Mindlock Escape Room in West Dover delivers family-friendly escape room excitement near Mount Snow with four immersive themed rooms that have earned TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice recognition in the top 10% of properties. This veteran-owned, women-owned business opened January 28, 2019 (nearly 7 years in operation) by mother-daughter duo Bibiana Braun and Janice Stuart, offering Vermont escape room adventures ranging from the beginner-friendly "Olly's Day Out" (difficulty 4/10) to the challenging "Murder in Manhattan" (difficulty 9/10). Pricing is exceptionally family-friendly at $28 per adult and just $12 per child 12 and under, with all bookings being private (no strangers in your group) and rooms accommodating 2-13 players across four distinct themes including a Sherlock Holmes mystery and high-tech zombie apocalypse scenario. Located at 131 Vermont Route 100 in Mount Snow Market Place, the facility operates Wednesday-Thursday and Sunday (2 PM - 7 PM) and Friday-Saturday (2 PM/11 AM - 10 PM), making it a perfect après-ski activity or rainy day Vermont attraction. Reviews consistently praise the experience with 100% recommend ratings on Facebook and quotes like "one of the best escape rooms I have ever been to" and "hidden gem here in West Dover," with customers highlighting the phenomenal ownership, clean design, and unique BYOB policy for adults 21+. The business features a board game café in the lobby where approximately 25% of customers purchase games, and rooms are seasonally rotated to provide fresh Vermont family activities for repeat visitors. With wheelchair accessibility, video monitor hint systems, and age-appropriate challenges for multi-generational families, this southern Vermont indoor entertainment venue serves as an ideal alternative to outdoor activities while providing team-building fun that one reviewer called "cheaper than therapy and way more entertaining.
Stratton Escape Room in Winhall has been delivering award-winning puzzle adventures since 2018 (7 years in business) with husband-wife team Rob Willis and Erica Bowman creating experiences that escape room enthusiasts with 70+ rooms under their belts call "better than many big city escape rooms." Located at 36 VT-30 directly across from Stratton Mountain Resort, this family-friendly escape room venue charges $30 per person for immersive 75-minute games like "The Pinehurst" (nostalgic 1980s dive bar), "The Botanist" (scientist's booby-trapped laboratory), and "Rube's Conundrum" (complex Rube Goldberg-inspired machines), plus outdoor walking adventures like "Escape the Village" through Stratton Village streets. The facility has earned TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards in the top 10% with 5-star reviews praising "unique puzzles we haven't seen before," "expertly crafted rooms," and experiences where "everyone can take part at all times" thanks to non-linear puzzle design. Operating by appointment 7 days a week (call 802-688-5009), rooms accommodate 2-10 players with the owners noting that while only 30% of teams complete rooms on time without hints, the goal is entertainment over winning, with helpful clues provided via video monitors when requested. Kids activities in Vermont just got more exciting as children are welcome with adult supervision (players 18+ don't need accompaniment), and multiple reviews mention successful family experiences with teenagers enjoying the intellectual challenges and mechanical puzzles. Beyond traditional escape rooms, Stratton offers virtual games ($49 for first household), custom corporate events (they've hosted 180+ people), cross-country treasure hunts across three difficulty levels within a 25-mile radius, and Tuesday "locals' night" deals for full-time Vermont residents. Rob, a former ski instructor who works at Stratton Mountain Resort, and Erica, a landscape architect, personally serve as gamemasters and have built a reputation for accommodating special requests, innovative puzzle design combining functional antiques with high-tech features, and creating Vermont-themed adventures including their original "Ski Chalet" room set in 1978 Stratton Mountain history.
Brattleboro Bowl is a beloved 20-lane bowling center at 865 Putney Road that has served as the Brattleboro area's only bowling alley for over 17 years, earning a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars on Google from 118 reviews and embodying its tagline "It's all about family...friends...and fun!!!" Current owners Kevin Napaver and Andrea Papanek purchased the establishment in 2017, transforming it into a cherished community hub that even received support from Barstool Sports' Barstool Fund during COVID-19, with founder Dave Portnoy noting "it looked like the type of place a million people have spent their childhood in." Bowling rates are affordable at $4.99-$5.50 per game with $3.25 shoe rentals, while the popular Cosmic Bowling on Friday and Saturday nights from 9-11PM offers two hours of glow-in-the-dark bowling with fog machines and music for just $18.69 per person including shoes. Beyond the lanes, families enjoy three pool tables ($1.50/game), a small arcade with air hockey and classic games plus Addams Family and Monopoly pinball machines, and a full-service bar and snack bar with surprisingly "delicious" food including mozzarella sticks and sweet potato fries. The venue hosts multiple bowling leagues for all ages and skill levels, including a notable year-round Senior League (50+) that members describe as "like family," plus corporate team-building events at $75/lane for 2 hours and popular New Year's Eve family celebrations. Hours are Monday 2-9PM, Tuesday-Thursday 2-10PM, Friday 2-11PM, and Saturday-Sunday starting at noon, with NFL Ticket on Sundays. For Vermont après-ski activities, Southern Vermont family bowling, birthday parties, or rainy day entertainment in Brattleboro, this locally-owned gem offers wholesome fun for all generations.
