Budget-Friendly Vermont Summer Activities

Here in the Green Mountain State, there are endless possibilities for summer activities. In a beautiful region such as ours, having fun this summer doesn’t necessarily mean a big, expensive vacation. If you’re looking for money-conscious entertainment this summer, look no further than the treasure trove of fun found right here in our own little state.

Vermont State Parks

Taking advantage of our 55 Vermont State Parks can be the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, and with various pass options available, you’ll be able to choose what works best for your budget. Enjoy the various services our State Parks offer, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, or camping.

Vermont State Parks Admissions:

• Individual Season Pass – $40
• Vehicle Season Pass – $105, unlimited day-use entry for up to 8 people per vehicle
  • Second Vehicles – $65, discounted pass for 2^nd car of same household
• Day Use Admission – $5 Adult, $2 Child (4-13), free for children (0-3)
• 10-Punch Card – $40, one punch provides day-use entry for one person
• Eligibility-Based Free Pass – The Park Access Fund may qualify you for a free pass based on income or enrollment in programs such as 3SquaresVT, WIC, etc. Check out more information about this opportunity here.
• Green Mountain Passport –Seniors 62+ or honorably discharged veterans can purchase a $2 pass from their local town clerk for lifetime, free day-use entry.

Many State Parks have plentiful swimming options. For those unbearably hot and muggy days, taking a trip to your local watering hole can be a great way to cool off. Remember to check conditions and make sure you are educated about currents and any warnings issued due to heavy rain or algae. There are so many swimming holes, waterfalls, streams, lakes, rivers, and pools available to us, but one of my personal favorites is Warren Falls.

To find more swimming options in your neck of the woods, visit swimmingholes.org.

Geocaching

Geocaching is a free, high-tech version of a treasure hunt. You can participate by using a GPS-enabled device or smartphone to find hidden containers at specific locations. These hidden geocaches are everywhere, from Vermont State Parks to local trails and historic sites.

All you need to do is download the app, pick an adventure, and start searching.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

We have lots of museums to explore here in Vermont. Whether you’re looking to spend a rainy summer day or need a break from the great outdoors, here’s a list of the most popular museums and resources available to help you get the most value out of these opportunities.

• Vermont Library Museum Pass Program – Residents that are adult library cardholders in good standing can check this pass out at most local public libraries in Vermont. May vary from town to town.
• Vermont State Historical Sites Pass – Provides free entry for up to 8 people in one vehicle to all state-owned historic sites.
• Shelburne Museum – Often provides a 50% discount for Vermonters with a valid Vermont ID.
• ECHO Leahy Center: Often reduces admission for Vermonters with a valid Vermont ID.

Some Vermont museums are part of the North American Reciprocal Museum Association. If you purchase the high-level membership, it grants you free admission to over 1,000 participating museums across North America, which include these Vermont locations:

• Shelburne Museum
• Bennington Museum
• Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking

We live among the mountains, and hiking them can be a fun, energizing, and low-cost way to get out in nature and appreciate our land’s beauty. Here’s just a few of the mountains you can plan to hike this summer:

• Camel’s Hump
• Mount Mansfield
• Mount Abraham
• Jay Peak
• Mount Ellen

AllTrails is a great resource to find more hikes, whether you’re looking for a challenge or a scenic, easy trail. Remember to pack lunch to enjoy with the view.

Walking/Biking Paths

If climbing to the highest peaks in Vermont seems a little intense for you, there are lots of free walking and biking trails around to accommodate a more leisurely encounter with the great outdoors. Here are some ideas to check out:

• Stowe Recreation Path – This 3.5-mile paved path is well-maintained and close to Stowe’s town center and amenities.
• Burlington Bike Path – Parallels Lake Champlain, so you’re guaranteed scenery.
• Shelburne Farms – While some programs do have fees, this 1,400-acre, working farm is a great place to stretch your legs and maybe see a cow or two

Day Trip Adventures

Taking a day to explore and enjoy a local attraction is a great way to get everyone out of the house and into the sunshine. If you have a free day or weekend this summer, consider planning a day trip to one of these Vermont attractions.

• Burlington Church Street and Waterfront – Peruse downtown, window shop, hop on the bike trail, and enjoy the ambience of downtown.
• Vermont Country Stores – Almost every small town in Vermont has its own version of a general country store. Visting one can be a fun way to explore a new town and see what they have to offer. There is, of course, the famous Vermont Country Store, located in Weston and Rockingham.
• Ben & Jerry’s Factory – Take a tour at Waterbury’s Ben & Jerry’s Factory. There is a small fee for the tour, but the factory is otherwise free to visit.
• Dog Mountain – Want to bring your furry friend along for the adventure? Dog Mountain is a 150-acre non-profit nestled in Saint Johnsbury.
• Covered Bridges – Vermont has over 100 covered bridges, which can make for fun road trips and picnics. Check them out on Vermont Covered Bridge Society (VCBS).
• Quechee Gorge – Visit Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon,” a 165-foot gorge with a great view.
• Town Parks and Fields– Not everyone is aware that local towns and fields are open to the public. It’s a great space to gather with friends and family, walk along the track, have a picnic, play games, and much more. Check out your local town’s park to find out more.

Home Activities

If you’re looking for a more low-key way to spend a summer’s day, look no further than your own home. We often forget that it only takes a little imagination to have fun without leaving the house. Here’s a few ideas to try out:

• Reading – Check out some books from your local library and have a relaxing reading day.
• Arts and Crafts – Have anything to DIY? Repurposing something, repainting something, or looking up a simple craft can be a great way to spend the day and get your hands moving.
• Grounding Yourself – Sipping coffee on my porch listening to the birds is one of my favorite ways to be present. You don’t need to go all out to recharge. Find a spot you enjoy, along with a yummy snack or beverage of your choice and take in your surroundings.

There are so many options out there to choose from when searching for summer fun on a budget. Choosing to seek low-cost activities can add up over time and provide you with a little extra cash left over each month, all the while still having fun.

It’s also important to think about building fun into your budget and carving out funds for those larger vacations or trips you want to save for in the future. Or, if your goal is to build up a savings account or pay down your debt, actively seeking out budget-friendly fun will pay off in the end and help you reach those financial goals sooner.