A steamboat sitting on dry land. A room full of animals that feels straight out of Night at the Museum. Science exhibits where touching things is the whole point. Vermont has some excellent museums for kids, and plenty of reasons for the adults to enjoy themselves, too.
I love a museum that gives you something to talk about afterward, particularly when it helps you see a familiar place differently. These are places to learn about the animals around us, imagine life in another century, or spend a surprisingly long time figuring out how a bubble works.
Some are ideal for a rainy afternoon, while others deserve a beautiful day and several hours outside. Here’s are my favorite museums in Vermont with kids for your next outing!
Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury
If you have a child who loves animals, put the Fairbanks Museum high on your list. The historic building and its natural-history displays have that Night at the Museum feeling, with plenty to catch your attention before you’ve made it very far into the room.
This is a place to slow down and look closely. Let kids lead you toward whatever catches their eye, then see where their questions take you. The planetarium adds another reason to visit, with films and presentations that can turn an afternoon of exploring into a trip through space. In the warmer months, check for the seasonal Butterfly House, which is included with museum admission.
I’d pair it with a walk around St. Johnsbury and something to eat downtown. You could also stop at the nearby Athenaeum for a look at its beautiful library, depending on how much museum enthusiasm everyone has left.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location: 1302 Main Street, St. Johnsbury.
- Hours: Generally daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with holiday closures and an annual January maintenance closure.
- Admission: Currently $17 for adults; $15 for seniors and children ages 5–17; free for children 4 and younger. Planetarium admission is an additional $8 for nonmembers.
- Local tip: Residents of supporting communities receive free museum admission. Check the town list before buying tickets.
- How long to allow: About two hours, with extra time for a planetarium show.
- Planning tip: Check showtimes first so you can explore around the presentation you want to see.
Shelburne Museum in Shelburne
Shelburne Museum would be one of my first choices for a family that wants room to explore. Its 45-acre campus lets you move between historic buildings and spend time outside, which can make a museum day much easier with kids.
The steamboat Ticonderoga is an obvious draw. There’s also a vintage carousel and a covered bridge, with enough variety that you can follow everyone’s interests instead of trying to work through every building. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days, so you can come back without squeezing the whole campus into one visit. Don’t miss the apothecary and general store – my favorites!
On my own visits, I’m drawn to the carriages and the general store and apothecary. I love seeing the everyday objects that show how people lived, and the store gives kids plenty to compare with the places they shop now. Go on a beautiful fall day if you can, but wear comfortable shoes. This is a proper outing. Plan to stop for snacks on site too!
What to Know Before You Go
- Location: 6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne.
- Season: The main campus operates seasonally. The 2026 season ran May 9–October 25; check upcoming dates before planning.
- Admission: Published options include a $65 family pass for two adults and children ages 5–17 from one household. Children under 5 are free.
- Vermont discount: Current resident rates are $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 5-17, purchased in person with valid Vermont ID.
- How long to allow: At least half a day.
- Bring: Comfortable shoes, water and layers. Check the accessibility guide when planning your route.
Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich
Montshire is a strong choice for kids who want to try things themselves. Its hands-on exhibits make science something you can experiment with, and the bubble exhibits are a good reminder that a familiar subject can hold your attention for quite a while.
There’s plenty indoors, but I’d leave time for the outdoor spaces, too. Science Park adds water exhibits during the warmer months, and the trails give you a way to keep exploring when everyone needs a change of pace.
This is one where I’d resist the urge to keep moving. If your child wants to repeat the same experiment, give them time. You don’t have to see everything to have a good visit.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location: 1 Montshire Road, Norwich.
- Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except designated closures.
- Admission: The dedicated admission page currently lists $22 for adults and $18 for children ages 2–17; children under 2 are free.
- How long to allow: Two to four hours.
- Bring: A picnic and a change of clothes if you’re visiting the outdoor water exhibits.
- Planning tip: Water exhibits are seasonal. No reservations are needed, and late afternoons tend to be quieter.
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington
ECHO combines hands-on science with live animals right on Burlington’s waterfront. It’s an easy choice for curious kids, especially those who want a closer look at what lives in and around Lake Champlain.
The aquariums and animal exhibits give you plenty to explore, while engineering activities encourage kids to build and experiment. Champ Lane offers an early-learning space for younger visitors, which is helpful when you’re planning around different ages. Check the daily schedule for animal demonstrations when you arrive.
I love the location for making a day of Burlington. Afterward, you can walk along the waterfront or find lunch nearby. On a cold or rainy day, it also gives you an indoor outing with a lake view.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location: 1 College Street, Burlington.
- Hours: Generally daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; check scheduled closures.
- Admission: Check current pricing online. Vermont residents receive a discount with ID.
- How long to allow: Two to three hours.
- Parking: Budget for waterfront parking and check current arrangements before arriving.
- Accessibility: ECHO offers sensory resources and scheduled sensory-friendly programming. Review its calendar for details.
Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock
For kids who love animals, Billings Farm offers a museum visit with time in the barns. You can meet farm animals and explore exhibits about rural Vermont life, then visit the restored 1890 Farm Manager’s House.
That mix makes history easier to connect with. Children can see the animals and equipment involved in farm life, while the house gives them a look at how people lived more than a century ago. Daily activities vary, so check the schedule before wandering off around the property.
I’d choose a day when you can enjoy being outside, although the barns and exhibits give you places to duck into. Leave time for Woodstock village afterward if everyone still has energy.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location: 69 Old River Road, Woodstock.
- Hours: Seasonal, with daily summer and fall hours and a reduced winter schedule.
- Admission: Published summer/fall 2026 rates are $23 for adults and $14 for children ages 3–15; children under 3 are free. Check rates for your dates.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- How long to allow: About three hours.
- Bring: Shoes suitable for a farm and weather-appropriate layers. Check your local library for an admission pass.
Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum in Rutland
If you’re planning around younger children, Wonderfeet deserves a look. Its exhibits are developed with ages 0-8 in mind, making it a good fit for families who want a museum built around play.
I’d put this on the list for an indoor morning when kids need something active to do. Adults are encouraged to participate, so plan on playing together rather than watching from the sidelines. Its downtown location also makes it easy to step out for lunch.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location: 66 Merchants Row, Rutland.
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Mondays.
- Admission: $10 per person; children under 1 are free. Reduced rates are available for eligible visitors.
- How long to allow: One to two hours, depending on your child.
- Bring: Comfortable clothes and socks.
- Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, though some exhibit elements have limitations. Call ahead with specific questions.
Before You Buy Museum Tickets
Check your local library first. Museum passes can make a family outing considerably more affordable, and the benefits vary by library and destination. Read the pass details, including reservation requirements, before heading out.
I’d also choose one main museum for the day and leave the rest flexible. There’s no prize for getting through every exhibit, and a visit usually goes better when there’s time to stay with whatever has everyone interested.
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