16 Vermont Experience Gifts for 2026: Local Picks Without the Clutter

’Tis the season of snow and twinkling lights. The time for eating rich food and buying stuff. Lots of stuff. 

If the thought of another year of giving and receiving more stuff than anyone needs is making you anxious, consider giving the gift of a distinctive Vermont experience.

Vermont experience gifts may not take up much room under the tree, but they inspire adventure and curiosity while supporting all kinds of memory-making.

Another benefit of experience gifts?

They give your recipient something to look forward to after the holiday hubbub.

Last year, the experience gifts our readers clicked on most were overnight stays with Vermont Huts, Vermont State Parks passes, and baking classes at King Arthur. They’re all below, along with 13 more ideas.

Vermont’s hugely diverse range of small businesses and organizations makes it easy to find incredible experience gifts for every Vermont lover on your list.

The Vermont Experience Gifts Our Readers Loved Most

Last holiday season, Vermont Explored readers clicked through to these gifts more than any others on this list.

Rank	Gift
1	Vermont Huts (stays and memberships)
2	Vermont State Parks passes
3	Lake Morey skating
4	King Arthur Baking School
5	251 Club of Vermont
6	Burlington brewery tour
7	Pump House at Jay Peak

Vermont Experience Gifts Compared

Gift	Where	Starts at	Best for	Dogs
Montshire Museum	Norwich	$10 gift certificate	Curious kids	No
ECHO Leahy Center	Burlington	$60	Lake-loving kids	No
Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum	Rutland	$80 for one child and an adult	Toddlers	No
Pump House waterpark	Jay	$34 kids / $44 adults	Winter cabin fever	No
Get Air	Williston	Varies	Bouncy kids	No
Vermont Huts	Statewide	$5/month membership	Backcountry nights	Many huts
Vermont State Parks	Statewide	$40 for an individual pass	Outdoor families and dogs	Yes, leashed
Community Sailing Center	Burlington	Varies	Summer on the lake	No
Lake Morey skating	Fairlee	Free	Couples and families	Yes, on-leash
Ski and ride lessons	Statewide	Varies	First-timers	No
Lamoille Valley Bike Tours	Johnson	Varies	Rail trail riders	Not practical
VINS Nature Center	Quechee	$70	Bird lovers	No
Billings Farm & Museum	Woodstock	$70	Cow fans	No
251 Club of Vermont	Statewide	$25	Back-road explorers	Yes
King Arthur Baking School	Norwich	varies	Bakers	No
Burlington Signature Brew Tour	Burlington	$99	Beer fans	No

Vermont Experience Gifts for Kids and Kids-at-Heart

Instead of trying to find the perfect toy to put under the tree or wrapping something up simply because you found it on sale, why not give the kiddos in your life a Vermont experience gift so they can make memories that will last forever?

Here are some Vermont-based gifts that will encourage your kids to get moving, get creative, or use their noggins in the most delightful ways.

Montshire Museum Membership: Norwich, Vermont

Town: Norwich · Starts at: Passbook $190; certificates from $10 · Season: Year-round · Dogs: No

Intriguing hands-on science exhibits, miles of nature trails, and innovative programs and special events are just a few of the many reasons to gift the smallest Vermonters in your life with a membership to Montshire Museum in Norwich.

With more than 150 hands-on science exhibits, the Montshire Museum provides endless opportunities for discovery. Inside, kids can learn about the properties of air, the science and art of musical instruments, or the concepts of gravity, momentum, inertia, and turbulence. Exhibits are spread across two floors.

When the weather cooperates, kids can head outdoors to hike a nature trail or explore the interactive water exhibits in the David Goudy Science Park (open from May to October).

Montshire Gift Memberships offer a full year of fun and discovery. Your gift recipient will receive unlimited visits to the Museum, savings on programs and Museum Store purchases, and invitations to exclusive member events.

Wrapping suggestion: Tuck a Montshire Museum gift membership card into an age-appropriate science book. If you are local, you’ll find a great selection at the Montshire Museum Store.

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ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Membership: Burlington, Vermont

Town: Burlington · Starts at: $60 · Season: Year-round · Dogs: No

ECHO inspires and engages families in the joy of scientific discovery, the wonder of nature, and the care of Lake Champlain.

Located on the waterfront in Burlington, the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain features two sprawling floors of interactive exhibits, live animals, and a 3D theater showcasing incredible nature and science films. Special rotating exhibits mean that kids can visit again and again, always finding something new to spark their curiosity.

Visitors to ECHO will learn about the plants and animals that inhabit the Lake Champlain Basin, the remarkable natural processes that have shaped this part of the world, and even some of the mysteries hidden beneath the surface of Lake Champlain.

