Photo: Dan Petit
Photo: Jeff Morrill
Photo: Jordan Clair Verdin Krol
Oakledge Park
FreePark
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 1-12. Toddlers love playing in the shallow beach water and sandbox areas, while elementary-aged kids enjoy the playground equipment and swimming. The open spaces are perfect for babies and crawlers to explore safely.🧡 Saved by 9 families
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓Sandy beach with gradual entry into Lake Champlain, perfect for young swimmers
- ✓Well-maintained playground with equipment for various age groups
- ✓Spacious picnic areas with tables and grills for family cookouts
- ✓Scenic lakefront walking paths ideal for strollers
- ✓Stunning sunset views over the Adirondack Mountains across the lake
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 10am on summer weekends to snag prime picnic table spots and parking,this park gets very popular on warm days
- 2.Bring water shoes as the beach can be rocky in spots, making it easier for little ones to wade comfortably
- 3.Pack a cooler with lunch and snacks since food options aren't available on-site, and you'll want to maximize your beach time
- 4.The playground is located near the parking area, so consider playing there first before kids get sandy and wet at the beach
- 5.Check out the TreeGo aerial adventure course nearby if you have older kids looking for an extra challenge
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings during summer (June-August) for the best beach experience with smaller crowds. Early morning offers calmer waters for young swimmers and cooler temperatures. Spring and fall are lovely for playground visits and picnics without the beach crowds.
What to Know
The park is free to enter with ample parking available (though it fills quickly on peak summer days). There are restrooms and changing facilities on-site, but no food concessions, so plan to bring your own snacks and meals.
Seasonal Notes
The beach is most popular Memorial Day through Labor Day, though the park and playground are accessible year-round. Lake swimming is comfortable June through early September. Off-season visits offer peaceful playground time and beautiful fall foliage or winter walking opportunities without beach access.
Nearby Eats
Head to Juniper at Hotel Vermont (10 minutes away) for elevated comfort food with a kids menu, or stop at Bluebird Barbecue for family-friendly BBQ that kids love. Both are easy drives back into downtown Burlington.
More Activities Near Burlington
Park
Waterfront Park
★4.7Free❤️369
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.
Park
Battery Park
★4.5Free❤️201
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.
Museum
Birds of Vermont Museum
★4.9$❤️66
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.
Museum
Shelburne Museum
★4.8$$❤️46
Shelburne Museum is a sprawling 45-acre campus featuring 39 buildings filled with folk art, quilts, vintage toys, carriages, and even a historic steamboat that kids can explore. The outdoor grounds offer plenty of space for children to roam between exhibits, discover beautiful gardens, and burn off energy while parents enjoy world-class collections in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.