Guests staying with us in July and August almost always ask the same question on day two: what should we actually do with the kids? The Deerfield Valley answers that better than most mountain towns, because the same trails and lakes that draw hikers and paddlers in summer are just as good for a family with a six-year-old and a stroller. Here are ten family-friendly activities near Mount Snow that consistently work for a range of ages, all within a short drive of West Dover and Wilmington.
Swim at Wards Cove on Harriman Reservoir
Wards Cove is the easiest lake day in the area — a sandy, gently sloping shoreline that lets younger kids wade in without a steep drop-off, plus room on the grass for a picnic blanket. It gets busy on the hottest weekends, so an early start helps. Read our full guide to Wards Cove for parking and access details.
Paddle Lake Raponda
Lake Raponda is smaller and calmer than Harriman, which makes it a good pick for a first kayak or paddleboard outing with older kids. The water stays warm through mid-summer, and there is a public swimming area if paddling turns into a swim break. See our Lake Raponda paddling guide for rental options.
Pick Blueberries at Boyd Family Farm
Right now is peak season — the Deerfield Valley’s blueberry festival traditionally runs the first ten days of August, and Boyd Family Farm’s pick-your-own fields are the centerpiece of it. Bring a container, wear old clothes, and let the kids eat more than they collect. Our Boyd Family Farm guide covers what to expect.
Meet the Animals at Adams Family Farm
Adams Family Farm’s petting zoo and wagon rides are built for the under-ten crowd, with goats, chickens, and other animals kids can get close to. It is an easy hour or two that does not require much planning. Read more about visiting Adams Family Farm.
Ride the Scenic Chairlift at Mount Snow
Mount Snow runs its lifts through the summer, carrying visitors up for mountain views without a hike. It is a good option for a family with mixed ages and energy levels, or for grandparents joining the trip. See our guide to the summer chairlift for hours and ticket details.
Play a Round of Disc Golf
The disc golf course at the Horace Recreational Area is free, wooded, and forgiving for beginners, which makes it a solid family activity that does not require any special skill. Bring your own discs or share a set between players. Our disc golf guide has the course layout.
Hike to the Mount Olga Fire Tower
Inside Molly Stark State Park, the trail to the Mount Olga fire tower is short and manageable for most kids, and the climb to the top of the tower rewards them with a real payoff view. Read our Mount Olga fire tower guide before you go.
Chase a Waterfall
Southern Vermont has several waterfalls within a short drive that make for an easy, scenic stop — good for a mid-afternoon break between bigger activities. Our waterfall hikes guide lists which ones are the easiest walk in.
Go Bowling at North Star
Keep this one in your back pocket for a rainy afternoon or a break from the heat. North Star’s candlepin lanes and mini golf in Wilmington are an easy indoor fallback that works for a wide age range. See our North Star Bowl guide.
Try Geocaching
Geocaching turns a walk in the woods into a scavenger hunt, using nothing more than a phone and a free app. The trail network above Lake Raponda has a solid concentration of caches for a short outing. Our geocaching guide covers the best routes to start with.
More to Explore Near Mount Snow
- Things to Do at Mount Snow in August — a broader look at the month’s best activities
- Free Things to Do Near Mount Snow — budget-friendly options for the same trip
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants in West Dover and Wilmington — where to refuel afterward
- Rainy Day Guide to West Dover and Wilmington — more indoor backups
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family-friendly activities near Mount Snow?
Lake time is hard to beat — Wards Cove on Harriman Reservoir and Lake Raponda both offer easy swimming for a range of ages, with room to picnic and stay for most of the day.
Is Lake Raponda good for young kids?
Yes. It is smaller and calmer than Harriman Reservoir, with a public swimming area, which makes it a gentler option for younger kids or first-time paddlers.
Are there indoor activities near Mount Snow for a rainy day?
North Star’s bowling and mini golf in Wilmington is the most reliable indoor fallback in the area, and it works well for mixed-age groups.
How far are these activities from Valley View Villa?
Most are within a 10 to 15 minute drive of West Dover and Wilmington, which keeps drive time short between activities and back to the house.
