Vermont/New Hampshire for the toddler set

March 5, 2015 9:04 AM

Any suggestions on toddler-friendly places we should stop at on a drive from Boston to NW Vermont?

In late May, we will be taking a family vacation to northwest Vermont, close to the Canadian Border. Due to various airline issues, we will be flying into Boston and have two days to wander before heading to the resort. We’d prefer to explore Vermont or New Hampshire instead of staying in Boston. Also, we’d like to try and minimize driving time.

Any suggestions on toddler-friendly places we stop at/should see?

posted by statsgirl to Travel & Transportation (7 answers total)

The Ben & Jerry's factory is just minutes off 89, and is fun for everyone that likes ice cream.
posted by Rock Steady at 9:36 AM on March 5, 2015

Best answer: I highly recommend the Montshire Museum, which has Andy's Place. Also, Polly's Pancake Parlor is in a beautiful setting and has tasty pancakes. It will be open in May (they close for the winter).
posted by gudrun at 9:58 AM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]

The New Hampshire Audubon Society's Silk Farm Sanctuary is also just off of US-89 in Concord, the capital City of New Hampshire. There's a wildlife education center there that we'd go on school field trips to when I was in grammar school, usually with a few little outdoor exhibits of live animals.
posted by XMLicious at 10:05 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

Lost River Gorge, it's really excellent.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 10:18 AM on March 5, 2015

I also thought Ruggles Mine was really cool when I was a little kid. Looks like kid's admission is free during May.
posted by XMLicious at 10:26 AM on March 5, 2015

Santa's Village. (Open Weekends late May)
Storyland. (Opens May 23)

Both have motel options nearby. Avoid's Clark's Trading Post - my toddler found the Wildman train ride/explosion/bomb threats harrowing.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 10:37 AM on March 5, 2015

Best answer: Montshire Museum is really the place to go nearby here (I am at Exit 4 off of route 89). I'm also fond of VINS though it's a little off the beaten path. The ECHO Aquarium/Science Center is towards the end of your trip but is really kid friendly and in a great location for just walking around and having a picnic if the weather is good.
posted by jessamyn at 11:04 AM on March 5, 2015 [5 favorites]