Burlington with kids can be snow much fun
Head south into U.S. for inexpensive and exciting winter activities
Just hanging out in Burlington, Vt., enjoying the laid-back, crunchygranola vibe, makes the city worth a weekend trip. But when you’re visiting with kids, you need activities.
Here are some fun, free or inexpensive outdoor winter activities to keep them (and you) amused in and near Burlington, which sits 150 kilometres south of Montreal.
Calahan Park, a city park in the south end of town, was a big hit on our recent family trip. Spread over 19 acres, this green space features a steep hill for fast tobogganing, as well as some shorter, flatter spots for the less adventurous.
Tread carefully when you arrive — the top of the hill can get icy, and a hole toward the bottom of the hill means you have to know where you were going.
The people who live around this big park have taken it upon themselves to maintain a nice skating rink. It even has its own Facebook page (facebook.com/calahanparkcommunityrink), with photos and condition updates.
The ice was perfect, and a barrel of hockey sticks was at the ready for anybody who wanted to play a game of shinny.
Lakeside Park, nearby, also has a good neighbourhood skating rink. This one is on Facebook, too (facebook.com/lakesideskatingrink).
Leddy Park Arena. If the weather’s not up to snuff, consider this arena in Burlington’s north end, in the city’s biggest park. There are free skate times, as well as “stick and puck sessions” where you can play hockey (bring helmets). For more information, call 802-865-7558.
Wintervale. A non-profit community farming centre north of the city is organizing this cross-country skiing event this winter, though dates were not available at press time. Free skis and snowshoe rentals, plus kids’ activities and games. For updates visit, www.intervale.org/wintervale/
Catamount Outdoor Family Centre, Williston, 15 kilometres east of Burlington, offers more than 35 kilometres of cross-country ski trails with great views. The groomed trails are varied enough for all levels. Children younger than seven get in free. For others, there are all-day, half-day and night rates. Skis are available for rental. For more information and trail conditions, visit catamountoutdoorfamilycenter.com
Sharp Park, in Milton, 25 kilometres northeast of Burlington, offers snow tubing and sledding on a steep hill. There’s a $10 fee per car for parking. Snow tubes are rented for $12 for two hours. Rent at least two tubes and the parking is free. You can also bring your own sleds. Helmets are mandatory for children. For more information and conditions (the park closes if the hill is too icy), visit sharppark.com.
Mt. Philo State Park, in Charlotte, 25 kilometres south of Burlington, closes for the winter but its long, winding road is famous for exhilarating sledding. Visit vt-- stateparks.com/htm/philo.htm for directions.
Great Ice in Grand Isle is a fun annual outdoor winter festival held during the Feb. 8-9 weekend on the ice of City Bay in North Hero, in the Champlain Islands of northwestern Vermont. A one-kilometre skating oval and a hockey rink are maintained. Aside from skating, dogsledding, ice-fishing and a bonfire are on tap, among other things. For an agenda and contact information, visit http://ow.ly/sDaNq
Shelburne Farms, in Shelburne, 10 kilometres south of Burlington, is a 1,400-acre educational farm. On winter weekends, it offers 20-minute sleigh rides, weather permitting. For times and other information, visit shelburnefarms.org and click on Calendar.