Kids VT, July 2013

✱ THE SCOOP ON VERMONT’S NEWEST ICE CREAMS

✱ SUMMER TRIPS, FROM ZIP LINES TO OLD SHIPS

✱ SUP’S UP: PADDLEBOARDING ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN

Su er Desperately

S king

[1] Based on a 2011 World Health Organization report.

“Children who were chronically exposed to aircraft noise ... had significant increases in blood pressure, significant increases in stress hormones, and a decline in quality of life.” — Air Force EIS, May 2013

“There is overwhelming evidence that exposure to environmental noise has adverse effects on the health of the population. Recognizing the special need to protect children from the harmful effects of noise, (they)...called on all stakeholders to work together to reduce the exposure of children to noise” — World Health Organization, 2011

“Children may suffer disproportionately...They are less able to protect themselves. Because their smaller ear canals magnify the sounds entering the ear canals.... a 20-decibel difference can exist between adult and infant ears.”

— Executive Order on Protection of Children, April 2003

if the f35 is based in burlington, 50% of children in the high noise area will suffer cognitive impairment

STAFF

Copublisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

Copublisher/Executive Editor Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com ext. 74

Creative Director Don Eggert don@kidsvt.com ext. 71

Managing Editor Carolyn Fox carolyn@kidsvt.com ext. 73

Director of Marketing & Events Corey Grenier corey@kidsvt.com ext. 76

Account Executive Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com ext. 72

Editorial in Kids VT is for general informational purposes. Parents must use their own discretion for following the advice in any editorial piece. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute service/product endorsement. Kids VT is a proud member of the Parenting Media Association. Kids VT distribution is audited for accuracy.

Da Capo Publishing shall not be held liable to any advertiser for any loss that results from the incorrect publication of its advertisement. If a mistake is ours, and the advertising purpose has been rendered valueless, Da Capo Publishing may cancel the charges for the advertisement, or a portion thereof as deemed reasonable by the publisher. Da Capo Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including inserts, at the discretion of the publishers.

Copy Editor Paula Routly

Proofreaders Marisa Keller

Hayley Lamberson

Production Manager John James

Lead Designer Brooke Bousquet Designers Andrew Sawtell

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Managers Steve Hadeka Matt Weiner

Digital Media Manager Tyler Machado

Office Manager Cheryl Brownell

Contributing Writers: Erik Esckilsen, Erica Houskeeper, Suzanne Loring, Cindy Morgan, Alison Novak, Ken Picard, Becky Tharp, Sarah Tuff, Don Wright

Photographers: Oliver Parini, Matthew Thorsen

Illustrator: Rev. Diane Sullivan

How I Became a Pirate

Young Jeremy Jacob is digging in the sand at North Beach when he is greeted by Captain Braid Beard and recruited to help find the perfect digging spot for pirate treasure. Terrific songs and piratical hi-jinx will have the audience wishing for Braid Beard to one day pay them a visit. A story of adventure and finding one’s own heart … a path that can’t be found on any treasure map!

Friday, July 19 at noon

Saturday, July 20 at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. & noon

Freckleface Strawberry

Freckleface Strawberry was just like every other girl–except she had … FRECKLES! Based on the best-selling book by actress Julianne Moore, you and your family can step inside the book with Freckleface and friends as they learn to love the skin they’re in. With fun music, dancing and laughs, you will love this brand new musical for all ages . . . freckles or not!

Game Time

AS A KID, I spent as much time as I could playing video games.

In the early ’80s, before we had a computer at home — remember those days? — I’d play wherever I found a machine: in restaurants, bowling alleys, arcades.

When I was 11, my parents bought the family a Commodore 64. We put it in the basement, which was the perfect refuge during hot summer afternoons. My sister and I would spend hours down there playing Lords of Conquest and M.U.L.E.

So I was thrilled when I had the opportunity to help create a video game this spring in conjunction with “Connecting the Drops,” a public art project organized by the Let It Rain stormwater program.

Connecting the Drops educates

Vermonters about the problem of stormwater runo , the dirty water that flows into the lake when it rains. The project commissioned local artists to decorate rain barrels, which catch rain and keep it from becoming runo . The resulting art installation, on display through August, stretches from the top of Burlington’s Church Street down College Street to the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, which is hosting a related exhibit.

Kids VT contributed an illustrated story walk to the project, educating readers about stormwater runo ; we wrote about it in the May issue.

While we were creating the story walk, we realized that the concepts it described would translate well to a video game. So Kids VT and our parent company, Seven Days, hired a local studio — Birnam Wood Games — to design a fun, simple, kid-friendly video game about rain barrels and stormwater management.

A couple of weeks later, Birnam Wood brought us Runo . It looks like the classic arcade games I remember, but instead of blowing up starships, players have 90 seconds to catch raindrops in a barrel.

Birnam Wood suggested making it into a real arcade game. We got an old Tempest cabinet from Matt Strauss of Williston’s Subatomic Digital; the engineers at Logic Supply, in South Burlington, helped us update it. You can play the arcade version at ECHO, or download the game to your Apple mobile device from the Seven Days app store. You can also play it on the family computer at playruno .com.

It’s fun, and after you’re done, you’ll know what a rain barrel does and where to get one. My kids love it.

Unlike old-school arcade games, there’s no charge to play Runo . But we’ll donate a quarter to the Let It Rain stormwater program for the first 1000 people who play. That money will help Let It Rain provide financial incentives to property owners who install rain barrels. Yep, you can actually help keep the lake clean by playing this video game.

•

• Botanical medicine

• Pediatric Care & Well-child Check-ups

• Well-woman annual exams

• Fertility & family planning

• Prenatal & Postpartum Care

• Homebirths

• Clinical nutrition

• Homeopathy

• Vaccination counseling

• Food allergy testing

• Chinese medicine

VT summer fun. In “Fit Families” (page 11), paddleboarding

15), Cindy Morgan and her family check

Of course, you could also be out enjoying the water. This issue of Kids is packed with stories about outdoor summer fun. In “Fit Families” (page 11), writer Sarah Tu explains the stand-up paddleboarding craze and how kids can be incorporated; in “Out to Eat” (page 15), Cindy Morgan and her family check out Burger Night at Bread & Butter Farm.

The award-winning Kids VT “Vermont Day-cations” series (page 18) continues with two more writer-tested recommendations: the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and the ArborTrek Treetop Obstacle Course at Smugglers’ Notch.

After an active day, you might be craving an ice cream cone. Our sta and their kids reviewed some of the state’s newest indie ice cream brands in “Beyond Ben & Jerry’s” on page 22. However you spend your summer vacation, drop us a line and let us know. We love hearing from you.

craving an ice cream cone. Our sta know. We love hearing from you.

CATHY RESMER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

P.S. Join us for a Vermont Lake Monsters game at Centenniel Field on July 18 for Kids VT night at the ballpark! See page 39 for details.

Readers Respond

Write On!

I just wanted to write and say what a treat it was to take Aly, my daughter, to Crow Bookshop to retrieve her gift certificate [“Book Review Contest,” June 2013]. They formally presented her with the certificate and congratulated her. She was so proud and thrilled to be able to pick out two new books to take home!

Bridget dorman Monkton

See page 50 for details on entering this month’s Book Review contest. Winners receive $25 to Crow Bookshop in Burlington.

Contests & Events

Win a family pass to Ausable Chasm in

Vroom Vroom

Three-year-old Django B. Matchstick of Montpelier shows off his mini race cars. Step-by-step instructions for this cool craft appeared in our June issue.

Visit kidsvt.com for more craft ideas — and send us photos of your completed projects. We’d love to see.

Leave a comment on any story, blog post or listing on our website and we’ll enter you in a drawing to win a family pass to Ausable Chasm. Never left a comment on our site before? Go to kidsvt.com and click “register” in the top right-hand corner to create a user profile. The deadline to enter is July 19.

Win a 2014 Vermont state parks pass

What’s your favorite Vermont day-cation destination? Share a photo of your family there on Instagram using the hashtag #kidsvtdaycations for a chance to win a 2014 Vermont state parks pass. We’ll choose three winners at the end of the summer.

Wednesdays on the Marketplace

Every Wednesday in July, Kids VT will have a table at a Church Street Marketplace concert series organized by ArtsRiot and the Let It Rain stormwater program. In conjunction with the “Connecting the Drops” project (see Editor’s Note on page 5), the series celebrates

Lake Champlain through live music, deejayed tunes, kids activities and prizes. Come say hello between 6 and 9 p.m.

The band schedule follows:

July 3: Barbacoa, DJ Disco Phantom

July 10: Alpenglow, Henry Jamison

July 17: Leif Vollebekk

July 24: The Movelles, Great Western

July 31: Kat Wright & the Indomitable Soul Band

Best of the Kids VT Blog

Families Out & About: A Summer Night at Shelburne Museum

BY ALISON NOVAK

Shelburne Museum is one of my family’s favorite daytime destinations. But on a recent Wednesday, we rolled into the museum’s parking lot just after 5 p.m. for the first night of its art-themed, family-oriented SMArt series. The featured entertainment was the Left Eye Jump Blues Band, and there was a special barbecue menu for the occasion.

We usually explore the museum by foot, but the kids were weary from an active day, so we caught the shuttle outside the admissions building down to the café. As we neared our destination, we heard the wails of an electric guitar and my 6-year-old daughter, Mira, got a second wind. “Oh, yeah!” she exclaimed, doing a little shimmy in her seat.

When we got there, we grabbed a table and ordered some food — brisket sandwiches with corn and potatoes and Magic Hat beers for the adults; flatbread pizza and limeade for the kids — and sat down to enjoy the tunes and the gorgeous blue skies.

Finish reading this travelogue at kidsvt.com.

Other recent web exclusives:

COLORING CONTEST

Seven-year-old Sonja Reilly of Essex Junction summed up the spirit of our June Coloring Contest nicely: “Everybody in the world deserves a hug,” she wrote on her submission. Thanks for sending so many koala cuddles our way this month — we received 104 entries in all. Keep ’em coming!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

AMAZING ARTISTRY

“The Zentangle Bears”

Tanisha Gerg, 8, Fairfax

CREATIVE COSTUMES

“The Halloween Koalas”

Dahlia Rubin, 8, Burlington

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT

“The Princess Koala Bear”

Isobella M. Boudreault, 7, Barre

GREAT GLOBE-TROTTERS

“O to Italy”

Alice Bushey, 7, Winooski

HOME RUN

“Baseball Lovers”

William Paulson, 9, Enosburgh Falls

OUT OF THIS WORLD

“Universe No. 500,000,000”

Maryam Sarafzadeh, 10, Montpelier

PATRIOTIC PERFECTION

“Fourth of July Celebration”

Raegan Decker, 8, Fairfax

STUPENDOUS STARLIGHT

“Colorful Koalas at Night”

Ezra Case, 7, Burlington

SUPER SHADING

“The Colors of the Rainbow”

Fiona Case, 4, Burlington

TERRIFIC TRANSYLVANIANS

“Vampire Koalas in Space”

Ambiana Glavin, 7, Worcester

WONDERFUL WHEELS

“Scooter Baby”

Brody Stanton, 4, Montpelier

winners get $25 from TD Bank.

“Carried Away”: Bitybean, a childcarrier company based in Charlotte, took home one of five “Best in Show” awards at the New York Baby Show.

“Home Cookin’: Strawberry Cake”: Wondering what to do with all those u-pick berries?

Kids VT managing editor Carolyn Fox shares her recipe for a simple, seasonal cake.

“One-on-One With My Military Kids”: As part of our ongoing “Home Front: Diaries of a Vermont Military Family” series, blogger Tasha Lehman shares a Q&A with her three sons. Photo above courtesy of Luann Bailey Photography.

TOP TITLES

“KOALA-FUL”

Ambrose Vickery, 5, Colchester

“PINK PIGGYBACK PANDA”

Phoebe Ziegerhofer, 4, Je ersonville

Find this month’s coloring contest on page 53. The deadline for submissions is July 15.

“Mom & Me”

Sherry Ye, 4 SOUTH BURLINGTON

“Cute Climbing Koalas”

Veronica Miskavage, 7 HINESBURG

“The Koala Family”

Rhianna Vidrine, 11 WOODSTOCK, GA.

These

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Visit our warehouse store! 57 River Rd. (Rte. 117), Pinewood Plaza Essex Junction • 871–5513 TURNERTOYS.COM

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RoutedYouth

a week of leadership, transformation, commmunity & social change

team building • inspiration hiking • swimming • art • fun

For ages 12-15

August 20-25, 2013

Rock Point, Burlington

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it might just change your life!

THE BEAT

BY CAROLYN FOX

CELEBRATIONS King of the Castle

When Joe Sinagra’s children were small, he wanted to rent a bounce house for a family party. “We were looking around and realized there wasn’t a lot of choice,” he recalls. So, in 2008, he and his wife, Vicky, started BOUNCE AROUND VT, a full-service bounce-house company based in St. Albans. Sinagra, who also works as the sustainability director for Myers Waste & Recycling, says his bouncehouse business has inflated nicely: On June 1, it opened new locations in Rutland and Montpelier. Now funloving customers throughout the state can rent water slides, dry slides, and bounce houses and castles, as well as snow-cone, cotton-candy and popcorn machines. The expansion came just in time, too: For graduation parties and summer cookouts, bounce houses are a hot commodity.

BOUNCE AROUND VT: For more information, visit bouncearoundvt.com or call 527-5725.

VOLUNTEERING Fresh Perspective

Imagine not being able to run barefoot in the grass. That’s an unfortunate reality for many big-city children, who are more familiar with urban blocks than country roads. Enter THE FRESH AIR FUND. Since 1877, this nonprofit has paid for more than 1.7 million children from low-income New York City communities to experience summer in the country. Roughly 400 children are coming to Vermont in July and August to ride bikes, eat creemees and soak up our rural scenery — and some of them still need volunteer host families. Interested? After submitting to an interview, all that’s required is “room in your home and room in your heart to take in a child for a week,” says Mary Sherman, a local volunteer leader who has hosted Fresh Air kids since 1985.

THE FRESH AIR FUND: For information about hosting a Fresh Air child in Vermont, contact Mary Sherman at 752-6358, or the Fresh Air Fund at 800-367-0003 or freshair.org.

camPs

Roll Models

The Green Mountain Derby Dames can usually be spotted flying around a flat track on roller skates. They’re slowing their pace this summer, though, to host Vermont’s first Junior roller derbY camP for girls in grades 3 through 12. “This is a sport about strong girls,” explains camp director Elaine Sopchak. “It’s an opportunity for girls to really bond and become confident in a very safe and accepting atmosphere.” In the empowering weeklong session, campers of all skill levels master the basics of the sport, including how to maneuver on old-school quad skates. They’ll also learn about endurance and teamwork, and exercise their creativity in derby-themed crafts. Adult derby participants can get pretty beat up while “blocking” their opponents, but Sopchak emphasizes safety first. “No one’s gonna get knocked over,” she promises.

Food To Market, To Market

Junior roller derbY camP: Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26, 1-5 p.m., at the Essex High School skating rink. $61-71. For more information about gear options and to register, call 878-1375 or visit ejrp.org.

ouTdoors

Nature Calls

According to educators at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, a great hike should be a workout for your body and your brain. That’s why the Quechee nature center now offers a number of free discoVerY PacKs that families can sign out when they visit. Each pack — donated by Hubert’s Family Outfitters in Lebanon, N.H. — is filled with field guides, storybooks, learning activities and interactive games that address themes such as trees, insects, birds and animal tracks. “We want to get [kids] out exploring nature,” says Jenna Gersie, a VINS AmeriCorps member, and that’s a mission easily accomplished at the center. In addition to nature trails, VINS also offers wildlife exhibits, public animalfeeding times and daily live-raptor programs.

discoVerY PacKs: Inquire at the nature center to sign out a pack. Visit vinsweb.org for more information.

Want your kid to eat more fruits and veggies? Join the club — literally. In May of 2011, the Oregon City Farmers Market launched the Power oF Produce club to encourage youngsters’ interests in farm-grown foods. POP Clubs have since cropped up across the U.S. and Canada, including this year at the Winooski and South Burlington farmers markets. Kids ages 5 to 12 can register for a Passport to Health and receive market tokens to purchase produce or plant starts. Each return trip to the market earns them a passport stamp and more tokens. Both markets also offer food-focused kids activities each week, from seed planting to cider pressing. Says the Winooski Farmers Market’s Tana McCoy, “It’s a great way to show kids where their food is coming from.”

Power oF Produce club: Every Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Winooski Farmers Market and South Burlington Farmers Market. Visit downtownwinooski.org/farmers-market/pop-club or commonroots.org/programs/market. php, respectively, for details.

Twin Cities Junior Roller Derby

Thursdays, 9am-3pm

Ages 7-14

Sept 5-Dec 5 • Feb 13-May 29

2013-2014 School Year FARM

Wednesdays, 3-5:30pm

Ages 6-9

What should parents know about administering first aid?

By Ken Picard

EAch y EAR, DocToRS in emergency rooms around the country see about nine million minor injuries. Most of these afflictions can be treated — or at least kept from getting worse — by having the right first-aid supplies on hand and knowing how to use them.

Dr. Lewis First, head of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, helps parents prep for the minor bumps, bruises and boo-boos that are an inevitable part of childhood.

KIDS VT: What should parents keep in a general first-aid kit?

LEWIS FIRST: It should have various sizes of bandages, adhesive tape, sterile gauze, a cold pack, alcohol-based wipes or hand rubs, soap and a pair of latexfree rubber gloves. You’ll also want to have some ibuprofen, acetaminophen, an antihistamine and hydrocortisone for insect bites or itchy skin reactions, and calamine lotion for poison ivy. An EpiPen is essential for those who might have a severe allergic reaction to particular foods or insects. You’ll also want a thermometer, scissors, tweezers and a flashlight.

KVT: Anything else?

LF: It’s helpful to keep a list of emergency numbers inside or near the kit, including the police, fire department and health care providers for all family members. It’s good to keep immunization records, too, along with a mini health history for the family summarizing major medical problems. The kit should also include health insurance details, information regarding any prescription medications used and whom to call in case of an emergency. Finally, parents need to remember to replace whatever they use in the kit and check for expired medications.

KVT: Where can parents get a first-aid kit?

LF: They can be purchased from the Red Cross or from some stores, or you can talk to your health care provider and make the kit yourself.

Store-bought ones may not necessarily be designed for children, and should be adjusted as needed with infant, toddler and child medications.

For school-age children, it’s a good idea to create a child-safe first-aid kit, without medications or sharp objects, that can be accessed by children while an adult is being called for help.

KVT: Are there any items parents should carry when traveling far from a hospital or doctor’s office?

LF: Yes — adhesive bandages, an ACE bandage, a splint and a cold pack. For camping, if cellphone service won’t be available, it’s worth giving your location and estimated time of return to a relative or close friend. A space blanket is also a good idea, as are sterile water and antibacterial soap. A CPR how-to guide for infants, children and adults is also good to have in a portable and home kit, but hopefully it will never have to be used.

After you clean a cut, apply steady pressure with sterile gauze — and don’t peek! — for five to eight minutes. If it’s still bleeding after eight minutes, that might be an indicator to have someone in the emergency room take a look at it and determine if stitches are needed. Also, check your immunization records to make sure your child’s tetanus shot status is up to date.

KVT: What are the signs that a cut may be infected?

LF: If any cut, after it’s been cleaned, turns red, swollen, tender or warm, or oozes pus, then by all means check with a health care provider to see if an antibiotic is necessary.

KVT: What’s your advice for removing splinters?

KVT: When should an injury be treated in the ER?

LF: My rule of thumb: If a cut is more than a half inch in length — or more than a quarter inch in length on the face — it may warrant a visit to determine whether further medical attention is needed, especially if the cut is nonlinear. Wounds that require stitches are usually longer than a half inch; have an irregular shape or sit over a joint, eyelid or lip; and don’t stop bleeding within eight minutes.

