Burlington or Stowe, VT - Family Summer Trip
 

I am planning a family (10 & 6 yrs) vacation in August. We are traveling to the Adirondacks, White and Green Mountains. We only have 2 or 3 night in the Green Mountain region and I am trying to decide between a stay in Stowe or Burlington (or possibly another town). We are looking for a place best for a family that enjoys outdoor activities (swimming, canoeing, hiking). In Stowe, I have been looking at Green Mountain Inn or Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Our budget is no more than $300/night.

You're comparing apples and oranges. Burlington is the largest city in Vt, about 60,000 people. It is situated on Lake Champlain, and has great beaches and a fabulous bike trail - but it is a big city. Stowe is a small town geared towards skiers, hikers, bicyclists, etc in the heart of the Green Mountains. I've heard great things about the Trapp Family Lodge.

It sounds like Stowe would fit your family's interests. But make sure you visit Burlington! The waterfront on Lake Champlain has a science museum, biking trails.
Lots of good restaurants on pedestrianized Pearl Street. I love Burlinton and could dasily live there. The University of Vermont, UVM, is at the top of the hill and worth a look.m

We love Stowe, lots of great restaurants. We stay at Smugglers Notch resort. We stay during the off season, but I know they have lots of children's activites during the summer.