If you’re planning a trip to Stowe, Vermont in summer with kids, it’s one of the best mountain destinations for families.
We visited as a family of 6 (+1 on the way) and loved how easy it was to fill our days with outdoor activities—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Between biking, hiking, scenic views, and plenty of spots to just slow down, it’s one of those trips that really works with kids.
If you’re looking for more family-friendly trips, we’ve also shared some of our favorite mountain vacations with kids.
In this post, I’m sharing what it’s actually like visiting Stowe in the summer as a family—what we loved, what we did, and a few things to know before you go.
Is Stowe, Vermont Worth It in Summer with Kids?
Short answer—yes, especially if your family loves being outside.
We didn’t totally know what to expect visiting Stowe in the summer (since it’s so well known for skiing), but it ended up being one of those trips that just works with kids. There’s a really nice mix of easy outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and plenty of space for kids to explore without everything feeling overly planned.
If your kids like biking, short hikes, or just being outside, this is an easy win. If you’re looking for more of a “sit by the pool all day” type of trip, this isn’t your spot—but for an active family trip, it’s such a good one.
Getting to Stowe Vermont in Summer
Stowe is about a 10-hour scenic drive from Cleveland, Ohio, making it a perfect road trip destination for families who love to take in the sights along the way. The drive winds through charming small towns, rolling hills, and lush New England landscapes, so it’s part of the adventure!
If you prefer to fly, the closest airport is Burlington International Airport (BTV), which is roughly a 45-minute drive from Stowe. Renting a car from the airport is the easiest way to explore the area, especially if you want to visit hiking trails, waterfalls, and nearby mountain towns.
Best Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont in Summer with Kids
Picnics Everywhere
One of the joys of Stowe is how easy it is to enjoy a picnic anywhere — whether in a meadow, near a creek, or alongside a scenic overlook. Pack sandwiches, snacks, and water, and let the kids roam while you relax.
Waterfalls & Creek Adventures
Bingham Falls
Located along Route 108 between Stowe and Smugglers’ Notch, Bingham Falls is a short hike to impressive cascades and a swimming hole. The kids loved splashing around, and the scenery is perfect for family photos.
Moss Glen Falls – Quick & Easy
Since our VRBO was near Moss Glen Falls, we visited this waterfall multiple times. It’s a super short hike to the falls, making it perfect as a quick filler between activities or for kids who need a low-key adventure. The rushing water and mossy rocks never got old and are fun for all ages.
Hiking Adventures
Pinnacle Meadow Trail
A gentle start for families with open meadows and forest paths, perfect for kids to explore and take photos. Continuing beyond the meadow toward Stowe Pinnacle, the trail becomes rocky with some light scrambling — a fun challenge even for our kids under 6, who loved the scramble!
If your family loves trips like this, you might also like some some of our weekend road trips from Cleveland.
Stowe Pinnacle Trail – Epic Summit Views & Kid-Friendly Scramble
From Pinnacle Meadow, we hiked up to Stowe Pinnacle. The final section has rockier, steeper terrain, where you use your hands for balance. At the summit, the panoramic lookout over the Green Mountains is breathtaking — easily a highlight of the trip. This trail is perfect for families seeking gentle walking plus a fun summit scramble.
Sterling Pond (pair with Bingham Falls)
On another day, we explored Sterling Pond, a wide-open, kid-friendly trail. On the way back, we stopped at Bingham Falls, enjoying the waterfall and creek area for photos, picnic breaks, and creek play, making the hike feel like a full adventure without being too long.
Elmore’s State Park – Fire Tower Hike & Lake
We also did a family hike at Elmore’s State Park. The trail features:
- A climb to the historic fire tower, offering 360° mountain views
- A beautiful lake at the base, perfect for picnics, splashing, and exploration
- Kid-friendly trails that make the fire tower climb accessible for younger children, though some steeper sections require supervision
The kids loved climbing the tower and seeing the lake below — a perfect mix of water fun and adventure in one outing.
Sunset Rock
We also did a sunset rock hike, which was magical. Trails were quiet, the sky painted with vibrant colors, and the kids loved the slower pace. Even short hikes like this create unforgettable family memories.
Biking the Stowe Recreation Path
We rented bikes from Mountain Ops, a bike and ski shop near Mount Mansfield with direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path. The path is an out and back trail totaling 5.5 miles one way. This paved, scenic trail winds past rivers, fields, and covered bridges. Along the way, we stopped for lunch and creek play, making it a full day of outdoor fun without feeling rushed.
Gondola Ride at Stowe Mountain Resort
The Stowe Mountain Resort gondola is a must in summer. Riding above the trees was exciting for the kids, and the views from the top are spectacular. We even started some short hikes from the summit for extra adventure.
Sample 5–7 Day Stowe Itinerary with Kids
We stayed for a full week in Stowe, which gave us a really nice mix of activity and downtime. Most days followed a simple rhythm—a hike or activity in the morning, followed by something more relaxed or water-related in the afternoon—which worked really well with kids.
