travel to Stowe in the summer and you and the kids can go fishing, golfing, hiking, and even ziplining. Don’t forget to check out the awesome foliage in the fall either. If you’re looking for an inexpensive getaway, go camping in this area here. Don’t like tent camping? Stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak.

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Woodstock Inn & Resort

The well-known, historic Woodstock Inn & Resort is located in the village of Woodstock. It offers travelers a luxurious, kid-friendly getaway. They have spacious accommodations and offer deluxe services as well.  

Here you can enjoy bike tours, golfing, horseback riding, skiing, and water sports. The resort even offers guests a full-service spa where they can enjoy a rejuvenating treatment. In fact, if you’re vacationing with infants or toddlers, this resort even offers a babysitting service.

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Manchester

No, we’re not talking about Manchester, England! Manchester has it all! From awesome outdoor recreation to great shopping finds, Manchester can be a fun family vacation spot.  

Manchester has historical allure, stellar scenery, and a vibrant cultural scene too. Shopaholics will enjoy its thriving shopping scene as Manchester includes a number of popular factory outlets. Learn something about the area by taking a guided tour. The tours are seasonal and introduce newcomers to such Vermont points of interest as an alpaca farm, the Sugar Shack, and a Norman Rockwell display. Book your stay at Kimpton Taconic Hotel.

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Jay

There’s more to the popular winter destination of Jay than simply skiing and winter sports adventures. Yes, this town in Orleans County is quite a popular place to be in the winter. Still, it’s more than an icy winter wonderland.  

Visit Jay in the summer when the weather’s warmer. You and your family will be captivated by nature and will be able to go biking, hiking, and paddle boating too. Travel experts suggest staying at the Jay Peak Resort. It’s comfortable and includes some fun amenities such as a super seasonal waterpark.

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The Topnotch Resort & Spa

If you and yours like staying at a resort, next time you’re in the Stowe area try the Topnotch Resort & Spa. It’s reportedly one of New England’s “most exciting family resorts.” It blends year-round outdoor action with luxury.

Hike the picturesque trails, do a little horseback riding, go swimming, visit the spa for a treatment, or go cross-country skiing. There’s something for everyone here. If you have a large family, rent Topnotch’s luxurious three-bedroom house. It includes a pair of twin beds, a single queen-size bed, and a king-size bed, comfortably accommodating as many as six adults and one child.

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Montpelier

Oddly enough, Montpelier is often underrated when it comes to family vacation destinations. Yet the capital of Vermont is a super spot for families into striking scenery and art. This city is well-known for its many local artists and has numerous great galleries such as the fantastic Front Art Gallery.  Visit Montpelier’s historic downtown. Check out the shops and boutiques offering such items as books, toys, and chocolates. Looking to save some money?  

Book your stay at the High Hill Inn. It offers inexpensive rates and cozy accommodations. It has an almost elegant feel and offers guests easy access to such attractions as the mighty Winooski River.  

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Shelburne

Shelburne is nestled on the shore of Lake Champlain in Chittenden County. Here you will find several one-of-a-kind, beguiling kid-approved attractions. While Shelburne isn’t short on culture or history, it’s more famous for its family-friendly attractions.  

Perhaps the most popular one is the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory which has been in business making teddy bears since 1981. There’s also Shelburne Farms, the Shelburne Museum, the beach, boat launch, and nature park. Adults may enjoy the Fiddlehead Brewery, the Shelburne Vineyard, and the Kwiniaska Championship Golf Course which comes complete with great views of the massive Adirondack Mountain range. Book your stay at the Smart Suites or the G.G.T. Tibet Inn.

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Woodstock

Not to be confused with the iconic 1969 music festival in Bethel, New York, this Woodstock is a laid-back spot for a classic New England family vacation. It features multiple comfy bed-and-breakfasts and gorgeous scenery. If you’re part of an active family, you can all enjoy such active pursuits as hiking, golfing, fishing, and visiting local farms and historic sites too. Head for the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and take a tour of the mansion, grounds, and surrounding forest. Book your accommodations at the popular Hotel Coolidge or the well-known Woodstocker B&B or Woodstock Inn & Resort. 