KVT: What’s your advice for bandaging a wound?

LF: Whether it’s a scrape, cut or bruise, clean the daylights out of it. Wash it well with soap, ideally under pressure with a sink nozzle. You can prevent a lot of secondary complications by cleaning these cuts well, which means running them under water for several minutes so they don’t get infected. And parents should either wear gloves or wash their hands well before handling an injury so as not to introduce germs into the cut.

LF: If you soak the splinter in warm, soapy water for 15 to 30 minutes a couple of times a day for a few days — if it’s not bothering the child — it brings the splinter to the surface and makes it easier to remove.

With kids, a nice thing to do is to numb the area with an ice pack for a couple of minutes. Then have your child look the other way. Run a flame over tweezers and a safety pin, let them cool down and wipe them off with an alcohol wipe. Then use the safety pin to get under the splinter and lift it up so the tweezers can then pull the splinter out. With wood splinters, one trick is to put a little white glue on a cotton swab or gauze, press the glue on the gauze against the splinter until it dries, and then pull up on the gauze. The splinter should come right out.

KVT: Any tips to help keep parents from panicking?

LF: Kids get their cues from parents. The calmer parents can be, the calmer their children will be. And the more familiar parents are with what’s in the first-aid kit, the better. K

All Aboard

Q The LIbrarIan LIkes

to parents and kids, whether they’re paddling together or separately.

At the Community Sailing Center, kids enrolled in the Lake Adventure Camps will learn the same basic skills. Families can also schedule private lessons.

Both Starr and Neverisky remind parents that everyone should wear a personal flotation device or life vest, and to check conditions for wind, waves and weather.

“At the beginning, don’t go out when winds are more than 10 miles per hour,” advises Starr. He also recommends clipping children’s life vests to their boards with a towline, so they can’t lose their boards if they fall off.

What size board should you use? “Kids can ride boards as small as seven feet long, but they’re also comfortable on boards [up to] the 11-foot range,” says Starr. “Parents riding with their kids will want a board that is at least 31 inches wide and 11 feet long. The bigger the better.”

Landauer’s summary: Sixthgrader Mo — short for Moses — is a budding detective who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation that may be tied to her own slightly mysterious past.

When I purchased an Oxbow standup paddleboard in 2009, I figured I’d just bought myself some freedom from my two tiny offspring.

Stand-up paddleboarding — SUP for short — is similar to flatwater canoeing or kayaking, only you’re not crouched in a boat. The surf-inspired sport was new to Vermont in ’09, but paddleboarders have since become a common sight on Lake Champlain and other Green Mountain waterways.

I SUP’ed solo for a while, reaping the physical benefits of a stronger core and upper body while enjoying this easy, quiet way to get out on the lake. But lately I’ve discovered that my kids, now 6 and 4, seem pretty game to try it for themselves. What’s SUP with that?

“It’s the simplicity,” says Jason Starr of Burlington’s Paddlesurf Champlain. “Kids know intuitively what to do once they see and touch a paddleboard — standing on the board comes naturally.”

Still, there are some parameters for SUP’ing with kids. For starters, Burlington’s Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center recommends that all paddlers be at least 8 years old.

“At this age, kids have the coordination and mobility necessary to build

paddling skills and really enjoy their time on the water,” says Nick Neverisky, the center’s education director.

Starr starts ’em up at around the same age but bases it more on strength.

“Can they paddle effectively to move the board forward, stop it and turn?” he asks. “Nine years old is a good rule of thumb. But you can safely start them as young as 3 riding with you.”

Those younger riders can sit or kneel at the front of a parent’s board, trailing their fingers in the water and soaking up the scenery as the adult paddles. When both parties feel comfortable together, the child can practice standing. Once kids are ready to manage their own board, says Starr, parents can paddle alongside them, playing games to teach the rhythm of alternating sides with the oar, and practicing going straight, turning and stopping.

“You can nudge their board with yours to fix their direction or be a buffer between their board and an obstacle,” Starr says.

In late June, Paddlesurf Champlain started teaching these skills at Family Thursdays, SUP sessions held at Burlington’s Oakledge Park. The 90-minute afternoon lessons cater

It’ll be a couple more years before my kids are on their own boards. But I’m pretty ready to accept that SUP is no longer just “me” time, but “we” time, too. K

sup TIMe!

paddlesurf champlain at oakledge Park in Burlington

Lessons: $20 per person for group lesson; $30 per hour for private or semiprivate lesson. Rentals: $15 per hour; $40 per half day; $55 per day. (Long-term rentals are also available.)

Tours: $25-45 per person. family Thursdays: 2-3:30 p.m. weekly; $12 per parent/child pair. Info, 881-4905. paddlesurfchamplain.com

Lake champlain community sailing center near Waterfront Park in Burlington

Lessons: $45 per hour. Rentals: $15 per hour. Info, 864-2499. communitysailingcenter.org

Wnd&WVs on Pine street in Burlington

Group lessons: $50 per person. Info, 540-2529. wndnwvs.com

LIbrarIan: Debbie Landauer, fairfax community Library

book: Three Times Lucky by sheila Turnage

age range: 9-12

The book is full of quirky characters, including Mo’s wise but weird stand-in dad, the Colonel, who lost his memory at the same time he found Mo; Mo’s best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, whose family has troubles of its own; Mo’s arch enemy, Anna Celeste; and colorful Miss Lana, Mo’s stand-in mom and owner of the local café.

Together, they try to solve the murder mystery, and their group detective work is complicated by a hurricane, a car crash and a kidnapping. Along the way, Mo tries to answer some big questions, including: Where is her mother? And what is the real meaning of family?

Why you will like it: What a fun surprise to find hard-boiled mystery writing, complete with loads of inventive metaphors, in a kids’ book! Three Times Lucky is entertaining but never lightweight. This New York Times bestseller is in the running for a 2013-14 Dorothy Canfield Fisher children’s book award. Ask your librarian for more DCF winners and nominees.

“The Librarian Likes” features a different librarian and book each month. Got an idea for a future “LL”?

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

“Fit Families” is a monthly feature that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active. Got an idea for a future “FF”? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

KIDS MENU

THE Y COMES TO YOU! BACKYARD SWIM PROGRAM

A certified lifeguard/ instructor brings swim lessons and water safety tips to your home or neighborhood pool.

• Private and semiprivate lessons

• Teach your child(ren) the importance of water safety

• Have fun and learn lifelong skills

• Convenient schedule

For more information, call Jaimie Held at 652-8156 for details.

CAMP EDGE

is a place

fun and

for school age children ages 5-12. Our program offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities including sports, craft projects, field trips and more! Our campers have an active summer playing and learning with their friends! Campers are placed in one of three groups based on age:

Mighty 5s (5 years old)

Extreme Edgers (6-8 years old)

Edge Explorers (9-12 years old)

BECAUSE

CAUSE

PROJECT

The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation supports statewide prevention programs for children and families to help give all kids a fair chance at success.

The Because Project asks Vermonters to share their stories about people and experiences that have shaped their lives, especially during their formative years — stories that may inspire others to get involved. Because together we can all make a di erence.

Moms obviously play a critical role in all of our lives, but my mother, Nancy Means Wright, has probably been the most influential person in mine.

My mother is a writer; she’s published 18 books of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. When my three siblings and I were growing up in the ’50s and ’60s, both she and my father were teachers at Proctor Academy, a prep school in Andover, N.H. There was a very old-school headmaster there who didn’t think women should teach English, so my mother taught French and served as the drama director.

We lived at the school during the academic year but spent summers and holidays at our ramshackle house in Cornwall, Vt. My mother used to leave books at the ends of our beds — great, age-appropriate stories that were absolutely seminal — from The Hobbit to Johnny Tremain to The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. She’d check to see if we were done, and when we were, we would find another book at the end of the bed.

She directed three plays a year at the school. Whenever a scene called for kids, she would toss us onstage. She did the same with our pets. At Very Merry Theatre, the Vermont theater company I founded, we often gather the kids together and tell them stories. One of my favorite stories to tell is about the time our family cat peed in an actress’ lap in

the middle of a show, and how she handled it and the show went on. Of course, the kids just love that.

Mom would use our furniture, too. I always knew one of her plays was getting close when I came home from school and the couch was gone.

Growing up this way kindled my passion for storytelling, which is what fuels the work I do now.

My mother is also a really strong feminist. She went down to Washington to march against the Vietnam War and was very engaged in the civil rights movement. I grew up in an environment where it wasn’t OK to accept the status quo. I had to think critically about the world. That mindset is very helpful when it comes to making art.

My mother didn’t have an easy childhood herself. She was 10 years younger than her next youngest sibling. Her father died when she was 10, and her mom started working as a “house mom” at boarding schools and summer camps. They moved around the East Coast living a bit of a gypsy life until my mom was 19 and went to Vassar. I think that made her self-su cient and adaptable.

My mom has an unflagging passion for writing. She’s 84 now and has a new book coming out. She still gets up every morning and writes. She taught me that you can choose to lead a creative life and sustain yourself. She’s inspiring.

VERMONT CHILDREN’S TRUST FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE

DON WRIGHT, FOUNDER OF YOUTH-THEATER COMPANY VERY MERRY THEATRE

I lead a creative life BE

of my mother.

Q OUT TO EAT

By cindy morgan

Burger Night at Bread & Butter Farm

Fridays, may to September, 4:30-7:30 p.m., at 200 leduc Farm dr., Shelburne, 985-9200

WE WEnT TO dinnEr ThE OThEr nighT, and a parade broke out. That was after the dance party, but before the band played its second set. At Bread & Butter Farm’s Burger Night, food is only part of the draw.

Burger Night began two years ago as a way for farmers Corie Pierce and Adam Wilson to showcase their grass-fed beef, fresh-baked bread and farm produce. Their farm isn’t certified organic, but the two believe in raising animals and growing crops as naturally as they can. They offer the fruits of their labor to the community at local stores, their farm stand and Burger Night, which takes place every Friday from May to September.

It was a hot, sunny night when my family of four toted beach chairs from the “parking lot” — a field, really — on Cheesefactory Road to the farm. The place was hopping. Tons of little kids roamed the property freely, and the heady aroma of grilled beef engulfed us.

Despite the crowds, we didn’t have to wait long to order. The kids got à la carte burgers; the adults went for the “Best Deal Dinner Plate Cheeseburger” — a cheeseburger on a homemade roll with two salads. The only other menu options are pork or beef hot dogs and Vermont Bean Crafters veggie burgers. Nonalcoholic drinks and desserts are also available.

We set up camp on the gently sloping lawn, in the shade of the picnic shelter. From there, we had a view of the band and the bucolic landscape. The musicians finished their first set as we waited for our burgers, which were ready fast and downed even faster.

“This is really good,” my son kept mumbling around bites of beef and bread.

The burgers are cooked medium and carry a true beefy flavor, with just the right amount of salt. Though the texture was not entirely satisfying — my

“Out

husband wondered if it had been frozen — it was overall a good burger. Cheese and condiments were a little skimpy; my daughter was crushed when she realized there was no mayo.

Without chips or fries, I probably should have ordered double burgers for my two hungry 11-yearolds. My daughter made do by eating most of my potato-and-spinach salad with lemon-garlic dressing.

I was glad she left me the kale salad. Finely chopped and tossed with peppy, lemony ginger dressing, it was delicious. Even my husband, no great kale lover, enjoyed every last bite of his.

While we ate, folk musician Chris Dorman — Farmer Corie’s husband — came onstage and led the under-6 set in a song that had them falling down and giggling. Then he led them on a parade around a giant bubble-making station, past a face painter and by the craft table, where my daughter was making a tissue-paper flower.

The kids appeared to be having the time of their lives. The same went for the parents — at least, those who weren’t busy chasing their kids. Everyone seemed to be appreciating the best of a Vermont summer evening: good farm-raised food in a beautiful setting, where the kids can climb on wood-chip piles until they’re ready to collapse and fall asleep on the car ride home. K

KnOW bEfOrE yOU gO: Bring picnic supplies — chairs, blankets and drinks are welcome — but leave other food, and the family dog, at home. and remember, it’s a working farm. don’t let kids climb on the tractor or touch the electric livestock fences.

Kid-friEndly AmEniTiEs: a whole farm to roam, weekly crafts, live music and entertainment

to Eat” is a monthly family-friendly restaurant review. Where should we eat next? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

oliver parini

TOTAl bill fOr fOUr: $53

Whether they were eating burgers or not, all of the kids appeared to be having the time of their lives.

Q:

When is the right time to get a family pet?

Duncan McDougall

Waterbury Center

ExEcutivE DirEctor, chilDrEn’s litEracy FounDation

Son Jesse, 12

We’ve had cats since our son, Jesse, was pretty young. But we waited until he was 8 to get Tasha, our Bernese mountain dog. There is something to be said for waiting to get a dog until a child is old enough to feed and walk it.

I think one of the main benefits of getting a pet is that it helps teach children responsibility. Figure out what the responsibilities of each child will be before you bring the dog home, rather than after. It’s a lot easier to get your children to agree to chores when the new animal has yet to arrive.

The other piece of advice I would give to parents is to find a dog that fits the family dynamic, rather than bring home a dog just because the kids want it. Tasha brings a fun, goofy, playful energy into our daily lives and is a great buddy for our son.

MikE o’MallEy

bolton

cEo, robbins Mountain

EntErprisE

Daughter Abby, 6; son Quinn, 4

We have three pets, all of which are older. Roxy, our cat, is 17. Our dogs, Scout and Izzy, are 13 and 12, respectively. We had all of them for a long time before our children were even born. Both Quinn and Abby help us feed our animals. Quinn just turned 4, and I feel like he is beginning to understand that a pet is a responsibility. Having a pet can be a 20-year commitment, and you have to do right by them. You can’t just leave them outside and not feed them.

Our pets bring so much happiness into our lives. They are fun and loving and make us smile. Not to mention, the dogs are great protection for us, living as far out as we do.

I’m at a point with all of our animals now where I’m going to have to make some tough decisions over the next few years. It’s not going to be fun. But we’ll get through it. We’ll probably bring another puppy into our lives again at some point.

Eric nichols burlington

custoMEr-sErvicE ManagEr, MaMMut sports group

Daughter Audrey, 13

I think deciding when to get a pet is really dependent on the family dynamic and the children. If you’re aware of what you’re getting yourselves into, I think any age is a good age to get a pet.

We currently have two pugs, Stella and Ellie. Our first joined the family when my daughter, Audrey, was 6. We didn’t actually have a plan to get a dog — it just sort of happened. Some friends of friends had adopted Stella, but it didn’t work out, so we brought her into our home. She fit into the family fantastically. We enjoyed her so much that when Audrey turned 12, we brought another rescue pug into our lives.

I can’t begin to tell you what an incredibly positive influence our pugs have had on our lives. They’re always fun and happy, although they may not always look it with their scrunched-up faces. They’re both great dogs.

rogEr klingEr

riChmond

tEachEr, chaMplain

ElEMEntary school

Daughter Sonya, 6

I’m very allergic to birds and any animals with fur or hair, so having a pet in our household is not possible.

A lot of people ask, “Well, what about a lizard or a turtle?”

To be honest, when I think about a pet, I feel that it should be an animal with which you can have a friendly, interactive relationship. I don’t think you can really do that with a turtle.

We still make sure that animals are an important part of our daughter’s life. We experience them in their natural habitats and at neighboring farms rather than in our home. We see foxes, birds, frogs and snakes when we’re hiking. We feed carrots to the nearby horse and compost scraps to the chickens at our neighbor’s house, and often visit the llama farm up the hill.

When Sonya was younger, she always used to ask to have a pet. She would tell us that she felt sad that her friends had pets, but she couldn’t. It was hard for her to understand. Now that she’s a little older, it’s not really an issue.

If you’re aware of what you’re getting yourselves into, I think any age is a good age to get a pet.

Eric nichols

Gardening

It was a damp June mornIng, but Noah Ross barely noticed the misting rain and below-average temperatures. Wearing a baseball cap embroidered with the words “Live Simply,” the 4-yearold was busy digging in the soil with a small yellow shovel, planting marigolds, lavender and zinnias.

Thanks to his father’s passion for gardening, Noah has developed a keen interest in tending the soil.

“Noah loves to weed our garden, he loves to water plants and he loves digging,” says his dad, Rick Ross, who grows tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and eggplant in the Williston family’s garden. “Noah’s very interested in where things come from and how they grow. Gardening really reinforces his love of nature.”

To help cultivate Noah’s green thumb, his parents brought him and his 2-year-old sister, Harper, to Kids Club, a free gardening workshop at Gardener’s Supply Company in Williston. The classes, held one Saturday a month, are organized around themes ranging from fairy gardens to planting sprouts. They’re aimed at children ages 3 to 10.

Three is the age when children typically start showing an interest in gardening, says Sandy Cunningham, who runs Kids Club. She encourages parents to get their kids involved in the garden as soon as possible, whether it’s planting seeds, watering flowers or raking soil. The idea is to introduce them to the basics of how seeds sprout and plants grow, and the ways in which weather affects the process.

There are other lessons, too. “They learn about science, cooperation and the importance of eating healthy, local food,” Cunningham explains.

Gardening is also a great way to spend quality family time. Parents can help foster patience and confidence in their children, teach them environmental responsibility and encourage physical activity through digging in the dirt, Cunningham says.

“Gardening is such a hands-on activity,” she observes. “It’s something children can get very excited about.”

Not sure where to start? She suggests choosing a theme for your garden — pizza, for example. Many ingredients for

pizza — basil, oregano, peppers, thyme, parsley and onions — call for similar planting conditions and can be planted in the same patch of soil.

“‘Pizza gardens’ are great for kids because you can harvest the food together and enjoy everything for a meal or snack,” Cunningham says.

If your family is looking for more variety, try planting carrots, pumpkins, peas, lettuce, radishes or potatoes, all of which are easy to grow. For a flower garden, try planting sunflowers, pansies, lavender and nasturtium.

Stowe resident Michelle Rauch and her 3-year-old daughter, Isabella, attended a recent Kids Club workshop about pollination and butterflies. Rauch, a longtime gardener, doubled the size of her plot this year and was looking for opportunities to include her daughter in the growing process. She ended up giving Isabella her own 4-by-4-foot raised bed, where the youngster planted strawberries, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce and flowers.

“I’m hoping to instill in Isabella a love of gardening and an understanding of where our food comes from,” says Rauch. “Gardening is fun, too,” Cunningham points out. “It’s a wonderful way to be creative.” K

IF you go:

kids club convenes one per month, from March to December, at Gardener’s supply Marshall ave., in williston. session takes place on July 13 from 10 a.m. to noon. the workshops are free and include a story, craft and snack; some also include hands-on planting. classes are held rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Preregistration is required; space is limited. call 658-2433 to register. For more information, visit gardeners. com and find details under “seminars & events.”

planting flowers at gardener’s supply

Day-cations

CULTURE & NATURE

School’s out, and “Daycations” are in. Every summer, Kids VT seeks out family-friendly destinations where you and your kids can experience the natural beauty and unique culture of the Green Mountain State. They’re all places you can visit for a day, though some merit a longer stay.

Each of our three summer issues features two recommended stops, complete with tips on nearby dining, lodging and attractions. In this midsummer issue, our writers and their families explore ships and shore.

Looking for more day trip ideas? Read the rest of our award-winning Day-cations series at kidsvt.com.

Ship Ahoy: Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

BY ALISON NOVAK

My family’s trip to Lake Champlain Maritime Museum was almost a shipwreck.

First, Vergennes Laundry — a café with strong, delicious co ee at which we had planned to stop en route — was unexpectedly closed. It was a crushing blow that only the sleep-deprived parents of young children could fully understand.

Second, about half an hour into our 40-minute drive from Shelburne, it began to rain. Not a great turn of events when your destination is an open-air museum.

