10 Best Family Beaches in Vermont [for 2023]
Contrary to popular belief, a beach vacation doesn’t necessarily have to include an ocean. Vermont, although a landlocked state, boasts beautiful lakes with stunning sandy beaches and an impressive selection of parks that are just as exciting as their coastal counterparts.
These beaches offer plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. From sunbathing and swimming to paddleboarding and kayaking, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Vermont. So why not pack your bags and find your family-friendly beach with our list of the best family beaches in Vermont for a vacation to remember.
1. Sand Bar State Park, Milton
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Sand Bar State Park offers 2,000 feet of shoreline with crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for satisfying your family’s beach cravings. The park is popular and filled with a variety of amenities including boat rentals, cooking grills, and a play area for the kids, ensuring you have everything you need for a memorable beach experience.
Sand Barr State Park is considered the safest beach for swimming in Vermont, as the water is shallow and gentle, making it perfect for families with young children. What’s more, this beach is located near some of the best family resorts in Vermont, making it easy to find accommodations that suit your needs.
For a more enriching experience, be sure to follow your beach excursion to the Sand Bar Wildlife Refuge. This 1,000-acre wildlife sanctuary is home to many fascinating animals including waterfowl, turtles, muskrats, and otters. You’ll have the opportunity to see these animals in their natural habitat, providing a unique and educational experience for both adults and children, which is why it’s considered one of the best family beaches in Vermont.
2. Bomoseen State Park, Fair Haven
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Bowmosin State Park With its stunning scenery, the park is perfect for taking photos and creating lasting memories with your loved ones. The park also has a great playground and a beautiful beach where your kids can play and swim. Bowmosen State Park also offers paddle boats, canoe, and kayak rentals, providing endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.
With so much to do, your kids will never be short of things to keep them occupied and entertained. One of the standout features of the park is the team of interpreters, who offer hands-on and engaging activities for families.
These park employees are dedicated to helping you learn more about the cultural and natural history of the park. Some of the most popular interpreted activities include amphibious explorations, compare programs and night tours.
3. Boulder Beach State Park, Groton
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Considered one of the best family beaches in Vermont, Boulders Beach State Park is where you can start a fun-filled day. With a wide variety of activities available, there is something for every member of your family to enjoy.
The park has a designated swimming area that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. There is a concession stand where you can grab a quick bite to eat or a refreshing drink. For those who want to add a little more adventure to their day,
Boulder Beach State Park offers pedal boat, kayak, and canoe rentals. This allows families to explore the lake and its surroundings at their own pace. The Cartop boat launch makes it easy to get in and out of the water.
But that’s not all there is to do at the park! You can take a break from the water activities and enjoy a hike on one of the many trails available. The Little Deer and Owls Head Trails offer beautiful views and a chance to get some exercise while enjoying nature. Your family will enjoy a full day of fun activities, relaxation, and breathtaking views here.
4. Silver Lake State Park, Barnard
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Silver Lake State Park is an idyllic beach retreat that offers a peaceful retreat for families looking for a refreshing getaway. Located in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest, this small and pristine state park boasts a tranquil setting that sets it away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The shimmering blue lake is the main attraction of Silver Lake State Park, which presents opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. The lake is well stocked with sh, making it an ideal spot for anglers.
It is surrounded by hiking trails that run through the beautiful green mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The state park offers over 30 campsites that are open to both RVs and tents, Which is great for families who enjoy roughing it. If you prefer modern conveniences, there are private campgrounds and RV parks nearby in Hartford and Bethel that offer Wi-Fi and full hookups.
5. Camp Plymouth State Park, Ludlow
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Camp Plymouth State Park is a great family vacation beach in Vermont that offers a wealth of age-friendly activities and attractions for visitors. The park strikes the perfect balance of relaxation and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a favorite for families looking for a fun and memorable vacation.
One of its features is its sandy beach, which offers swimming facilities for children and teens. And perfect to enjoy building sand castles. The park draws from opportunities such as boating including canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating, providing a unique way to explore the beautiful lake.
