Schools

5 Things To Do In Burlington Before The Kids Go Back To School

Make new memories, spend time as a family and check out all that our community has to offer before the end of summer.

Before the kids head back to school, get out and explore all our community has to offer.
Before the kids head back to school, get out and explore all our community has to offer. (Shutterstock)

It's hard to believe, but soon summer will be winding down. So before the kids head back to school, why not spend some time as a family enjoying all that our community has to offer?

If you're looking for a place to get started, we've rounded up five fun things to do in the Burlington area before the kids head back to school. Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm hours and access, stay hydrated, and if you're heading outdoors, bring plenty of SPF and bug spray!


1. Leddy Park

Address: 216 Leddy Park Rd. Burlington, VT 05408
Phone: 802-864-0123
Embrace the summer season with some outdoor time at Leddy Park! The park features a sandy swimming beach, multiple athletic fields and an indoor ice arena, providing ample options to get the whole family moving. Visitors can enjoy amenities like basketball and tennis courts, pickleball, a playground and scenic walking trails, with free Wi-Fi available at the arena. Click here for more info.

Find out what's happening in Burlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

2. Petra Cliffs Climbing Center & Mountaineering School

Address: 105 Briggs St, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: 802-657-3872
Put your agility to the test at Petra Cliffs Climbing Center in Burlington. The center offers an exhilarating climbing experience for all ages, with specialized programs for kids and teens.
Whether you’re looking to climb indoors or outdoors, the center has it all, from bouldering to top roping, all supervised by experienced instructors. Click here for more info.

3. ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Address: 1 College St, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: 802-864-1848
Discover the wonders of science and nature at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. With over 100 interactive exhibits, including a 2,500-square-foot early learning space, children can explore ecosystems and engage with 70 species of local fish, reptiles and amphibians. The center also features regularly changing exhibits and offers hands-on educational programs designed to pique the curiosity of visitors of all ages. Click here for more info.

Find out what's happening in Burlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

4. Spare Time Colchester

Address: 215 Lower Mountain View Dr, Colchester, VT 05446
Phone: 802-655-2720
Whether you’re looking to bowl, play arcade games or solve puzzles in an escape room, Spare Time Colchester has you covered! Families can explore the Game Zone arcade, challenge each other on 30 luxury bowling lanes or compete in an exciting game of laser tag. When it’s time to refuel, savor chef-crafted dishes from the full-service restaurant. Click here for more info.

5. Shelburne Museum

Address: 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
Phone: 802-985-3346
Step back in time at the Shelburne Museum, Vermont's largest art and history museum. Families can peruse the 45-acre campus, which includes 39 buildings, such as a Shaker design Round Barn, a General Store and the 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga, alongside beautifully landscaped grounds with 22 gardens. With ongoing exhibitions like "The Railroad in American Art" and "Elliot Fenander’s Circus Photography," visitors of all ages can enjoy a unique journey through American history and culture. Click here for more info.


This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.