Shining a Light

I was laying in bed reading a story to my daughter when I caught a glimpse of her putting something in her mouth. A little concerned, I asked, "What did you put in your mouth?"

After a pause, she scooped some air from her palm and fed herself an imaginary blueberry. She then said, “More!” and offered me some.
— Alex, Burlington, VT

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

Events

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Extend a Storytime
9:15 AM–9:45 AM @ South Burlington Public Library
0–5+ years | Free, Inside, Drop In
Join us each week as we read books and explore different ways of bringing stories to life! Through movement, music, art, construction, and so much more, caregivers will learn easy and low cost/free ways to make literacy more fun & exciting at home.

Extend a Storytime
10:30 AM–11:00 AM @ South Burlington Public Library
0–5+ years | Free, Inside, Drop In
Join us each week as we read books and explore different ways of bringing stories to life! Through movement, music, art, construction, and so much more, caregivers will learn easy and low cost/free ways to make literacy more fun & exciting at home.

Party on the Bricks – City Hall Block
5:30 PM–8:00 PM @ Church Street Marketplace
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
Each week, the party pops up on a different block of the Marketplace. Think patio dining, dancing in the street, cold drinks, good friends, and warm summer nights.

Friday, July 31, 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!

Festival of Fools
10:00 AM–10:00 PM @ Church Street Marketplace
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
The most joyful weekend of the year is coming to Burlington with the return of BCA‘s 18th Annual Festival of Fools! The Festival of Fools brings the best street performers from near and far to Vermont, with stupendous street theater, peerless performances, and marvelous music that delight and amaze audiences on the Church Street Marketplace and in City Hall Park.

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 1, 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.

Dads and Kids Beach Hang
9:30 AM–11:30 AM @ North Beach hosted by Dad Guild
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Register
Grab your favorite speedo (or maybe leave it at home) and join other dads and kids for a chill Saturday morning at North Beach in Burlington.

Festival of Fools
10:00 AM–10:00 PM @ Church Street Marketplace
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Drop In
The most joyful weekend of the year is coming to Burlington with the return of BCA‘s 18th Annual Festival of Fools! The Festival of Fools brings the best street performers from near and far to Vermont, with stupendous street theater, peerless performances, and marvelous music that delight and amaze audiences on the Church Street Marketplace and in City Hall Park.

Splash Dance: DJ Rich Conte
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 2, 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!

Dad Guild @ Lake Monsters
5:05 PM–8:25 PM @ Delta Dental Diamond at Centennial Field
2–5+ years | Paid, Outside, Register
Come cheer on the Lake Monsters baseball team while supporting Dad Guild! When you purchase $8 tickets through the link on their website, $4 from every ticket sale goes to Dad Guild. Tell your friends! custom ticket link

Monday, August 3, 2026

Pajama Storytime
6:00 PM–6:30 PM @ South Burlington Public Library
2–5+ years | Free, Inside, Drop In
Can’t catch our storytimes during the day? Join us for an all ages storytime! We’ll sing soothing songs and read cozy stories. PJs are encouraged!

Tuesday, August 4, 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 @ Burlington Surf Club hosted by GROW
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
A small but mighty market, often with a musician. Working with local farmers, we help increase food access in a growing & diverse Burlington neighborhood.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Sidewalk Sale
10:00 AM–6:00 PM @ Church Street Marketplace
0–5+ years | Free, Outside, Inside, Drop In
Come celebrate summer with us during the 46th annual Sidewalk Sale! We're turning up the heat with five days of amazing sales and discounts all along the Marketplace.

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.

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...

... a bike ride along Lake Champlain

Grab helmets, sunscreen, and snacks to follow along the lake on the Island Line Trail. Check out the interactive map to find activities and amenities along the way and plan a ride!

The Burlington Greenway begins just before Oakledge Park and ends at the pedestrian connector bridge over the Winooski River. The path keeps going north as the Island Line Trail, including a gravel causeway on Lake Champlain with a seasonal bike ferry connecting to the Champlain Islands.