An annual membership to ECHO includes free unlimited admission year-round, free admission to 325+ museums and science centers through the ASTC Passport Program, a 10% discount at ECHO’s Museum Shop, plus additional discounts.

Memberships start at $60 for one person or $150 for a family of four.

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Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum Membership: Rutland, Vermont

Town: Rutland · Starts at: $80 for an adult and child · Season: Year-round, closed Mondays · Dogs: No

Give the gift of play this year without buying another toy. A membership to Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum in Rutland enables your gift recipient to take advantage of free general admission to Wonderfeet for an entire year.

At Wonderfeet, exhibits and programs complement school curricula and reinforce skills needed for academic success. More importantly, Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum is a place for early discovery and the development of lifelong learning.

Exhibits at Wonderfeet include a wind tunnel, a colorful train, a farmers’ market, a diner, and a construction zone, plus spaces for art and creativity, building with Legos, and hands-on learning. There’s even a developmentally appropriate space for infants and toddlers to explore.

A Wonderfeet membership starts at just $80 for one parent/child combo, with family pricing available.

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A Day Pass to The Pump House Indoor Waterpark: Jay Peak Resort, Vermont

Town: Jay · Starts at: $34 kids, $44 adults (advance) · Season: Year-round · Dogs: No

If you’re looking for an indoor winter adventure that the whole family will enjoy, consider a day pass to Vermont’s only indoor waterpark, The Pump House at Jay Peak Resort.

There’s something magical about spending a day swimming and frolicking in warm water when it’s freezing cold outside, and in the summer, the retractable roof lets in the fresh air and sunshine.

Kids will love the deepwater activity pool with its climbing wall and basketball area, and the most adventurous will enjoy a thrilling ride on one of three slides or the foreboding La Chute. Even the smallest children can splash and play in Mill Pond with its obligatory cannons and a tipping sap bucket.

Day passes to The Pump House are $34 for kids 4 to 14 and $44 for ages 15 and up when you buy ahead ($39 and $49 the day of), plus Vermont sales tax. Kids 3 and under swim free.

Wrapping suggestion: Wrap your day pass(es) in a colorful beach towel with a pair of swim goggles.

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Get Air Trampoline Park Gift Card: Williston, Vermont

Town: Williston · Starts at: varies · Season: Year-round · Dogs: No

By January, all the holiday hype starts to wane, and the kids are bouncing off the walls. Might as well channel that energy on literal wall-to-wall trampolines at Get Air Trampoline Park in Williston.

Get Air has thousands of square feet of trampolines, plus vertical trampolines and a trampoline dodgeball area. The Ninja Course is an adrenaline-pumping race through a maze of walls and trampolines.

Slacklines allow kids to practice balance without getting hurt, and there’s nothing quite like hurling yourself into a giant foam pit for post-holiday stress relief.

A Get Air gift card is perfect for active kids. Little ones have their own Toddler Time sessions, and older kids can save their gift for Club Air, the Friday and Saturday night jump from 7 to 10 pm with music and special lighting.

Wrapping suggestion: Stick your Get Air gift card inside a pair of non-slip trampoline socks. Jump socks are required for jumping on the trampolines.

Also Read: Local Vermont Gifts You Can Feel Good About Giving

Vermont Experience Gifts for Outdoor Lovers

Vermonters are fortunate to have so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, and while skiing may be our most iconic way to spend a winter day, it is by no means the only game in town.

These Vermont experience gifts will please every outdoor lover on your list.

A Membership or Overnight Stay with Vermont Huts: Statewide

Town: Statewide · Starts at: $5/month membership · Season: Four seasons · Dogs: About a dozen huts allow them

Imagine a cold winter night in Vermont. Snow is falling. The wind is blowing fiercely through the trees. And your loved one is appreciating every moment from the cozy interior of a rustic, backcountry cabin, yurt, or lodge, courtesy of Vermont Huts Association.

The next morning, the world is blanketed with snow, and adventure lovers rejoice as they don woolen base layers and skis to explore the winter wonderland. Thanks to Vermont Huts, these experiences are becoming more common and celebrated in Vermont.

Vermont Huts Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to provide an enriching and immersive outdoor experience for everyone. By collaborating with partners in recreation, they are creating a four-season hut network across the Green Mountain State to strengthen local communities and foster a deeper appreciation of our natural environment.

Members of Vermont Huts & Trails get 15% off most hut bookings, and memberships start at just $5 a month. About a dozen huts welcome dogs for at least part of the year, too. Mine have never complained about a night by the woodstove at Grout Pond Hut. Gift certificates are also available.