As the rain grew heavier and the kids tried to convince us to go bowling instead, my husband, Je , and I debated turning back. But we soldiered on and, thankfully, the sun broke through right after we paid our museum admission and left the visitor’s center. We abandoned our raincoats and set out to explore.

The Maritime Museum aims to preserve and share the history of Lake Champlain, a mission it

carries out in 17 separate buildings on the museum grounds. Impressive, but way too many stops to visit with Theo, 3, and Mira, 6. A helpful woman in the visitor’s center gave us a map and suggested we stick to the first seven sites, as they were the most kidfriendly. Finding the big numbers that marked each building became a scavenger hunt for the kids.

In the Schoolhouse Gallery and Hazelett Watercraft Center, they enjoyed guessing what materials the various canoes, rowing ski s and kayaks were made from, though they moved through the exhibits too quickly to spend much time reading the detailed placards. They particularly liked the Storm King, a huge ice yacht from 1902; Theo even pretended he had fallen overboard. “I’m sinking,” he called from the ground. “Help! Help!”

We found more opportunities for makebelieve in two separate outdoor areas.

In a patch of pine trees, we discovered a veritable treasure trove for young kids: painted underwater scenes with holes cut out to stick your head through, and maneuverable cranes and pulleys, which replicated hoisting sails and lifting cargo onto ships. Sitting in an old canoe, Theo and Mira threw ropes overboard while imagining they were on an underwater diving excursion.

They really got their sea legs at the Merritime Playground, which has a two-story play space

COURTESY OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME MUSEUM

Aboard the Philadelphia II at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

FILE: PAT LEWIS

Sitting in an old canoe, Theo and Mira threw ropes overboard while imagining they were on an underwater diving excursion.

resembling a ship. It’s well worn, but that didn’t stop Mira and Theo from playing an in-depth game of “house” while Jeff and I relaxed on a bench.

In the Nautical Archaeology Center, Mira tried on a 1935 dive helmet. A nearby sign cautioned that wearing it may make some people feel claustrophobic, and Mira concurred. “It’s pretty hard to breathe in here,” she said from inside the heavy metal contraption.

After a short but scenic walk down a wooded path to the lake, we hopped aboard the Philadelphia II, a working replica of a 1776 gunboat that sank in Lake Champlain during the Revolutionary War. Jeff listened intently as the knowledgeable staffer on board talked about the history and features of the boat, but Mira and Theo were more enthralled by the elaborate spider webs on the dock.

By this point, we’d reached the two-hour mark and were ready for a lunch break. We headed to the Red Mill Restaurant, just across the street, for a tasty meal and — to my kids’ delight — yet another playground. Then we set sail for home.

Lake champlain maritime museum

4472 Basin Harbor Rd., Vergennes, 475-2022, lcmm.org

Know before you go:

lake champlain Maritime Museum is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from May 25 through october 13. admission is $10 for adults, $6 for students ages 5 to 17 and free for children under 5. Visit lcmm.org for an updated calendar of events.

Where to eat:

Vergennes laundry (247 Main st., Vergennes) is usually open Wednesday through sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. it’s the perfect spot for grabbing pastries and coffee en route.

We brought water bottles, fruit and Goldfish crackers to sustain our snack-happy kids at the museum, but you can also find an assortment of kid-friendly treats and cold drinks in the visitor’s center.

Museum-goers get a 10 percent discount at the Red Mill Restaurant at the Basin Harbor club, which opens daily at 11:30 a.m. and is located right across the street. the restaurant has an excellent children’s menu and pretty good adult food. there is a large play structure right outside; my husband and i asked for seats by the window so we could sip our iced teas and watch the kids play.

Also nearby:

Button Bay state park (118 Button Bay state park Rd., Ferrisburgh) has a pool, playground, hiking trails and boat rentals. it’s open from Memorial day weekend to columbus day weekend. For information, visit vtstateparks. com/htm/buttonbay.htm or call 475-2377.

Going Up: ArborTrek Treetop Obstacle Course

By Bec K y Th A rp

Both of my boys love to climb trees. They always take several dozen turns when they find mini zip lines at public playgrounds. So when my family heard about the new ArborTrek Treetop Obstacle Course opening at Smugglers’ Notch Resort, we knew we had to go.

Unlike Smuggs’ Zip Line Canopy Tours, which are only open to kids 8 and up, the adventure park can accommodate visitors as young as 4 — perfect for us, since my younger son, Wylie, is 7. My husband, Gabe, and I headed to Smuggs with Wylie and his older brother, Kieran, 11, on a gorgeous summer day: sunny and 75 degrees, with a light breeze.

The obstacle course is suspended in the pines, elms and maples in the property’s forest. All thrill seekers who attempt it are attached to overhead ropes the entire time — to prevent a fall — so we started our family ropes adventure by weighing in. Staffers need an accurate weight for safety reasons; they don’t take anybody at their word.

mira Novak in a 1935 dive helmet

The

merritime playground

Day-cations

continUeD from p. 19

After signing waivers, we suited up in full-body harnesses and helmets and headed to the training area. There we learned how to clip and unclip our harnesses to the ropes at the exchange zones — wooden platforms between obstacles where two ropes meet.

ArborTrek uses a “smart-belay” system involving two-sided carabiners. In order to release from one rope, you’ve got to hook into another using a special key; there’s one stationed at each exchange zone. It’s practically impossible to accidentally unclip yourself from the system while you’re on the course.

After 15 minutes of safety training, we took to the treetops.

The course has three distinct levels of difficulty: green, blue and black, ranging from easy to very challenging. Green is the closest to the ground and features eight obstacles, including a rope swing and a sweet zip line ride that goes from 15 feet in the air to the forest floor. We started at the green level.

Kieran confidently volunteered to lead the pack; Dad followed right behind. Even the experienced

staffers were impressed as our older son breezed through a log crossing and walked across a series of wobbly wooden pegs hung by two ropes. The features responded differently to the weight of an adult, though — the wooden pegs swung wildly when Gabe went through. He looked far less graceful as he struggled to keep his footing.

Wylie was unsure of himself at first.

“I don’t think I can do this one, Mom,” he said. “This is really hard for me.” With my encouragement, he completed each section by taking his time and holding onto his harness lanyard for stability. By the time he got to the rope swing, he’d gotten the hang of it. “I’m Indiana Jones!” he yelled, before gripping a hanging rope and leaping from the platform.

Each of us soared to solid ground on the final zip line. Kieran and Gabe immediately started onto the more difficult blue and black courses while Wylie and I set out to conquer the green one again.

Minutes later, I heard Kieran yell, “Hey Mom, look up here!” He stood 40 feet in the air on a skinny rope net stretched between two trees about 25 feet apart. I would have been horrified if it weren’t for my absolute confidence in

“i’m indiana Jones!” Wylie yelled, before gripping a hanging rope and leaping from a platform.

photos co U rtes Y of beck Y tharp

Kieran Tharp on the ArborTrek Treetop obstacle course

Gabe Tharp helps son Wylie onto the zip line

the safety equipment — and that great big grin on his face as he walked along the net, arms out wide.

Inspired by his big brother, Wylie wanted to try the higher blue course, too. It went well until we got to a slackline strung 35 feet high with nothing underneath. Our progress slowed; staffers were quick to spot us and offer help.

There aren’t many points of exit on the higher courses — you either finish or get hooked into a rappel line and lowered to the ground. Wylie wasn’t thrilled with either option, but he ultimately relented and decided to bail. The staff lowered him to the ground on a rope and into Dad’s arms.

By the time I made it back to the ground — via a stomach-dropping leap from a 25-foot-high platform — Wylie had regained his confidence and was heading back to the green course for another round.

We’d barely left Smuggs when the kids started to plan our next visit — to try the Zip Line Canopy Tours. Having our feet firmly on the ground made us all braver. K

ArborTrek Treetop obstacle course

Smugglers’ Notch Resort, 4323 Route 108, 644-9300, arbortrek.com

Know before you go:

Advance registration is recommended for the Treetop Obstacle Course. For two and a half hours of self-guided access, admission is $55 for adults and kids ages 8 and up, and $24.95 for ages 4 to 7 with a paying adult. You can try other activities, such as a tree-climbing adventure, for an additional charge.

Closed-toed shoes are required. I recommend comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, too.

Where to eat:

We were all famished after a few hours in the trees, so we drove straight to Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge (1899 Mountain Rd., Stowe) for pizza. We also hit I.C. Scoops (112 Main St., Stowe) for ice cream. The flavors range from maple bacon to coconut cream.

If you’re headed down the Jeffersonville side of the mountain, nothing beats Joe’s Snack Bar (Route 15, Jericho). It’s a seasonal burger, fries and creemee joint with a local following.

Also nearby: Smugglers’ Notch (not the resort but the actual Notch) offers great hiking and bouldering in a beautiful setting. Ride the tram to the top of Mount Mansfield at Stowe Mountain Resort for breathtaking views from Vermont’s highest peak.

If you want to cool off after your treetop adventure, Smugglers’ Notch Resort has a water park with slides, pools and a water trampoline.

Beyond Ben & Jerry’s

Elsa Olafsdottir and Manya Gracyzk-Picard

Kids and grownups critique

Vermont’s newest indie ice creams

BY CORIN HIRSCH

Kingdom Creamery of Vermont

3411 Route 16, East Hardwick, 472-6700. kingdomcreameryofvermont.com

ESTABLISHED: 2012

PRICE: $3.79 per pint (prices may vary)

NUMBER OF FLAVORS: five ice cream; six frozen yogurt

VALIANT VANILLA: The grown-up tasters were bold in their criticism. Alice found this vanilla thin, lacking in flavor and “not worth my calories.” Steve called it “icy” and noted that there were “zero specks of vanilla or anything else.” As for the kids, Noah found the vanilla “tasty,” while siblings Graham and Ivy both called it “great and creamy.” It was Ivy’s second favorite overall.

hot

Nothing sweetens a h summer day like an ice cream cone, and, in Vermont, there are lots of appealing options. With dairy farms from border to border, an upswing in organic creameries and an obsession with creemees — not to mention two patron saints named Ben and Jerry — the sweet treat is in abundance.

In fact, each year brings a new crop of small-batch, independent ice cream makers churning out flavors from the mundane to the bizarre. With the debut of at least six new brands in the last two years, we thought it was time to undertake an ice cream taste test. Hey, someone had to do it.

We brought in some pint-size tasters to help. Six ice cream critics under the age of 8 trekked dutifully into the o ce with a parent who works at Seven Days or Kids VT

We purchased pints of six newish Vermont ice cream brands: Kingdom Creamery of Vermont, Birchgrove Baking, Scout’s Honor, the Chubby Mu n, lu.lu! and Craig’s Premium Ice Cream. We instructed our panel to judge the taste and texture of each brand’s vanilla flavor (when possible) and one other signature flavor, and then jot down their notes or tell their parent what they thought.

Picture 12 pints of ice cream, seven kids, 45 minutes, one cozy room and the decibel level rising with each spoonful. The kids freely o ered their candid assessments — ranging from “nom nom nom” to “it’s cold” — with only one meltdown along the way.

The little ones definitely had their favorites, though tiny Sailor Hadeka summed up the general ethos while sampling her second vanilla. “I like ice cream!” she declared.

THE TASTERS

Seven Days/Kids VT designer BROOKE BOUSQUET and son NOAH, 4.

Kids VT managing editor CAROLYN FOX

Seven Days/Kids VT circulation manager STEVE HADEKA and daughter SAILOR, 2.

Seven Days food writer ALICE LEVITT

ELSA OLAFSDOTTIR

5, daughter of Seven Days advertising executive ROBYN BIRGISSON

Seven Days/Kids VT staff writer KEN PICARD and daughter MANYA, 3. (Ken also brought along his son, 1-year-old EZRA, who provided primal, nonverbal reactions.)

GRAHAM and IVY RESMER, 7 and 4, children of Kids VT copublisher/ editor and Seven Days associate publisher

CATHY RESMER

WHAT WE TASTED: Valiant Vanilla; Majestic Maple

THE SCOOP: Though it’s made up in the Northeast Kingdom, this ice cream is probably the best distributed of our contenders; Kingdom Creamery pints are sold in a few area Hannafords, general stores, co-ops and even the East Dorset Jiffy Mart. The Michaud family owns the business and the source: milk from the cows on their ClairA-Den Farm in Hardwick.

MAJESTIC MAPLE: Steve called it “smoky and suspicious,” while Alice thought it was “very subtle.” Manya protested, “I don’t like this kind!” But Elsa disagreed: “I like it really good ’cause of its ginger taste,” she observed, revealing her penchant for detecting secondary flavors — a future wine taster perhaps? Graham, a devotee of all things maple, chose this flavor as his favorite of the day. “I like sap,” he explained.

VERDICT: Kingdom Creamery didn’t wow the adults of our group, but its straightforward flavors appealed to the majority of our little ones.

Birchgrove Baking

279 Elm Street, Montpelier, 2230200. birchgrovebaking.com

ESTABLISHED: 2011

PRICE: $6 per pint

NUMBER OF FLAVORS: four or five at any given time WHAT WE TASTED: Vanilla; Cookies and Cream

THE SCOOP: Jennifer Toce and John Belding run this cozy capitalcity café, where most summer days they augment their brioche and cookie business by churning out pints of ice cream. It comes in flavors that range from vanilla to Vietnamese co ee. Their ice-cream sandwich is a local favorite; think passion-fruit ice cream wedged between coconut cookies.

VANILLA: Carolyn observed that it “tastes very homemade,” with a “somewhat funky” vanilla flavor. Alice found the sweetness and texture of the vanilla “just right.” Ivy thought the vanilla was “awesome,”

while Noah swooned, “the best kind. Nom nom nom.” Sailor was nonverbal in her assessment, smearing chocolate from another flavor on her tasting sheet.

COOKIES AND CREAM:

“Homemade cookies and a smooth base,” said Alice, who doesn’t normally warm to this flavor. Though a lifetime of consuming chunky Ben & Jerry’s flavors had led Steve “to expect the occasional half an Oreo in there somewhere,” he was nevertheless sweet on this flavor. “The cookie ‘crumbs’ in this ice cream are delicious,” he said. Ivy seemed pleased by the “vanillachocolaty taste,” while Elsa simply said “good.” Nobody complained about this one.

VERDICT: With its vein of pulverized cookie crumbs and balanced, creamy vanilla, the Cookies and Cream was a darling of all ages. An all-around solid showing.

Beyond Ben & Jerry’s

Scout’s Honor

40 Bridge Street, Waitsfield, 595-1155. sweetspotvt.com

EsTablishEd: 2012

PricE: $7.50 per pint; $3.40 for a small cone NumbEr of flaVors: changes daily; six to eight flavors are usually available in the scoop shop

WhaT WE TasTEd: Vanilla; Chocolate

ThE scooP: Sarina Gulisano and Johnny Vitko turn out small batches of this ice cream at their Sweet Spot café in Waitsfield, using Monument Farms milk and a French-style custard base made from their own eggs. Fruit and herbs from their farm are ingredients in some of the flavors, which can lean toward the eclectic — Tea and Biscuits and Sweet Pea Mint were recently on offer. You can also find their creations at Red Hen Bakery & Café in Middlesex.

VaNilla: The vanilla was a hit with parents, instantly becoming Brooke’s favorite version of this flavor. “There’s something about it,” she gushed. Steve called it “intense. They knocked it out of the park!” Elsa thought the vanilla tasted “a little bit like banana,” while Graham found it “absolutely great.” Its “creaminess” made it one of his sister Ivy’s favorites, too.

chocolaTE: Alice called this one “the essence of chocolaty. A higher cacao ratio than any other chocolate I’ve had, with a pillowy, smooth texture.” Noah said, simply, “yum-yum,” while Manya cut through the noise: “It’s cold,” she said. Ivy really loved this chocolate, observing that it was “super chocolaty, not too sweet.”

V E rdic T: There’s artistry behind these two seemingly simple flavors. The “intense” vanilla was a group favorite, while the deep, dark chocolate won a few hearts but also overwhelmed a palate or two.

The Chubby Muffin

88 Oak Street, Burlington, 540-0050. thechubbymuffin.com

EsTablishEd: 2011

PricE: $5 per pint; $2.25 for a small cone

NumbEr of flaVors: nine or 10, depending on the day

WhaT WE TasTEd: Vanilla; Strawberry-Basil

ThE scooP: This easygoing North End café began turning out the cold stuff two years ago, and doles it out by the scoop or the pint. Next on their roster, according to co-owner Benjy Adler, is a “killer mint,” made with, well, fresh mint.

VaNilla: Carolyn detected a slightly sour flavor and wondered aloud if it was buttermilk. But, she stressed, “I like it!”

Alice called its texture “slightly gummy.”

Elsa found the texture of the vanilla ice cream “fluffy,” while it made Graham “think of muffins,” possibly because he

read the name on the label. Both Noah and his mom found the vanilla lacking.

sTraWbErry-basil: Alice praised the “beautiful flavor,” which she thought “conjured pizza.” Carolyn agreed: “I don’t know if I’m eating pizza or ice cream, but I like it,” she said, though she found its brownish hue off putting. Steve called the flavor “a little too weird,” with an “odd savory-floral thing.” Sailor summed it up thus: “More strawberries, less basil.” “It’s good, a little,” said Noah with a shrug. Both kids and adults observed that this ice cream melted faster than the others.

VErdicT: This ice cream’s soft texture appealed to younger tongues but put off a few older palates. Though the vanilla was pleasing enough, it didn’t elicit as much passion as the Strawberry-Basil — everyone had something to say, good or bad, about that one.

Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 5:30 pm for children ages 6 weeks - Pre-K

Ice cream tasting in the Seven Days/ Kids VT solarium

lu.lu!

11 Main Street, Bristol, 777-3933. luluvt.com

EsTablishEd: 2012

PricE: $10 per pint

NumbEr of flaVors: There are 66 flavors in lu.lu!’s roster, but only a few are offered at one time.

WhaT WE TasTEd: Vanilla Bean; Magic Mint

ThE scooP: It isn’t hard to spot lu.lu! on Bristol’s main drag: A huge metal ice cream cone hangs outside the front door. Inside, owner Martha Mack uses milk from Monument Farms, local eggs from her family’s Inn at Baldwin Creek and herbs and fruit from a number of local producers.

VaNilla bEaN: Alice thought the vanilla had a “vanilla liqueur” taste that was almost “too intense.” But Steve demurred: “There’s not a darn thing wrong with this one.” Graham had high praise for the vanilla, calling it “perfect.” Elsa loved the “little dots of chocolate” in the vanilla bean (which her mother pointed out were actually vanilla flakes). This one was Manya’s overall favorite.

magic miNT: Carolyn remarked that this was like “eating Girl Scout Thin Mints in ice cream form.” Alice thought it possessed “one of the best flavor profiles overall.” Graham anointed the chocolaty Magic Mint “just perfect” after his first bite. For Manya, it was overkill. “Can’t eat more ice cream,” she announced.

VErdicT: This bean-specked vanilla was a kids’ favorite but was a bit too pimped out for the grown-ups. Magic Mint, on the other hand, had it goin’ on.

Craig’s Premium Ice Cream

458 Olde Orchard Lane, Shelburne, 735-2164. craigspremiumicecream.com

EsTablishEd: 2011

PricE: $6 per pint

NumbEr of flaVors: 13 standard, plus 12 “made-to-order” flavors

WhaT WE TasTEd: Sea Salt

Caramel; Mint Chocolate Chip

ThE scooP: Fans of Craig AbelPalmer’s ice cream can text their orders and have their pints delivered — or pick them up from the window at his Shelburne home on Saturday afternoons. Neither vanilla nor chocolate are in Abel-Palmer’s oeuvre. Think Cranberry Cosmo, Thyme Grapefruit and Ginger Snap.

sEa salT caramEl: Ken swooned over the “salty” sea-salt caramel. “Love it!” gushed Brooke. Alice wanted more flavor, calling it “overly viscous.” Ivy said, “Awesome!” Elsa simply smiled.

miNT chocolaTE chiP: This was Carolyn’s hands-down favorite: “Like eating mint straight from the garden.”