If you’re trying to figure out how to put this all together, here’s what our week in Stowe looked like with kids:
Day 1:
Arrive, get settled, and stop at Moss Glen Falls on the way in
→ Easy dinner and relax at your rental
Day 2:
Bike the Stowe Recreation Path
→ Stop at a local park for a picnic and water play
→ Dinner at Piecasso
→ Evening hike up to Sunset Rock
Day 3:
Hike Mount Elmore in the morning
→ Pack a picnic lunch
→ Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing at Elmore Lake
Day 4 (Rainy Day):
Slow morning at the cottage with puzzles and games
→ Visit a local cider mill
→ Relaxed afternoon (this ended up being one of our favorite days)
Day 5:
Hike Pinnacle Mountain in the morning
→ Stop at Moss Glen Falls afterward
→ Easy afternoon or explore town
Day 6:
Take the gondola up the mountain and explore the trails at the top
→ Afternoon treat at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory
→ Relaxed evening back at your rental
Day 7:
Hike Sterling Pond / Sterling Meadows in the morning
→ Picnic lunch
→ Head to Bingham Falls in the afternoon for water time
Departure Day:
Breakfast in town or at your rental before heading hom
What Worked Really Well for Us
- Keeping mornings active and afternoons more relaxed
- Planning one slower day (especially helpful with weather)
- Mixing in simple things like picnics and water stops—those ended up being some of the kids’ favorite parts
Top Things to Do in Stowe with Kids (Quick List)
If you’re short on time, these are the activities I’d prioritize:
- Bike the Stowe Recreation Path
- Take the gondola for mountain views
- Do a short, kid-friendly hike
- Cool off at a swimming hole
- Walk around downtown Stowe
These are all easy to mix and match depending on how active (or relaxed) you want your days to be.
Where to Stay in Stowe with Kids
For families—especially bigger families like ours—having extra space makes a big difference.
We almost always look for a vacation rental so we have room to spread out, a kitchen for easy breakfasts, and space for downtime at night. It just makes the whole trip feel easier.
If you prefer more amenities, there are also several family-friendly resorts in Stowe with pools, restaurants, and easy access to activities. This can be a great option if you want everything in one place.
Must-Try Local Treats around Stowe VT in Summer
- The Butchery — One of our favorite lunch stops! Their lobster rolls and sandwiches are fresh and delicious, perfect after a morning of hiking or biking. (butcheryvt.com)
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill — great for cider, donuts, and a rainy-day snack
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory — classic Vermont ice cream, a hit with kids, tours are short and fun and run every half hour.
- Piecasso Restaurant — casual, family-friendly dinner after a long day outdoors
Tips for Families Visiting Stowe in Summer with Kids
A few things that made our trip easier:
- Mix active + downtime – it’s easy to overpack your days here
- Start earlier in the day for hikes and outdoor activities
- Bring water shoes and wear a swim suit if you plan to visit swimming spots
- Pack layers – even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cooler
- Plan a few meals in – pack a picnic and lots of snacks, especially helpful with a bigger family
Nothing about this trip felt hard to plan, but these little things definitely helped it go more smoothly.
Stowe Vermont in Summer Travel FAQs
Is Vermont worth visiting in the summer?
Yes! Vermont in summer offers mild temperatures, lush green mountains, scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming holes, charming towns, and family-friendly attractions. It’s an ideal destination for outdoor lovers who want a quieter alternative to beach or city vacations.
What is the best month to visit Vermont in summer?
June through September are great months to visit. June brings fewer crowds and wildflowers, July and August are perfect for hiking and swimming holes, and September offers cooler weather with early hints of fall color.
Is Vermont good for families in the summer?
Absolutely. Vermont is very family-friendly with activities like easy mountain hikes, gondola rides, bike paths, farm visits, covered bridges, ice cream stops, and kid-friendly breweries. Many towns also host summer festivals and outdoor concerts.
Where should I stay in Vermont during the summer?
Popular summer bases include Stowe, Waterbury, Woodstock, and Smugglers’ Notch. Families often prefer condos, inns, or resorts with pools and easy access to trails and attractions.
What are the best summer activities in Vermont?
Top things to do in Vermont in summer include:
- Hiking Mount Mansfield or Camel’s Hump
- Visiting waterfalls and swimming holes
- Biking the Stowe Recreation Path
- Exploring covered bridges
- Taking gondola or chairlift rides
- Eating your way through local creameries and maple farms
Do I need a car to visit Vermont?
Yes, a car is highly recommended. Vermont’s best attractions are spread out, and public transportation is limited, especially in mountain towns and rural areas.
What should I pack for a Vermont summer trip?
Pack layers, hiking shoes, rain jackets, swimsuits (for swimming holes), bug spray, sunscreen, and casual clothes. Even in summer, evenings can be cool in the mountains.
Is Vermont crowded in the summer?
Vermont is generally less crowded than major summer destinations, but popular spots like Stowe can be busy in July and August. Visiting early in the morning or staying just outside town helps avoid peak crowds.
Looking for More Family Trips Like This?
If you’re planning more family adventures, check out:
- 👉 Your Lake Vacations for Families
- 👉 Your Weekend Road Trips from Cleveland guide
- 👉 Your Mountain Vacation Ideas with Kids