Wrapping suggestion: A Vermont Huts membership and gift certificate would go perfectly with a pair of warm and woolly Darn Tough socks (made in Vermont!).

Also Read: Plan an Incredible Backcountry Adventure with Vermont Huts & Trails

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Vermont State Parks Annual Pass: Statewide

Town: Statewide · Starts at: $40 · Season: varies, but most parks are open between May and either Labor Day or mid-October · Dogs: Leashed, not on most beaches

If your favorite person doesn’t discriminate about their love for outdoor recreation, consider a gift that allows them to explore 55 state parks throughout Vermont while supporting the conservation of natural resources and environmental protection.

Vermont State Park visitors can hike hundreds of miles of trails, rent kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes, and paddle remote lakes, relax on a sandy beach, or pitch a tent at one of hundreds of campsites throughout the state.

You can give the gift of Vermont State Parks with an individual season pass ($40), a vehicle pass that covers up to eight people in one car ($105), or a 10-visit punch card ($40) that never expires.

Gift cards and e-gift certificates are also available in any amount over $20, and they work for camping, too. A note for dog-lovers: Dogs are welcome on trails and in campgrounds on a leash shorter than 10 feet, but they’re off-limits on most beaches and picnic areas.

Wrapping suggestion: Stick an annual pass inside a Vermont State Park hat. Learn more about individual Vermont State Parks by visiting our growing library of park guides.

Tara’s verdict: I always appreciate a state parks pass, and it’s the most dog-friendly gift on this list.

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Community Sailing Center Gift Certificate: Burlington, Vermont

Town: Burlington · Starts at: varies · Season: Summer · Dogs: No

Lake Champlain is not only one of Vermont’s greatest natural resources, but also ideal for all types of recreation, including swimming, fishing, and sailing. The Community Sailing Center on Burlington Bay has been providing education and recreation to Vermonters and visitors since 1994.

With a mission to encourage and celebrate the responsible use and long-term stewardship of Lake Champlain by fostering educational and recreational opportunities for all members of our community, The Community Sailing Center celebrates sailing as more than just a sport, but as a “platform for people from all walks of life to experience the freedom and adventure that comes from harnessing the wind and the water.”

Community Sailing Center gift certificates can be used for various activities, including group sailing lessons, private sailing lessons, kids’ camps, and rentals (stand-up paddle boards, sailboats, canoes, kayaks). It’s a perfect gift for anyone who loves getting out on the water.

Wrapping suggestion: Tuck a gift certificate to The Community Sailing Center in a card with this Lake Champlain decal made by a local Vermonter on Etsy.

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Winter Skating at Lake Morey Resort: Fairlee, Vermont

Town: Fairlee · Starts at: Free to skate. Rentals start at $25 · Season: January to late February, depending on weather · Dogs: Yes, town rules

Few ice skating experiences can hold a candle to gliding around beautiful Lake Morey in Fairlee, Vermont. The groomed loop runs roughly four miles (the exact length shifts with the ice each winter), and it’s often billed as the country’s longest natural ice skating trail. This is one of Vermont’s best winter experiences.

Skating is free and open to everyone. The Town of Fairlee took over the trail in 2025, so skaters now head out from the Fairlee Town Beach on Clubhouse Road.

The ice is usually ready sometime in January (in 2026, the first skaters hit the loop on January 6), and crews clear the snow to keep the trail passable. While figure or hockey skates will work, this isn’t the glassy ice of an indoor rink. Nordic skates, which are designed for rough ice and long-distance skating, are much preferred.

Overnight guests at Lake Morey Resort still get complimentary skate rentals, and a night at this lakefront resort makes an ideal gift for outdoor-loving families or couples. Dogs can join you on the public ice under Fairlee’s town rules (bring bags), but only service animals are allowed at the resort.

Wrapping suggestion: Visit Lake Morey Resort’s gift shop to purchase a Lake Morey Resort bottle opener and a gift certificate for a night’s stay. Package with a bottle of wine or sparkling cider.

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Ski and Ride Lessons at a Locally Owned Vermont Ski Resort: Statewide

Town: Statewide · Starts at: Varies · Season: Winter · Dogs: No

Did you know Vermont has 19 independently owned ski areas? Head over to Vermontlifttickets.com to find out which ski resorts are still owned by Vermonters, and then consider the gift of a lift ticket or lesson for your favorite winter lover.

