25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Burlington, VT

Things To Do In Burlington, VT

 

Burlington, a tourist-driven city in Vermont, is located on the eastern bank of Lake Champlain.

But that’s not to say the city doesn’t also have a wonderful sense of community, vibrant culture, and stunning natural surroundings.

Burlington, a vibrant city close to Canada’s southern border and surrounded by the stunning Green Mountain range, is the ideal destination for a ton of amazing fun with friends and family.

You won’t be let down if you’re searching for things to do in Burlington, Vermont.

Numerous art museums, historical sites, a vibrant marketplace, and a wealth of entertainment options are just a few of the city’s many cultural attractions.

In addition, there are miles of cycling and walking paths, state parks, lakeside beaches, mountain resorts, and other breathtaking natural settings all around the city.

 

1. Frog Hollow Craft Center

Frog Hollow Craft Center is known for being the first state craft center in the whole US. It has everything you need for arts and crafts.

The center was created in 1971 to share, support, and pass on hobbies. It is a must-see for people who love making things.

One of the many ways the center helps Vermont artists is by putting their work on display in beautiful ways for everyone to see.

People who come to the center can also buy art from the more than 100 artists whose pieces are there.

People in the area make a lot of different kinds of arts and crafts at the Frog Hollow Craft Center. They make jewelry out of metal, drawings on canvas, jewelry, jewelry, woodworking, and more.

In addition, the center often puts on special events like art auctions, talks, craft shows, and festivals that help local artists in Vermont.

The Frog Hollow Craft Center should be at the top of your list. It’s a great place to enjoy the beauty and creativity of local artists.

Address: 85 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

2. Battery Park

Beautiful park with a lot of history. It’s about 15 acres and one of the most beautiful places in the US.

The park, which opened in 1870, has expansive views of Lake Champlain and the nearby Adirondack Mountains.

Battery Park is a beautiful public park just outside of downtown Burlington. It’s a great spot to spend the afternoon with family and friends.

There are many great things about the park, like a walkway, a bandshell, and historic sites.

The park has a lot of open green space, a playground for kids, walking tracks, and plaques that honor veterans.

If you’re going to Battery Park in the winter, you can make memories at the public ice rink there.

The park is open all year, from dawn until dusk. It’s a great place for a walk in the morning, a run in the afternoon, or a show in the evening.

Address: Battery Park Extension, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

3. Petra Cliffs Climbing Center

Petra Cliffs Climbing Center is a great place to escape, work out, and most of all, have a great time. It’s only a few miles from downtown Burlington.

The center has been around since 2000 and is an indoor climbing wall that people of all ages and skill levels can use.

The Petra Cliffs Climbing Center helps people get better at mountain climbing through climbing workouts, lessons on mountain safety, and hands-on training.

You can get passes to the indoor climbing center every day, every week, or every month. They also offer solo lessons, adult clinics, and group/team building events.

It also has a program called “First Time Climbers” that is great for kids and people who have never been climbing before.

And the best part is that the center has an amazing Mountaineering School with nature-based programs, mountaineering programs, an avalanche program, specialty classes, and other more complex programs.

Petra Cliffs Climbing Center is a great place to get ready for the mountains and a must-do for mountain lovers.

Address: 105 Briggs St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

4. Burlington Surf Club

This place by the lake is the best place to be in Vermont during the summer.

The Burlington Surf Club is the best place to go in the summer because it is right on the white sands of beautiful Lake Champlain.

It’s okay if you don’t like being in full sunlight; there is a green, shady lawn area right next to the beach.

If you want to have fun on the water, you can rent water sports gear from the club.

Besides the club’s natural beauty and great setting, they also have a lot of useful facilities that anyone can use.

Some of the great features are locker rooms, changing rooms, a daily activity plan, fitness classes, and a lot more.

The Burlington Surf Club is a great place to spend the summer with kids, family, and friends. It’s open from May to September.

Address: 50 Lakeside Ave, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

5. Magic Hat Artifactory

Make sure you visit Magic Hat Artifactory if you want to do something truly special in Vermont.

This local brewery is a must-see for adults only when they come to Burlington.

Magic Hat began in a bathtub in a college dorm room and has grown into a national brewery that is known all over North America.

In the South End of Burlington, Magic Hat Artifactory has been in business since 1995. It is in an old building that has been left empty.

Magic Hat’s most well-known beer is #9, a crisp and delicious pale ale.

You can try and enjoy other unique types of beer while you’re there, like the tasty Hefeweizen, the single chair ale, and the India Pale lager.