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The Holiday Inn Club Vacations Mount Ascutney Resort

Last but certainly not least on our list of best family vacations in Vermont, is the Holiday Inn Mount Ascutney. This official Holiday Inn Club offers both a touch of luxury and action-packed activities too. Schedule your vacation any time you wish as this place offers guests luxurious facilities and recreational opportunities all year long.

This resort features an arcade, a game room, and swimming pools as well. If your family enjoys playing sports, be sure to spend some time on the tennis, racquetball, and basketball courts. This is a great place for family reunions and various other large groups.  

Book the resort’s popular three-bedroom accommodations. This option offers a lot of space and a regular flotilla of beds. Indeed, it can quite easily handle a total of 10 adults and four children.

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If you’re planning a vacation in the US, consider visiting the state of Oregon. Oregon offers travelers a lot of family-friendly activities and fun places to see and experience. It might not have the various world-famous amusement parks, but it does have numerous natural wonders, kid-friendly museums, and more. To help you in creating your itinerary, here are the 11 best family vacations in Oregon.

The 11 Best Family Vacations In Oregon

1. Portland

This city offers vacationers an assortment of attractions and activities for visitors of various ages and tastes. Sure, it’s famous for its tree-hugging hipsters and imaginative artisans, but it’s family-friendly. The child-approved attractions here include the Portland Children’s Museum and the Oregon Zoo.  

It’s reputed to have one of the most tourist-friendly public transport systems in the US. Thus, renting a car is not recommended unless absolutely necessary though because it can be expensive. In fact, while Portland’s home to some of the state’s best family hotels, some of them charge a lot for parking. Some travel writers recommend staying at the Sentinel, a Provenance Hotel.

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Bend

The city of Bend is especially of interest if you crave both food and adventure. It has a burgeoning food scene and hearty hiking trails too. It is also a great home camp if you want to see several natural wonders such as the Deschutes National Forest.

Veteran visitors say you should stay at the Econo Lodge Bed. Even though you may initially think you’re not getting a great deal, the fact is the place is family-friendly and the rooms are spacious. Try a queen room that comes complete with two queen-size beds and several convenient amenities.

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The Hood River

Looking for fun things to do with the kids? The Hood River can provide you and yours with both great memories and exciting adventures. It is arguably one of the state’s top vacation destinations for those into nature. Next to Maui, this is possibly the windsurfing capital of the world.

It certainly is a super place for water sports including kiteboarding and sailing. Additionally, there are several kid-friendly places in the area such as the Historic Columbia River Highway. Stay at the Best Western Plus Inn. Not only is it family-friendly but it also offers guests spacious rooms, an indoor spa, a sauna, and even private beach access.  

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The Sunriver Resort

Located in Sunriver, this is one of Oregon’s finest family resorts. This resort blends family fun with luxury and provides everyone with an unforgettable vacation. Highlights include a kids’ club and a water park, a golf course, and facilities for fishing, horseback riding, and even skiing. You can book a 301+ square-foot suite complete with a pair of queen-size beds and a sofa that converts into a bed.

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Ashland

Ashland is a great place for families looking for both an artsy and low-key vacation destination. The city features an assortment of memorable museums and exceptional art galleries. The most noteworthy kid-focused attraction in this small town is the Science Works Hands-On Museum.  

This can also be a great place to start off family vacations close to Oregon, such as Shasta Lake, California. Visit in the spring and you can attend a performance by the internationally-famous Oregon Shakespeare Company. If you enjoy flowers, lovely Lithia Park is particularly pretty in the spring. Book a room at the popular Winchester Inn.

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Salem

Not to be confused with Salem, Massachusetts, Salem, Oregon offers family vacationers a variety of kid-approved attractions. In fact, one travel writer called it “a kiddie wonderland” when praising the city’s numerous “age-friendly attractions.” Perhaps the biggest family-friendly place is the Enchanted Forest. 