Alice called its just-plucked flavor “Supermint!” though she didn’t care for the chocolate chips. Steve found it to have “the most natural flavor of all of them.” Elsa, oddly, found the Mint Chocolate Chip “too basil-y.” Manya disagreed, saying it tasted “like mint.” Both Graham and Ivy gave it a thumbs up. “Creamy,” they declared in unison.

VErdicT: Craig’s makes a mean ice cream for grown-ups, and even though some flavors are unusual, the kids might not complain. K

Baseballs, Battlefields, Events and Treks!

FAMILY FUN FOR ALL AGES!

VERMONT HISTORY TREK

Sailor and Steve Hadeka

JUSTIN MORRILL HOMESTEAD, STRAFFORD

CALVIN COOLIDGE, PLYMOUTH NOTCH

The annual PBS KIDS GO! WRITERS CONTEST, sponsored by Vermont Public Television, invites children in grades K through 3 to create original stories and illustrations. VPT received nearly 200 entries in this year’s contest. A panel of judges, including Kids VT managing editor Carolyn Fox, picked the winners. They’ll go on to compete at the national level.

We’re printing ALL FOUR FIRST-PLACE STORIES in Kids VT; the first two stories appeared in last month’s issue. Thanks to Reading Plus for sponsoring these pages. And congratulations to these creative kids!

“How Marzier the Moose Got His Antlers”

by Harry Kim, Manchester Center

Along time ago, all moose did not have antlers. They only had small hooves.

One day, Marzier the Moose was walking in the woods when he ran into Calvin the Crocodile.

“You look as weak as an unsharpened pencil,” Calvin the Crocodile teased.

“I am stronger than you think,” said Marzier. Laughing, Calvin said, “We will fight tomorrow.”

Calvin turned around and stormed back into the stream with his nose pointing high.

Marzier the Moose watched Calvin the Crocodile disappear into the water.

“What did I get myself into?” Marzier thought to himself. He was so frustrated that he kicked a tree as hard as he could!

Two sticky pine branches fell o the tree and stuck to Marzier the Moose — right above his ears! Immediately, Marzier smiled. He knew right away what he would do!

The next day, Calvin the Crocodile came out of the water and had on his biggest, fiercest face.

Confidently, Marzier the Moose emerged from the woods. He walked slowly with his head lowered. He pointed his antlers towards Calvin.

Calvin paused. His heart sank! And, without saying a word, Calvin the Crocodile ran back into the water.

Grade 2 Winner

“The Special Lantern Festival of Montréal”

by Jasmin Townsend-Ng, Charlotte

My name is Jasmin. I am Chinese. In Montréal, there is a festival called the Lantern Festival. I love the lantern festival because it’s Chinese like me. We had to take a two-hour car trip from Vermont to our hotel in Montréal. The hotel was fancy and had a pool. Me and my dad had a great time splashing and having fun in the pool while my mom read a book and took a nap.

The lantern festival is in the Botanical Garden. To get there, we took the subway from the hotel to the garden. At the Chinese Garden, my mom bought me a purple paper lantern with a dragon on it and a red glowing light inside. Once we entered the Chinese Garden, we crossed a bridge and down below were many big lotus leaves.

The garden was filled with glowing Chinese lanterns. Galloping horses raced across the pond.

A giant party was in the middle of the pond. There was the emperor sitting on this throne, the monkey king sneaking in for a peek and women dancing with peaches in their hands.

There were also cranes.

A phoenix with a long tail and bright red wings soaring through the sky.

A Chinese dragon chasing a pearl.

And my favorite was a family of Pandas eating bamboo.

It felt like I was in a magical place of my own.

SPONSORED BY

Reading Plus® is a web-based system serving schools with students in grades 3 and up that transforms how, what and why students read. Developed in partnership with leading researchers, Reading Plus® assists students in reaching the high standards established by the Common Core, developing reading capacity, e ciency and motivation—the foundations of success.

Play

and protect Lake Champlain!

LOOKING FOR SOME RAINY DAY SUMMER FUN? Try playing Runo , a new educational video game created by Seven Days, Kids VT, Birnam Wood Games and ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center.

Runo is a classic arcade game with a twist. The action is simple — rain falls in the city. You catch it in your rain barrel to keep the rain from becoming stormwater runo . When the barrel fills up, you empty it into your rain garden, which filters the water before it soaks into an aquifer or reaches the lake.

Back in the day, arcade games cost a quarter to play. Runo is free, but for each of the first 1000 games played, Seven Days and Kids VT will donate a quarter to the Let It Rain stormwater program. Let It Rain provides financial incentives for property owners in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Basin to install rain barrels and implement other stormwater-reduction strategies.

By playing Runo , you’ll help Let It Rain add rain barrels to the Lake Champlain Basin.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP THE WATER CLEAN! Play Runo as many times as you can and tell your friends to play, too. Download the Runo app to your Apple device; play it in a mobile or web browser at playruno .com; or play the arcade version at ECHO through Labor Day.

THIS GAME WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

LAUREN LAVALLEE

Runoff arcade game at ECHO was provided and outfitted by the talented folks at:

Sacha Bortolan plays Runoff at ECHO

C l Crawlers

LIVE CATERPILLAR DAY: Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. $3-5. Info, 229-6206. northbranchnaturecenter.org

S

ponsored by:

COURTESY OF SAM JAFFE

Some people keep chickens; others are sweet on honeybees. Massachusettsbased naturalist Sam Jaffe? He collects and raises caterpillars. Kids can get a close-up look at Jaffe’s incredible crawling collection — between 30 and 40 different species — at North Branch Nature Center’s LIVE CATERPILLAR DAY Coincidentally, many of these furry, spiny, spotted, camouflaged and colorful specimens live in the wild on the nature center’s grounds.

2 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Art on the Go: Museum exhibits inspire crafts, games and activities at the Round Barn and Circus Buildings. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Craftacular Tuesdays: Kids get caught up in low-tech projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Creative Tuesdays: Artists engage their imaginations with recycled crafts. All ages, but kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Painted Rock Tic-Tac-Toe: Kids create a stone-andstick version of this classic game with local artist Nicole Vance. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 10-11 a.m. $5; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Stick-Figure Workshop: Artist Giuseppe “Joe” Di Dio leads a craft session. Grades 4-6. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9 a.m.-noon. Info, 878-6956.

Webby’s Art Studio: The museum’s resident dragons, mermaids and mythical folk art inspires kids to craft sock puppets of mystical creatures. All ages. Shelburne Museum, July 7, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby in this all-levels class. Free class coupons are available through midwives and OB/GYNs. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 4 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Postnatal Yoga: Moms bring their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class addressing sore shoulders and back pain through gentle core work. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Community

Vermont Lake Monsters Game: The Green Mountain State’s minor-league baseball team steps up to the plate at a home game. Centennial Field, Burlington, 7:05 p.m. $5-10. Info, 655-4200.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: Fans of cocoacovered confectioneries experience the tempering and

Ball-Change Agents

Plenty of hoofers are following in the footsteps of Gene Kelley, Gregory Hines and Savion Glover. Behold the TAP KIDS SHOWCASE

SPEC-TAP-ULAR, the grand finale of New York Stage Originals’ Tap Kids Summer Intensive. The two-week program brings a group of some of the country’s best 9- to 22-year-old tap dancers to the Queen City to learn some new moves. This is their final exam.

TAP KIDS SHOWCASE SPEC-TAP-ULAR: Saturday, July 20, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., at Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, in Burlington. All ages. $25. Info, 914374-0066. tapkids.ticketleap.com/ tapkidsshowcase2013

dipping process. All ages. Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 253-9591.

Fresh From the Garden: Good Food for Kids: Healthy eaters help prepare nutritious dishes from just-picked vegetables. Grades 1 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Lunch at the Library: Kids get a square meal at this Hunger Free Vermont open lunch site. Ages 18 and under. Aldrich Public Library, Barre, noon. Free; call ahead with groups of four or more. Info, 476-7550.

Games

Chess Club: Checkmate! Kids of all ability levels scheme winning strategies. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Health & Fitness

Dancing With My Baby: Rock, reggae, pop, hip-hop and more inspire movement in parents and young dancers.

Ages 6 weeks and up. Blue Heron Aikido Studio, Middlebury, 10-11 a.m. $12 drop-in. Info, 388-3381.

Martial Arts Class: Playful but focused activities build agility, strength, balance and peaceful cooperation. Ages 7-12. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 4-5 p.m. $14 drop-in. Info, 870-0361.

Story Time Yoga: Favorite children’s books come alive through yoga poses, songs and games. Parents are welcome to stay and play. Ages 2-5. Motion Studio, Burlington, 9:45-10:30 a.m. $12 drop-in. Info, becky@ mountainkidsyogavt.com

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: Young gymnasts bounce, bend and balance. Ages 9 months-6 years, accompanied by an adult. Green Mountain Gymnastics, Williston, 9:30-11 a.m. $10 per child; $15 per family; preregister. Info, 652-2454.

Walk/Run Trail Series: All ages and abilities break a sweat in a 5K open race, 3K walk/run or 1K kids run. Hard’ack, St. Albans, 6 p.m. $3-5; kids 1K is free. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Library & Books

‘Dig Into Reading’ Craft & Event Series: As part of the summer reading program, participants tune in for hands-on projects. Ages 4-12. Aldrich Public Library, Barre, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 476-7550.

Diggers & Equipment: Kids get their hands dirty exploring big work vehicles in the parking lot. All ages. Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Garden Story Time: Little ones listen to seasonal tales and tunes under the sun. Ages 5 and under. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Garden Visit: Young patrons walk to the library’s plot at Summit Street School to tend to the plants, pull weeds, harvest veggies and hear stories. Grades 1 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Meet the Vermont Lake Monsters: Baseball players hit a home run with read-aloud stories and autographs.

Ages 3-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Quechee Summer Tuesdays: Readers tune in for themed songs, experiments and outdoor adventures.

Ages 6-11. Quechee Public Library, 4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 295-1232.

Reading Rocks!: Kids unearth good books through weekly themes and activities. Grades K-5. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

Summer Reading Program: Crafts, stories and art projects appeal to dedicated bookworms. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregistration required for certain workshops. Info, 893-4644.

Movies

Ben & Jerry’s Summer Outdoor Movie Festival: Cinema lovers screen The Hobbit in the open air. Ben & Jerry’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. Info, 862-9620.

Youth Media Lab: Aspiring Spielbergs make movies and explore technology in this drop-in collaboration with Middlebury Community Television. Grades 4 and up. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Music

Children’s Sing-Along With Lesley Grant: Parents sip co ee while wee ones break into song with a local musician and educator. Preschool-age kids and younger. The Bees Knees, Morrisville, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 888-7889.

Vermont Symphony Orchestra Summer Festival

Tour: Listeners pack a picnic and listen to Broadway hits, orchestral favorites and Great American Songbook classics. The night ends with a bang — of fireworks. Hunter Fairgrounds, Manchester, gates, 5:30 p.m.; concert, 7:30 p.m. $18-37; kids under 18 are free in advance. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Nature & Science

Dig Into the Mysteries of Soil: Inquisitive kiddos explore what lives in the dirt — and why it’s important. Ages 2-10. South Hero Community Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 372-6209.

Leafcutter Ants: Nature fans investigate the secret lives of “insect fungus farmers.” All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Sound Science: Good listeners explore how audio travels through di erent materials. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Time Travel Tuesdays: Families blast into the past, experiencing the late 19th century through farmhouse chores and pastimes. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Theater

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour: High-flying feats abound as Smirkus Troupers ages 10 to 18 dazzle crowds under a 750-seat, European-style tent. All ages. Leonard Field, St. Johnsbury, 1 & 6 p.m. $15-19; free for kids under 2. Info, 533-7443.

3 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Webby’s Art Studio: See July 2.

Baby & Maternity

Breast-Feeding Mom Support: New mothers get to know each other during this informative and informal session. Children welcome. Grace Church, Rutland, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 747-8665.

Community

Buried Treasure & Pirate Fun: Toddlers and preschoolers channel their inner buccaneers. Highgate Municipal Park, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Vermont Lake Monsters Game: See July 2, 1:05 p.m.

Education

social Thinking: Kids with nonverbal learning disabilities, Asperger’s syndrome and high-functioning autism develop their social skills. Ages 6-17. Preregister. Maple Leaf Clinic, Wallingford, call or times. Info, 446-3577.

Food

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

caledonia Farmers market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, beef and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of “shop local” options. All ages. Route 2, Danville, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 592-3088.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

cookie decorating: Budding bakers doll up treats with sprinkles, frosting, sugar and nuts. Barrio Bakery, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-8278.

Lunch at the Library: See July 2.

middlebury Farmers market: Crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes. All ages. Marble Works District, Middlebury, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 537-4754.

Woodstock Farmers market: Fresh vegetables, farm eggs, local meats and cheeses, cut flowers, and seasonal fruits and berries represent the best of the growing season. Woodstock Village Green, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3555.

Games

chess for Kids: Strategists put on their thinking caps for brain-teasing games run by the Teen Advisory Board. Grades 3-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Lego Afternoons: Youngsters create freely from big buckets of building blocks. Parents encouraged to send a snack; popcorn provided. Ages 6 and up. Lincoln Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

Lego club: Amateur architects piece together creative scale models of cityscapes. Lawrence Memorial Library, Bristol, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2366. survey says!: As part of Burlington’s Independence Day activities, Jamie Polli and Tim Kavanagh co-host this high-energy family game show. Perkins Pier, Burlington, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 242-1442.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: Basketball-loving high school students spend the afternoon dribbling, shooting and scoring. St. Albans City Hall, 2:30-3:45 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See July 2.

Library & Books

Beneath the surface: Activities with time capsules and graffiti tie into book discussion. Grades 6-12. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

creative Writing: Young scribes capture their soaring imaginations on the page. Ages 9 and up. Essex Free Library, 1-2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 879-0313.

‘The Hobbit’ Teen club: Adolescents stave off the summer blahs with movies, snacks, book discussions, riddles, video making and more. Grades 6 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Richford PJ story Time: Kids gather with friends for bedtime prep through stories, songs and crafts. Ages 6 and under. Arvin A. Library, Richford, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

movies

movie Afternoon: Kiddos kick back and watch an onscreen spectacle. All ages. Lincoln Library, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

music

‘connecting the drops’: Wednesdays on the

submit your August event for print by July 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

marketplace concert series: In conjunction with a rain-barrel exhibit, folks celebrate Lake Champlain at an evening of live tunes, giveaways and stormwater education activities. All ages. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 656-2514.

Lunchtime concert: Singer-songwriters, a cappella choirs, circus acrobats and jugglers entertain the lunch crowd at open-air performances held twice a week. Burlington City Hall Park, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7166.

Preschool music With mr. chris: A fun, tune-filled gathering strikes the right note. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Vermont symphony orchestra summer Festival

Tour: See July 2. Grafton Ponds Nordic Center, gates, 5:30 p.m.; concert, 7:30 p.m. $12-36; kids under 18 are free in advance. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Nature & science

Farm Programs for Preschoolers: Stories, hands-on activities and snacks teach little ones about life on the farm. Ages 3 and up. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 9-10:30 a.m. $3-5 includes museum admission; preregister. Info, 457-2355.

Honeybees: Families catch the buzz about the seethrough hive on the museum’s second floor. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Pocket Kites: Kids make their own simple craft to take to the skies. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Wacky Wednesday: dinosaur spelling contest: Prehistoric predators inspire kids to master the art of orthography. Ages 8 and up. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 12:30 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for members and kids under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

Wagon Ride Wednesdays: Giddyup, let’s go! Horses carry wagons through the operating dairy farm. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Theater

circus smirkus Big Top Tour: See July 2.

‘Narnia’: Complete with popular tunes from the 1960s, Very Merry Theatre reinvents C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on the library lawn. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

‘The secret Garden’: The Hampstead Theater Company reimagines Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel for the stage. All ages. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; tickets required. Info, 388-4097.

4 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2. crafternoon: Visual learners try their hand at various art projects. Grades K-8. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-7588.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 2.

Baby & maternity

Breast-Feeding support Group: Lactating moms bring their babies and bond over stories and advice. Family Birthing Center, Northwest Medical Center, St. Albans, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 524-7970.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 2, 5:45 p.m.

La Leche League of Essex: Moms bring their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breast-feeding. Pregnant and planning moms are also welcome. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 383-8544.

4 THURsdAY (continued)

Fairs & Festivals

Kingdom Aquafest: Fun in the sun includes the vikingthemed Pet & Swimmers’ Parade, a yacht regatta and lobster bake, and the iconic bed races down Main Street. All ages. Various locations, Newport, noon-10:30 p.m. Various prices. Info, 334-6345.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2. Lunch at the Library: See July 2.

milton Farmers market: Farmers, foodies and crafters come together to celebrate the bounty of the growing season. All ages. Milton High School, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-1009.

Games

shelburne magic club: Illusionists practice card tricks and share their most successful sleights of hand. Grades 5-8. Pierson Library, Shelburne, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See July 2.

Library & Books

‘dig into Reading’ craft & Event series: See July 2.

music

Brown Bag concert series: “Folk impurists” the Buskers deliver genre-jumping street music in the open air. Rain site: Town Hall Theatre. Woodstock Village Green, noon. Donations accepted. Info, 457-3981.

maple Tree Place summer concert series: Bands such as the Rhythm Rockets, Real Deal and SturCrazie sound out hits on the green at this weekly gathering. Maple Tree Place, Williston, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-9100.

music With mr. chris: Singer, storyteller and puppeteer Chris Dorman leads kids in song and dance. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

snow Farm Vineyard summer concert series: Weather permitting, crowds gather for a weekly rotation of classical, jazz, swing, bluegrass and rock. Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero, picnicking begins at 5 p.m.; music starts at 6:30 p.m. Free; food and drinks available for purchase. Info, 372-9463.

Vermont symphony orchestra summer Festival

Tour: See July 2. Shelburne Farms, gates, 5:30 p.m.; concert, 7:30 p.m. $17-39. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Nature & science

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: Youth sleuths clue into the origins of preserved remains. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Kitchen chemistry: Mad scientists combine common household products, which yield unexpectedly entertaining results. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

‘Beauty and the Beast’: More than 125 teens and youth from central Vermont and the Upper Valley present a fully staged musical production of this “tale as old as time.” All ages. Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph, 7 p.m. $12.75-19.25. Info, 728-6464.

5 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: Stay-at-home learners hang with peers as they improve their needlework. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3-4:15 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 2.

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core Yoga: Get your abs on! New moms learn to reengage core muscles lost during pregnancy in this flowing yoga class for all levels. Pre-crawling babies are welcome. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 1:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

community

Glass-Blowing demos & Food Trucks: Families view art in action as eight mobile vendors serve good grub nearby. All ages. AO Glass Works, Burlington, 5-8 p.m. Free. Info, 488-4455.

dance

First Friday Family dance: A wholesome evening of live music and dancing ends with a song circle. All ages. Worcester Town Hall, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $5-12. Info, 229-0173.

Fairs & Festivals

Kingdom Aquafest: See July 4, 1 & 6:30 p.m.

Food

Burger Night: Live music and kids activities lend a festive air to a local feast of grilled fare. See “Out to Eat,” page 15. All ages. Bread & Butter Farm, Shelburne, 4:307:30 p.m. Free admission; cost of food and drink. Info, 985-9200.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Five corners Farmers market: From natural meats to breads and wines, farmers share the bounty of the growing season at an outdoor exchange, complete with live entertainment and kids activities. Lincoln Place, Essex Junction, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 5cornersfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Lunch at the Library: See July 2. Richmond Farmers market: Vendors peddle maple iced tea, honey ice cream, vegan chocolates, just-picked produce and much more at this lively showcase of locavorism. All ages. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6:30 p.m. Free.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See July 3.