Putters Miniature Golf at Kampfires in Dummerston offers classic Vermont mini-golf fun on an 18-hole "drive around Vermont" themed course that's been entertaining families since the property was established as Hidden Acres Campground in 1986 (38+ years of operation), now owned by Whetstone Brands (creators of Whetstone Craft Beers). Located at 792 US Route 5, this seasonal mini golf Vermont attraction operates May 1 through October 15 daily from 10 AM until dark, featuring a Vermont-themed course with bright green fairways, road-style obstacles, and the unique amenity of cup holders at every hole for sodas, beer, and wine. The incredible value of a $24.99 unlimited season pass makes this one of the most affordable family activities in southern Vermont, with individual games priced at $6.99 per person, while the old-school, classic course design with NEW GREENS installed in 2020 provides fun and challenging gameplay for all ages with no age restrictions. Reviews across TripAdvisor (4/5 stars from 65 reviews), RV Life (8.6/10), and Facebook consistently praise the clean facilities and variety of on-site entertainment, with one camper noting "I call Kampfires a resort because it is, mini golf, shuffle board, horseshoes and a most excellent pool." Beyond mini golf, families can enjoy Scoops Ice Cream Shop with signature twisters and sundaes, a newly renovated 70,000-gallon swimming pool (Cannonballs Swim Club), Rollin' Stone Mobile Bier Garten food truck serving bourbon chicken and pizzas, plus additional activities including horseshoes, shuffleboard, badminton, giant Connect Four, and a creative playground with pirate ship and castle. The property features accessibility toolbar options, accepts pets, offers free Wi-Fi, and provides group event hosting for 10-300 people with a base facility fee of $13.99 per person, making it an ideal destination for Brattleboro area families seeking full-day entertainment combining kids attractions Vermont with dining and recreation in one convenient Route 5 location just off I-91.
Gravitate Pinball is a dedicated pinball gallery in downtown Brattleboro, VT that has offered unlimited retro gaming fun since opening in June 2023, positioning itself as one of only three pinball-focused arcades in all of Vermont. Owned by married couple Steve Faure and David Treadwell, who relocated from Texas, the gallery at 42 Harmony Place features 16 well-maintained pinball machines spanning vintage classics like Dungeons & Dragons (1987) and Rocky & Bullwinkle (1993) to premium modern titles including Deadpool, Led Zeppelin, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Guardians of the Galaxy. The straightforward $10 admission includes unlimited play on all machines—no quarters or tokens needed—making it exceptional value for Vermont family entertainment and rainy day activities. Hours are Friday 4-10PM, Saturday 12-10PM, and Sunday 12-6PM, with free admission during Brattleboro's monthly First Friday Gallery Walk, reflecting the owners' community-first philosophy. Private event rentals start at $100/hour for birthday parties, graduation celebrations, or corporate gatherings, with catering available from A Vermont Table located in the same building. Reviewers praise the well-maintained collection mixing "a little more antique" machines with "recent years" models, the easy downtown location near I-91 Exit 2 and the Amtrak station, and the focused atmosphere that treats pinball as art rather than arcade filler. For pinball enthusiasts, retro gaming fans, and families seeking unique Brattleboro attractions, Gravitate delivers an authentic flipper experience that owner Steve Faure describes as "a futile struggle against gravity" that "still makes me laugh.
BrattCave Bouldering Gym in Brattleboro offers an intimate Vermont climbing gym experience that families searching for kids activities and bouldering adventures will love. Founded in 2017 by Tom Mizrahi after a crowdfunding campaign, this 1,100-square-foot climbing gym for families welcomes climbers of all ages with walls hand-built by Brattleboro residents and murals painted by local Vermont artists. Day passes cost just $10 with $5 shoe rentals, while monthly memberships run $40 and family memberships are available, making this one of the most affordable climbing options in southern Vermont. Located in the historic Cotton Mill Building at 74 Cotton Mill Hill suite #A-252, the gym features bouldering walls with pole vaulting pads for safe landings, a MoonBoard for advanced training, plus weight racks, punching bags, and campus boards for comprehensive fitness activities. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive with 4.9 stars from 16 reviewers praising the "friendly staff," "difficult routes," and "great community-based bouldering gym" atmosphere, while Facebook shows 98% recommend ratings. The facility operates evenings Monday-Thursday (6-9 PM) and weekend mornings, with members enjoying keycode access from 6 AM to 9 PM daily, and the space includes a lounge area with locally sourced snacks, coffee, and the unique feature of allowing visitors to play their own music on the speakers. Beyond climbing, BrattCave hosts theme nights including Magic: The Gathering events and Queer Climb nights, creating a welcoming community hub that combines serious bouldering challenges with a relaxed, "down-homey vibe" perfect for beginner families and experienced climbers alike.
