Free, cheap activities for kids and families in Vermont

Here are our top picks for things you can do with your family that will get you out of the house and won't knock you off your budget.

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Here are our top picks for things you can do with your family that will get you out of the house and won't knock you off your budget.

If you live in Vermont and have young children or toddlers, it can be difficult to find activities that are age-appropriate and won't break the bank.

Here are our top picks for things you can do with your family that will get you out of the house and won't knock you off your budget.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory - Factory Tour and Free birthday bear for 4-year-olds

If your child is 4 years old or turning 4, you can get a completely free teddy bear valued up to $39.99 at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory through the Vermont Cub Project.

You can also take a 30-minute tour of the Teddy Bear Factory, with adult tickets costing just $5. Children under 5 get in free.

Plan a day at Maple Street Park in Essex Junction

This sprawling Park on Maple Street is located just off of Five Corners and features a ton of free activities for kids of all ages. Hang out in the jungle gym area, pack a picnic and sit at one of the many tables and benches, or utilize the skate park. Sports fields, nature trails and a bike park are also part of the 38-acre public park, with access to plenty of nearby shopping and restaurants in Essex Junction.

Watch planes from the Skyway at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport

Have a child who loves airplanes? Take them to the Skyway at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport and kick back in a rocking chair as your kids get to take in the sights on the runway. It's completely free and doesn't require entry into the terminals.

Save big with an annual family pass at Echo Leahy Center - Burlington

While tickets to the ECHO Leahy Center in Burlington are expensive, there are ways to go without breaking the bank. If you have enough people in your family, signing up for an annual family pass will quickly cut the cost per ticket down, and provide you with unlimited access to the science center for you and 11 guests for a year. Plus, you'll get discounts at the gift shop and other national museums with your membership.

Learn how ice cream is made on the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour

A very popular tourist attraction, tickets to the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour cost $7 per person and get you a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite ice cream is made. Plus, each entry comes with an ice cream sample.

You can also visit the Flavor Graveyard and gift shop for free without a ticket, or get a scoop at the Scoop Shop, which is separate from the tour.

Sign up for a family membership at the Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington

Another great museum for families, you can get an annual pass that will more than pay for itself with repeat visits to this indoor/outdoor museum. If you don't want to see the exhibits, you can also tour the walking trails outside the museum itself for free.

Explore the Shelburne Museum

Get discounted tickets with a Vermont ID or College ID, or sign up for a Shelburne Museum membership and get free access anytime. Children under 5 get in for free as well. The museum also offers family passes that include 2 adults and two children ages 5-17 years old.

Pet baby animals or go on a Story Walk at Shelburne Farm

Admission to this working farm is free, and the children's area gets you access to pet cute animals, participate in a Story Walk, or learn about cheesemaking. Visit the Shelburne Farms website for more info.

Visit your local library for free activities, discount museum tickets

Head down to your local library and talk to a librarian to see what kind of benefits come with your membership. Most libraries offer discounts or free museum tickets, and each library has specific programming catered to kids and families. Plus, many libraries offer digital incentives with your membership card, like access to Libby or Hoopla, so you can have a movie night at home or borrow digital content without having to set foot in a branch.

Kick back and relax during a beach, lake or swimming hole day

Pack a lunch (and your sunscreen) and head to one of the many area beaches, lakes or swimming holes Vermont has to offer. While you'll have to pay parking and fees for state park access, many local swimming holes and some area lakes are completely free or heavily discounted for residents.

Tour the "Snowflake" Bentley Exhibit

Get free admission to this exhibit at the Old Red Mill in Jericho and learn how Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley discovered that no two flakes are alike.

Get discounted tickets Billings Farm and Museum with an annual pass

Head down to Woodstock, Vermont, for a rotating selection of programs as well as walking trails, activities for kids and crafts.

Purchase an annual membership to get free admission for a year for two adults and up to four children, plus discounts and reduced admission for special programs.

Pack into the car for a drive-in movie night

Skip the theater and pack into the car to see two brand-new movies for the price of one.

Choose one of Vermont's three drive-in movie theaters, where you can catch a double feature and visit the snack bar - or even better, pack dinner and food for the kids to save extra money.

Did we miss anything? Email [email protected] for your suggestions and we'll consider adding them to our list!