The family-friendly Enchanted Forest offers visitors unique attractions and rides. There’s also Riverfront Park and the popular Gilbert House Children’s Museum. Go biking, boating, fishing, hiking, or take a fun hot air balloon ride at beautiful Willamette Mission State Park. Stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton North Salem.

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The Mount Hood National Forest

A trip to Mount Hood National Forest is just the thing to make someone forget about life in the big city. It is also surprisingly inexpensive. Camping or even staying in a cabin cuts down on your expenses and there are a number of different free or inexpensive activities available here including fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Be sure to stop and stroll through the Mount Hood Cultural and Museum as well. Here you can learn the evolution and history of skiing on the mountain via several educational exhibits. Veteran visitors recommend staying at the Timberline Lodge.

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Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is the perfect place for a relaxing, seaside family vacation. This charming seaside village comes complete with a striking shoreline, shifting sand dunes, and numerous tidepools too. Once you’ve kicked back on the beautiful beach, be sure to wander around the various galleries and studios there as well.

If you and yours enjoy adventure, take an exciting zipline tour at High Life Adventure. You can also go hiking through Ecola State Park’s verdant forest. Book accommodations at the Inn at Haystack Rock.

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Newport

You will find many different fun and family-friendly places and activities available to you in the coastal town of Newport. Located on Alaska’s central coast, this place has kid-approved attractions, such as the popular Hatfield Marine Science Center and a Ripley’s Believe It or Not outpost. Older kids and adults can take part in a number of different outdoor attractions, like the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and the ruggedly scenic Ocean to Bay Trail. Book your room at Starfish Point.

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Seaside

Seaside in Clatsop County is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most popular and oldest destinations for family vacations. The name comes from Seaside House, which was a historic, well-known summer resort erected back in the 1870s by wealthy railroad magnate Benjamin Holladay. It is fantastic for families and froths with an assortment of age-friendly activities and attractions.

You can go bike riding, stroll on the beach or go fly kites. Attend a weekly art walk or go feed the seals at the popular Seaside Aquarium. Visit in July and catch the annual 4th of July celebration. Seaside is also a great home base from which to visit such other state highlights as the lovely Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Tillamook Head, or Ecola State Park. Book your accommodations at the Ashore Hotel, the River Inn at Seaside, or the Inn at the Shore.

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The Brasada Ranch

Head to Powell Butte for an exceptional vacation experience. No list of best family vacations in the state of Oregon would truly be complete without the inclusion of the lavish and yet rustic Brasada Ranch. The favored Brasada Ranch is a surprisingly luxurious Oregon retreat that comes complete with a number of different memorable amenities to entertain pretty much everyone in your family.

This exceptional resort offers children of all ages a lot of fun from video gaming consoles to a wild water park. Adults will enjoy the equestrian center, golf course, the spa, and the surprisingly luxurious cabins. Each cabin has three separate bedrooms complete with three king-size beds. The cabins also all include a nice hot tub and a cozy fireplace to boot!

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In the old days, people with babies avoided traveling as much as possible. Times have changed. Despite all the potential problems, today parents pick up and go a lot more often.  Hotels have noticed and have found a way to profit from the change. Here then, are the best hotel amenities for babies and toddlers.

The Best Hotel Amenities for Babies and Toddlers

1.  Kids Stuff

Many major hotel chains already offer booster seats, cribs, highchairs, and Pack ‘n Plays. This helps avoid charges for extra luggage if you have to fly. Whether it’s a high-end hotel chain or a more budget-friendly hotel, many amenities are provided for no additional charge.

One famous Las Vegas hotel will be sure your room includes a crib, highchair, playpen, and even a bunch of baby essentials if you notify them when you reserve the room. Mind you, if mom is still breastfeeding, you will have to remember to pack your own pump, provided you use one.   

