Where to Stay in Woodstock with Kids
There are plenty of kid-friendly places to stay in Woodstock with all the amenities to make your getaway easy and enjoyable.
The Woodstock Inn & Resort
The Woodstock Inn & Resort is a favorite destination that keeps families coming back year after year. The retro game room, in-house restaurants, gift shop, outdoor pool, golf, excursions, Athletic Club and convenient downtown location all make the Woodstock Inn a great place to suit all your needs on your family vacation.
506 on the River Inn
506 on the River Inn is another wonderful option located a short drive outside the village with an indoor pool, kids room, game room, in-house restaurant and even nighttime campfire for roasting marshmallows under the stars.
The Vesper Bed & Breakfast
If you are looking for a more intimate family experience, try The Vesper Bed & Breakfast, a sweet little inn owned by a local family with lots of flavor and fun. Conveniently located within walking distance to everything in town.
Camping at Silver Lake State Park
Looking to take your adventure outdoors? Book a campsite at Silver Lake State Park in Barnard just 20 minutes outside of the Woodstock Village. Silver Lake is the perfect spot to post up with your family for a few nights. Enjoy the sandy beach, gorgeous lake, boat rentals, playground, trails and more.
Fun Activities and Events for Kids in Woodstock
Woodstock has plenty of fun activities for kids and adults to enjoy together. Working farms and museums, mountain biking, lakes, parks and playgrounds, live music, and so much more, there’s no shortage of things to do in Woodstock.
Billings Farm & Museum
Billings Farm & Museum is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike! Spend the day at the farm meeting the cows, sheeps, horses, goats and more. Enjoy an ice cream cone while perusing the gorgeous gardens and learn about the history of the farm in the farmhouse. Don’t forget to make a pit stop in the gift shop for souvenirs on the way out.
Hiking at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park and Mt. Peg
There are so many excellent family-friendly trails to explore in and around Woodstock. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park is a beautiful place to explore with several hiking options and entry points, depending on your preferences.
Mt. Peg is another popular, easy-moderate and fun option for a quicker round trip hike. Access the trails from Maple Street and reach beautiful views of the Upper Valley. Check out our post on Hikes in Woodstock for more options and information.
The Forest Discovery Center at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park
The Forest Discovery Center is an interactive program for families to learn about nature. Activities include hands-on learning stations, demonstrations, and arts and crafts. Stop by anytime and spend as little or as much time as you want. This free program will explore a new weekly theme, making each visit unique.
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11am-2pm, June 22-September 7, 2024.
Swimming
Vermont summertime swimming is refreshing and rejuvenating in our lakes, ponds, rivers, and more. Head to South Woodstock to enjoy the Kedron Valley Pond. There is a dock for more confident swimmers and a beach and shallow swimming for the little ones. Walk over to the South Woodstock Store for sandwiches and enjoy a picnic pond-side.
Another option is Silver Lake in Barnard. Enjoy swimming access via the park (pay admission) or across from the Barnard General Store (free). The store is a great spot to grab sandwiches and ice cream.
If you’re looking to explore by the river, there are various access points in town. One of the most kid-friendly places is behind the Rec Center which has a sandy beach. You can also enjoy the river when dining at White Cottage.
Speaking of the Rec Center, buy day passes for the Rec Center pool (purchase available on site), a favorite among locals, for swimming in the outdoor heated pool. There’s also a snack bar and nearby river access.
Parks and Playgrounds
Woodstock also has beautiful parks and playgrounds for you and your little ones to enjoy. The Green is located in the center of the village and is a beautiful spot to have a shady picnic, relax on the benches or play tag.
Vail Field is located directly behind the Woodstock Inn. There you’ll find large fields for playing soccer and catch, a playground, basketball court, tennis courts and pavilion. East End Park is a beautiful park also a short stroll from the village with beautiful walking trails along the river and adventurous slides for kids. Behind the History Center on Elm Street is another one of Woodstock’s best kept secrets. Gorgeous river access and a lovely picnic spot. You can’t beat it.
Mountain Biking
Thanks to the mountain biking community and WAMBA, Woodstock has an abundance of trails maintained and open to the public. If you’re a family of mountain bikers, explore the trails around Woodstock here.
Outdoor Concerts and Farmers Markets
A favorite summer pastime in Woodstock and its surrounding areas is the abundance of outdoor concerts and Farmers Markets. Some of our favorites include: Market on the Green, Feast and Field and Music by the River.
Berry Picking
A short drive from Woodstock, Cedar Circle Farm is an organic Vermont farm with pick your own berries, flowers and apples throughout the summer and fall.
Norman Williams Public Library
The library located in downtown Woodstock has a wonderful dedicated children’s section. Head downstairs to find books, toys, games, and more. A great rainy day activity or a good place to cool off on a really hot day.
Shopping in Woodstock with Kids
Woodstock has a great variety of fun shops for the whole family to enjoy. With everything from toys to clothing and books, enjoy a day of shopping in Woodstock with your kids.
Red Wagon Toy Co.
The Red Wagon Toy Co. is a great place to buy baby gifts or pick up toys for toddlers and littles.
F.H. Gillinghams & Sons
F.H. Gillinghams & Sons is Woodstock’s oldest general store and has a great selection of games, toys, clothing and books for all ages to enjoy. It’s also a great spot to grab a snack or buy Vermont-made gifts or souvenirs for adults as well.
Yankee Bookshop
The Yankee Bookshop is one of Vermont’s oldest continuously operated bookstores and is a special asset to the Woodstock community. Find a wide selection of books, puzzles, vinyls, stationary, bookish gifts and more.
Unicorn
Unicorn is a fun and eclectic store with everything from jewelry to crafts to pocket knives, toys and more. A great place to buy gifts and your kids are sure to enjoy their time there!
Echo Market
A new addition to downtown, Echo Market is a sustainable and holistic boutique with a wide selection of goods including an adorable children’s section.
Kid-Friendly Dining Options in Woodstock
The Worthy Kitchen
The Worthy Kitchen is a prime farm-to-kitchen spot with upbeat vibes, family-friendly atmosphere and excellent craft beers on tap for the adults. They have outdoor seating in the warmer months.
The White Cottage Snack Bar
Head to the White Cottage for burgers, grilled cheese, fries, Maine lobster and 30 flavors of ice cream. Enjoy your food at the outdoor picnic tables. Don’t forget to pack suits for the kids so they can enjoy a fresh dip in the river.
Ramunto’s
For the best pizza and games head to Ramunto’s in Bridgewater, just 10 minutes out of town. Enjoy beer, pizza and a fun arcade and game room for the kids.
Woodstock Scoops
It doesn’t get any sweeter than Woodstock Scoops. Visit this centrally located ice cream shop for a famous Vermont maple creemee and great grab and go options.
Mountain Creamery
For homemade ice cream head to Mountain Creamery in West Woodstock. Their ice cream is especially creamy and delicious and they have tons of flavors to choose from. They also have diner style breakfast and lunch. During the summer their ice cream window is open until 6pm.