Chaos Rage Room is Vermont's first and only registered rage/smash room, offering a unique stress relief experience at 120 Depot St in Bennington, VT since opening in July 2024. This family-owned business, operated by JD Chapman, provides a judgment-free space where visitors aged 13+ can smash electronics, glassware, and microwave ovens using baseball bats, golf clubs, hammers, and 8-pound sledgehammers in sessions ranging from 10 minutes to one hour. For families with younger children, the Paint Rage Room ("Messy Masterpiece") welcomes all ages with acrylic paint-throwing on canvas, making this a versatile destination for Southern Vermont family entertainment. Packages include creatively named options like "Angry Toddler," "Stress Relief," "Infused Rage," and "Cheaper Than Therapy," with additional amenities including a small arcade, blacklight party room, and Bluetooth speakers for playing personal playlists. First responders, military members, and teachers receive a 10% discount with valid ID, and the venue accommodates team-building events for corporate groups of 12-14 people. Hours are Wednesday-Thursday 2-7PM, Friday 2-9PM, and Saturday 11AM-9PM, with the business consistently recognized among Yelp's "Top 10 Best Fun Things to Do at Night in Bennington, VT." Whether seeking unique date night ideas in Vermont, teen-friendly activities, or alternative stress management near Manchester and Arlington, Chaos Rage Room delivers an unforgettable experience combining entertainment with emotional release.
Pastime Pinball in Manchester Center is a world-class pinball arcade and living museum featuring 66 pristine pinball machines spanning 1947 to present day, founded by husband-and-wife team Beth and Marty Friedman who opened on Black Friday, November 29, 2019 after spending 1.5 years sourcing machines across the Northeast. The 4802 Main Street location, now celebrating 5 years in business, houses the historic 1947 "Humpty Dumpty" (the first pinball game with player-controlled flippers) alongside classics like Addams Family, Twilight Zone, Funhouse with working Rudy animatronic, and modern hits like Elton John Collector's Edition, Ghostbusters, and Jim Henson's Labyrinth, all chronologically arranged across three levels allowing visitors to "play through pinball history." Admission is $27 for ages 13+ and $22 for ages 4-12 for unlimited Stay & Play passes (30-minute sampler passes available for $16/$13), with all machines set to FREE PLAY requiring no quarters, making it a Travelers' Choice Award winner in the top 10% of TripAdvisor properties with 116+ overwhelmingly positive reviews praising the "pristine," "museum-quality" collection. Open Thursday-Sunday from noon (closing 6pm-7pm depending on day, closed Monday-Wednesday), this Vermont pinball destination features vintage rifle games, shuffle bowlers, classic arcade games like Pac-Man, plus a mezzanine snack bar serving root beer floats made with local Vermont ice cream, warm soft pretzels, Vermont craft beer and hard cider (though drinks cannot be taken to pinball floors to protect 70+ year old electronics). The former retail space converted to a three-level arcade includes informational cards for each machine detailing artist information, pop culture relevance, and historical context, earning reviews like "In my lifetime of arcade visits, this one is by far and away the top" and "Pure magic...unlike anything I have ever seen." Pastime Pinball welcomes well-behaved dogs, hosts birthday parties and corporate events, partners with Kimpton Taconic Hotel for "Pinball Wizard Weekend" packages, and has become a must-visit destination drawing visitors from Boston, NYC, Pennsylvania, and beyond who consistently rate it worth 2+ hour drives.
Bromley Mountain, known as "Vermont's Sun Mountain," has been delighting visitors since 1936—making it one of New England's oldest continuously operating mountain resorts with nearly 89 years of history. Founded by Fred Pabst Jr., grandson of the Pabst Blue Ribbon beer founder, this family-friendly destination nestled in the Green Mountain National Forest is the only major ski area in New England with a southern exposure, offering sun-drenched 360-degree panoramic views of the Green Mountains from its summit. The Vermont scenic chairlift ride aboard the Sun Mountain Express—a roughly 10-minute journey—takes guests to a new 4-story observation deck at the peak, with single ride tickets priced at $28, while children under 48" ride free with a ticketed adult. Bromley's legendary triple-track Alpine Slide—North America's first and still one of the world's longest at 2/3 mile—winds through mountain terrain accessible via the scenic chairlift, also priced at $28 per ride. For fall foliage chairlift Vermont enthusiasts, the resort operates scenic lift rides on weekends from Labor Day through mid-October, perfectly timed for peak leaf-peeping season when hillsides blaze with fiery reds, oranges, and golds. Additional mountain scenic rides include the Sun Mountain Flyer—four side-by-side zip lines spanning half a mile at speeds up to 50 mph—and a Giant Swing soaring 4 stories high at nearly 40 mph. Customer reviews are highly favorable, with a 4.6/5 rating on Google (1,019+ reviews), and Ski magazine has ranked Bromley a Top-3 "kid-friendly" East coast ski area. The Mountain Adventure Park operates daily 10:30am–5:00pm from mid-June through Labor Day, then weekends only through mid-October for Bromley Mountain summer rides and autumn adventures.
