Does anyone not like fireworks? Or BBQs? Or parades? Planning family vacations around holidays and special events adds an element of fun and easy entertainment. It can also add that something special to a family trip, something that stays with everyone a little longer and can develop into a much anticipated annual tradition.
Vermont ski and snowboard resorts are great venues for events during the summer with the Green Mountains serving as a glorious backdrop. Here are a few family-friendly events that you could plug into a great summer Vermont vacation!
Celebrate Independence Day in Vermont
Traveling to Vermont during the July 4th holiday is a sure bet for family fun. Ski resorts and mountain towns throw wonderful celebrations with festive parades, fireworks, and live music that the whole family can enjoy. Add adventure parks, hiking, swimming, and good food and you’ve concocted the perfect vacation.
Starting in northern Vermont, visit Q Burke Mountain for a July 4th fireworks celebration – one of the best in the area! Live music, great food and beautiful scenery is included. Don’t forget to check out Kingdom Trails for the mountain biking family or nearby camping options.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort and the town of Jeffersonville throw an old-fashioned celebration for Independence Day. Kick off the fun at 10 a.m. with a carnival, food, and music. Smuggs hosts a fireman’s BBQ in the late afternoon and families can picnic on the resort’s Village Green and get ready for the Vermont National Guard 40th Army Band and fireworks at dusk.
Stowe’s July 4th celebration will have you shopping ‘til you drop with Seven Miles of Sales all weekend (July 4-6). Let the kids play at Stowe Mountain Resort’s camp while you explore downtown, then get back together for a scenic gondola ride up Vermont’s tallest peak in the evening.
The Mad River Valley, home to Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, host a not-to-be-missed Fourth of July Parade full of wacky floats, street dancing, costumes and political satire. Stop by Sugarbush Resort as a family to try the zipline or bungee trampoline.
The Town of Londonderry holds its annual Independence Day celebration at Magic on July 5th with a cook out, live music with The Butties, and a firework spectacular. It all begins at 6:00pm with beautiful Magic Mountain as the back drop.
Okemo’s Jackson Gore Inn courtyard will be transformed on July 5th into an all-American cookout, complete with live music, a slip `n slide, carnival midway games and a hot dog eating contest. You can also enjoy the mountain coaster, disc golf and AMP Energy big air bag at Okemo’s Adventure Zone.
For family summer events through August, like “Raptor Encounters” at Bromley Mountain and the Jeffersonville Festival of the Arts, check out skivermont.com.
