Little House of the Fairy
September 26 & 27
Architectural alchemy transforms bark, twigs, stones and moss into a magical mini village for the Fairy House Festival at the Nature Museum in Grafton. Wend your way down a whimsical woodland path to find dozens of the ultimate tiny homes, then have a go at building your own. Grown-ups, prepare to be as enchanted as your children.
Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Nature Museum in Grafton. $5-20; free for kids under 3. Info, 802-843-2111.
Creature Feature
October 14
Chris and Martin Kratt, the brothers behind the über-popular “Wild Kratts” animated series on PBS, bring their interactive Wild Kratts Live 2.0 stage show to the Flynn in Burlington. The two adventurers don “power suits” to embark on an inspiring quest, face a comic villain and highlight the special abilities of numerous creatures from the animal world.
Wednesday, October 14, 3:30 & 6:30 p.m., at the Flynn Main Stage in Burlington. $38.71-199.52. Info, 802-863-5966.
Puppy Love
October 3
The mostly rescued canine celebrities of Puppy Pals Live bow-wowed on “America’s Got Talent”; now they bring their laugh-out-loud antics to the Barre Opera House. Sit and stay to watch these talented pooches — all beloved house pets when they’re not performing — run through their spectacular stunts. You might just get to join them onstage and become part of the act!
Saturday, October 3, 3 p.m., at the Barre Opera House $26-38. Info, 802-476-8188.
Play Fair
August 26-30
For the 180th year, the Caledonia County Fair marks the end of the growing season and stays true to its agricultural roots with cattle judging, ox and horse pulls, a tractor parade, and milking and sheepdog demos. More modern family fun includes carnival rides on the colorful midway, a sea lion splash show, live music and a demolition derby — all free with admission.
Wednesday, August 26, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Thursday, August 27, through Saturday, August 29, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, August 30, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., at the Caledonia County Fairgrounds in Lyndonville. $15-25. Info, 802-535-9015.
Your Own Sweet Time
September 12
The best celebrations feature sweet treats, but Rutland’s Whoopie Pie Fest gives them a party all their own. Sample cream-filled confections from bakers around New England while you take in street entertainers, live music, square dancing and food truck fare. Expect more than standard chocolate versions: A pumpkin-and-maple cream cheese gem won last year’s people’s choice award.
Saturday, September 12, noon-4 p.m., at various locations in downtown Rutland. Free; sample tickets, $1. Info, 802-773-1800.
Fall in Good Fun
September 26
Get a dose of quintessential small-town charm at the Bristol Harvest Festival, a picture-perfect paean to autumn in Vermont. More than 60 local artisans and crafters fill the town green, soundtracked by live music from the bandstand. Kids line up for pony rides and work off some energy on an ADA-compliant playground, while all ages slow their roll with old-timey horse-and-wagon rides.
Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Bristol Town Green. Free. Info, 802-388-7951.
Ghost Town
October 31
Spooky Saturday in St. Albans is the ultimate destination for kids who just can’t wait until dark to put on their Halloween costumes. Ghouls and goblins hone their trick-or-treating techniques at downtown shops, watch witches dance and monsters mash in Taylor Park, decorate pumpkins, and strut their stuff in a costume contest. Don’t forget to capture this year’s look at the photo booth.
Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Taylor Park in St. Albans. Free. Info, 802-524-1500, ext.263.
This article appears in Kids VT Back to School • 2026.
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