It’s a fun way to spend a few hours in Burlington, and people can take free tours and try free beer at the plant.

There is also a very strange gift shop inside the building where you can buy weird souvenirs and beer to go.

The Magic Hat Artifactory is one of the top ten places to see in Burlington, so you should plan to go there.

Address: 5 Bartlett Bay Road, South Burlington, VT 05403, United States

6. Burlington Bike Path

Burlington Bike Path is a great place to find free things to do while you’re in town.

One of many wonderful outdoor activities to enjoy during your visit to VT, the Burlington Bike Path is a 7.6-mile path that weaves around Lake Champlain and Connects Park.

Although dubbed a bike path, it can be used for more than just cycling.

People have been known to drive, walk, jog, skate, and do other things on the path.

The path goes from the south end of Burlington to the north end at the Winooski River. Along the way, there are many beautiful sights to see.

An exceptionally popular attraction during all four months of the year, any time is a good time to visit Burlington Bike Path.

Along the route, you can observe some marvelous sights including Oakledge Park, Winooski River, parts of the Green Mountains, and Lake Champlain.

Whether visiting Vermont today or this weekend, anytime is desirable to visit the bike path.

Address: Burlington, VT, United States

7. Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream

Check out Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream if you’re looking for Vermont activities that are authentically representative of the state’s culture.

Despite becoming a national treasure, the ice cream brand originated in Burlington, Vermont.

A Vermont staple that you must visit while in town, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream is well-known for its unique yet delectable flavor profiles as well as its catchy names.

However, you may tour the ice cream plant in addition to stopping by a nearby store for a scoop.

Visitors may get an intimate peek at this renowned creamery’s inner workings with daily factory tours.

Enjoy a scoop or two, browse the quirky gift shop, and savor this little piece of America while exploring the facility.

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream is a must-visit if you’re searching for unusual activities to do while in Vermont.

Address: 36 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

8. Vermont Comedy Club

The Vermont Comedy Club, one of Burlington’s numerous hip attractions, is a terrific spot to release pent-up energy and have a fun night full of infectious laughing.

One of the best locations to visit in Burlington is the Vermont Comedy Club, which features a community of local comedians on its roster.

There’s always something new to view and a variety of things to take in thanks to the comedians’ noticeably diversified roster.

The Vermont Comedy Club features a cafe named “Happy Place” that provides delicious food all night long, in addition to one of the top shows in town.

While watching the show, you can consume delicious snacks, sweets, coffeehouse-style coffee drinks, and more.

Last but not least, the Vermont Comedy Club provides comedy, improv, and sketch classes for both adults and children, making it a great activity for both family and friends.

The Vermont Comedy Club is a great place to go if you want to have a great time and laugh a lot.

Address: 101 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

9. North Beach Park

What could be more enjoyable than lounging on the beach on beautiful summer days?

Vermont has beautiful white sand beaches, but it’s more well-known for its winter sports culture.

Make sure to include a stop at North Beach Park in your itinerary if you’re traveling to Vermont in the summer.

 

Being the biggest beach in Burlington, its expansive setting is ideal for gathering with loved ones.

Notably, North Beach Park is Vermont’s only beach with lifeguards.

Situated on the shore of the sparkling Lake Champlain, the beach is the ideal spot for swimming, water sports, beach activities, and sunbathing.

Actually, North Beach offers a ton of fantastic amenities to make your stay even better.

It has amenities including picnic tables, restrooms, a playground, a 9-mile bike path, the ability to rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, and much more.

North Beach Park is the ideal VT beach to spend a bright summer day.

Address: Burlington, VT 05401, United States

10. Mount Philo State Park

The almost 240-acre Mount Philo State Park offers breathtaking vistas of the Adirondack Mountains, the Green Mountains, and Lake Champlain.

Mount Philo State Park is one of the greatest free outdoor activities close to Burlington, offering breathtaking scenery and a plethora of chances for daring outdoor pursuits.

Hiking the picturesque nature trails, which range in difficulty from easy to moderate, is one of the greatest ways to see the park.

Other popular park activities include swimming, animal observation, picnicking, and more.

Additionally, there is a tiny tent-camping area in Mount Philo State Park.

Convenient features including picnic pavilions, public barbecues, restrooms, plenty of parking, designated pathways, and a rustic lodge are also abundant throughout the park.

The best part is that Mount Philo State Park is one of the few places in Burlington where dogs are allowed.

Address: 5425 Mt Philo Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445, United States

11. Three Needs

One of the best spots to go in Burlington with adults is The Three Needs, a laid-back bar with a great atmosphere.

