10 Things to Do In Burlington, Vermont This Summer

Burlington, Vermont has a lot to offer in the way of fun things to do this summer. Whether you’re looking to get out on the lake and soak up some sun or enjoy some delicious food at one of the many amazing restaurants in town, you can find something in Burlington to suit your fancy! Here are 8 must-do activities to get you started on your Burlington adventure.

Things to Do in Burlington

There is no shortage of things to do in Burlington, Vermont. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, arts, and culture, or nightlife, you’ll find plenty of options. Here are some of the best things to do in Burlington.

Waterfront Park

Burlington’s Waterfront Park is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. You can lounge in its gazebo or rent rowboats or jet skis in Lake Champlain. There are also frequent music festivals and other events at Waterfront Park.

The park sits on Burlington’s southern waterfront; it was created in 1989 as part of an effort to revitalize Burlington’s then-dilapidated waterfront district. Today, Waterfront Park hosts a variety of events year-round, including concerts, festivals, and outdoor movies.

Burlington Bike Path

It’s one of Vermont’s most scenic bike paths. The Burlington Bike Path goes from Burlington to Winooski and is a very easy ride for people of all ages. Along with being a great place to ride your bike. The path brings you to many things such as trails, forests, parks, and much more! Make sure you bring plenty of water because it can get very hot during the summer months in Vermont.

Church Street Marketplace

A bustling marketplace filled with restaurants and coffee shops, Church Street Marketplace is a great place to relax for an afternoon. There is a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop as well as many restaurants where you can enjoy top-notch local meals and drinks.

Located in downtown Burlington between Church and Main Streets, it’s also home to some of Vermont’s finest boutiques—you can easily spend hours shopping for antiques on Maple Street or trendy finds at Marjorie Place.

University of Vermont

The University of Vermont is located in Burlington, Vermont. In 2015 it was ranked #70 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report and also received recognition for its Great Financial Aid Programs and Best College Dorms from Bloomberg Businessweek and The Princeton Review respectively. Take a walk around the grounds and take in the historic buildings that make up the University.

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain offers exhibits that provide an in-depth look at Vermont’s Lake Champlain and its history. The center also hosts events throughout the year that are perfect for families—look into catching a free lecture or take a kayak tour of Burlington Bay with a guide who will point out sights along with both land and water.

Families can even sign up to participate in hands-on workshops designed to help kids get more familiar with their natural surroundings. Don’t forget to check out their 3D Theater.

Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

The Flynn Center for Performing Arts provides top-notch arts and entertainment for Vermonters and visitors. Located in Burlington’s beautiful waterfront area, it’s home to over 300 performances a year as well as art classes and lectures from some of today’s biggest names.

With a calendar full of comedians like John Mulaney, musicians like Rachael Yamagata and dance companies like Ballet Hispanico and more, there are plenty of ways to get your culture fixed.

World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet

The World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet is located in downtown Burlington. A 33-foot tall filing cabinet, complete with working drawers and cabinet handles, makes for a must-see sight for anyone visiting Burlington. Bring a camera!

The Vermont Children’s Museum

The Vermont Children’s Museum is a museum that primarily focuses on hands-on exhibits that children can play with and enjoy. There are numerous activities for children of all ages to participate in and learn about science, engineering, mathematics, and more. Their exhibits provide fun while engaging their little minds to develop and grow.

Burlington’s Lake Champlain waterfront

Located on Burlington’s Lake Champlain waterfront, Auer Family Boathouse offers kayak rentals and guided tours of Vermont’s beautiful scenery. The Boathouse is owned by a brother and sister, both in their 80s, visiting the Boathouse is delightful but hearing the stories the family has to tell about their past times is just priceless.

Their popular learn-to-kayak class teaches students about paddling basics in a fun, relaxed environment and they give directions to go down the Winooski River. On the return back sit around one of their picnic tables and enjoy light refreshments and ice cream while you take in the amazing views of the lake.

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery

Vermont is home to a long list of well-known craft breweries. Burlington’s Zero Gravity Craft Brewery is one of them. So many local beers to try, which one will you have first?

The brewery offers several fundraisers throughout the year where they donate a portion of the sales to the charity. They support Loving Day and LGBTQIA and many other organizations.

Conclusion

Burlington is a quintessential New England city. Surrounded by water and mountains on all sides, Vermont’s Queen City offers a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. With such a temperate climate year-round—and especially in summer—Vermont is an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts to spend their time.