The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Stowe with Kids
If you asked me to picture the perfect New England town, it would probably look exactly like Stowe, Vermont.
It truly has it all, and visiting Stowe with kids is the perfect mix of postcard worthy moments and epic adventures – covered bridges, rolling green mountains, caves, apple cider donuts, waterfalls, and all the flavors of maple syrup. It somehow manages to feel exactly like the Vermont you’ve always imagined.
After leaving the White Mountains of New Hampshire, we spent the final few days of our New England road trip exploring Stowe and the surrounding area, and it quickly became one of our favorite stops of the entire journey. Between the scenic drives, incredible food, family-friendly attractions, and endless mountain views, it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with this corner of New England.
If you’re planning a family trip, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Stowe with kids.
Why You Should Visit Stowe with Kids
One of the things we loved most about Stowe is that it offers the perfect balance of kid-friendly adventure, while still providing plenty of excitement for the adults in the group as well.
You can start your morning with fresh cider donuts, explore caves once used to smuggle goods, take a tour an ice cream factory in the afternoon, and finish the day exploring the charming downtown filled with local shops and restaurants.
Unlike some mountain destinations that are geared primarily toward outdoor enthusiasts, Stowe has enough variety that every member of the family will find something they enjoy.
Where to Stay in Stowe
One of the best decisions we made was staying just outside of Stowe at the Best Western Plus Waterbury-Stowe.
The location was ideal for exploring both Stowe and Waterbury, putting us within easy driving distance of many of the area’s most popular attractions. The kids loved having access to the indoor pool after a day of adventures, and we appreciated having a comfortable place to relax each evening before heading out for another day of exploring.
Other Family-Friendly Places to Stay
What to Do in Stowe with Kids
Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill
One of the most iconic and Instagram worthy spots in the Stowe area is Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
It’s the perfect spot to grab some cider (they have both hot and cold) and a fresh apple cider donut.
Beyond the famous donuts, you can watch cider being made, browse local Vermont products, sample maple treats, and pick up souvenirs to take home. You can also sample hard cider next door at the cafe. It’s the perfect quintessential Vermont experience.
Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Just a few minutes down the road in Waterbury, you’ll find one of Vermont’s most famous attractions.
The Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how the iconic ice cream is made, along with plenty of opportunities for sampling.
It’s so fun to learn about the production process, and what sets Ben & Jerry’s apart from other ice cream brands. And we all loved visiting the famous Flavor Graveyard!
Make sure to book your reservation ahead of time – they do sell out!
Drive Through Smugglers’ Notch/Explore the Caves
One of the most iconic scenic drives in all of New England, Smugglers’ Notch is a must-see while visiting Stowe with kids.
This winding mountain pass cuts through towering cliffs and forest, creating some truly spectacular scenery. There are numerous pull-offs on this 3.5-mile stretch that allow you to stop and admire the views, explore short trails, and take photos.
I highly recommend spending some time exploring the caves and trails here – this is such a fun spot for kids! Park in the lot nearest to the visitor’s center; the largest cave is located right off the road, with numerous smaller caves nearby as well.
Chase Waterfalls at Moss Glen Falls
Moss Glen Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Vermont, and is incredibly easy to visit with kids.
A short boardwalk trail and a quick climb up a staircase leads to a viewing area where you’ll be rewarded with views of the impressive 125-foot cascade tumbling through the forest. Because the hike is short and relatively easy, it’s perfect for families with younger children.
Explore Downtown Stowe
Downtown Stowe is exactly what you hope to find in a quaint, New England mountain town.
Filled with local boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering.
We loved browsing the shops, stopping for treats, and simply soaking up the small-town atmosphere. Make sure to take photos in front of the iconic Stowe mural and the white church – the best spot is from the parking lot of Salon Salon.
Have lunch at the Von Trapp Bierhall
Fans of The Sound of Music may already recognize the name.
The Von Trapp family eventually settled in Vermont, and today visitors can enjoy beautiful mountain views, delicious food, and local beverages at the Von Trapp Lodge and resturaunts.