The park also has horseshoe pits, a playground and large playground, and a lake, but watching the sunset from a canoe is a must-do, making it one of the best family beaches in Vermont.
6. Lake St. Catherine, Poultney
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Lake St. Catharine State Park is one of the best family beaches in Vermont and a top destination for families. This state park offers two excellent beaches for kids to play and swim, with crystal clear water perfect for splashing around.
The park also offers a children’s playground and a concession where you can rent paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, and rowboats. There is also a boat launch available for those who enjoy water skiing or fishing.
An expert tip for those of you at the park here is to take a short walk from the lake to experience the breathtaking Birdseye Mountain vistas. This short hike offers a stunning view of the surrounding area and is definitely worth the effort. Hiking in the park provides an opportunity to spot a moose or white-tailed deer, adding to the natural beauty and excitement of the park.
7. Branbury State Park, Salisbury
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Branbury State Park is a 1,000-foot natural sandy beach and one of the best family beaches in Vermont for sunbathing and swimming. Families can enjoy picnics in the spacious open grassy area, making memories to last a lifetime.
What sets it apart from other beach destinations is the availability of boat rentals. The opportunity to rent a boat and explore the park’s beautiful lake adds an exciting element to the trip. The park offers canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats that can be rented by the hour or day, depending on family preference.
For adventure seekers, the Moosalamu National Forest is located nearby, which offers a wealth of natural wonders of the wilderness. A unique opportunity to nd out. You can head into the middle of the jungle, where you can discover caves and waterfalls that are sure to soothe the senses.
From natural sandy beaches and open grasslands to boat rentals and nearby Moosalamoo National Forest, this park has everything a family needs to create unforgettable memories.
8. Maidstone State Park, Maidstone
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Maidstone State Park whisks you and your family away from the hustle and bustle of modern life in a tranquil setting, perfect for relaxation and digital detox. The park boasts a pristine beach which provides an opportunity for kids and adults to spend some quality time together.
Maidstone State Park is also known for excellent fishing opportunities. Fishermen can expect to catch a variety of sh, including trout and salmon, in the crystal-clear waters of the nearby streams and lakes. Visitors to the park can also explore the rich wildlife of the area.
The park is home to nesting loons, which were once on the endangered species list. You can pack your binoculars and try to catch a glimpse of these beautiful birds in their natural habitat. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, it’s no wonder that Maidstone State Park is a favorite destination for families who want to reconnect with nature.
9. Caspian Lake, Greensboro
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Caspian Lake is a wonderful summer vacation for families seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating stay in the lap of nature. Nestled among lush mountains, the lake is surrounded by a breathtakingly beautiful shoreline dotted with summer cottages that can be rented for an enjoyable vacation experience and are truly one of the best family beaches in Vermont.
One of the standout features of the lake is its serene and crystal-clear water, making it a haven for water-based activities such as swimming, water-skiing, and sailing. Whether you are a seasoned water sports enthusiast or a novice looking to try something new, Lake Caspian has something to offer everyone.
But the beauty of this lake does not end with its water. The area around the lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. You might be lucky enough to spot deer, moose, and loon during your stay, which adds to the charm of this already captivating spot. The combination of pristine waters, breathtaking scenery, and abundant wildlife truly make this one of the best family beaches in Vermont.
10. Elmore State Park, Elmore
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Elmore State Park is a lovely beach getaway full of fun in Vermont. The park is not located on a beach, but it is considered one of the best family beaches in Vermont, with its sandy shoreline and glistening, crystal-clear waters adding to its beauty.
The park recommends several opportunities for water activities, including stand-up paddleboarding, paddle boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Families can spend hours enjoying these activities and soaking up the sun surrounded by Vermont’s stunning natural beauty.
For families planning an overnight stay in the park, Campsite #37 comes highly recommended. This campsite offers a high degree of privacy and is maintained by an incredibly helpful and energetic staff. The park staff are always on hand to assist you and ensure they have a memorable experience. The campsite is equipped with all the necessary amenities to make a family stay comfortable and convenient.