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Battery Park park in Burlington, VT
Photo: Thais Soares
View of Battery Park in Burlington, VT
Photo: debraj ghosal
View of Battery Park in Burlington, VT
Photo: PAUL RATHA YEM

Battery Park

4.5(1,007 reviews)FreePark
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers love the open grassy areas for playing and gentle beach access, while older kids enjoy the walking paths for biking and scootering, plus the lakeside rocks for exploring.

About

Battery Park is Burlington's crown jewel waterfront destination, offering families a perfect blend of natural beauty and active play along Lake Champlain. Kids can run freely on expansive grassy lawns, explore the sandy beach areas, and enjoy stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains while parents relax in one of Vermont's most picturesque settings.

Highlights

  • Sandy beach areas with gentle Lake Champlain access perfect for wading and sandcastle building
  • Wide open grassy lawns ideal for frisbee, soccer, kite flying, and picnics
  • Scenic lakefront promenade with mountain views and benches for resting
  • Connection to the 8-mile Burlington Bike Path for extended family adventures
  • Historic naval battery cannons that kids love to explore and photograph

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive early on summer weekends to snag shaded picnic spots near the waterfront and avoid the midday crowds
  2. 2.Bring bikes, scooters, or rollerblades,the paved paths are perfect for young riders and connect to Burlington's scenic bike path
  3. 3.Pack water shoes for the rocky beach areas, making it easier and safer for kids to explore the shoreline
  4. 4.The sunset views over the Adirondacks are spectacular,consider an evening picnic dinner for a memorable family experience
  5. 5.Free parking can be challenging in peak season; try the nearby parking garage on College Street or arrive via the bike path

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekday mornings or early evenings during summer for the best weather with fewer crowds. Fall offers stunning foliage views and cooler temperatures perfect for active play without the peak tourist season bustle.

What to Know

The park is free and open 24/7 with accessible paved paths throughout. Nearby Church Street Marketplace (5-minute walk) offers plenty of dining options, public restrooms, and family-friendly shops.

Seasonal Notes

While open year-round, the park is most popular May through October. Summer offers beach activities and warm weather fun, while fall provides gorgeous foliage. Winter visits are possible but limited to walking; the beach areas are less accessible when frozen.

Nearby Eats

Head to Penny Cluse Café (5-minute walk) for family-friendly brunch with creative pancakes kids love, or try Bluebird Barbecue on the waterfront for casual outdoor dining with lake views and kid-approved BBQ favorites.

More Activities Near Burlington

Park

Oakledge Park

Free

Oakledge Park is a Burlington gem offering families the perfect combination of beach fun and park amenities along beautiful Lake Champlain. Kids can splash in the sandy beach, burn energy on the playground, and families can enjoy picnics with stunning waterfront views. It's an ideal spot for a full morning or afternoon of outdoor play without breaking the bank.

Park

Waterfront Park

4.7Free

Waterfront Park is Burlington's family favorite, offering something for every age right on the shores of Lake Champlain. Kids can cool off in the splash pad during summer, explore multiple playgrounds, and enjoy scenic lakeside trails perfect for bikes and scooters. The open green spaces are ideal for picnics, kite-flying, and letting little ones run free while parents soak in stunning mountain and lake views.

Water Park

City Hall Park

3.5Free

City Hall Park's free splash pad is a summer lifesaver for families exploring downtown Burlington. Located right in the heart of the city, this water play area features kid-friendly jets and sprays that provide refreshing relief on hot Vermont days, making it perfect for a quick cool-down during your downtown adventures.

Museum

Birds of Vermont Museum

4.9$

The Birds of Vermont Museum offers a unique blend of natural history and outdoor exploration that captivates young nature lovers. Kids can discover beautifully carved bird specimens showcasing Vermont's avian wildlife, then explore miles of family-friendly nature trails through the surrounding woods where they might spot the real birds they just learned about inside.