Here are some ideas:

• Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Jeffersonville: The Learn to Ski & Ride Program at Smuggler’s Notch includes a full-day lift ticket on Morse Mountain, a two-hour beginner lesson, and ski or snowboard rental equipment.
• Bolton Valley Resort, Bolton: Schedule a private or group lesson or a package that includes multiple lessons, lift tickets, and rentals.
• Middlebury Snow Bowl, Hancock: The Lots of Lessons for Less deal gives your recipient a fifth lesson free when you buy four. Perfect for anyone who has spent one too many runs in a pizza wedge.

Wrapping suggestion: Package lift tickets or gift cards inside a pair of ski goggles or mittens.

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Lamoille Valley Bike Tours: Johnson, Vermont

Town: Johnson · Starts at: Tours start at $80 · Season: Four seasons · Dogs: Not practical

Currently spanning over 93 miles, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is New England’s longest rail trail.

This four-season, multi-purpose recreation and transportation corridor across northern Vermont follows the former 93-mile Lamoille Valley Railroad rail line from St. Johnsbury to Swanton.

The best way to explore this beautiful rail trail is to rent a bike (e-bike, regular, or gravel bike) or take an e-bike tour with Lamoille Valley Bike Tours. Located trailside in the village of Johnson, the trail offers endless opportunities to explore on two wheels.

The Fireside Fat Tire E-Bike Tour is an ideal winter adventure. The self-guided ride includes an e-bike rental, a helmet, and a winter ride guide, and it ends with a fireside hot chocolate at the Trailside Bike Center in Johnson.

Book a tour at Lamoille Valley Bike Tours for any season, or give a gift certificate so your loved one can choose their own two-wheeled adventure.

Tara’s verdict: Incredible. If you gift only one adventure on this list, make it a day on the rail trail with Lamoille Valley Bike Tours.

Also Read: Discover E-Bikes and Breweries on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

Vermont Experience Gifts for Animal Lovers

Looking for Vermont experience gifts specifically for animal lovers? Whether your loved one is into sweet Vermont cows or elusive Vermont wildlife, there’s an experience gift that will make them smile.

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Vermont Institute of Natural Science Membership: Quechee, Vermont

Town: Quechee · Starts at: $70 · Season: Year-round · Dogs: No

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee motivates individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation.

The beautiful VINS Nature Center includes indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring a variety of raptors and songbirds, as well as nature trails, a canopy walk, and an adventure playscape.

A VINS membership gives your gift recipient a full year of visits to the VINS Nature Center, half-price admission for the friends who come along, and 10% off at the VINS Nature Store. Families at the four-person level and up also get a discount on VINS nature camps. Memberships start at $70.

Wrapping suggestion: Add a VINS membership or admission tickets to one of the beautiful nature games available at the VINS Nature Store.

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Billings Farm & Museum Membership: Woodstock, Vermont

Town: Woodstock · Starts at: $70 · Season: May to October, plus select days in the winter· Dogs: No

The friendliest cows we’ve ever met live at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, Vermont.

There’s an award-winning herd of Jersey cows, with calves born throughout the year, plus draft horses, oxen, and a flock of Southdown sheep.

A membership to Billings Farm & Museum gives your gift recipient unlimited admission for a whole year, discounts on Billings Farm cheese and at the Museum Gift Shop and Farmhouse Scoop Shop, and reduced admission for guests. Memberships start at $70 for one adult or $135 for two adults and up to four kids.

A membership to Billings Farm & Museum gives your gift recipient unlimited admission for a whole year, a 10% discount at the Museum Gift Shop and Farmhouse Café, and reduced admission for guests.

In addition to befriending the adorable farm animals, guests can explore various farm life exhibits, visit the 1890s Farm Manager’s House, and attend special events throughout the year.

Billings Farm & Museum is the premier gateway for interpreting Vermont’s rural culture and agrarian heritage, offering diverse, interactive programs that focus on rural life, work, and land stewardship as reflected in the traditions and values of 19th-century farm families.

Wrapping suggestion: A membership to Billings Farm & Museum should absolutely be paired with a block of award-winning Billings Farm Smoked Cheddar.

Read Next: Explore Woodstock, Vermont, in the Winter

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Vermont Experience Gifts for the Continually Curious

For the Vermonter who has everything, these Vermont experience gifts are sure to inspire creativity, adventure, and, most importantly, an appreciation of the people, land, and communities of the Green Mountain State.

A Membership to the 251 Club of Vermont: Statewide

Town: Statewide · Starts at: $25 · Season: Any season · Dogs: Bring them

In 2022, Essex Junction officially became Vermont’s 252nd town, but the popular 251 Club of Vermont is keeping the name it’s had since 1954. The 251 Club is for anyone who aspires to visit every town across Vermont.

