The August 20–26 Round-up
Shining a Light
When we got the good news, my partner shocked our alarmingly perceptive toddler by declaring "we’re having another baby!" within earshot. She looked at me with wide eyes and asked "mama baby??" over and over until I whispered "yes, we’re building you a lifelong friend." She was so excited from the jump, eager to read books about siblings and waiting, to touch my belly and say "friend."
When the miscarriage hit us like a truck, she was listening too. I told her "you’re going to hear us talk about something called a miscarriage — we may sound sad, but this word just means it will take a while longer to build you a lifelong friend." Although the grief still catches us in primal, soul-deep waves, we’re determined to keep the faith together.
— Annie, South Burlington, VT
Are you caring for a baby, toddler, or little kid? Share your stories and musings with other parents!
Events
Thursday, August 20, 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!
GROW Preschool Yoga
11:00 AM–11:30 AM @ Fletcher Free Library
2–5 years | Free, Inside, Drop In
Join Colleen from Grow Prenatal and Family Yoga for songs, movement, and other fun yoga activities. Recommended for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers.
Summervale
5:00 PM–8:00 PM @ Intervale Center
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
Summervale rescheduled! A free summer festival in celebration of community and local food, featuring live music and family-friendly activities at the historic farmstead in the Intervale.
Friday, August 21, 2026
Sing-Along with Linda Bassick
9:00 AM–10:00 AM @ Pingala Cafe NNE
0–5+ years | Free, Inside, Drop In
Friday morning sing along!
South Burlington Farmer's Market
5:00 PM–7:00 PM @ South Burlington Farmer's Market
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
South Burlington is getting a fresh new way to shop, connect, and celebrate local this summer! Join us for the launch of our brand new Farmers Market located along the BTV Airport Recreation Path.
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.
Saturday, August 22, 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.
Splash Dance: DJ GAYBAR
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 23, 2026
Dads and Kids Playground Playgroup hosted by Dad Guild
10:00 AM–11:30 AM @ Schmanska Park
1–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
There are tons of amazing playgrounds in the area, but let’s be honest, it’s always more fun when our kid has others to play with, and there are other caregivers to chat with. Or at least attempt to chat with as we chase our little ones around. See you out there!
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!
Net Zero Energy Festival hosted by Burlington Electric
12:00 PM–4:00 PM @ Waterfront Park
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
Activities for people of all ages focused on reducing fossil fuel use and electrifying everything! Renewably powered food trucks, games and activities, RunVermont’s Kid Powered Fun Run, E-bike test rides, EV showcase, mobile bike repair, induction cooking demos, and more.
Monday, August 24, 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, August 25, 2026
Baby Playgroup hosted by GROW
1:00 PM–2:00 PM @ Burlington Surf Club
0–18 months | Free, Outside, 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, August 26, 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.
Shelburne Farms Community Concert Series
5:00 PM @ Shelburne Farms
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
Set up your lawn chair and blanket, bring a picnic dinner or enjoy food for sale on site. This event is certain to be a pleasure for the whole family! Kids will love dancing on the lawn and visiting with the animals in the Children's Farmyard.
May we Suggest...
... signing up for a pediatric first aid class
Safety first!
Boost your skills and confidence, or get a first aid and CPR refresher with a class at the YMCA in Burlington or through VT Safety Net in South Burlington.
American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED @ Greater Burlington YMCA
Designed to train rescuers to respond to medical emergencies in adults, children, and infants until more advanced medical personnel take over.
- September 13, 8:00 AM–11:00 AM
- October 11, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
- November 1, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
- December 6, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
American Heart Association First Aid/CPR/AED @ The Edge Kids & Fitness