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Baby Strollers

If you’re flying and hope to avoid the entire gate check process or simply prefer to leave your bulky baby stroller at home, then read on and prepare to make reservations at the right hotel.

Travel experts confirm that there are several hotel chains that now provide complimentary baby strollers. Yes, several of them only offer the basic umbrella-style stroller, but the ritzier resorts reportedly “up the game” when it comes to baby strollers. In fact, one place in New York City provides a full fleet of fancy, custom-designed baby strollers.

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Babysitters and Nannies

Hoping to skip out on the parental responsibilities and enjoy the kind of romantic candlelit dinner at a fine restaurant like you did when you were kid-free? Well, money may be the root of all evil but no one’s giving it away for a good reason! Mant hotels, high-end chains, and all-inclusive resorts not only offer vetted local babysitting services but also have actual nannies on staff for day or night care.

Family-friendly properties in some countries offer evening activities specifically for toddlers, and kids club programs for older children through the age of 17.

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Bedtime Tales and Toddler Treats

Many hotels offer a toddler tuck-in service. From simple milk and cookies at the end of an adventurous day to having costumed character actors reading a bedtime tale complete with props and treats, “night-night time” requires little if anything of the actual parents. One chain provides princesses and pirates complete with parrots and a treasure chest of treats. Other options include toys, in-room tents, and in some cases even an in-room kids camping package too.

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Safety and Childproofing Amenities

If you are concerned about child safety but still have to travel, then stay somewhere that provides childproofing amenities. At least then you won’t have to stress over hard edges, electrical sockets, hard edges, and other potential in-room dangers. One of the reportedly “best hotel chains for families”, provides toilet latches, electric outlet covers, and additional safety gear to parents traveling with children. Night lights are also available so everyone can see better at night and to comfort kids still afraid of the dark.

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Parental Pleasures

If bedtime is at an early hour such as 7:00 pm, whatever will you do with the rest of your evening? Please! If you have chosen to travel with a baby or toddler, you surely must have taken the time to make reservations somewhere there are things for you to do.

If not, take notes. Stay at a place that includes Wine Down Service. Adult beverages and accompanying treats can be quietly delivered right to your room while your baby is sleeping. Parents receive a quiet text alert when the room service person arrives at your door so as not to risk waking your children.  

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Tiny Toddler Treatments

Most people probably think that massages are only for adults. (Sure, no one in this situation is overly concerned about strangers touching their toddlers, but that’s not the point.) Spas at some hotels now offer spa treatments for children.

One resort in Mexico offers a “25-minute toddler massage” complete with accompanying music composed by Mozart. It is specifically for children aged three and older. The theory behind the service is that it promotes cognitive and sensory development. It also offers special adventure massages and to baby’s first haircuts that come complete with a commemorative certificate.

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Infant Eats

Some resorts in both Europe and the US have menus that include pureed vegetables and fruit. One hotel in Italy offers fresh pureed apples, pears, and mixed fruits for breakfast and local fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat for both lunch and dinner. One of the best US chains for healthy eating offers a specific cuisine for toddlers that specifically meets low-carb, low-fat, and vegetarian diets. Some of these places even let kids under a certain age eat for free.  

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Professional Baby Butlers

Luxury hotels continue to pamper parents of infants and toddlers with amenities in order to increase their customer base. They often outfit rooms and suites with a bunch of baby needs. In Chicago, for example, you can stay at a hotel that offers baby butler service. Guests can ask for baby diapers, lotion, pacifiers, wipes, and more. If you discuss it when making reservations, the staff will even empty the mini-bar refrigerator so they can load it up with baby food and milk. 

A number of different hotel and resort brands work together with specific rental agencies, for guests who need something special. If you stay at a hotel that does not have what you want or need, you can call a company that will actually rent you things and have them delivered to your hotel prior to your arrival. This is especially good to know for parents who prefer to rent a vacation home and need to stock up on things. Despite these specifically targeted services, be certain to call ahead to be sure that anything you’d rather leave at home can actually be provided by the hotel or a local rental service.

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