There are no official membership rules, and the benefits are many.

In addition to getting off the beaten path to explore every nook and cranny of Vermont, members receive a subscription to three annual issues of The Wayfarer Club newsletter, a personal profile page to track progress and record notes and pictures, and access to resources, information, and archival material that is only available to members.

I was gifted a 251 Club membership last year, and I’ve loved using it as an excuse to explore Vermont’s smallest towns. A new or gift membership is $25 for one year or $70 for five years, which works out to less than a tank of gas for a lifetime of back roads.

A membership to the 251 Club of Vermont is for anyone who wants to dig a little deeper into this special state. It’s ideal for new Vermonters or long-time residents who enjoy exploring. It may even be for you!

Wrapping suggestion: Slip a gift membership into this Vermont Travel Journal, which can be found on the 251 Club of Vermont’s website.

Tara’s verdict: Someone gave me this membership last year, and it’s the reason I keep finding small towns in Vermont I never would have explored!

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Learn to Bake at King Arthur Baking School: Norwich, Vermont

Town: Norwich · Starts at: Classes start at $150 · Season: Year-round · Dogs: No

Located in the beautiful town of Norwich, Vermont, King Arthur Baking began in 1790 as America’s first flour company. While the company’s roots are in Boston, it relocated to Norwich in 1984 and has been attracting food enthusiasts ever since.

Today, visitors can stop by the flagship store to stock up on flour and other baking ingredients, relax with a scrumptious lunch, or buy a loaf of premium sourdough bread.

For those who want to explore their culinary creativity, the King Arthur Baking School offers a variety of classes for novice to expert bakers.

Classes are offered virtually, at the Norwich location, or in Skagit Valley, Washington. Sign your loved one up for a specific class (view the calendar here), or purchase a King Arthur gift card so they can choose their own.

Wrapping suggestion: Tuck a King Arthur Baking gift card inside a King Arthur oven mitt.

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Burlington Signature Brew Tour: Burlington, Vermont

Town: Burlington · Starts at: $99 · Season: Year-round · Dogs: No

Send the beer aficionado in your life on a guided brewery tour in Burlington, Vermont, where they’ll get an insider’s perspective on the thriving craft beer scene in Vermont’s largest city.

Tour participants visit three breweries over about three and a half hours, meeting the owners and brewers behind Burlington’s most iconic pours.

The tour includes up to a dozen craft beers and a food pairing, as well as a fantastic tour guide and designated driver who will provide entertainment, history, and brewing knowledge.

Wrapping suggestion: Pair a City Brew Tours gift card with a six-pack of fantastic Burlington beers.

Read Next: The Most Incredible Breweries in Burlington, Vermont

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I hope our 2026 Vermont Experience Gift Guide has inspired you to celebrate all things Vermont this year while supporting small Vermont businesses.

Vermont Experience Gift FAQs

What are the best experience gifts in Vermont?

Memberships and passes offer the most bang for your buck: a Vermont State Parks pass, a membership to Billings Farm, VINS, ECHO, or Montshire, or a night at a Vermont Huts cabin. For grown-ups, a baking class at King Arthur in Norwich or a guided Burlington brewery tour is hard to beat.

Can you give a Vermont State Parks pass as a gift?

Yes. You can buy an individual season pass ($40), a vehicle pass for up to eight people ($105), or a 10-visit punch card ($40) online. Vermont State Parks also sells gift cards and e-gift certificates in any amount over $20 that can be used for day use or camping.

What are some unique experiences I can have in Vermont in winter?

Skate the roughly four-mile natural ice loop on Lake Morey in Fairlee, spend a night in a backcountry hut, ride a fat-tire e-bike on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, or swim at the Pump House indoor waterpark at Jay Peak while it snows outside.

Which Vermont experience gifts are dog-friendly?

Vermont State Parks allow leashed dogs on trails and in campgrounds, about a dozen Vermont Huts welcome dogs for at least part of the year, and dogs can join you on the public ice at Lake Morey under Fairlee’s town rules. Billings Farm and most museums don’t allow pets.

What are some unique gifts made in Vermont?

If you’d rather wrap something, pair an experience gift with something made here: Darn Tough socks, Billings Farm smoked cheddar, and Vermont maple syrup are always appreciated. Our Vermont-made gift guide has dozens more.

If nothing caught your eye here, check out our other Vermont gift guides:

• Vermont-Made Gifts for Everyone on Your List
• Classic Gifts from Vermont for Your Favorite People
• 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont E-Book

Do you have suggestions for Vermont experience gifts to add to our list? Drop us a comment and let us know!

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