Looking for local businesses and organizations that go out of their way to help out families with young children? Here are some of our favorite gems.
- Addison County Readers: This local organization, which sponsors Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, provides free books through the mail for children 0-5 years old.
- American Flatbread: There’s a fully stocked kids toy zone right in the bar, and ample space, in the summer, for running and climbing around the outdoor seating area.
- Draft Trash Middlebury: Catch a glimpse of the draft horses hauling trash on their route through downtown Middlebury. Sometimes they’ll stop to let kids pet the horses. Find their schedule here.
- Hannaford Supermarket: Kids get a free cookie in the bakery section; tractor and race-car carts, with enough room for two little drivers, plus carts equipped with infant carseat attachments, are available in the entryway.
Imploring her mama for a treat at Otter Creek Bakery
- The Henry Sheldon Museum: The oldest community-based museum in the country has wonderful exhibits on local history, plus a hands-on playroom filled with old-fashioned toys such as a dollhouse, 19th century dress-up and a tea set.
- Homeward Bound: The county’s humane society is a wonderful place to adopt a pet, but they also welcome little animal lovers to visit with the cats, dogs, rabbits and other creatures.
- HOPE: In addition to running the largest food shelf in the county, this organization has an incredible thrift store where you can find used baby and kid clothes, toys, books and gear for cheap. Profits support local poverty relief work.
- Ilsley Public Library: It’s not just books and DVDs; you can also check out free or reduced-price passes to state parks and area museums such as the ECHO Center and Shelburne Farms. And take home a red explorer bag, filled with fun themed items such as toy money and a cash register.
- Junebug Mother and Child: This place is a utopia for kids and parents alike. A playroom full of toys and dress-up has a glass wall, so you can check in on your little one while you browse the gently used children’s and maternity clothing. The bathroom is fully stocked with diapers and wipes, in case you forgot to refill your bag at home. Also, they have a huge bin of toddler undies, which are available for free if your kid has an accident.
Lemon Fair Sculpture Park
- Lemon Fair Sculpture Park: In the summer, walk a beautiful mile-long, mowed path through arresting works of sculpture, just off Route 74 in Shoreham. Free.
- Lincoln Peak Vineyard: On Friday evenings all through the summer, pack a picnic and head to the vineyard to enjoy live music, boogeying on an outdoor dancefloor, and merrymaking — plus local wine for sale, of course.
- Maple Landmark: Climb onto the life-size wooden train on the front lawn of this Middlebury toy shop. Want to see how the toys are made? Factory tours take place every weekday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. $4 per person; kids under 6 are free.
- Middlebury College Snow Bowl: Toddlers can borrow strap-on skis and ride the magic carpet (with an adult) for free; ask for these skis — which are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis — at the Ski School desk. The magic carpet, free for everyone, runs every weekend during the winter, and some weekday afternoons, too. When your kid is ready to move on to real skis and boots, rent them at the shop for the whole season.
- Otter Creek Bakery: A special snack that won’t break the bank: delicious little cookies for just 85 cents. In the warmer months, sit outside and feed the birds. Come here often? Start a tab with at least $50, and they’ll give you an extra 10 percent value for free.
Enjoying the giant Connect Four at Otter Creek Brewery
- Otter Creek Brewery: During weekdays, kids can watch the bottles float by on conveyor belts while you enjoy a beer and a meal. In the summer, sit outside and enjoy the giant Connect Four game, cornhole set and spacious lawn.
- Red Mill at Basin Harbor Club: The restaurant sits right next to a grass airstrip and a playground. Kids can watch small airplanes take off and land while swinging and sliding.
- Salisbury Fish Hatchery: This place houses the biggest fish in the state’s hatchery program. Kids can fill a plastic cup with fish meal, then toss it into the troughs, where giant trout splash up to snatch it. Free.
- Tinker and Smithy: Stop in to play new and classic board games, or rent some to try out at home.
- WIC: The federal Women, Infants and Children program, which has an office in Middlebury, gives families access to healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, and breastfeeding support. If you’re pregnant, a caregiver, or a mom with a child under five, you may qualify for these benefits.
