MissMagpieFGS's Passport
 | Been to 69 Attractions |
 | 67 Reviews |
 | 43 First to Review |
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 | 57 Helpful Votes |
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Send a ComplimentAbout Me & My Family
I am a compulsive fun seeker and the Editorial Director for http://www.FindandGoSeek.net who is always looking for insider tips for Family Fun in Vermont.
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, curious, spontaneous, easy_going
We Just Got Back From
Mexico, France, Spain, New York City, Maine, Boston, Montreal, The Outerbanks, Stowe, Los Angeles
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
Mexico, Maui, Outerbanks
A Place We'd Love To Visit
Barcelona
Favorite Vacation Memory
Traveling with my 93 year old Grandmother and my children -- her grandchildren. She is an avid traveler and passes that passion along to all of us.
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
Jelly donut explosion at the beginning of an 18 hour trip from Burlington, Vermont to Maui with a 1 year old...it was on her favorite blankie. Need I say more?
Websites I Like:
Vermont: 5 Favorite Kid-Friendly Activities
Vermont has so much to offer beyond just a tour of Ben & Jerry's or the Vermont Teddy Bear factory. Here are just a few of our favorite spots to visit while you are in the Green Mountain State.
One College Street
Burlington, Vermont
reviewed on: November 24 2009
"Aquarium with a local flair"
Great downtown location with something for everyone. If you are looking to spend a few hours with your own kids or want to educate out of town guests about our Lake Champlain Basin, ECHO is good indoor day crowd-pleaser. From the water table to the weather station kids love the hands-on activities. Downstairs there is a changing exhibit room that always has something cool, yet educational. Even the cafe teaches kids about being green and how to recycle. Be sure to check the calendar, they always have story times, science crafts and more going on.
6000 Shelburne Road
Shelburne, Vermont
reviewed on: September 24 2009
"Rich in Vermont History both Inside and Out"
I took some out of town guests here with kids ages 4 & 6, along with my own, ages 7 & 10, and we had great day! It was a wonderful way to show our friends some of the rich history of Vermont, have fun and walk around outside at the same time.The Circus Building which is adjacent to the carousel is simply amazing. It is filled with thousands of mini circus figures and old fashioned circus posters making me long for Ringling Bros. to come to town! The kids loved running through the decks of the Ticonderoga and then they took off for the old train cars complete with a train station to pretend to buy tickets from.
We also stopped by the Owl Cottage for the daily Owl Cottage Craft (which happened to be Circus themed). One thing to note, is it is not your average "arts & crafts" activity. Our kids were were creating circus still life pictures using a craypas with actual art instruction from the teacher. The kids that didn't feel like mini Picassos could play with all of the amazing dress up clothes and other toys there. Love the couch for Moms and Dads to relax on while still keeping an eye on their kids from the sidelines!
After that we popped into the cafe, which is right next door. Although we only had ice cream treats this time, I did note that they had more than your average snacky food on the menu...there were flatbreads, wraps and more. Inside the tables have table cloths and outside there are plenty of picnic tables to eat on.
1611 Harbor Road
Shelburne, Vermont
reviewed on: September 19 2009
"Working Historical Farm"
Our family will never outgrow Shelburne Farms. It is a truly magical place. We love the tractor ride from the visitor center out to the children's farmyard. When the kids were little, this in and of itself was the highlight of their day.The farmyard is wonderful. Whether you check out the baby sheep, cows, pigs, donkeys or bunnies, or even get to milk a cow, there is always something to do. The staff couldn't be more helpful and engaging. We love to go inside the chicken coop and look for eggs. There is a board posted with daily activities that encourage hands-on participation and learning with the kids. There is a room with puzzles, books, a stationary tractor, costumes, and little ride on tractors.
There are plenty of picnic tables to have a snack or bring lunch. They also have a snack stand so you can by lunch there.
Now that our kids are older we love to take advantage of the hiking trails. The property and the views are magnificent. There is a trail that is just right for everyone. Even one you can take a jogging stroller on. You can start behind at the Visitor Center or head out behind the farm barn. Even the little ones can enjoy storywalk (read a book while walking the Lone tree Hill Trail). Find the trail that goes to the Garden that supplies the veggies for the Inn. It is plentiful. Want a challenge - take the Orienteering class in the Fall that takes you on a scavenger hunt during peak fall foliage on the trails.
Be sure to check their calendar for the on-going special activities. We have enjoyed the campfires, the pre-school programs, the summer camps, sleigh rides and more.
I really can't say enough about this place...don't miss it.
14 Freeman Woods Road
Essex Junction, Vermont
reviewed on: January 19 2010
"Know the Ropes"
We have been here a few times for birthday parties, but can't wait to go back with several families just for tubing, rock climbing, ice climbing or the amazing ropes course.This is a great place to take kids that involves physical activity to get them outdoors in the winter. Even if there isn't enough snow for tubing, you can still do the winter challenge course. The adventure course also provides a "forced" opportunity for all participants to get to know each other as they have to work together as a team to get through it.
Upon arrival, the staff helps each kid get fitted with proper equipment (helmets, harnesses, etc) and off they go learning to navigate the climbing walls first, then on to scale some higher walls. After that they hit the ropes course. This place is filled with cargo nets, balance beams, an earthquake bridge, and tightropes all like 25' in the air! This is not for those with a fear of heights! But the kids were loving it! And all the while they were team building, if you will, or cementing their friendships even further. At the end they zip line it to back to the clubhouse.
There is a gigantic rainbow playground (bigger than anything I have every seen) perfect for all ages. I thought my 10 yr would have outgrown that by now, but nothing doing. It is so big, it made for the perfect game of tag.
From start to finish the staff was top notch. They are laid back enough to let the kids have fun, yet firm enough to enforce the rules and put safety first. They are kind and patient with the children and encourage them through everything making each one feel really good about what they have accomplished.
4800 Basin Harbor Road
Vergennes, Vermont
reviewed on: September 20 2009
"Restaurant w/a Side Order of Airplane"
Maybe you are a member of Basin Harbor Club, maybe you aren't. But luckily you don’t have to be a member to eat here. On a warm summer night this spot is definitely worth making the trip for as it is a bit off the beaten path. If you are looking for dinner with a side order of playground and an airstrip to boot, this is your place! Did I mention the small prop planes taking off regularly throughout your meal?! I am not even sure my kids came inside for their dinner. Cool factor = 1000%! Yes, at the playground there are picnic tables so they could eat in between playing and watching all the excitement. And don't worry mom and dad, there are big windows in the dinning room. You can keep an eye on them while they are outside and actually relax and enjoy your meal for once!
