Remember when your biggest worry was whether to have chocolate milk or apple juice with your snack?

Well, dust off your inner child and join me on a whimsical journey through Vermont’s most delightful attractions!

1. Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum (Rutland)

Imagine a place where touching everything isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged!

That’s the Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum for you.

This pint-sized paradise in downtown Rutland is like a playground for curious minds, where learning and laughter go hand in hand.

As you approach, you’ll spot the cheerful purple footprint sign, beckoning you to step into a world of wonder.

Inside, it’s a kaleidoscope of colors and activities that’ll make you wish you could shrink back to kid-size.

From hands-on science experiments to art projects that would make Jackson Pollock jealous, this place is a treasure trove of “a-ha!” moments.

But here’s the kicker – adults get to join in on the fun too!

So go ahead, build that epic block tower, conduct a wacky weather experiment, or unleash your inner Picasso.

Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself giggling like a schoolkid again.

After all, who says learning can’t be a hoot and a half?

2. Pastime Pinball (Manchester Center)

Ding, ding, ding!

No, that’s not the sound of your nostalgia alarm going off – it’s the sweet symphony of pinball machines at Pastime Pinball in Manchester Center.

This place is like a time machine disguised as an arcade, whisking you back to an era when high scores were the ultimate bragging rights.

As you step inside, the neon glow and familiar clinking of metal balls will transport you faster than you can say “tilt.”

With machines ranging from vintage classics to modern marvels, it’s a veritable buffet of flipper-flipping fun.

And let’s be honest, there’s something oddly satisfying about the tactile nature of pinball that no smartphone game can replicate.

Whether you’re a pinball wizard or a novice nudger, Pastime Pinball welcomes all.

Just be prepared for some friendly competition – nothing brings out the playful trash talk quite like a heated pinball match.

And who knows?

You might just discover your hidden talent for multi-ball madness.

Game on, folks!

3. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium (St. Johnsbury)

Hold onto your curiosity caps, folks, because the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury is about to blow your mind wider than the cosmos itself.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, “don’t touch that” kind of museum.

Oh no, it’s a wonderland of natural history, science, and stargazing that’ll make you feel like a wide-eyed kid on a field trip again.

The moment you lay eyes on the stunning Richardsonian Romanesque building, you know you’re in for something special.

Inside, it’s like Mother Nature’s greatest hits album come to life.

From stuffed critters that look ready to scamper off their pedestals to gemstones that sparkle brighter than a disco ball, every corner is an invitation to explore.

But the real showstopper?

The planetarium.

Lean back in your seat and prepare for a cosmic journey that’ll make you feel smaller than an ant at a giant’s picnic.

As the stars swirl overhead, you might just find yourself pondering life’s big questions – or at least wondering if Pluto is still salty about its demotion.

4. The World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet (Burlington)

Ever felt like your to-do list was taller than you?

Well, prepare to feel a whole lot better about your organizational skills when you feast your eyes on the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet in Burlington.

This 38-drawer monstrosity stands proudly at 40 feet tall, like a skyscraper for paper clips.

Created by local artist Bren Alvarez, this quirky landmark is a tongue-in-cheek jab at bureaucratic inefficiency.

It’s as if someone took the phrase “file it away” way too literally.

Standing before it, you can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity – and maybe feel a twinge of sympathy for the poor soul tasked with retrieving anything from the top drawer.

So, go ahead and snap that obligatory “look how tiny I am” photo.

Just don’t get any ideas about using it to store your tax returns.

Something tells me the IRS wouldn’t appreciate the humor quite as much as we do.

5. Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour (Waterbury)

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, prepare your taste buds for the sweetest ride of your life – the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour in Waterbury!

This is where ice cream dreams come true, and diet resolutions go to die (but hey, it’s worth it).

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As you approach, you’ll spot the iconic cow-spotted tour bus, a harbinger of the creamy delights that await.

Inside, it’s like Willy Wonka’s factory got a Vermont makeover.