The proprietor had a dream when he opened the business in 1995: to create a relaxed space where people could relax and feel at home.

To put it simply, Three Needs is a spot to relax with friends while drinking good local microbrews, eating delicious food, and playing fun games.

Three Needs is a great place to go in Burlington after hours, and it’s open all the time.

There are a ton of pool tables, foosball, and bar seats in this hip, trendy club.

The pizza menu at Three Needs is another reason the bar is so famous. The “Pizza Cube” serves up boardwalk-style customized pizzas for both takeout and dine-in customers.

Finally, while the weather is nice, you should definitely spend some time on the pub’s outdoor patio.

Three Needs, one of the top spots to visit, is a fantastic pub that you should visit either today or over the weekend.

Address: 185 Pearl St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

12. Bolton Valley Resort

Bolton Valley Resort, nestled in the picturesque Green Mountains, is a popular destination for visitors to Burlington.

This mountain resort is open all year, so you can enjoy world-class snow sports in the winter and sunny mountain biking (and more) in the summer.

Staying at Bolton Valley Resort, a ski-in resort hotel, puts you in the heart of the mountain’s excitement.

The resort has fantastic rooms that are perfect for a solo adventure or a group vacation.

Day and night skiing and snowboarding lift tickets, rentals, lessons, and daycare are all available at this winter resort.

Other winter activities include backcountry skiing, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing.

Indoor swimming, a sauna, mountain biking, disc golf, and more are available all year at Bolton Valley Resort.

Staying at this renowned resort puts all of these incredible things right at your doorstep.

Address: 4302 Bolton Access Rd, Richmond, VT 05477, United States

13. Shelburne Museum

Located close to Burlington, Vermont, this art and design museum is dedicated to preserving American values and artifacts.

approximately forty exhibition buildings make up the museum’s approximately fifty acres surrounding Lake Champlain.

The Shelburne Museum is one of the top attractions in Burlington, Vermont, and for good reason: it has over 150,000 artifacts.

The Shelburne Museum is the perfect destination for families and groups of all sizes.

Particularly noteworthy are the pieces on display in the Shelburne Museum, which span the centuries from the French Impressionists to the Modernists and Contemporary Americans.

Textiles, decoys, paintings, pottery, and more are just a few examples of the varied media included in the collection.

In addition to decorative arts, the museum also has a collection of oddball circus items, toys, and much more.

The collections are housed in buildings that are both architecturally representative of historic New England and have lovely landscaping.

The Shelburne Museum should definitely be on your list of things to do in Burlington.

Address: 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, United States

14. Switchback Brewing Company

Enjoy unfiltered local ales at this fantastic microbrewery located in Burlington, Vermont.

Switchback Brewing Company has been around since 2002, and they pride themselves on making “unexpected, relatable, great-tasting beer.”

In a beer, what more could one want?

The unfiltered brewing process is the secret ingredient of Switchback’s beers, which give them an unparalleled flavor profile that is both subtle and complex.

Present day offerings from Switchback Brewing Company include twenty distinct beers available all year round.

Switchback Brewery offers fantastic weekly tours for anyone interested in seeing their unique brewing processes.

Also, and most importantly, the Tap Room is open all week so you can get your hands on a frosty Switchback beer.

Switchback Brewing Company is just one of many fantastic Burlington attractions, offering daily promotions, rare special events, and more.

Address: 160 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

15. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum

Ethan Allan constructed this historic home museum in Burlington, Vermont in 1787.

Beautiful gardens, a public picnic shelter, and walking/biking trails encircle the house, which is located next to a nearly 300-acre public park along the Winooski River.

Our doors are open every day for tours. From spring into fall, the grounds of the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum make for a beautiful destination for gatherings with loved ones.

The renovated home of the illustrious politician and military hero Ethan Allen is open to the public as the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum.

In addition to showcasing the lives of Ethan Allen, his relatives, and the homestead laborers, the museum also provides insight into the noteworthy events of the time in which he lived.

Documents from the past, artwork from different eras, and displays on local revolutionaries and outlaws are just a few of the topics covered in the exhibits of the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum.

Experience the late 18th century like never before with engaging guided tours, thought-provoking talks, and fascinating exhibits.

Address: 1 Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington, VT 05408, United States

16. Oakledge Park

A trip to Oakledge Park is in order if you are seeking for free activities to partake in while in Burlington.

Located in the heart of Vermont’s scenic Lake Champlain Valley, Oakledge Park is the perfect spot for a wide range of outdoor pursuits.