Family Gym: Indoor playground equipment gives tumblers a chance to run free. Ages 7 and under. Pomerleau Family YMCA, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-noon. $5-8 per family. Info, 862-8993.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See July 2.

Library & Books

songs & stories With matthew: Listeners start the day with tunes and tales of adventures. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Wilder summer Firdays: Independent explorers engage in crafts and activities related to ever-changing themes. Ages 6-11. Wilder Club & Library, Hartford, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 295-6341.

movies

After-school movie: Film buffs put up their feet and watch a flick, popcorn in hand. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Family movie: Everyone’s favorite ogre offers endless entertainment as viewers screen Shrek. Popcorn and soda provided. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

music

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: Toetapping good tunes captivate kiddies. Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 660-9346.

Lunchtime concert: See July 3. music With derek: The wee crowd convenes to shake out their sillies in tune-filled activities. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Vermont symphony orchestra summer Festival

Tour: See July 2. Suicide Six Ski Area, Pomfret, gates, 5:30 p.m.; concert, 7:30 p.m. $12-36; kids under 18 are free in advance. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Nature & science

microscopic investigations: Hand lenses and microscopes help kids discover there’s more to the world than meets the eye. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200. mirror, mirror: Little ones use looking glasses to investigate reflection and symmetry. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

‘Beauty and the Beast’: See July 4.

6 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Kids craft: magnetic clothespin insects: Children make creepy crawlers and winged wonders at this drop-in session. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 2.

Baby & maternity

Breast-Feeding support Group: The Vermont Department of Health organizes this informative social group for moms, babies and families. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 524-7970.

Education

Kids Workshops: Children learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety as they build a different project each session. Ages 5-12. Home Depot, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 872-0039.

Fairs & Festivals

Burklyn Arts summer craft Fair: For the 43rd year, dozens of artisans set up booths and share their homemade wares. There are baked goods, too. Bandstand Park, Lyndonville, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 626-6210. Kingdom Aquafest: See July 4, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Food

Burlington Farmers market: Farmers, artisans and producers offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts, and more in a bustling marketplace. All ages. Burlington City Hall Park, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172. caledonia Farmers market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, beef and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of “shop local” options. All ages. 50 Railroad Street, St. Johnsbury, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 592-3088. capital city Farmers market: Veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at a celebration of locally grown food. All ages. Corner of State and Elm streets, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2. middlebury Farmers market: See July 3. shelburne Farmers market: Musical entertainment adds cheer to this exchange of fruits, veggies, herbs, honey, maple syrup and more. All ages. Shelburne Village Green, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 985-2472.

Health & Fitness

Yoga Tots: Toddlers and parents stretch it out in exercises meant to build self-esteem and positive attitudes toward physical activity. Ages 3-6. Highgate Town Office Building, 9 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Library & Books

Used Book sale: Bibliophiles gather new reads for their nightstands. All ages. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

movies

Ben & Jerry’s summer outdoor movie Festival: Cinema lovers screen The Rise of the Guardians in the open air. Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury, 8 p.m. Free. Info, 244-1411.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: Shiver me timbers!

Listeners learn about pirate lore and history in a jollygood concert. Franklin Town Hall, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Vermont symphony orchestra summer Festival

Tour: See July 2. Jay Peak Resort, gates, 5:30 p.m.; concert, 7:30 p.m. $15-36; free for kids under 5. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Village Harmony: Teen World music Ensemble: Young singers give voice to traditional music from Georgia, Bulgaria, South Africa, Corsica and the U.S. North Congregational Church, St. Johnsbury, 7:30 p.m. $5-10 suggested donation. Info, 426-3210.

Nature & science

Planetarium Presentation: An astronomy expert offers a guided tour of the cosmos. Ages 5 and up. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $5. Info, 748-2372.

super science day: Nature close-Up: Walkers trek outdoors for a detailed look at the forest canopy, meadows, rivers and ponds. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

‘Beauty and the Beast’: See July 4. saturday drama club: Thespians help Very Merry Theatre produce a show in just three hours. Ages 5-12. Very Merry Theatre, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 (or pay what you can). Info, 863-6607.

7 SUNDAY

Arts & crafts

Webby’s Art studio: See July 2, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 2, 10:05 a.m.

Postnatal Yoga: See July 2, 12:15 p.m.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: Yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques nurture bodies and create a loving connection between moms-to-be and their babies. Women at all stages of pregnancy are welcome. Yoga Roots, Shelburne, 4:30-6 p.m. $15 drop-in. Info, 985-0090.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2, 5:05 p.m.

Education

Peace & Justice center Kids club: Young folks explore and celebrate Middle Eastern culture as they learn about Iraq through stories, games, music and snacks. Ages 5-10. Peace & Justice Center, Burlington, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 863-2345, ext. 6.

Fairs & Festivals

Kingdom Aquafest: See July 4, 8 a.m. & 1 p.m. middlebury Festival-on-The-Green: A massive tent on the town green is home to everything from music to marionettes. See calendar spotlight, page 36. All ages. Downtown Middlebury, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info, 462-3555.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2. Power of Produce (PoP) club: Kids register for a Passport to Health at the Winooski Farmers Market, which earns them a tote, button and tokens for fruits, veggies or plant starts. Additional children’s activities focus on food, farming and nutrition. Ages 5-12. Winooski Falls Way, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 413-446-4684.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See July 5.

music

music on the Porch: Hard Scrabble, Dave Keller, the Growlers and Seth Yacavone are among the artists featured in this weekly lineup of tunes. Rusty Parker Memorial Park, Waterbury, 1-3 p.m. Donations accepted for Food 4 Farmers. Info, 882-2700.

Vermont symphony orchestra summer Festival Tour: See July 2. Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, gates, 5:30 p.m.; concert, 7:30 p.m. $11-35; free for kids under 5. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Nature & science

Butterfly Walk: Bug lovers bring binoculars, magnifying glasses and butterfly nets to experience insects up close. All ages. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10 a.m.-noon. Donations accepted. Info, 434-2167.

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Hoopster Gliders: Creativity soars as kids craft a flying contraption. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See July 6. straw Rockets: Imaginative inventors use air power to make space contraptions fly. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

sundays for Fledglings: Aspiring junior birders learn all about feathers and flying through observation, research and goofing around. Ages 5-10; siblings welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 2-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-6; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

Theater

‘Beauty and the Beast’: See July 4, 2 p.m.

8 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

dig into clay: Vermont Clay Mobile professionals lead a hands-on artistic exploration. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Webby’s Art studio: Impressionist paintings prompt kids to create their own miniature masterpieces. All ages. Shelburne Museum, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: Pregnant mamas focus on movements that will help prepare their bodies for labor and birth. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. $15 drop-in. Info, 778-0300.

Yoga After Baby: New moms work on their core, pelvic floor and arm strength, bringing their infants along if they choose. Shambhala Center, Montpelier, 11 a.m.noon. $10. Info, 778-0300.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2, 1:05 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

middlebury Festival-on-The-Green: See July 7, noon & 7-10 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Games

monopoly Tournament: Kids take a “chance” on this “fast-dealing property trading game.” Prizes, snacks and drinks provided. Ages 6-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Health & Fitness

Hoopla: Large, easy-to-use hoops and great music make for a funky dance-fitness experience. All ages. Middlebury Municipal Gym, 6:45-8 p.m. $5-12 drop-in. Info, 388-3381.

submit your August event for print by July 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

summer Lovin’ Yoga: Mini yogis practice mindfulness activities and poses in an engaging class. Ages 4-11. Motion Studio, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $12 drop-in. Info, 318-3598. Yoga class: Playful breathing, stretching and relaxation techniques build mindfulness and body awareness.

Ages 6-12. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 4-5 p.m. $14 drop-in. Info, 870-0361.

Library & Books

Reading Buddies: Teen mentors and little learners partner up for tale time. Grades K-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

summer Reading Program: See July 2.

Treasure museum: Kids display their most prized possessions at provided tables, sharing their stories with fellow museumgoers. Ages 6-11. Essex Free Library, 11 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 879-0313.

music

Preschool music: Lively tunes with Peter Alsen or Derek Burkins strike the right note among the wee crowd. For ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:45 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

Nature & science

dig into Nature! Butterfly Gardens: Jerry Schneider teaches kids about the plants and flowers that attract these winged beauties. Bring a white cotton T-shirt to decorate. Ages 5 and up; children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Leafcutter Ants: See July 2.

sound science: See July 2.

9 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2. creative Tuesdays: See July 2.

Henna Tattoos: Intricate designs bloom at the hand of Heartfire Henna’s Rebecca Freedner. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 8, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 2.

Postnatal Yoga: See July 2.

community

Exordium Adventure: Creative programming gets kids excited about nature. For children in kindergarten and up. Highgate Municipal Park, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2, 11:05 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

middlebury Festival-on-The-Green: See July 7, noon & 7-10 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Kids in the Kitchen: strawberry Pastry Pockets: Chefs-in-training fill buttery pockets of dough with a “berry” delicious, from-scratch jam. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Games

chess club: See July 2.

Game on!: Kids learn new diversions or play old faves. All ages. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

FAsHioN dEsiGN FoR AGEs 11-16: A whole new wardrobe is created with a little imagination! Working on sewing machines, campers will learn how to redesign old clothing into a new favorite outfit. Raid your closet, visit a used clothing store, and bring buttons, sequins, lace, ribbon and other accessories to add. Basic sewing skills helpful but not necessary. Jul. 29-Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $270/HDAC members; $300/nonmembers. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond Street, Stowe. Info: 253-8358, helenday.com.

FiddLE & BANJo LEssoNs: 4-104! Woodbury Strings is now offering lessons in Burlington on fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and ukulele starting as young as age 4 on some instruments. We specialize in teaching beginners and have a complete program with recitals, public performances and more. Visit our website for more information and directions: woodburystrings.com.

Kids AcAdEmY AT RocKY RidGE: The Kids Academy helps kids 8-14 discover and improve their game of golf in a safe and fun-filled environment through skills-based games, range instruction and course play. Each week hosts a maximum of eight golfers with a student-to-instructor ratio of fourto-one, guaranteeing plenty of individual attention. Jul. 8-12, Jul. 15-19, Jul. 29-Aug. 2, Aug. 5-9, 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $175/session. Location: Rocky Ridge Golf Club, 7470 Vermont 116, St. George. Info: Ed Coleman, 482-2191, biggolfvt@aol.com.

LiTTLE music mAKERs: BABY music (0-1 YEAR), 11-11:45 a.m.: knee bounces, peek-a-boo songs, guitar sing-alongs, instruments, parachute fun and bubbles! ToddLER music (1-3 YEARs), 10:1511 a.m.: guitar sing-alongs, rhythm instruments, dancing, finger plays, knee bounces, parachute fun and bubbles! PREscHooL music (3-5 YEARs), 9:3010:15 a.m.: creative movement, rhythm activities, “hands-on” instruments (tuba, banjo, etc.) parachute games and bubbles! Weekly on Sat. mornings, Jul. 13-Aug. 24 (no class Aug. 3). Cost: $56/Colchester residents; $61/nonresidents. Location: Colchester Meeting House, 898 Main St. Info: Ellie Tetrick, elliesparties@comcast. net, 264-5640. To register online, visit goo.gl/ve4k8.

PAiNTiNG FoR AGEs 7-10: The world of painting is explored with the language of color, form and shape. Working from observation and imagination, campers will develop painting techniques and styles. A variety of mediums will be used, including tempera, watercolor and acrylics. Artists such as Matisse, Van Gogh, Klee and Kandinsky will be introduced. Jul. 15-19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $270/HDAC members; $300/nonmembers. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond Street, Stowe. Info: 253-8358, helenday.com.

Health & Fitness

dancing With my Baby: See July 2.

martial Arts class: See July 2.

Parent/child Yoga With Jaycie: Kids and their caretakers settle in for simple stretching exercises. Ages 5-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

scuLPTuRE FoR AGEs 8-12: Campers will learn about contemporary sculpture and installation by exploring the “Exposed” outdoor sculpture exhibition in Stowe. Create your own unique sculptures experimenting with paper, wire, wood, paper mache, found objects and clay. The camp will culminate with a group installation of sculptures conceived and created during the week. Jul. 22-26, 9 a.m.4 p.m. Cost: $270/HDAC members; $300/ nonmembers. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond Street, Stowe. Info: 2538358, helenday.com.

sToP-moTioN ANimATioN cAmP: Meredith Holch is a film and video maker who specializes in animation art. This July, kids can make their own stop-motion animated film — creating their own story lines based on a theme, making backgrounds, sets and figures using common art materials, dreaming up original sound tracks and sound effects, and shooting the animation with video cameras provided by Holch. Ages 10-14. Jul. 8-12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $150. Location: The Art House, 1376 N. Craftsbury Rd., Craftsbury Common. Info: Sarah, 586-2545, vtarthouse@gmail.com, vermontarthouse.com.

sToP-moTioN ANimATioN FoR AGEs

8-12: From storyboard to camera to a screening for friends and family, campers will bring stories to life by developing script, characters, backgrounds and sound. Campers will also look at innovative short animation from around the world, make a flip book, draw directly on 16mm film and learn about optical toys. Jul. 8-12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $270/HDAC members; $300/ nonmembers. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond Street, Stowe. Info: 2538358, helenday.com.

summER cAmPs AT WiNGsPAN sTudio: Explore! Create! Thrive! wingspan’s camps combine arts, nature, French, music, academics, imagination and take place in a beautiful artist’s studio and outdoors. Choose from: Musical Connections in Art & Nature, French, Geography & Art, Comic/Manga, Druid Towers/Fairy Houses, and Painting, Color & You! Visit website for more info, to register, to let your imagination soar! Six sessions from Jun. 24-Aug. 19. Cost: Varies by camp. Prices on website. Location: wingspan Studio, 4A Howard St., 3rd Floor, Burlington. Info: 233-7676, maggiestandley@yahoo.com, wingspanpaintingstudio.com.

WRiTiNG ANimAL sToRiEs: Have you wondered what stories animals might tell? Just like the great story of Black Beauty, young writers will brainstorm what animals’ lives are like and then write and illustrate stories from the animals’ point of view. Open to elementary school students. Instructor Elizabeth Llewellyan. Jul. 1519, 10-11:30 a.m. Cost: $85. Location: The Writers’ Barn, 233 Falls Rd., Shelburne. Info: 985-3091.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See July 2. Walk/Run Trail series: See July 2.

Library & Books

Garden story Time: See July 2.

Garden Visit: See July 2.

9 TUESDAY (CONTINUED)

Little Night-Owl Story Time: Listeners swoop in for some bedtime tales, songs and crafts. Ages 5 and under. Essex Free Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Pirate Story Time: Listeners let out an “argh!” as Andy Van Ness, aka “the Rogue Dutchman,” shares stories and songs. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Quechee Summer Tuesdays: See July 2.

Reading Rocks!: See July 2.

Summer Reading Program: See July 2.

Movies

Ben & Jerry’s Summer Outdoor Movie Festival: See July 6. Ben & Jerry’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. Info, 862-9620.

Youth Media Lab: See July 2.

Music

Children’s Sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See July 2. Introductory Fiddle Group Classes: Music lovers fiddle around with instruments in this workshop led by Woodbury Strings. Burlington Violin Shop, 10-10:45 a.m. for ages 5-7; noon-1 p.m. for adults; 2-3 p.m. for ages 12-17; 4-5 p.m. for ages 8-11. Free; preregister. Info, 223-8945.

Music With Gary Dulabaum: Concertgoers rock out with this Vermont guitarist and singer. All ages. Essex Free Library, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Teddy Bear Picnic With the Swing Peepers: Matthew Witten and John Hadden sing Earth-friendly songs and enact rollicking stories to young listeners and their animal buddies. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. All ages. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Nature & Science

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Bug Walks: Intrepid explorers bring a net to observe fascinating insects. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. $3-5; free for members. Info, 229-6206.

Deep Time: A History of Life on Earth: A visual presentation explores four billion years of our planet’s history. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Honeybees: See July 3.

Pocket Kites: See July 3.

Story Time in Nestlings Nook: Preschoolers settle in for avian education. Activities include crafts, music and nature walks, if the weather permits. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $3-6. Info, 434-2167.

Time Travel Tuesdays: See July 2.

Theater

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour: See July 2. All ages.

Story Times

MONDAY

Bristol Toddler Story Time: Lawrence Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2366.

Burlington: Dig Into Stories With Megan: Fletcher Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Essex Drop-In Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Richmond Pajama Time: Richmond Free Library, 6:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

St. Albans Story Hour: St. Albans Free Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Stowe Story Time for 2- to 3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10:15-11 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Waitsfield Story Time: Joslin Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 496-4205.

Waterbury Toddlers-’n’-Twos: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Woodstock Baby Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

TUESDAY

Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Community Education Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077.

Barre Children’s Story Hour: Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-7550.

Colchester Toddler Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

East Barre Kids Story Hour: East Barre Branch Library, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

East Middlebury Preschool Stories & Take-Home

Crafts: Sara Partridge Community Library, 10:3011:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Fairfax Preschool Story Hour: Fairfax Community Library, first Tuesday of every month, 9:30-10 a.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Georgia Pajama Story Time: Georgia Public Library, third Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Grand Isle PJ Story Time: Grand Isle Free Library, first Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Hinesburg Preschool Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 11, 12 & 6:30 p.m. $18-21; free for kids under 2.

Tom Joyce: The “magic man” captivates kiddos with mystifying sleights of hand. Ages 2-10. South Hero Community Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 372-6209.

10 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Clay Creations: Students mold polymer clay into sculptures and jewelry in this two-part workshop. Grades 6-12. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 626-5475.

Kids Craft: Cat or Dog Pot: Animal lovers make cute critters out of clay pots at this drop-in session. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Let’s Build It! Fairy & Gnome House Day: Toddlers and preschoolers construct homes for enchanted creatures. Highgate Municipal Park, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

SMArt: Kids, Through the Looking Glass: Visitors explore the museum’s own Wonderland through enchanting activities. Shelburne Museum, 4-7 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Stitch-In: Members of the Green Mountain chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America hand stitch “Dig

Early-literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. Contact the story-time organizer or visit kidsvt.com for details. Schedules may change; call ahead to confirm.

Hinesburg Toddler Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, first Tuesday of every month, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Richmond Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

Shelburne Story Time With Webby: Shelburne Museum, 10:30-11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $5-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

South Burlington Tiny Tot Explorers: Wheeler Homestead and Garden Park, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

St. Johnsbury Story Time: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 748-8291.

Williston Story Hour: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Williston Story Time With Corey: Buttered Noodles, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Winooski Preschool Story Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.

Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

WEDNESDAY

East Barre Realms of Reading Crafts: East Barre Branch Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

Essex Summer Preschool Story Time: Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Essex Toddler Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Grand Isle Preschool Story Time: Grand Isle Free Library, 10 a.m. Free; newcomers should preregister. Info, 372-4797.

Hardwick Preschool Story Time: Jeudevine Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.

Montgomery Story Hour: Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, montgomery.librarian@ gmail.com.

Quechee Story Time: Quechee Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 295-1232.

Randolph Morning Story Time: Kimball Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073.

Richford Story Hour: Arvin A. Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 848-3313.

South Burlington Baby Blossoms: Wheeler Homestead and Garden Park, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

South Burlington Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

Swanton Story Hour: Swanton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-7656.

Warren Preschool Story & Enrichment Hour: Warren Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 595-2582.

Waterbury Baby Lap Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Williamstown Story Time: Ainsworth Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 433-5887.

THURSDAY

Bristol Preschool Story Time: Lawrence Memorial Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2366.

Essex Preschool Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Franklin Summer Story Hour: Haston Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Rutland Story Time: Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

Shelburne Story Time With Mary Catherine Jones: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Vergennes Story Time: Bixby Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 877-2211.

Westford Story Time: Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-5639.