North Meadow Farm is a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award-winning 25-acre working farm in Manchester, VT that has delighted families since opening its farm store on Memorial Day 2018, earning a stellar 4.9 out of 5 stars from 128 reviews and ranking #2 of 32 things to do in Manchester. Founded in 2017 when partners Lysa Connors Cross, David Johnson, and Jesse Pomeroy revived a neglected Green Mountain property, this authentic Vermont petting zoo and artisan creamery houses approximately 50 animals including cows, Percheron draft horses, miniature rescue donkeys, alpacas, goats, sheep, pigs, bunnies, ducks, and chickens—many with heartwarming rescue stories. Unlike typical petting farms, North Meadow offers hands-on interaction where visitors can enter pens, pet animals, and even hold baby goats and piglets during spring lambing season, with admission around $8.95-$10 as a suggested donation. The on-site cheese cave produces award-winning Vermont artisan cheeses including fresh curds, Baby Gouda, Farm Parm, sharp cheddar, and jalapeño maple varieties, with free cheese tastings available daily alongside grass-fed raw milk, farm-fresh eggs, and Wilcox's ice cream. Reviewers rave it's "the quintessential Vermont farm" and "the highlight of our trip," praising the knowledgeable guides, children's playground, and educational value teaching kids where food comes from. Open daily 10AM-4PM year-round (with reduced winter petting farm hours but never turning visitors away), North Meadow Farm is the perfect Manchester VT family activity for leaf peepers, school groups, and anyone seeking authentic Southern Vermont farm experiences.
Otter Creek Fun Center at 1800 US-7 in Danby is a comprehensive family entertainment destination featuring a state-of-the-art 18-hole miniature golf course with cascading waterfalls and shooting fountains, 30-game video arcade with redemption prizes, 250+ yard driving range with mountain views, Double Castle Combo Bounce House ($6 all day with required socks), plus a full restaurant serving made-from-scratch food and Vermont's legendary maple creemee soft-serve ice cream. Founded in 2015 by owners Anthony Scory and Patti Panebianco after a nearly $1 million self-funded investment and 10-year journey from property purchase to opening, this 4,800-square-foot facility represents 35 years of family entertainment center industry experience and opened with 7-day operation from 10am-10pm (current hours 11am-9:30pm Monday-Sunday year-round). The 1800 US-7 location earns 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google and 4.2 on Restaurant Guru (263 reviews), ranking #3 of 6 things to do in Danby on TripAdvisor, with customers raving that "the food is all homemade...not your typical snack bar quality," praising the owner's own pizza sauce recipe, locally-grown Caesar wrap lettuce, and wings that "may have been the best I've had in years." The signature Vermont Maple Creemee consistently earns reviews like "the best in Vermont," "ridiculously good," and "Vermont Maple Rich full maple flavor," made from genuine Vermont maple syrup and available in sizes from kiddie ($1.75) to quart ($8.00), while the ice cream menu includes hard ice cream, waffle cones/bowls, shakes, smoothies, floats, sundaes ($3.50-$6.00), and banana splits with 16 topping options at $0.50 each. Open year-round unlike many seasonal Vermont attractions, Otter Creek Fun Center offers birthday party packages (minimum 10 guests) including 2 pizza slices per child, bottomless soda, 90 minutes table time, 300 bonus arcade tickets for birthday child, 3 hours bounce time, and $5 arcade cards, plus fundraising programs, corporate events, school functions, and group packages with breakfast buffets and unlimited 3-hour play passes. The food menu spans kids meals with fries and soft drinks, burgers from classic to jalapeño varieties, wraps (teriyaki chicken, chicken Caesar, BBQ chicken), sandwiches (Philly cheese steak, grilled chicken), appetizers (spicy buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, onion rings), and homemade pizza available for dine-in and takeout with reasonable pricing. Reviews note the mini-golf course is "beautiful and one of the most challenging courses we have played yet" with unique "holes at an angle" design, while the "well-designed" layout and water features provide cooling on hot days, though some reviews mention the owner can be "rude and nasty" with inconsistent customer service experiences creating a split in feedback between those praising "excellent customer service" and "amazingly ambitious and friendly people" versus confrontational incidents.