You won’t have to wonder what to do when visiting the area with kids if you take them to Oakledge Park, which offers a plethora of outdoor activities.

Notable features of Oakledge Park include a bike route, picnic areas, an accessible treehouse, and a fantastic playground.

In addition to its picturesque open fields, Oakledge Park boasts a full complement of sporting amenities, including bocce ball, tennis, and volleyball courts.

In addition, there are picnic areas, walking trails, and barbecue pits in the park.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a great spot to rent standup paddleboards and enjoy beach and lake access, Oakledge Park is a great choice.

Oakledge Park is a must-visit attraction while in town; it’s fun for kids and adults alike.

Address: 11 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

17. Burlington Farmers Market

Since 1980, the Burlington Farmers Market has been operating out of the University of Vermont.

The market has been a gathering place for farmers and foodies for over 40 years, and it continues to do so every Saturday from spring through fall.

You may get the freshest food, chat with the farmers, and witness the best of Vermont agriculture at the market.

The Burlington Farmers Market serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, and it’s just one of many exciting attractions in the town.

At the Burlington Farmers Market, you may find a wide variety of Vermont-made goods sold by artisans, crafters, artists, and more.

The market is filled with artisans from many walks of life, showcasing the art of glassblowing, candlemaking, baking, brewing, floristry, weaving, and more.

It is not out of the question to spend the entire day at the market, as it is home to numerous cafes and eateries.

Address: 345 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

18. Shelburne Farms

This charming working farm should be on your itinerary if you are seeking something to do in Vermont.

The farm is a center for sustainability and education located on 1,400 acres of productive agriculture in the Vermont town of Shelburne, which is close to Burlington.

At its core, Shelburne Farms is an interactive classroom where visitors may learn about farm life. The rest of the farm is a campus with walking paths for leisurely strolls.

A charming farm store, an inn, formal gardens, and a children’s farmyard are all located at Shelburne Farms.

If you are interested in experiencing farm life for a few days, the inn on the property is a great spot to stay.

Splashing around in the lake, making cheese, milking cows, picking your own vegetables, and so much more are just a few of the fantastic activities to do during your visit, whether it’s short or long.

Visiting Shelburne Farms is like stepping into another world; it’s the ideal place to get a feel for farming and all its facets.

Address: 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, United States

19. Lake Champlain Chocolates

Lake Champlain Chocolates is a local institution and one of the many enjoyable things to visit in Burlington.

Established in 1983, this company is owned and operated by a family.

The company’s motto in making its delicious chocolates is creativity, workmanship, and excellent ingredients.

Lake Champlain Chocolates has expanded into a full-service chocolate shop, although they are most known for their exquisite, hand-rolled truffles.

Anyone with a sweet tooth will love taking a self-guided tour of the flagship store of Lake Champlain Chocolates and seeing the chocolate-making process in action.

Also, the store’s cafe is great for eating in and enjoying some delicious treats with your coffee.

Last but not least, peruse the storefront and bring home some of the best local candies; they’ll make great gifts and mementos.

Anytime is an excellent time to visit Lake Champlain Chocolates because they are open seven days a week.

Address: 750 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

20. Burlington Edible History Tour

This two-mile leisurely walking tour teaches about yesteryear in Vermont through food and drink, providing a unique insight into local history.

More specifically, the trip transports guests to an era when farm-to-table dining was the norm rather than the exception.

Along with delicious nibbles and interesting local history, your expert tour guide will lead you on an epic journey to culinary heaven.

Indulge in tasty bites at five restaurants that showcase Burlington’s rich history and native culture via their use of locally produced ingredients.

A German sausage maker from Ellis Island, the first-ever local food truck, and wine selected from backyard grapevines are just a few of the interesting anecdotes you might hear while you dine and wander.

From June through October, when the weather is ideal for walking, the Edible History Tours give visitors a taste of Burlington’s rich past.

One of the most entertaining ways to learn about Burlington’s past is on an edible history tour.

Address: 1 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

21. Hen of the Wood

The Vermont institution known as Hen of the Wood has been around since 2005.

The Burlington restaurant, like its Waterbury sibling, is committed to using farm-to-table ingredients obtained from nearby areas.

So, go no farther than Hen of the Wood if you want to eat like a true Vermonter.

Even while the service and ambiance are constants at Hen of the Wood, the menu is always changing to reflect the availability of fresh, local products. As a result, no two visits will ever be the same.

All of the ingredients that go into your food are sourced locally, thanks to our dedicated network of farmers, ranchers, bakers, and other skilled individuals.