FRIDAY

Brandon Preschool Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Essex Musical Thirds Story Time: Essex Free Library, third Friday of every month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Essex Musical Story Time: Essex Free Library, July 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Essex Drop-in Story Time: Brownell Library, July 12, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Georgia Preschool Story Time: Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Into Reading” bookmarks. All ages. South Burlington Community Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 652-7539. Webby’s Art Studio: See July 8, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington La Leche League: Babies and older kids are welcome as moms bring their questions to a breastfeeding support group. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-8228.

Education

Social Thinking: See July 3.

Fairs & Festivals

Middlebury Festival0-On-The-Green: See July 7, noon & 7-10 p.m.

Food

Caledonia Farmers Market: See July 3.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See July 2. Cookie Decorating: See July 3.

Fresh, Fun Food for Teens: Garden goodies make their way into delicious dishes. Grades 6-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See July 3.

10 WEDNESDAY, P.36

Huntington Story Time: Huntington Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 434-4583.

Lincoln Toddler/Preschool Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665. Milton Toddler/Preschool Story Time: Milton Public Library, July 5, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

Moretown Story Time: Moretown Memorial Library, 11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 496-9728.

South Burlington Bookworms: Wheeler Homestead and Garden Park, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

South Burlington Pajamarama: Barnes & Noble, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

Stowe Baby & Toddler Story Time: Stowe Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Waterbury Preschool Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

SATURDAY

Barre Story Time: Next Chapter Bookstore, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-3114.

Burlington Saturday Story Time: Phoenix Books, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 448-3350.

South Burlington Story Time: See Wednesday, 11 a.m.

St. Johnsbury Story Time: See Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY

Williston Russian Story Time: Buttered Noodles, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 730-2673.

Fun in the Sun

Pack a picnic and set up camp — the middLEBuRY FEsTiVAL-oN-THE-GREEN calls for seven days of merrymaking in the center of town. now in its 35th year, this open-air celebration features twilight concerts, a hoppin’ street dance with the Vermont Jazz ensemble and noontime “Brown Bag Specials” for the kiddie set. entertainers include folk singer rik Palieri, physical comedian Stephen Gratto, no Strings Marionette puppeteers and magician tom Verner.

middLEBuRY FEsTiVAL-oN-THE-GREEN: Sunday, July 7, 7-9 p.m.; Monday, July 8, through Friday, July 12, noon & 7-10 p.m.; and Saturday, July 13, 7-9 p.m., in downtown Middlebury. All ages. Free. Info, 462-3555. festivalonthegreen.org

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Grades 1-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Woodstock Farmers market: See July 3.

Games

chess for Kids: See July 3.

Georgia Family Game Night: Players sit down for friendly competitions of Candy Land, checkers and Monopoly. Visitors are welcome to bring their own games, too. Georgia Public Library, Fairfax, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Lego Afternoons: See July 3.

Lego club: See July 3.

Legos for the Little ones: Builders fashion architecturally sound constructions. Ages 5-7. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See July 3.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See July 2.

Yoga: Mini yogis reach for the stars in stretches and poses. Ages 5-8. Essex Free Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 879-0313.

Library & Books

Booktivity: Pirate Treasure Hunt: Ahoy, matey! Kids work as a team to solve clues and find buried treasure. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

dorothy canfield Fisher Book discussion: Bibliophiles voice likes and dislikes about award-nominated books, such as Joanne Rocklin’s The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library’s story Time on the Road: Traveling tales and tunes promise fun for all ages. Rumney Memorial School, Montpelier, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Page to stage: Kids read a story, develop a script, organize costumes and props, and rehearse and perform a public production in less than two hours. Grades K-5.

summer Reading Program: See July 2, 1 p.m.

movies

movie Afternoon: See July 3.

music

‘connecting the drops’: Wednesdays on the marketplace concert series: See July 3.

Lunchtime concert: See July 3.

Preschool music With mr. chris: See July 3.

summer Entertainment series: Carol Ann Jones serenades families soaking up the sunset. Bombardier Park, Milton, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4922.

Nature & science

Archaeological dig: Scott McLaughlin leads young scholars in a simulated dig. Ages 8 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Farm Programs for Preschoolers: See July 3.

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: See July 4.

Kitchen chemistry: See July 4.

Wacky Wednesday: dinosaur Pronunciation: Learners study the prehistoric predators in the “Bigger Than T-Rex” exhibit, then practice saying their names. Ages 8 and up. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 12:30 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for members and kids under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

Wagon Ride Wednesdays: See July 3.

11 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

‘dig into Reading’ craft series: Creative types make projects based on themes of dreams and nighttime.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 8, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 2, 5:45 p.m.

community

summervale: Live music, food tastings and kids crafts promise fun under the sun. All ages. Burlington Intervale Center, 5:30-8 p.m. Free admission; cost of food and drink. Info, 660-0440.

Fairs & Festivals

middlebury Festival-on-The-Green: See July 7, noon & 7-10 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2. milton Farmers market: See July 4.

Games

Library Legos: Building-block lovers get busy with the library’s giant collection. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Health & Fitness

itsy Bitsy Yoga: Families try out toddler-friendly poses with songs, stories and games. Ages 5 and under. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

martial Arts class: See July 2.

Library & Books

Booked for Lunch: A librarian entertains the lunch crowd with themed stories. Dessert is provided. Grades K and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Free; preregister; bring a bag lunch. Info, 878-6956.

cleo the Therapy dog: Canine companions visit with a friendly pooch from the Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages

spoken-Word Poetry Performance & Workshop: Local poet Lizzy Fox helps writers tell stories about body image and identity with power and presence. Grades 6-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

swashbucklers’ Book swap: Attending pirates exchange literary treasures in good condition. Call for details. All ages. South Burlington Community Library, 9-11 a.m. & 3-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

music

Brown Bag concert series: Hungrytown deliver traditional folk music in the open air. Rain site: Town Hall Theatre. Woodstock Village Green, noon. Donations accepted. Info, 457-3981.

maple Tree Place summer concert series: See July 4. music With mr. chris: See July 4.

Preschool music: See July 8, 10:30 a.m.

River Road summer concert series: Spectators bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to fully enjoy outdoor musical entertainment. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 422-2105.

snow Farm Vineyard summer concert series: See July 4.

Nature & science

dig into the mysteries of soil: Inquisitive kiddos explore what lives in the dirt — and why it’s important. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

microscopic investigations: See July 5.

mirror, mirror: See July 5.

What Rot! The Amazing Life of dirt: Stephen Amos leads this hands-on — and hands-in — exploration of soil. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Theater

‘mulan Jr.’: A young girl is tasked with saving the

10 WEdNEsdAY (Continued)

emperor in Vermont Children’s Theater’s heartwarming musical, based on the Disney film. Vermont Children’s Theater, Lyndonville, 7 p.m. $5-10. Info, 626-5358.

12 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: See July 5. Webby’s Art studio: See July 8, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core Yoga: See July 5.

community

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Glass-Blowing demos & Food Trucks: See July 5.

Education

Homeschool Project day: Out-of-classroom learners present their current studies to peers. Milton Public Library, 2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Fairs & Festivals

middlebury Festival-on-The-Green: See July 7, noon & 7-10 p.m.

solarFest: Eco-friendly families converge for music, theater in the woods, a trash-to-fashion show, contra dancing and kids activities, all powered by the sun. Forget-Me-Not Farm, Tinmouth, $15; $35-39 weekend pass; free for kids under 15 accompanied by an adult. Info, 235-1513.

stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival: Floating orbs transport people through the sky at a balloon-launch fest with plenty of entertainment and eats. Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, 4 p.m. Free to view the morning launches; $10 admission to evening festival events (free for kids under 13); $10 tethered rides; $275 hot-air balloon rides. Info, 253-7355, ext. 5538.

Waterbury Arts Fest: Friday’s street party paves the way for live music, performances and artistic displays on Saturday. Downtown Waterbury, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 496-6466.

Food

Burger Night: See July 5.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Five corners Farmers market: See July 5.

Richmond Farmers market: See July 5.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See July 3. dancing With my Baby: See July 2.

Family Gym: See July 5.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See July 2.

Library & Books

Wilder summer Firdays: See July 5.

movies

After-school movie: See July 5.

Teen movie: A fairy-tale adventure takes on epic proportions in Jack the Giant Slayer. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

music

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See July 5.

Lunchtime concert: See July 3.

music With derek: See July 5.

spanish musical Kids: Amigos learn Latin American songs and games with native Argentinian Constancia Gómez. Ages 1-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Nature & science

Bats in the Barn: The evening starts with a slideshow about nature’s “best bug zappers” and continues with

an outdoor exploration with Barry the Bat Guy. Shelburne Farms, 7:30-9 p.m. $5-6. Info, 985-8686.

color mixing: Preschoolers and their families blend primary colors into brand-new hues. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Exordium: Ant colony: Attendees investigate a live ant colony, looking at the structure, as well as its inhabitants’ job assignments and methods of communication. Ages 3-15 and their families. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475. Exploring magnets: Budding scientists experiment with invisible pull. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Fossil Exploration: Projects and crafts help young adults unearth bits of our past hiding beneath the surface. Grades 6-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Parenting

stay-at-Home moms: Mothers attend a talk about earning an income from home while staying fully involved in their children’s lives. New England Center for CranioSacral Therapy, Burlington, 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 578-9451.

Theater

‘mulan Jr.’: See July 11.

13 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

BcA summer Artist market: Kid Zone: Weather permitting, creative types have a blast painting, drawing and printmaking in the park. All ages; parents must accompany their children. Burlington City Hall Park, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $4-5. Info, 865-7166.

Kids craft: sports Hang-Up: Go team! Youngsters make a decorative banner celebrating athletic activities. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 8, noon-4 p.m.

community

discover the Heart of the islands: open Farm and studio Tour: Farmers, chefs, painters, printmakers, quilters, jewelers and sculptors open their doors for a celebration of creativity. Sample the local flavor at Sunday’s Taste of the Islands, held at Grand Isle Art Works. Various locations, Champlain Islands, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 372-4556.

Education

American Red cross Babysitter Training: Tweens and teens learn to care for younger kids. Ages 11-15. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Fairs & Festivals

Antiques & Uniques: More than 100 antiques and collectibles vendors, jewelry makers, quilters, woodworkers and potters share their goodies. Roaming buskers and picnicking round out the day. Craftsbury Common, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Donations accepted; $5 parking. Info, 586-7596.

French Heritage day: Celebrate our region’s cultural history with Franco-American music, step dancing, traditional craft and fencing demonstrations, the Bastille Day Waiter’s Race, horse-and-carriage rides and more. Vergennes City Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 388-7951.

middlebury Festival-on-The-Green: See July 7.

solarFest: See July 12.

stoweflake Hot-Air Balloon Festival: See July 12.

6:30 a.m.

Waterbury Arts Fest: See July 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Circus-palooza

Sunday, July 22

Come one, come all to a circus spectacular! Circus artists, carnival games, and activities! Bring your family to the Big Top for a circus extravaganza.

Vermont residents $10 admission; children $5 www.shelburnemuseum.org

circus-palooza is a family day sponsored by :

live species, daily animal demonstrations, 100+ interactive experiences, changing exhibits plus the new Action Lab and ECHO Films in the new Revision Lakeside Pavilion

13 saTurday (Continued)

Food

Burlington Farmers market: See July 6.

caledonia Farmers market: See July 6.

capital city Farmers market: See July 6.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

middlebury Farmers market: See July 3.

shelburne Farmers market: See July 6.

Health & Fitness

See dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See July 2, 10:05 a.m.

shelburne Prenatal yoga: See July 7.

community

discover the Heart of the islands: open Farm and studio Tour: See July 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

solarFest: See July 12.

stoweflake Hot air Balloon Festival: See July 12, 6:30 a.m.

Food

Brain Freezer 5K: Racers tour the Queen City on a running challenge interrupted by a Ben & Jerry’s icecream-eating challenge. Yes, really. Proceeds benefit People Helping People Global. Battery Park, Burlington, 10 a.m. $15-40. Info, 318-4488.

Library & Books

dig into Books: Drawing on kids’ imaginations and voices, Gary Dulabaum helps youngsters discover the world of reading. All ages. Ainsworth Public Library, Williamstown, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 433-5887.

mr. K & Exordium adventure: Eager learners dig into a variety of topics, from ant colonies to mysterious soil. Franklin Town Hall, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

movies

Ben & Jerry’s summer outdoor movie Festival: Cinema lovers screen Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax in the open air. Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury, 8 p.m. Free. Info, 244-1411.

Nature & science

Bird monitoring Walk: Tweet, tweet! Beginners learn birdsong basics and share their passion for everything ornithological. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 7-9 a.m. Donations accepted. Info, 434-3068.

dinoFest!: Families explore the “Bigger Than T-Rex” exhibit, build dinosaur puppets and watch an exclusive film about Lake Champlain’s own Champ. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for members and kids under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

Garden Tea Party at the inn: Pinkies up! Tea time follows a treasure hunt and exploration of the picturesque gardens. Shelburne Farms, 1-3:30 p.m. $5-6; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Hoopster Gliders: See July 7.

Kids Gardening club: A bug expert educates green thumbs on the little creatures flying, buzzing and crawling around their gardens. See “The Art of Gardening,” page 17. Ages 3 and up. Gardener’s Supply, Williston, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 658-2433.

Live caterpillar day: Naturalist and photographer

Sam Jaffe helps visitors discover the largest, spiniest and wackiest caterpillars residing in their own backyards. See calendar spotlight, page 29. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $3-5. Info, 229-6206.

Planetarium Presentation: See July 6. straw rockets: See July 7.

Theater

‘mulan Jr.’: See July 11, 2 & 7 p.m. saturday drama club: See July 6.

14 SUNDAY

arts & crafts

Webby’s art studio: See July 8, noon-4 p.m.

submit your august event for print by July 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: See July 7.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See July 5.

music

music on the Porch: See July 7.

Nature & science

Leafcutter ants: See July 2.

multi-county 4-H dairy show: 4-Hers lead their calves around the Breeding Barn show ring. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 985-8686.

Planetarium Presentation: See July 6.

sound science: See July 2.

sundays for Fledglings: See July 7.

Winged Wonders: Avian adventures lift off as folks listen to, look at and learn about our feathered friends, from hummingbirds to hawks. For families with children ages 4 and up. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 1-3 p.m. $10-12 per adult/child pair; $4-5 per additional child. Info, 434-3068.

15 MONDAY

arts & crafts

art on the Go: See July 2.

chalk- & sand-art masterpieces: Young artistes create stunning displays on the sidewalk. Ages 3 and up; parents must accompany their children. Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 879-0313.

Webby’s art studio: Kids color in black-and-white photographs inspired by the museum’s grounds and gardens. All ages. Shelburne Museum, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal yoga: See July 8.

yoga after Baby: See July 8.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Health & Fitness

Hoopla: See July 8.

summer Lovin’ yoga: See July 8.

Teen yoga With Jaycie: Exercise and peace of mind come from sun salutations and downward-facing dogs. Ages 12-17. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

yoga class: See July 8.

Library & Books

classics Book chat: Readers voice their opinions of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Grades 7 to adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

reading Buddies: See July 8.

summer reading Program: See July 2.

Little Monsters

Bringing up a baseball enthusiast? the whole family will have a ball at the VErmoNT LaKE moNsTErs GamE on July 18. Sponsored by Kids VT, these nine innings pit the Green Mountain State’s very own minor-league baseball team against Maryland’s Aberdeen ironBirds. Arrive early to show your support, and you’ll be rewarded: the first 500 kids through the gate receive vouchers for a free hot dog, bag of chips and soft drink; the first 200 also get a Kids VT water bottle. then grab a seat and watch the home team swing for the fences.

VErmoNT LaKE moNsTErs GamE: Thursday, July 18, 7:05 p.m., at Centennial Field in Burlington. All ages. $5-10. Info, 655-4200. vermontlakemonsters.com

Playgroups

MONDAY

Kids enjoy fun and games during these informal get-togethers, and caregivers connect with other local parents and peers. The groups are usually free and often include snacks, arts and crafts, or music. Contact the playgroup organizer or visit kidsvt.com for site-specific details. Schedules may change; call ahead to confirm.

Barre Open Gym: Sunrise Gymnastics, 10 a.m.-noon. $10 per child. Info, 223-0517.

Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers & Toddlers: St. Joseph School, 11 p.m. Free. Info, 999-5100.

Colchester Playgroup: Malletts Bay School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5900.

Essex Open Gym: Regal Gymnastics Academy, 11 a.m.-noon. $8; free for children under 18 months. Info, 655-3300.

Jericho Playgroup: Jericho Community Center, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Williston Playgroup: Alice in Noodleland: Buttered Noodles, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Winooski Fathers & Children Together: Winooski Family Center, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.

TUESDAY

Bristol Playgroup: Bristol Baptist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Burlington Family Play: VNA Family Room, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Fathers & Children Together: VNA Family Room, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Colchester Playgroup: See Monday, 9-11 a.m.

Colchester Teddy Bear Picnic: See Monday, 9-11 a.m.

Essex Open Gym: See Monday, 11 a.m.-noon.

Johnson Baby Chat: Church of the Nazarene, fourth

15 MONDAY (CONTINUED)

Movies

‘The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! Safari, So Good!’: Dr. Seuss’ frisky feline leads an exotic adventure filled with gira es and monkeys. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 2:15-3:15 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

LCATV Producers Workshop: Aspiring directors learn to use video equipment for a short project that ties into the summer-reading theme. Ages 8-9. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2-3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Young Adult Film Crew: Wannabe actors, directors and audiovisual bu s put together a program for Lake Champlain Access Television. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Music

Preschool Music: See July 8.

Nature & Science

Honeybees: See July 3.

Pocket Kites: See July 3.

VINS Summer Programs: Wilderness lovers gather for songbird feeding time, raptor programs and activities in the “nature nook.” All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular admission, $11-13; free for members and kids under 4. Info, 359-5000.

16 TUESDAY

Arts

& Crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Creative Tuesdays: See July 2.

Webby’s Art Studio: See July 15, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 2.

Natural Beginnings: Mothers gather at this breast-feeding support group. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Tuesday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Hardwick Playgroup: Hardwick Elementary School, 8:15-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 652-5138.

Middlebury Playgroup: Middlebury Baptist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Milton Playgroup: New Life Fellowship Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-1457.

Montpelier Tulsi Morning Playgroup: Tulsi Tea Room, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 223-0043.

WEDNESDAY

Barre Open Gym: See Monday, 10 a.m.-noon.

Essex Open Gym: See Monday, 11 a.m.-noon.

Hinesburg Playgroup for Dads: Annette’s Preschool, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Richmond Playgroup: Richmond Free Library, 8:4510:15 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Shelburne Playgroup: Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-5820.

South Royalton Playgroup: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264.

Vergennes Playgroup: Congregational Church of Vergennes, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

THURSDAY

Brandon Stories & Crafts: Brandon Free Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Postnatal Yoga: See July 2.

Community

Exordium Adventure: See July 9.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See July 2. Fresh From the Garden: Good Food for Kids: See July 2.

Games

Black Ops: Teams undertake a geocaching-style mission involving computer research and outdoor exploration. The first team back to the library with all of the clues solved wins a prize. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Chess Club: See July 2.

Health & Fitness

Dancing With My Baby: See July 2.

Martial Arts Class: See July 2.

Parent/Child Yoga With Jaycie: See July 9.

Story Time Yoga: See July 2.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See July 2. Walk/Run Trail Series: See July 2.

Library & Books

Garden Story Time: See July 2. Garden Visit: See July 2.

Quechee Summer Tuesdays: See July 2.

Summer Reading Program: See July 2.

Movies

Ben & Jerry’s Summer Outdoor Movie Festival: See July 13. Ben & Jerry’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free. Info, 862-9620.

Youth Media Lab: See July 2.

Music

Children’s Sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See July 2.

Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga, second Thursday of every month, 10:20 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Family Play: See Tuesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Essex Open Gym: See Monday, 11 a.m.-noon.

Milton Playgroup: See Tuesday. 9:30-11 a.m.

Montgomery Infant Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Morrisville Baby Chat: First Congregational Church of Morrisville, first Thursday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Winooski Playgroup: O’Brien Community Center, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.

FRIDAY

Bradford Story Hour: Bradford Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 222-4536.

Essex Center Playgroup: Memorial Hall, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6751.

Essex Open Gym: See Monday, 11 a.m.-noon.

Ferrisburgh Open Gym: Ferrisburgh Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info, 899-4415.

Randolph Toddler Time: Kimball Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073.

Underhill Playgroup: Underhill Central School, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Nature & Science

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: See July 4.

Kitchen Chemistry: See July 4.

Time Travel Tuesdays: See July 2.

VINS Summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour: See July 2. Vermont Agricultural Business Education Center, Brattleboro, 1 & 7 p.m.

17 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Clay Creations: See July 10.

Kids Craft: Felt Purse: Needleworkers stitch together a fashionable carryall. Ages 10-15. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5; preregister. Info, 862-0646.

Webby’s Art Studio: See July 15, noon-4 p.m.

Community

Camp Out at the Pool: Day camp counselors and lifeguards oversee this sleepover party, which includes an outdoor movie screening, barbecue, roasted marshmallows, campfire stories, swimming, field games and more.

Ages 6-12. St. Albans City Pool, 7 p.m. $30-35. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Digging for Dinosaurs!: Toddlers and preschoolers put on their paleontology hats for the morning. Highgate Municipal Park, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Vermont Lake Monsters Game: See July 2.

Education

Social Thinking: See July 3.

Food

Caledonia Farmers Market: See July 3.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See July 2.

Cookie Decorating: See July 3.

Kids in the Kitchen: Bursting-With-Blueberries Trifle: Petite pastry chefs work with vanilla cream, sponge

Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7147; jakruwet@yahoo.com.

SATURDAY

Morrisville Weekend Baby Chat: Lamoille Family Center, second Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Montpelier Lego Club: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, third Tuesday of every month, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, South Burlington Tots & Tykes Open Gym: Chamberlin Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4108.

cake and buckets of Vermont berries to create this popular UK dessert. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See July 3.

Woodstock Farmers Market: See July 3.

Games

Chess for Kids: See July 3.

Lego Afternoons: See July 3.

Lego Club: See July 3.

Live-Action Role Play: LARPers create characters and plots for an amazing adventure of the imagination. Grades 6-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See July 3.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See July 2.

Library & Books

Booktivity: Worms & Dirt Cross-Section: Soil investigations inspire kids to create their own cross-section of the Earth. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Code Makers & Breakers: Savvy spies master their detective skills. Ages 9 and up. Essex Free Library, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 879-0313.

Dig Into Storytelling: Veteran raconteur Lawrence Black spins a yarn. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library’s Story Time on the Road: See July 10. East Montpelier Fire Department, 10:30 a.m. U-32 High School, Montpelier, 12:30 p.m.

Pajama Story Time: Small ones curl up for bedtime tales, cookies and milk. Ages 18 months-5 years. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Summer Reading Program: See July 2, 1:30 p.m.

Movies

Movie Afternoon: See July 3.

Movie Night: Snacks are provided for big-screen flicks.

Call ahead for the film choice. Milton Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

music

‘connecting the drops’: Wednesdays on the marketplace concert series: See July 3.

Games

shelburne magic club: See July 4, 6-8 p.m.

See Dr. First videos

“First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

craftsbury chamber Players’ mini concerts: World-class musicians present classical works from the baroque to the contemporary era in this special series for children and their families. UVM Recital Hall, Burlington, 4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 800-639-3443.

Lunchtime concert: See July 3.

Preschool music With mr. chris: See July 3. spanish musical Kids: See July 12. Ages 6 and under. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

summer Entertainment series: Vermont’s Brazilianstyle street band Sambatucada! serenades families soaking up the sunset. Bombardier Park, Milton, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4922.

Weekly concert: The Deedle Deedle Dees deliver danceable tunes inspired by the silly side of history. All ages. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; tickets required. Info, 388-4097.

Nature & science

The down & dirty details: Four Winds Nature Institute educators lead a hands-on exploration of leaf litter, soil, worms, insects and fungi. Grades K and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Farm Programs for Preschoolers: See July 3. microscopic investigations: See July 5. mirror, mirror: See July 5.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See July 3.

Theater

‘Bugsy malone’: Very Merry Theatre delivers a funfilled twist on the 1976 British musical gangster film for children. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

18 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

‘dig into Reading’ craft series: See July 11.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 15, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 2, 5:45 p.m.

community

Annual open House: The Morrisville Military Band sounds out a lively tune at this yearly community gathering. All ages. Noyes House Museum, Morrisville, 6-8 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 888-7617.

cardboard Box Parade: Kids wearing creatively transformed brown boxes make a statement on the sidewalks in this Burlington Parks & Recreation procession. Ages 2-12. Unitarian Universalist Society, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

summervale: See July 11.

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2, and calendar spotlight on page 39.

dance

‘summerdance’: New and seasoned dancers explore group rhythms and dynamics through modern and multicultural movements. Woodstock Town Hall Theatre, noon. Free. Info, 457-3981.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2. milton Farmers market: See July 4.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See July 2.

Library & Books

Booked for Lunch: See July 11. marvelous marvin’s circus Arts Workshop: Wouldbe clowns learn to juggle, spin plates, walk on stilts, tame the rhythms sticks, twirl rings and improve their balance. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

storytelling & songs With Taradiddle: Slightly scary or seriously silly tales capture listeners’ imaginations.

Ages 2-10. South Hero Community Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 372-6209.

movies

stories on the screen: Swashbucklers watch a tale of adventure, pirates and treasure. Call for the movie title. Ages 6 and up. South Burlington Community Library, 2 & 7 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

music

craftsbury chamber Players’ mini concerts: See July 17. Hardwick Town House, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 800-639-3443.

dJ dizzle mixing Workshop: Teens create their own tracks under the guidance of a Middlebury mix master.

Grades 7-12. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

maple Tree Place summer concert series: See July 4.

music With mr. chris: See July 4.

Preschool music: See July 8, 10:30 a.m. River Road summer concert series: See July 11.

snow Farm Vineyard summer concert series: See July 4.

Nature & science

Bird Banding: From mist nets to data sheets, visitors observe bird conservation in action. All ages. Rain date: July 19. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 7-11 a.m. $5 suggested donation. Info, 434-3068.

color mixing: See July 12. dig into the mysteries of soil: Inquisitive kiddos explore what lives in the dirt — and why it’s important. All ages. Moretown Memorial Library, 4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 496-9728.

Exploring magnets: See July 12.

Vermont Wildlife Rescue Visit: Young naturalists get up close and personal with turtles, snakes and other critters that love to dig deep into the soil. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

‘The music man’: A con man’s big plans take a turn after he falls for Marian, the librarian, in this Vermont Children’s Theater musical. Vermont Children’s Theater, Lyndonville, 7 p.m. $5-10. Info, 626-5358.

‘shrek, the musical’: Twenty-five FlynnArts teens stage this gleeful story about a green ogre and other fairy-tale misfits. FlynnSpace, Burlington, 7 p.m. $1416. Info, 863-5966.

19 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: See July 5.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 15, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core Yoga: See July 5.

Individual and Small Group Programs

Call now to discuss program options for your child’s success 802-425-5858

For more information, visit www.HyerLearningVT.com

Summer is the perfect time to:

Enhance early speech-language

Support reading readiness

Connect oral language with reading mastery

Expand reading fluency & comprehension

Build confidence naturally

Hyer Learning & Diagnostics

Connecting the Sounds of Language for Stronger Communication & Reading

19 FRidAY (continued)

community

Glass-Blowing demos & Food Trucks: See July 5. Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2.

Food

Burger Night: See July 5.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Five corners Farmers market: See July 5. Richmond Farmers market: See July 5.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See July 3.

dancing With my Baby: See July 2. Family Gym: See July 5.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See July 2.

Library & Books

Wilder summer Firdays: See July 5.

Youth Night: Teens and tweens hang out and enjoy movies, snacks and projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 6-9 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

movies

After-school movie: See July 5.

music

Brandon summer concert series: Brandon bands play everything from ballads to rock songs to Dixieland jazz in the park. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Central Park, Brandon, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 247-6401.

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See July 5.

Lunchtime concert: See July 3. music With derek: See July 5.

Nature & science

diggin’ in the dirt: Mini naturalists meet live turtles, toads and snakes from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Colchester Village Meeting House, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

diY Terrariums: Participants gather moss, stones and found objects to create small enclosures of the natural world. Grades 6-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Hoopster Gliders: See July 7.

straw Rockets: See July 7.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

‘How i Became a Pirate’: St. Michael’s Playhouse’s Junior Summer Season presents this swashbuckling musical adventure. McCarthy Arts Center. St. Michael’s College, Colchester, noon. $10. Info, 654-2281.

‘The music man’: See July 18.

‘shrek, the musical’: See July 18, 2 & 7 p.m.

20 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

BcA summer Artist market: Kid Zone: See July 13.

Kids craft: crab “c”: Participants mount a foam crustacean on a block letter. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 15, noon-4 p.m.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2, 6:05 p.m.

dance

‘TAP Kids showcase spec-tap-ular’: Dancers ages 9 to 22 show off award-winning fancy footwork to live music. See calendar spotlight on page 30. All ages. Black

Box, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 2 & 8 p.m. $25. Info, 914-374-0066.

Fairs & Festivals

stars & stripes Parade: Festival floats roll through town. All ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Powers Park, Lyndonville, 9:45 a.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

Food

Burlington Farmers market: See July 6.

See dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

caledonia Farmers market: See July 6. capital city Farmers market: See July 6. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2. middlebury Farmers market: See July 3. shelburne Farmers market: See July 6.

Library & Books

mr. K & Exordium Adventure: See July 13.

movies

Ben & Jerry’s summer outdoor movie Festival: Cinema lovers screen Brave in the open air. Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury, 8 p.m. Free. Info, 244-1411.

Nature & science

Full moon Hike & marshmallow Roast: Lunar light adds intrigue to a moderate 1.5-mile walk along wooded trails. Classic campfire treats await your return. Hard’ack, St. Albans, 8-9 p.m. $4-6. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

moonlit campfire: A flickering bonfire sets the scene for s’mores, a visit from a live owl and other nature activities. Shelburne Farms, 7-9 p.m. $5-6; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Planetarium Presentation: See July 6. super science day: Up, Up and Away!: Kids explore air power by building gliders, rockets, parachutes and kites — and letting them fly. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

‘How i Became a Pirate’: See July 19, 10 a.m.

‘The music man’: See July 18. saturday drama club: See July 6.

‘shrek, the musical’: See July 18, 2 & 7 p.m.

21 SUNDAY

Arts & crafts

Webby’s Art studio: See July 15, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Birth Preparation Workshop: Expectant mothers practice visualizations, learn important coping techniques for labor and create beautiful birth visuals at an empowering workshop with Francesca Arnoldy of VT Birth Haven. Yoga Roots, Shelburne, 2-4 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 985-0090.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 2, 10:05 a.m.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See July 7.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2, 5:05 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Family day: circus-Palooza: Step right up! Visitors have big fun at this big-top spectacular. All ages. Shelburne Museum, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

National ice cream day: Got a sweet tooth? Visitors learn the history and science of “the great American dessert” by hand-cranking their own frozen treats. Horse-drawn wagon rides and 19th-century games round out the fun. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: See July 7.

Health & Fitness

champ’s challenge for cystic Fibrosis: Cyclists spin their wheels along eight- or 40-mile routes, or take a scenic 5k walk/run to support the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation. A lunch reception follows. Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes, 8 a.m. $25-75; additional fundraising encouraged. Info, 475-7820.

Family Gym: See July 5.

music

music on the Porch: See July 7.

Nature & science

Honeybees: See July 3.

Planetarium Presentation: See July 6.

Pocket Kites: See July 3.

sundays for Fledglings: See July 7.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

‘How i Became a Pirate’: See July 19, 10 a.m. & noon.

‘shrek, the musical’: See July 18, 2 p.m.

22 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Webby’s Art studio: Good listeners create visual interpretations of sounds around the museum, such as the Ticonderoga’s whistle. All ages. Shelburne Museum, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & maternity

childbirth Education Refresher class: Expectant parents review the physical and emotional aspects of labor, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques. Franklin County Home Health Agency, St. Albans, 7-9 p.m. $25. Info, 527-7531.

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See July 8.

Yoga After Baby: See July 8.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Games

chess Night: Kids take on peers in friendly games of strategic thinking. Ages 6-12. Milton Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Health & Fitness

Hoopla: See July 8. summer Lovin’ Yoga: See July 8. Yoga class: See July 8.

Library & Books

Heavy Equipment at Public Works: Curious kiddos watch the weekly vehicle inspection at the Public Works garage, learning about the machines that keep things running smoothly and even taking a seat behind the wheel. Grades 1-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956. Reading Buddies: See July 8.

summer Reading Program: See July 2.

We dig our Lake monsters!: Baseball heroes connect with their youngest fans over storytelling and autographs. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

music

Preschool music: See July 8.

Nature & science

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: See July 4. Kitchen chemistry: See July 4.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

‘There Be Treasure Buried Here’: Rutland High School’s Summer Encore Theater performs an original story combining the lives of famous and lesser-known pirates. All ages. Cabot Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

23 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

creative Tuesdays: See July 2. Webby’s Art studio: See July 22.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 2.

Postnatal Yoga: See July 2.

community

Exordium Adventure: See July 9.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Fresh From the Garden: Good Food for Kids: See July 2.

Games

chess club: See July 2.

Health & Fitness

dancing With my Baby: See July 2.

martial Arts class: See July 2.

Parent/child Yoga With Jaycie: See July 9. story Time Yoga: See July 2.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See July 2. Walk/Run Trail series: See July 2.

Library & Books

dorothy canfield Fisher Book Group: Bookworms swap thoughts about The Expeditioners, by Vermont author S.S. Taylor. Grades 4-8. Essex Free Library, 6:308 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Garden story Time: See July 2.

Garden Visit: See July 2.

Quechee summer Tuesdays: See July 2.

Reading Rocks!: See July 2.

summer Reading celebration: Preschoolers’ literary endeavors are rewarded with games, crafts and prizes. Sarah Partridge Community Library, East Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-7588.

summer Reading Program: See July 2.

movies

Ben & Jerry’s summer outdoor movie Festival: See July 20. Ben & Jerry’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free. Info, 862-9620.

Youth media Lab: See July 2.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See July 2.

BARRE

Thrill seekers watch racetrack action before a special fireworks show. July 4, 6:30 p.m., Thunder Road SpeedBowl. Info, 244-6963. thunderroadspeedbowl.com

BARTON

Agricultural amusements — from a tractor pull to games on horseback — kick off the festivities. A grand parade at 3 p.m. leads from downtown to the fairgrounds; fireworks follow at dusk. July 4, 8 a.m.-dusk, Orleans County Fairgrounds. Info, 525-3555. orleanscountyfair.net

BRANDON

Family fun kicks off on Friday with a food fest and street dance. Saturday festivities include karaoke, a bounce house, children’s games, a 1 p.m. parade and afternoon music. Fireworks burst over the village at dusk. July 5, 5-10 p.m., and July 6, 11 a.m.-dusk, Central Park. Info, 247-6401. brandon.org

BRISTOL

The small town celebrates the Fourth in a big way with live music, games, crafts and a bright lights show ending Wednesday evening with a bang. The Great Bristol Outhouse Race, a 5K road race and a themed parade extend the fun to Thursday. July 3, 6 p.m.-dusk, and July 4, 7:30 a.m., various downtown locations. Info, 453-5451. bristol4th.com

BURKE

Revelers chow down at an outdoor barbecue and soak up the scenery from the chairlifts before an exciting display of sky bursts. July 5, 6:30 p.m., at Burke Mountain Ski Resort. Info, 626-7300. skiburke.com

BURLINGTON

Live bands and fun-filled activities — including an air show, obstacle course and bounce house — set the scene for spectacular fireworks over Lake Champlain. July 3, 3 p.m.-dusk; fireworks at 9:30 p.m., various waterfront locations. Info, 864-0123. enjoyburlington.com

Rock the Dock Celebration: Queen City sailors host a benefit for the CSC McConnell Scholarship Fund

American Beauty

Fireworks light up the state for the FOURTH OF JULY, but there’s more to these celebrations than pyrotechnics. The festivities are a chance for families and neighbors to come together and commemorate the anniversary of our nation’s independence. Ready to party, patriot-style? Vermont towns host parades, street fairs, cookouts, concerts — even an outhouse race in Bristol. Read on to find the fun in your own hometown.

with prime lakeside seating, restaurant eats and deejayed tunes. July 3, 6:30 p.m., Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center dock. $25-65. Info, 864-2499. communitysailingcenter.org

CABOT

A Main Street parade leads to an afternoon of fun in the sun, including field games, a chicken barbecue and a dunk tank. July 4, 11 a.m., Cabot Recreation Field. Info, 563-9907.

COLCHESTER

Amateur athletes make strides at a fun run, then take in a Main Street parade and evening concerts before a fireworks finale at Bayside Beach. July 4, 8:15 a.m.-dusk, various locations. Info, 264-5640. colchestervt.gov

ESSEX

Independence Day makes a splash at the swimming pool. Other festivities include live music, a bounce castle, an obstacle course, circus acts and Super Nova Disc Dogs. July 4, 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m., Maple Street Park. Rain site: Essex High School ice rink. Info, 878-1375. ejrp.org

FAIRFAX

A two-mile parade route to the recreation park is followed by the always-popular Ducky Race, now in its 21st year. July 4, 1 p.m., Fairfax Community Park. Info, 849-2641. fairfaxrecreation.com

GRAND ISLE

Neighbors come together for potato-sack and three-legged races, a chicken barbecue, pie contests, pony rides and other blast-from-the-past celebrations. July 4, 1 p.m., Grand Isle Recreation Field. Info, 598-6533. champlainislands.com

GREENSBORO

“The Funky Fourth of July” features a lively parade at 10 a.m. and fireworks at dusk. July 6, 10 a.m.-dusk, various locations. Info, 533-7723. greensborovt.org

ISLAND POND

Three days of festivities are jampacked with a duck race, parade, music and fireworks. July 5-7,

all day, at various locations. Info, islandpondchamber.org

JAY

Dinner, light fare and swimming precede magnificent sky blossoms. July 4, fireworks at dusk, Jay Village Inn & Restaurant. Info, 988-2306. jayvt.com

JEFFERSONVILLE

An old-fashioned town parade kicks off carnival-style entertainment and a frog-jumping contest. Head to Smugglers’ Notch Resort at 5 p.m. for the Firemen’s Barbecue on the Green, patriotic music by the Vermont National Guard 40th Army Band and fireworks in front of the Green Mountains. July 4, 10 a.m.-dusk, various locations. Info, 644-1118. smuggs.com

KILLINGTON

High spirits fly at this Fourth of July celebration, which includes a parade, barbecue potluck, pool party and nighttime fireworks. July 4, all day, Herbert I. Johnson Recreation Center. Info, 422-2105. discoverkillington.com

LUDLOW

Popular blues artists steal the stage at the picnic-friendly Red, White & Blues Festival. The Adventure Zone will be open for trampoline bungee jumping, mini golf, zip line tours and more. July 6, 11:30 a.m., Okemo Mountain Resort. Info, 228-1947. okemo.com

MILTON

A parade, music, magic, tethered hot-air balloon rides and chicken barbecue culminate in “the most spectacular fireworks display Milton has ever seen.” July 4, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Bombardier Park. Info, 893-4077. milton250.org

MONTPELIER

Patriots catch street entertainment, circus arts, concerts on the Statehouse steps and a 6 p.m. parade. Downtown fills with bands and vendors before evening fireworks. July 3, 10 a.m.-10:45 p.m., downtown Montpelier. Info, 223-9604. montpelieralive.org

NEWPORT

Bring your own picnic to this spirited shindig featuring music,

entertainment, kids activities, food and, naturally, fireworks. Don’t miss the bed races down Main Street. July 4, noon-10:30 p.m., Gardner Memorial Park. Info, 334-6345. kingdomaquafest.com

NORTH HERO

Sky bursts bloom after dark at a fireworks extravaganza in the middle of Lake Champlain. July 3, park opens at 10 a.m. for swimming and picnicking; fireworks at dusk, Knight Point State Park. Info, 372-8400. champlainislands.com

RANDOLPH

Folks reflect on American life in a themed promenade and street fest featuring unique floats, antique cars and live music. July 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Merchant’s Row. Info, 728-9027. randolph-chamber.com

ROCHESTER

Patriots celebrate the nation’s birthday with the Independence Day Dash, supporting Pierce Hall’s renovation project. A colorful community parade follows at 11 a.m. July 4, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Rochester Park. Info, 767-3631. rochestervermont.org

RUTLAND

Award-winning fireworks at 9:45 p.m. cap Summer Smash 2013, which includes carnival-style concessions and the Stoney Roberts Demolition Derby. July 4, 4:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9:45 p.m., Vermont State Fairgrounds. Info, 773-2747. rutlandvermont.com

ST. ALBANS

Bay Day begins with the Great Race, a 3.1-mile run, 12-mile bike and 3-mile canoe race. Town celebrations continue with games in the park and a sparkling fireworks display at dusk. July 7, 9:45 a.m.-dusk, St. Albans Bay Park. Info, 524-2415. stalbanstown.com

SHELBURNE

For the 51st year, the church hosts an auction and bazaar, followed by a barbecue with all the fixings. July 4, 9 a.m., Shelburne United Methodist Church. Info, 985-3981.