We enjoyed lunch at the Bierhall, and found it to be such a unique spot! Even if you’re traveling with kids, it’s a great place to stop. There’s a huge outdoor space you can enjoy during nice weather, locally brewed beer, and a really unique Austrian inspired menu with a Vermont twist.
If you have more time, visit the lodge and explore the grounds.
Ride the Stowe Gondola SkyRide
For some of the best views in Vermont, take a ride on the Stowe Gondola (open June through mid-October).
The gondola climbs high into the Green Mountains, providing sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Once at the top, you’ll find walking trails, scenic overlooks, and tons of epic photo opportunities.
If you’re visiting during peak foliage season, this would be one of the best places to experience Vermont’s famous fall colors.
Day Trip to Woodstock
Only an hour outside of Stowe, Woodstock has some really unique adventures that are perfect for exploring with kids. You can either make a day trip, base yourself in Woodstock for a couple days, or stop on your way through as you are heading back towards Boston to fly home.
Billings Farm & Museum
Start your day at Billings Farm & Museum, a working dairy farm and outdoor history museum that is so much fun for families. Kids can meet the farm animals, watch demonstrations, and learn what life was like on a Vermont farm in the 19th century. We especially enjoyed the maple syrup sampling and churning our own butter!
Sugarbush Farm
Next, head to Sugarbush Farm, one of our favorite stops in Vermont. This family-run farm is known for its delicious maple syrup and Vermont cheeses, and you have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of both for no cost.
I highly recommend taking the maple walk through the trees to see the maple collection set up, and also spend some time exploring their sugar house to learn more about the syrup making process.
Explore Downtown Woodstock
In the afternoon, spend some time wandering through downtown Woodstock. The town is filled with historic buildings, local boutiques, cozy cafés, and classic New England scenery. Grab lunch and a maple creemee from Woodstock Scoops.
Quechee Gorge
Before ending your day in Woodstock, make a stop at Quechee Gorge, which is known as Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon.” The gorge is an impressive 165 feet deep and can be viewed from the bridge above or explored via a short hiking trail below. It’s a quick stop that delivers big views and is a great way to end the day in Woodstock, Vermont.
Family-Friendly Hikes Near Stowe
One of the reasons outdoor-loving families are drawn to Stowe is the abundance of hiking opportunities.
Some of the best family-friendly options include:
- Moss Glen Falls Trail (0.5 miles out and back; leads to a stunning waterfall)
- Sterling Pond Trail (2.1 mile out & back; leads to Sterling Pond; steep uphill scrambles)
- Bingham Falls (0.5 mile walk to scenic waterfall)
- Wiessner Woods (flat 1.5 mile loop; walk through the woods and find the gnome home & sugar shack)
These trails are perfect for younger hikers while still offering beautiful scenery and a feel for the natural beauty of Vermont.
Where to Eat in Stowe
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
A must-visit for fresh cider donuts and Vermont treats. You can also pop next door to the cafe and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or their hard cider.
Piecasso
A funky spot that serves hand-tossed pizza – the perfect vibe for families.
Von Trapp Bierhall
Beautiful mountain views with a unique, Austrian-inspired menu with a Vermont twist.
Red Barn Ice Cream Shop
You have to get a maple creemee while in Vermont, so definitely stop here! I highly recommend getting the maple twisted with vanilla – so good!
What is the Best Time to Visit Stowe with kids?
Summer ☀️
Ideal for hiking, waterfalls, scenic drives, and outdoor recreation.
Fall 🍁
The most popular season thanks to Vermont’s world-famous foliage.
Winter 🎿
Excellent skiing, snowboarding, and winter activities.
Spring 🌸
Quieter crowds and beautiful mountain scenery as the region comes back to life.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Stowe with Kids
Of all the places we visited during our New England road trip, Stowe was one of the destinations that truly felt like stepping into a postcard.
Between the mountain views, charming downtown, cider mills, maple syrup, covered bridges, caves & waterfalls, it offers everything that makes Vermont so special.
Whether you’re spending a weekend here or using it as part of a larger New England road trip, Stowe is the kind of place that will definitely make you dream about coming back before you’ve even left.