Particularly noteworthy are the elements that originate in the Champlain Valley and Green Mountains of Vermont.

In other words, it is entirely feasible to spend an afternoon exploring these stunning natural locations, and then savor the culinary creations that emerged from your explorations at Hen of the Wood.

Address: 55 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

22. Church Street Marketplace

Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, Vermont offers a variety of activities for both day and nighttime visitors.

Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian retail and dining destination and one of Burlington’s main attractions.

The marketplace, which spans four blocks between Main and Pearl Streets, is encircled by stunning historic structures that have earned it a place on the National Historic Register.

Spending a day at Church Street Marketplace is undoubtedly a worthwhile experience.

There are numerous museums, salons and spas, merchant cart vendors, and a ton of bustling stores and boutiques in the marketplace.

In addition, there are many welcoming restaurants in the marketplace, offering something for every taste, from bistros to burger joints, candy stores, and fine dining.

Additionally, there are a few local breweries, walking tours, and a vibrant nightlife.

Church Street Marketplace is one of the best spots to visit in Burlington, whether you’re searching for romantic date night activities or an enjoyable family day out.

Address: 131 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

23. Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain’s breathtaking splendor borders Burlington’s eastern shoreline.

Lake Champlain is a popular destination for pleasure boating and one of the best places to vacation in the United States.

A must-see tourist destination in Burlington is Lake Champlain, whether you’re going there today or this weekend.

Lake Champlain is a popular summer destination in Vermont, offering both public and private beaches for exploration.

It’s a fantastic place for family vacations and is ideal for swimming, beach activities, and sunbathing.

Additionally, paddleboarding and other water activities are abundant on Lake Champlain.

When you visit the lake, you may enjoy a beachfront park, stunning natural settings, and easy-to-use services.

Furthermore, there are campgrounds all around the lake, allowing for a longer stay.

Lake Champlain need to be on your list of things to do if you’re searching for natural attractions.

Address: Burlington, VT, United States

24. ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

There are plenty of enjoyable activities in Burlington, particularly at ECHO, the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.

The center is an outdoor, interactive aquatic campus that is a fantastic place to take kids and/or science aficionados on a tour.

Through interactive displays and educational programs on “scientific discovery, [the] wonder of nature, and care for Lake Champlain,” the center promotes its passion for science, particularly marine biology, with the general public.

Plan on spending the full day at the large museum, ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. There are plenty of things to do in a day, including two levels of interior exhibits, outdoor displays, and lake presentations.

Dinosaur Discoveries, Frog World, an animal care exhibit, and an engineering lab are a few of the center’s more well-liked displays.

The center also features a cafe, water fountains, a picnic patio, all-gender restrooms, and other practical amenities.

It’s no surprise that both locals and visitors love ECHO, the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, with so much science available under one fantastic roof.

Address: 1 College St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

25. Fleming Museum of Art

Located in the center of Burlington, this museum of art and ethnography is woven into the fabric of the University of Vermont.

The museum contains the largest and most varied collection in all of Vermont, with around 30,000 objects.

A tour of the Fleming Museum of Art will leave you in awe of its breathtaking rotating displays and must-see permanent exhibits.

This location is a fantastic addition to your schedule and an excellent way to learn about art, history, and the world around you.

The museum has served as a gathering place for internationally recognized artists since its founding in 1931.

You can actually expect to see exhibits by artists like Rockwell, Picasso, and Rembrandt. An immersive cultural experience may be had at the Fleming Museum of Art, which houses both modern and historical artwork from throughout the globe.

Anyone can appreciate the Fleming Museum of Art, regardless of whether they consider themselves art experts or not.

Address: 61 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, United States

26. ArtsRiot

Burlington, Vermont’s downtown is home to the hip arts venue ArtsRiot.

ArtsRiot provides solutions to the topic of things to see when visiting the area by showcasing the visual, culinary, and performing arts.

One of Burlington’s top tourist destinations is ArtsRiot, a location that satisfies your soul and your need for the unusual.

ArtsRiot is a multifaceted event that combines incredible artwork, live music, and delectable food in one spectacular location.

ArtsRiot, which opened in 2012 and is located in Burlington’s South End, is a fantastic venue for live theater performances, comedy shows, and concerts, to mention a few.

Additionally, ArtsRiot includes full-service bars that serve delectable and inventive spirits, as well as a restaurant that serves some of the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner in town.

ArtsRiot is a must-see location where the community comes together to enjoy cuisine and culture.

Address: 400 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States