For Families

Our itineraries are sponsored by Capitol Plaza Hotel Montpelier, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. 

Bubbles on the State House Lawn, Photo by Ted Dawson

Curated by the City of Montpelier Community Services Department

Vermont has been named the number one state to raise a healthy kid, and no where does that accolade ring more true than in Montpelier. Imagine a small town where kids can still safely walk themselves to school and spend the weekend hanging out with friends at the library or venturing into nature just steps away from the downtown restaurants and coffee shops that you crave. Imagine Montpelier. Whether you are here for a quick visit or to spend a lifetime, we hope you enjoy our guide to Montpelier for families.

Where to Shop 

For Kids of All Ages (and Kids at Heart)... 
Everyone in your family will find a toy, game, or gift they love at Woodbury Mountain Toys . Woodbury Mountain Toys has fun family items from over 375 companies, over 600 board and card games, and Legos for your family to build something new together! 

For Kids Who Love to Read... 
Montpelier offers two amazing book and game stores for kids of all ages. Visit the second floor of Bear Pond Books to find books for kids of all ages, from early readers to young adult literature. Say hello to Veruca, the Children’s Room tortoise while you visit! Older kids in search of comics, graphic novels or board and games should check out the selection of unique items at The Book Garden

For Active Kids... 
Kids looking for ways to get out and explore Montpelier can rent bikes in the summer, spring and fall or snowshoes in the winter at Onion River Outdoors. Pick up fun sports and outdoor games to bring with you as you explore the outdoor spaces of Montpelier. Bike down the street to the State House, or snowshoe or cross country ski through Hubbard Park in the winter! 

Where to Eat 

Birchgrove Baking 
Start your day at local gem Birchgrove Baking. Kids will love the delicious and fun cookies while parents drink great coffee and enjoy pastries or tarts. Open daily from 7am (8am on weekends), this is a great place to start your Montpelier adventure! 

Buddy’s Famous 
A great place for lunch for even the pickiest eater, Buddy’s Famous  offers classic burgers, fries, and milkshakes along with chicken fingers, onion rings and salads or smoothies (for those trying to eat a little healthier). Find food for everyone in your family at Buddy’s on Barre Street! 

Positive Pie 
Another great option for family members of all ages and tastes, Positive Pie is a famous pizzeria in downtown Montpelier. Stop by with your family for a variety of pizzas, pastas, and more! Enjoy their outdoor seating in the summer or take your food to go in the fall – this is a great restaurant for all seasons and all families. 

Bragg Farm Sugarhouse 
This eighth-generation family-owned Vermont maple syrup farm offers one of Vermont’s favorite treats: the maple creemee. Creamy soft serve ice cream infused with the sweet flavor of pure Vermont maple syrup. While you’re there, visit the farm critters, play in the play area, and enjoy free tours of the sugar house. 

Where to Visit

Outdoor Fun
Montpelier is home to some beautiful green spaces for your family to relax, exercise, or explore the natural world! Have a picnic on the State House Lawn, hike up the trail behind the State House to the beautiful Hubbard Park Tower in Hubbard Park. If you leave downtown, take Elm Street to North Branch Nature Center for family tours of Montpelier’s wildlife and plants! Take a dip at the Montpelier Pool, the largest asphalt-surfaced swimming pool in the world. 

Fairs and Festivals 
Whatever time you visit Montpelier, there is always a fun party or celebration to be part of! In the winter, join the community for Ice on Fire, a celebration with a bonfire, Christmas tree maze, and more! In the spring, join us for MayFest, where Montpelier explodes with activity like the first outdoor farmer’s market and All Species Day, a unique festival celebration the earth’s diverse creatures! Summer brings the July 3rd Celebration, a party for Independence Day featuring games for kids, food vendors, music, and fireworks. Fall brings the Enchanted Forest, a magical and not-at-all scary celebration of fall in Hubbard Park. Come join Montpelier for this one of a kind walk through Hubbard Park, with stories, music, and food. 

Sports and Skates
If you visit in the summer, take your family to a Mountaineers baseball game at their field on Elm Street! Enjoy delicious food and cheer on our local New England league baseball team. Meanwhile, if you visit in the winter months, check out the Rink at State Street, an ice rink on the State House lawn! Free entrance is given to all residents and guests, so bring your skates and enjoy this beautiful Montpelier institution. 

Where to Stay

The Capitol Plaza Hotel Montpelier, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is the preferred lodging of Montpelier Alive. Learn about aditional lodging options in Montpelier. 

More for Families to Explore

Trees and river

Outdoor Recreation
What better way for a family to connect than a walk in the woods?

Children's clothing

Shop for Kids
Get the cutest look imaginable for your infant or child, or pick up a game for the young or young at heart at one of downtown Montpelier's shops!

Directory

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