Shining a Light

I love toddler logic, even when it makes no sense (yet makes total sense?). Sometimes they open their mouth and it's the most logical view of the world you've heard in a long time. Walking to daycare my son saw the small twigs and branches on the ground after a windy night and stated matter-of-factly: "Trees make sticks."
Yes, yes they do.
— Anonymous, Burlington, VT

Are you caring for a baby, toddler, or little kid? Share your stories and musings with other parents!

Events

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Family Play at the Garden hosted by The Family Room
9:00 AM–12:00 PM @ Ethan Allen Homestead
0–5 years | Free, Outside, Drop In
Community building, fun learning activities for children aged 0–5, and social connections for caregivers. May–October at the Ethan Allen Homestead Community Gardens for outdoor activities, optional gardening, nature play and more!

Petra Cliffs Homeschool Drop-In Hours
11:00 AM–1:00 PM @ Petra Cliffs
2–5+ years | Paid, Inside, Drop In
Homeschool Drop-In Hours is unstructured, with families receiving an orientation & basic safety instruction. This is a great opportunity to connect with other homeschool families!

Shelburne Summer Nights
5:00 PM–7:30 PM @ Shelburne Museum
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
Activities for all ages, live music from Ray Vega Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble, food trucks; Taco Truck Allstars, Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream, Pizza 44, Jilib Jiblets, Maharaja Spice, Waterfront Catering Bar and Grill access to Museum buildings, lawn games, and community!

Family Happy Hour hosted by GROW
5:00 PM–6:00 PM @ The Pinery
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
Bring your partner, bring your baby/kids and connect with other GROW families in the area over beers and a sunset! The Pinery is a fully outside beer garden with food trucks and shade from the sun.

Friday, August 28, 2026

South End Get Down
5:00 PM–9:00 PM @ The Pinery
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
South End Burlington's Free Block Party is every Friday with food, music and family-friendly activities, like face painting and ice cream. Enjoy over 60+ vendors throughout the season and a fun Friday night with family. Show up early for shorter lines and a calmer time.

Dads & KIDS Rock! (climbing) hosted by Dad Guild
6:00 PM–8:00 PM @ Petra Cliffs
1–5+ years | Inside, Register
Want to bring the kids along for a climb? Join us for a special Dads & KIDS Rock! session at Petra Cliffs indoor climbing center. RSVP

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Burlington Farmer's Market
9:00 AM–2:00 PM @ 345 Pine Street
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
Every Saturday more than 70 vendors gather at 345 Pine Street - just a short walk from downtown.

Shelburne Farmer's Market
9:00 AM–1:00 PM @ Shelburne Parade Grounds
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
The market is where local farms and makers welcome their neighbors and visitors to the best of Shelburne.

Sensing the Season at Rock Point
10:30 AM–12:00 PM @ Rock Point Center
3–5+ years | Free, Outside, Register
Come to Rock Point Center for a guided activity about engaging with growth and change in our natural environment throughout the season. This includes a brief introduction into phenology (the study of seasonal environmental and biological changes) and the opportunity to explore spots along the trail with prompts and a scavenger hunt to aid your observations.

BTV Market
11:00 AM–3:00 PM @ City Hall Park
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
Join us for the BTV Market, a summer artists’ and makers’ market in the heart of downtown Burlington. Stroll through City Hall Park and find artists, designers, handmade goods, delicious bites, and one-of-a-kind finds.

“Célébrons l’Eté” / Outdoor Picnic & Games at the Children’s Garden hosted by Vermont French Learning Hub
11:00 AM–1:00 PM @ Wheeler Homestead - Children's Garden
0–5+ years | Donation, Outside, Drop In
Join us for a relaxed outdoor French family playdate with summer games and activities, plenty of free play, and time to connect with other francophone and francophile families. Bring a picnic or snacks, a blanket, and come hang out—nothing formal, just a fun summer get-together en français!

Splash Dance: DJ JP Black
1:00 PM–3:00 PM @ City Hall Park
2–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
Delighted kids and their caregivers soak up some serious summer fun with a DJ-fueled dance party in City Hall Park's interactive, wheelchair accessible splash fountain.

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Winooski Farmer's Market
10:00 AM–2:00 PM @ Winooski Framer's Market
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
The Winooski Farmers Market is a sweet little market bringing food and fun to the Onion City. We’re proud to present Vermont-made farm-fresh products, prepared foods, crafts, live music, community guests, and activities!

Monday, August 31, 2026

Crawlers, Waddlers and Toddlers
10:00 AM–12:00 PM @ The Family Room
0–3 years | Free, Inside, Drop In
A playgroup for caregivers and their babies, one & two years old. We provide a space for children and caregivers to connect, play, and eat.

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Sing-Along with Linda Bassick
11:00 AM–11:30 AM @ Fletcher Free Library
0–5+ years | Free, Inside, Drop In
Dance, wiggle, and sing with local musician/early educator, Linda Bassick.

Baby Playgroup
1:00 PM–2:00 PM @ GROW
0–18 months | Free, Inside, Register
Join us for some adult hangout time with babies and kiddos in tow! Our playgroup is a chance for parents of little ones to meet, connect, chat, make friends and ask questions about all things baby and parenthood.

Old North End (ONE) Farmer's Market
3:00 PM–6:30 PM @ Dewey Park
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
Working with local farmers, we help increase food access in a growing & diverse Burlington neighborhood.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Babytime
10:30 AM–11:00 AM @ South Burlington Public Library
0–6 months | Free, Inside, Drop In
A gentle, slow storytime that features songs, rhymes and lap play for our youngest patrons. Grown-ups caregivers are welcome to socialize after storytime.

Early Months (Baby Massage)
10:30 AM–12:00 PM @ The Family Room
0–6 months | Free, Inside, Drop In
A soothing environment to learn and practice massage techniques. Best for babies 6 weeks until they are old enough to crawl away. Caregivers will have time to connect and share with others.

May we Suggest...

...The Champlain Valley Fair

The Fair runs from August 28 to September 6th at the Champlain Valley Exposition.

Check out the guide for kids' activities including butterflies, model trains, and farm animals; as well as a range of events, shows, competitions and demonstrations!