The air is thick with the scent of waffle cones and possibility, and you half expect to see Oompa Loompas churning out pints of Chunky Monkey.

The tour itself is a delightful blend of education and indulgence.

You’ll learn about the company’s history, sustainable practices, and the magic behind their flavor creations.

But let’s be real – we’re all here for the tasting room.

As you sample the flavor of the day, you’ll understand why Ben & Jerry’s has a cult following that rivals most rock bands.

Just remember, folks – pace yourselves.

Brain freeze is real, and no one wants to see you ugly-crying into your Cherry Garcia.

6. Shelburne Museum (Shelburne)

Buckle up, time travelers!

The Shelburne Museum is about to take you on a journey through American history that’s more exciting than your high school textbook ever was.

This place is like a real-life version of “Night at the Museum,” minus the chaos (and hopefully the T-Rex).

Spread across 45 acres, this open-air museum is a collection of 39 historic buildings that have been relocated and lovingly restored.

It’s like someone took the best bits of New England history and created the world’s coolest village.

From a lighthouse that was transported from Lake Champlain to a steamboat that’s decidedly landlocked, every step is a new adventure.

Inside these buildings, you’ll find everything from quilts that could tell a thousand stories to carriages that make horse-drawn Ubers seem like a missed opportunity.

And let’s not forget the circus building – because nothing says “educational day out” quite like a miniature three-ring circus.

So put on your most comfortable walking shoes and prepare to step back in time.

Just try not to get too attached to the idea of churning your own butter or using an outhouse.

Modern conveniences are pretty nice, after all.

7. Vermont Antique Mall (Quechee)

Attention all treasure hunters and nostalgia enthusiasts!

The Vermont Antique Mall in Quechee is calling your name.

This place is like your grandma’s attic, if your grandma collected cool stuff from every decade of the last century and organized it into a labyrinth of wonder.

As you step into this 17,000 square foot paradise of yesteryear, prepare to lose all sense of time.

From vintage clothing that’ll make you wish you lived in the ’50s to kitschy kitchen gadgets that’ll have you questioning the sanity of past generations, every nook and cranny is a potential gold mine of quirky finds.

But here’s a pro tip: bring a snack.

Because once you start exploring, you might forget about trivial things like lunch.

And trust me, trying to decide between that retro lava lamp and the set of vintage postcards on an empty stomach is a recipe for buyer’s remorse.

So channel your inner American Picker and dive in.

Just don’t blame me if you come out with a lava lamp, three vintage lunch boxes, and a sudden urge to start a vinyl record collection.

8. Billings Farm & Museum (Woodstock)

Last stop on our nostalgia express: Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock.

This isn’t just any old farm – it’s a time capsule of agricultural life that’ll make you appreciate your microwave and indoor plumbing like never before.

As you wander the grounds, you’ll encounter Jersey cows that are probably living better lives than most of us, draft horses that could pull a semi-truck (okay, maybe not, but they’re impressive), and sheep that… well, they’re sheep.

They’re fluffy and they go “baa.”

What more do you want?

The real magic happens when you step into the meticulously restored 1890s farmhouse.

It’s like walking onto the set of “Little House on the Prairie,” minus the long skirts and suspenders (unless that’s your thing, in which case, you do you).

You’ll learn about 19th-century farm life, from churning butter to preserving vegetables.

Spoiler alert: it was a lot of work.

But the best part?

The hands-on activities.

Whether you’re milking a fake cow (sorry, real Bessie isn’t up for strangers manhandling her udders) or trying your hand at some old-timey chores, you’ll gain a new appreciation for modern conveniences.

And maybe, just maybe, you’ll think twice before complaining about taking out the trash.

Well, folks, our journey through Vermont’s most charming and childlike attractions has come to an end.

Let the journey unfold!

This map is your guide to every twist, turn, and unforgettable stop ahead.

So go forth, embrace your inner kid, and remember – growing up is optional, but having fun is mandatory!