Best Parks in Chittenden County Vermont
Welcome to Vermont, where natural beauty meets outdoor adventure! Today, we're taking you on a tour of some of the best parks in Chittenden County Vermont. Whether you're a local looking for a new spot to relax or a visitor wanting to explore, these parks offer something for everyone. Let's dive in!
Bayside Park
First up is Bayside Park, located in Colchester. This park is one of my all-time favorites with its stunning lakeside views and well-maintained facilities. Bayside Park is perfect for family outings, with a sandy beach, playground, and picnic areas. I remember doing fun days here as part of school trips and visiting each year for one of Vermont’s best firework displays. There is a rentable pavilion next to the playground that can host up to 100 people, perfect for a large family reunion.
The best time to visit is during the summer months when you can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Beach access and parking are FREE. The scenic bike path connects to the greater Colchester network. Full amenities include a basketball court, tennis, skate park, sand volleyball court, and a softball field with lights. Learn more about Bayside Park on the Colchester Parks and Recreation website.
Bombardier Park
Next, we head to Bombardier Park in Milton. Known for its expansive green spaces and sports facilities, this park is ideal for outdoor adventure and sports enthusiasts. You’ll find basketball courts, Gaga ball, baseball fields, tennis courts, a disc golf course, horseshoe courts, and two playgrounds. There is also a covered pavilion for parties or picnics. Bombardier Park hosts community events throughout the year, including farmers markets and summer music in the park series with a stage, food trucks, and lawn games. There is also a dog park for your furry friends. Check the Milton Parks and Recreation website for more information.
Red Rocks Park
Red Rocks Park in South Burlington is a must-visit for nature lovers and those wanting a fairly flat easy hike with a bonus beach stop! Famous for its dramatic cliffs and wooded trails, as well as its breathtaking views of Lake Champlain. The best feature here is undoubtedly the cliff diving spots, but there are also numerous hiking trails that vary in difficulty. This park is open all year round at no cost with plenty of parking.
Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit, with the foliage adding a burst of color to your hike. Dogs are allowed on leash on trails but prohibited at the beach. For more details, check the Red Rocks Trail Map.
Maple Street Park
In Essex Junction, Maple Street Park is a hub of community activity. One of its key features is the community pool, with a section for small children including a splash pad, and slide along with a larger deeper pool over 10 feet deep with a double height diving board. This park is fantastic for families, with activities for kids of all ages. The playground consists of slides, climbing walls, monkey bars, and swings.
Another unique feature is the bike park complete with a variety of jumps and wooden features built for riders of all abilities. Other amenities include a skate park, basketball courts, three baseball fields, and tennis and sand volleyball courts. On-site ice cream and snacks by the pool make it even better. More information can be found on the Essex Parks and Recreation website.
Marcotte Central Park
Rick Marcotte Central School Playground in South Burlington is a unique spot with its interactive Biba playground app. The app presents imagination-centric adventures aimed at getting kids naturally active. One of my daughter’s favorites was collecting tiny baby robots! This playground was created with community support and built in 2014. It features a colorful array of play structures designed to spark imagination and a playful spirit.
There’s something for every child here: swings, slides, climbing frames, and even a sandbox. The equipment is modern, safe, and well-maintained, making it a perfect spot for children to burn off energy and for parents to relax and socialize. Great for a family basketball adventure as well as being adjacent to the school’s sports fields, so there’s often a lively atmosphere with soccer games or kids practicing their baseball skills.
Note that this is a school playground, so it's best to visit outside school hours.
Volunteers Green Park
When you want to sneak in a quick river excursion, then find your way back to the playground, Volunteers Green Park in Richmond is your go-to spot. It also has my favorite date night swings that don’t squeak and are made for adults. It’s a great blend of open field and shaded spots. This is also right near the famous Richmond Round Church. Grab a meal after from the farmers market, Richmond Community Kitchen, or one of its downtown restaurants. Dogs are allowed, and there’s free parking.
Veterans Memorial Park
One of the largest parks in South Burlington, Veterans Memorial Park brings together different neighborhoods. This is the host to South Burlington Night Out with food trucks and fun. You will find a different band each week playing underneath the Rotary Community Band Shell. Cairnes is an ice-skating facility with two sheets of ice. There is baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and basketball. Large pavilions and playgrounds offer a great space to bring family together for picnics or parties. Between this park and its sister park, Wheeler Nature Memorial, there is a large dog park as well. This park connects to the extensive bike path network that is part of South Burlington. Incredibly well-maintained with several spaces to enjoy sun or shade, this park is a must-visit.
Landry Park
Last but not least, Landry Park in Winooski offers one of the best sledding hills in the area along with amazing access to its neighbor, the Winooski Pool. This park is where locals come together for rec sports, softball leagues, tennis, summer picnics, and the skate park. I remember this park fondly for the times I played softball as a young teen and when they’d let the parking lot freeze over so we could go ice skating. This park features a large playground for kids and walking trails on its 17-acre parcel. It’s also quite bikeable, with easy access to nearby trails. There’s plenty of on-site parking. Early morning or late afternoon visits are best, especially in the summer when you can avoid the midday heat. Open dawn to dusk. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
It's hard not to keep going as there are many other notable options such as: Veterans Memorial, Wheeler Natural Park, Sandhill Park, City Center Park, Airport Park, Starr Farm Playground, and Williston Village Community Park. Check out my video shorts to get a sneak peek into these parks as well.
There you have it—some of the best parks in Chittenden County, each with its unique charm and attractions. Whether you're into hiking, biking, swimming, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, these parks offer a little something for everyone. Which park will you visit next? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to like and subscribe for more Vermont adventures. See you in the next video, where we explore the most walkable neighborhoods in Chittenden County.
For more information on the best playgrounds in Chittenden County, check out Find and Go Seek's post.
Comentarios