Kid's Picks
by Lisa Goodell
Enter into a world of magical holiday fun at the Vermont Holiday Festival! Take in the scent of fresh balsam and create special memories with friends and family in Killington, December 15 to 17. Events include the Festival of Trees, with over 100 themed trees on display at the Killington Grand Hotel, horsedrawn sleigh rides, and Santa’s workshop, a satellite workshop of the North Pole where children can help Santa build toys and read with his elves. www.killingtonchamber.com
30 Rock Comes to Jay Peak December 17, 6:30 to 10 pm. Experience all of the grandness of New York City’s 30 Rockefeller tree-lighting ceremony...in the Green Mountains. Jay Peak brings holiday spirit to its Ice Haus Arena with the annul holiday tree-lighting party on December 17. The evening features a 30-foot blue spruce tree at center ice, wrapped in thousands of lights and decorations. There’s an ornament-making station for kids, plenty of food, drink, and skating for all. www.jaypeakresort.com
January is “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month” at participating alpine and Nordic resorts statewide. During the entire month of January newbies of all ages can learn to ski or snowboard with free or discounted full or half-day packages, many of which also include rental equipment, beginner lift tickets, and lessons. If you’ve always wanted leave the lodge and check out the view from the top of one of Vermont’s majestic peaks, January is the time! Learn more about program specifics, resort information and tips on how to get the most out of your learning experience at Ski Vermont. www.SkiVermont.com
North Bennington Winter Festival and Penguin Plunge takes place on Saturday, January 28. This great winter festival appeals to all ages, with activities ranging from the popular Penguin Plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics, to dogsled rides, chili tasting, an indoor carnival, ice sculpting contest, pet parade and much more. Attending the Winter Festival is free; modest fee for some events. www.bennington.com
See how ice was gathered on Sunset Lake over 100 years ago at the Brookfield Ice Harvest on January 28! The day will feature an ice cutting demonstration and a special ice hauling competition for kids. Visitors can then go ski or skate on the lake before enjoying some hot cocoa or another tasty treat. www.brookfieldvt.org/townhall
Igloos have kept people warm during cold weather for centuries. Learn how to Build Your Own Igloo from expert Dr. Bert Yankielun at the Montshire Museum on February 25 from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Dr. Yankielun will start with a step-by-step demonstration, and then it’s your turn to give it a try! Cut and place blocks with the help of friends and family and watch as this classic snow dwelling takes shape. Also see what else is planned at the Montshire, including Earth and Space Day on January 28 and the Egg Drop Contest on April 14. www.montshire.org
Families are sure to have a great time at the Stowe Derby on February 26 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. This 20km downhill cross-country ski race is a popular legendary event attracting skiers of all ages and abilities for a day of fun on skis. Starting at the top of Mount Mansfield, skiers test their skills maneuvering through twists, turns, and undulating terrain all the way to the picturesque village of Stowe. A shorter 6km course is available for families and children ages 6 and up. Race entry (available online) $25 and up. www.stowederby.com
Ice cream isn’t just a summer treat! Visit Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury on March 3rd from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm for the 10th Annual Ben & Jerry’s Winter Festival. Celebrate winter and welcome spring with festival fun including games, music, ice cream samples, and treats for sale from local food vendors. Check out the snow sculptures and go on a snowshoe tour. Then head inside to warm up by going on the free factory tour, and check out the special scoop shop menu and gift shop. www.benjerry.com
The U.S. Freestyle Championships bring the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team as well as the best divisional skiers from across the country, to Stratton March 20 to 26. Skiers compete for the national title in moguls, aerials, half pipe and dual moguls. The Championships feature six days of events on and off the hill, including concerts and a chance to meet superstars such as Vermont native and Olympic gold medalist Hannah Kearney. www.stratton.com
It may be winter but the fish are still swimming in open water at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Burlington. ECHO is open daily 10 am to 5 pm; permanent exhibits include Frogworld, Into the Lake and Be a Watershed Weather Reporter. Visitors can experience the animals up close with an ECHO Encounter or watch one of the live animal feedings that take place twice daily. Pop in on ECHO’s daily activities which vary by day and season. www.echovermont.org
As one of the top producers of fresh apple cider in all of New England, Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury is open daily, year-round. Stop by and warm up during the winter months with a cup of hot cider and a fresh doughnut. See how this old-fashioned cider mill makes its most famous product using the rack and cloth method on a cider press from the 1920s. All tours are self-guided so go any time! www.coldhollow.com
Climb up Cobble Hill and snow tube down over a quarter mile at Sharp Park in Milton. Ideally suited for snow tubing, with a 75 ft.-launch that has riders picking up speed and flying all the way to the bottom, Cobble Hill is a visitor favorite. Open June to February, in the winter months Sharp Park features snow tubing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, as well as Nordic and alpine skiing. Visit Sharp Park’s website to check out the YouTube video of visitors snow tubing, plus learn more about the upcoming season and hours of operation. www.sharppark.com
Kids will love indoor climbing at Petra Cliffs in Burlington. With multiple sections, including a bouldering room, there’s sure to be something to please all levels of climbers. If you’ve never climbed before, schedule a lesson with one of Petra Cliffs’ instructors. Equipment, including shoes, harness, chalk bag, helmet, and belay device, is available for rent. The indoor climbing center is open 7 days a week. For a more adventurous climber, schedule a private guide and go ice climbing, weather permitting. Visit their website to learn more about their indoor and outdoor climbing opportunities and to see what special events are happening during your stay. www.petracliffs.com
View Vermont from an entirely different perspective on the ArborTrek Zipline Canopy Tour. Nearly a mile long and featuring 8 ziplines, 2 sky bridges and 2 rappels, the canopy tour takes visitors on a unique and educational trip through the northern Vermont ecosystem. In winter visitors can see for miles as they soar up to 70 feet above the ground over the mountain streams and forests of Smugglers’ Notch. Tours last from 2.5 to 3 hours and must be booked in advance; participants must weigh at least 90 pounds. www.arbortrek.com