SOUTH HERO

A colorful themed parade starts at the corner of Landon Road

and South Street. July 4, 11 a.m., various locations. Info, 372-5566. champlainislands.com

STOWE

This old-fashioned celebration starts with marching music in the Moscow parade. Face painting, music, clowns and food in the village follow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fun picks up at Mayo Farm at 6 p.m., with fireworks at dusk. July 4, 10 a.m.-dark, various locations. Info, 253-7321. gostowe.com or stowevibrancy.com

VERGENNES

Folks ooh and ahh as fireworks illuminate the evening sky above the Red Mill Restaurant. July 3, 5-10 p.m., Basin Harbor Club. Info, 475-2311. basinharbor.com

WARREN

Thousands don red, white and blue to attend one of the state’s largest parades. After, they head to Lincoln Peak for a barbecue, live music in Castlerock Pub and dazzling fireworks come nightfall. July 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., various locations. Info, 496-3409. madrivervalley.com

WILLISTON

Beatles tribute band British Mania cover classic-pop hits on the green before a fireworks display. July 4, 6 p.m., Maple Tree Place. Info, 879-9100. shopmtp.com

WOODSTOCK

Independence Day starts off on the right foot with a road race and kids fun run, followed by live music, a community cookout, a flag ceremony and booming fireworks. July 4, 7:30 a.m.-dusk, various locations. Info, 457-2500. unionarena.org

Old Vermont Fourth: Celebrate the Fourth the old-fashioned way — with patriotic speeches, wagon rides, ice-cream making and an egg toss. July 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Billings Farm & Museum. $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355. billingsfarm.org

July calendar

23 TuEsdAY (continued)

Nature & science

Bug Walks: See July 9.

Fascinating Fossils: Stories with Kristen Littlefield introduce young ones to the tangible traces of our past. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Leafcutter Ants: See July 2.

sound science: See July 2.

Time Travel Tuesdays: See July 2.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

‘There Be Treasure Buried Here’: Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313. Bombardier Park, Milton, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4922.

24 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Kids craft: Visor: Youngsters decorate foam caps with Angry Birds and other fun visuals. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 22.

community

Let’s dig in With mighty machines!: Toddlers and preschoolers learn about mechanical structures. Highgate Municipal Park, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Education

social Thinking: See July 3.

Fairs & Festivals

Barre Heritage Festival: A town celebrates its cultural history with a community parade, 5K race, live music, street entertainment and fireworks. Various locations, Barre, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Various prices. Info, 839-5451.

Food

caledonia Farmers market: See July 3.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

cookie decorating: See July 3.

middlebury Farmers market: See July 3.

Woodstock Farmers market: See July 3.

Games

chess for Kids: See July 3.

Lego Afternoons: See July 3.

Lego club: See July 3.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See July 3.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See July 2.

Holidays

Booktivity: Fairy & Elf Houses: Kids fashion natural objects into inviting dwellings for friends from other realms. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Library & Books

Beneath the surface: See July 3.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library’s story Time on the Road: See July 10. Maple Corner Community Center, Calais, 10:30 a.m.

summer Reading Program: See July 2.

movies

movie Afternoon: See July 3.

music

‘connecting the drops’: Wednesdays on the

marketplace concert series: See July 3.

craftsbury chamber Players’ mini concerts: See July 17.

Lunchtime concert: See July 3.

Preschool music With mr. chris: See July 3.

Nature & science

See dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

The Buzz on Bees: Little ones show off their stripes as they learn about hives, pollination and the queen’s throne. Ages 3-5 with an adult companion. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 10-11 a.m. $8-10 per adult/child pair; $4 per additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Farm Programs for Preschoolers: See July 3.

Honeybees: See July 3.

Nature at Night: mesmerizing moths: In honor of National Moth Week, families check bait stations for these nocturnal beauties. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 8:30-10:30 p.m. $3-5. Info, 229-6206.

Pocket Kites: See July 3.

snakes Alive!: Kids meet a slithering corn snake, then paint a wooden replica to take home. Grades 3-6. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 7-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wagon Ride Wednesdays: See July 3.

Theater

An Evening of music & dance: Kids and instructors from Young Tradition Vermont’s Trad Camp present lively moves and tunes. Featured performers include Pete Sutherland, Brian Perkins and Mark Sustic. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Tom Joyce: See July 10. All ages. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; tickets required. Info, 388-4097.

25 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

‘dig into Reading’ craft series: See July 11.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 22.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 2, 5:45 p.m.

community

summervale: See July 11.

Fairs & Festivals

Barre Heritage Festival: See July 24, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2. Foodie competition: Amateur confectioners hope to win the judges over at first bite with a box of customized chocolates. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Killington chili cook-off: The heat is on as competitors produce spicy stews in a judged contest. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 5-8 p.m. Call for price. Info, 422-3932.

milton Farmers market: See July 4.

Games

Library Legos: See July 11, 3-5 p.m.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See July 2.

Library & Books

Booked for Lunch: See July 11.

cleo the Therapy dog: See July 11.

middle school Book to Film: Little literati read Carl

Hiaasen’s Hoot and then watch the movie at the library. Milton Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Pirates in Pajamas: Kids dress up stuffed animals, action figures or dolls as buccaneers and bring them to the library for an evening of stories and games. Toys are left for an overnight adventure, then picked up the next day.

Ages 3-8. South Burlington Community Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

summer Reading celebration: Games, crafts and prizes entertain bookworms entering grades K through 5. Sarah Partridge Community Library, East Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-7588.

movies

movie matinee: Dim the lights! A family-friendly flick entertains young audiences. Call ahead for the film title. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

music

Brown Bag concert series: Sattuma, a family folkmusic group from Russia, perform original folk tunes and more modern rhythms on 20 different instruments.

Rain site: Town Hall Theatre. Woodstock Village Green, noon. Donations accepted. Info, 457-3981.

craftsbury chamber Players’ mini concerts: See July 18.

maple Tree Place summer concert series: See July 4. music With mr. chris: See July 4.

Preschool music: See July 8, 10:30 a.m.

River Road summer concert series: See July 11.

snow Farm Vineyard summer concert series: See July 4.

Nature & science

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: See July 4.

Fun With composting: Naturalist and master gardener Laurie DiCesare leads messy, hands-on educational activities. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 6:30-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420. ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

‘X-Theater Presents’: Burlington Parks & Recreation’s Open Stage Performance Camp produces wondrously wacky plays created by and for kids. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 865-7216.

26 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: See July 5.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 22.

Baby & maternity

Flash mob dance for World Breast-feeding Week: Proponents of breast-feeding bust a move — but keep their clothes fully on — with the Chittenden County Breast-feeding Coalition. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Postnatal core Yoga: See July 5.

community

Glass-Blowing demos & Food Trucks: See July 5. Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2.

Fairs & Festivals

Barre Heritage Festival: See July 24, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival: Feeling blue? Wilmington, Whitingham and Dover make the best of the hue over 10 days with a Big Blue Parade, a Blue Street Fair, blues music and pick-your-own blueberries. Various locations in southern Vermont, 5-8 p.m. Various prices. Info, 464-8092.

Vermont Balloon & craft Festival: Crafts, artisan foods and hot-air balloon rides figure prominently into this soaring community celebration. Balloon Glow on Saturday evening; Taste of Shelburne on Sunday afternoon. Shelburne Museum, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $8; free for kids. Info, 518-798-7888.

Food

Burger Night: See July 5.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Five corners Farmers market: See July 5.

Richmond Farmers market: See July 5.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See July 3.

dancing With my Baby: See July 2.

Family Gym: See July 5.

Family Yoga: Participants practice poses, try new breathing techniques and play games to calm their minds. Barlow Street Community Center, St. Albans, 6 p.m. $5-6 per child; free for accompanying adult. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See July 2.

Library & Books

david martin: The local children’s author of Peep and Ducky and other works reads stories aloud. Ages 14 and under will be able to choose two free books. Lyndon Town Municipal Office Building, Lyndonville, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

Ellie’s Preschool Party: Music teacher Ellie Tetrick leads kids in a guitar sing-along, instrument playing, bubble blowing and more. Ages 1-5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Wilder summer Firdays: See July 5.

movies

After-school movie: See July 5.

music

Groovin’ & diggin’ to Another World: Instrumentalist Jay Cook leads an interactive, foot-stompin’, handclapping’ exploration of world music. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See July 5.

Lunchtime concert: See July 3. music With derek: See July 5.

Nature & science

microscopic investigations: See July 5. mirror, mirror: See July 5. ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

‘14 carrots’: Garden songs and audience participation factor into Puppetree’s presentation about a sweet and loveable rabbit. Ages 2-10. South Hero Community Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 372-6209.

‘Annie’: The sun’ll come out when QNEK Productions stages this uplifting musical about a little orphan. Haskell Free Library and Opera House, Derby Line, 7:30 p.m. $13-15. Info, 334-2216.

circus show: Advanced students from the circus school’s summer-camp programs swing, flip, juggle, balance and fly. New England Center for Circus Arts, Brattleboro, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 254-9780.

‘The music man’: See July 18.

27 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Art Workshops With the Art House: Kids create marbled paper, mosaics, puppets, potato prints and more at the farmers market. Ages 3-15. Craftsbury Common, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $8. Info, 586-2545.

BcA summer Artist market: Kid Zone: See July 13. dig into Tie dye: Fashionistas brighten their wardrobes by dyeing cotton T-shirts, socks and pillowcases with

bright, swirling colors. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Kids craft: chalkboard Box: Participants personalize treasure boxes with chalkboard paper, paint, Washi tape and glitter. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 22. July 28, 12-4 p.m.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2, 6:05 p.m. Welcome children ice-cream social: Families celebrate Colchester children ages 3 and under at this afternoon of music, prizes, snacks and friendship. All ages. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, noon. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Fairs & Festivals

Barre Heritage Festival: See July 24. 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival: See July 26, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Highgate’s 250th celebration: Townsfolk fête a landmark birthday with historic-site bus tours, hot air balloon fun, a dunking booth, community barbecue and concert. Highgate Sports Arena, Highgate Center, 1-7 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Vermont Balloon & craft Festival: See July 26, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Food

Burlington Farmers market: See July 6.

caledonia Farmers market: See July 6.

capital city Farmers market: See July 6.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

middlebury Farmers market: See July 3.

shelburne Farmers market: See July 6.

Health & Fitness

Windjammer Kickball Tournament: Each inning brings excitement at this benefit for the Vermont Family Network. Tree Farm Recreational Facilty, Essex Junction, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $15-30; preregister. Info, 651-0636.

Library & Books

children’s Literature Workshop: Art, writing and games merge in this creative workshop, part of Woodstock’s Bookstock weekend. Ages 8-12. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $15. Info, 457-3500.

‘Hup ... Two, Three, Four: Time to Read a Book’: As part of Woodstock’s Bookstock weekend, lit lovers explore the world of reading through games and art. Ages 3-7. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 9-10:30 a.m. $15. Info, 453-3500.

mr. K & Exordium Adventure: See July 13.

movies

Ben & Jerry’s summer outdoor movie Festival: Cinema lovers screen Wreck-It Ralph in the open air. Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury, 8 p.m. Free. Info, 244-1411.

music

cooler in the mountains concert series: National acts steal the stage at family-friendly outdoor shows. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Killington Resort, 3:30-6 p.m. Free. Info, 422-6200.

Nature & science

Bird-Banding demonstration: Avian enthusiasts see songbirds up close as they are caught, measured and banded for the study of their survival skills and reproductive success. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7-11 a.m. Donations accepted. Info, 229-6206.

Bird-monitoring Walk: Early risers bring their own binoculars and hope to catch sight of feathered wings above. Best for older children and adults. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 7:30-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

color mixing: See July 12.

Exploring magnets: See July 12.

Ongoing Exhibits

BiRds oF VERmoNT mUsEUm, HUNTiNGToN

Info, 434-2167

‘The Breeding Bird Atlas: science and Art’: Alongside 14 artists and photographers, more than 300 citizen scientists contributed to this exhibit about avian life in Vermont. Through October 31.

BRoWNELL LiBRARY, EssEx JUNcTioN

Info, 878-6955

mystery Word Week: Independent readers look for the mystery word in a book for a chance to win a free small ice cream from Sam’s Scoop Shop in Essex Junction. One hundred winners will be chosen. July 15-19.

doWNToWN BURLiNGToN

‘connecting the drops’: Families follow a Kids VT story walk from the top of Church Street to the waterfront, stopping at artist-decorated rain barrels to learn how to prevent stormwater runoff. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center hosts a related investigation table and “Let It Rain” stormwater program. Exhibit ends on August 30; bid on a barrel at a live auction on September 6, during the South End Art Hop.

EcHo LAKE AQUARiUm & sciENcE cENTER, BURLiNGToN

Info, 864-1848

‘Bigger Than T-Rex’: Petite paleontologists study prehistoric skeletons of Giganotosaurus, Mapusaurus and other humongous dinos. A hands-on dig pit, excavation videos and animatronic raptors make it even more exciting. All ages. Through September.

FAiRBANKs mUsEUm & PLANETARiUm, sT. JoHNsBURY

Info, 748-2372

‘Wildflower Table’: This living exhibit reflects the abundance and diversity of flowers, grasses, berries, ferns and evergreens found in the Northeast Kingdom. Kids are introduced to more than 400 species displayed throughout the year, in both fruit and flowering stages.

FLETcHER FREE LiBRARY, BURLiNGToN

Info, 863-3403

What on Earth? Activity stations: Kids uncover hidden treasures through library activities, games, puzzles and scavenger hunts. Ages 5 and up. Continues throughout the summer.

moNTsHiRE mUsEUm oF sciENcE, NoRWicH

Info, 649-2200

‘Playing With Time’: Turn back the clock — or speed it up — at this exhibit that allows visitors to time travel through the natural world. Through September 8.

VARioUs LocATioNs, BURLiNGToN & EssEx

Find Waldo: Where’s Waldo? Locate the bespectacled children’s-book character at more than 30 local businesses in Burlington and Essex this month, and win prizes. Grand celebration takes place on July 31, 6 p.m., at Phoenix Books Burlington. All ages.

Green mountain draft Horse Field day: Onlookers discover the true meaning of “horsepower” as they watch plowing, haying and logging in action. Wagon rides available. Shelburne Farms, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular farm admission, $5-8; free for members, Shelburne residents and kids under 3. Info, 985-8686.

Kids ages 8-‐10 and parents are invited to participate in the Parents and Peers Project at the University of Vermont.

Families will come to the Family Development Lab for a 2.5-‐hour visit that includes games, discussions of kids’ recent experiences with peers’ and questionnaires.

Families receive $40 and kids receive a prize! For more info’ contact us at 802-‐656-‐4409 or famlab@uvm.edu.

Hay day: Fledgling farmers learn about 19th-century haying techniques while enjoying horse-drawn wagon rides, rope-making demonstrations and penny-in-thehaystack games. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Planetarium Presentation: See July 6.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

‘Annie’: See July 26.

‘The music man’: See July 18, 2 & 7 p.m. saturday drama club: See July 6.

28 SUNDAY

Arts & crafts

Webby’s Art studio: See July 22, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 2, 10:05 a.m.

Newborn 101: Moms- and dads-to-be learn baby basics — from breast-feeding to prolonged crying — as well as how to enjoy the first three months of parenthood. Franklin County Home Health Agency, St. Albans, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $30; preregister. Info, 527-7531.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See July 7.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2, 5:05 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Barre Heritage Festival: See July 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Vermont Balloon & craft Festival: See July 26.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: See July 7.

Teen cooking class: Foodies embrace the abundance of blueberries, using them in crêpes, sweet coconut rice and homemade ice cream. Ages 12 and up. McClure Multigenerational Center, Burlington, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $5-10; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 861-9757.

Health & Fitness

‘The Biggest Loser’ Run/Walk: Breathtaking mountain views enliven 5K and 15K courses, while the Kids Fit Foundation’s one-mile fun run celebrates healthy lifestyle achievements. Fun run appropriate for ages 4-12. Killington Resort, 9 & 11:45 a.m. $10-50; preregister. Info, 422-2105.

Book it for the Bookmobile 5K Fun Run & Walk: A fast and flat 3.1-mile course supports the Franklin/Grand Isle Bookmobile’s literary services. There’s a quartermile kids race, too. All ages. Lincoln Park, Enosburg Falls, 8:45-10:15 a.m. $5-10; preregister. Info, 868-5077. Family Gym: See July 5.

music

music on the Porch: See July 7.

Nature & science

Hoopster Gliders: See July 7.

Planetarium Presentation: See July 6. straw Rockets: See July 7. sundays for Fledglings: See July 7.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

‘Annie’: See July 26, 2 p.m.

29 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Webby’s Art studio: The museum’s collection of folk art prompts kids to produce their own interpretation of the art form. All ages. Shelburne Museum, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See July 8. Yoga After Baby: See July 8.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See July 2.

Food

See dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2.

Health & Fitness

Hoopla: See July 8.

summer Lovin’ Yoga: See July 8.

Teen Yoga With Jaycie: See July 15. Yoga class: See July 8.

Library & Books

classics Book chat: Readers voice their opinions of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Grades 7 to adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. intergenerational dessert Book discussion: Lit lovers gather for a good read-and-rant session about John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, complete with something sweet. Ages 12-adult. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313. Reading Buddies: See July 8. summer Reading Program: See July 2, 1 p.m.

movies

Teen Animation camp: Creativity soars as first-time moviemakers attend a weeklong workshop. Ages 10-17. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2, 9 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister; bring a bag lunch. Info, 878-0313.

music

Preschool music: See July 8.

Nature & science

Jake the snake: Steve Amos brings his nine-foot-long boa constrictor to an exciting educational program about nature’s best slitherers. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Leafcutter Ants: See July 2. sound science: See July 2. ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

30 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2. creative Tuesdays: See July 2.

Webby’s Art studio: See July 29, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 2. Postnatal Yoga: See July 2.

community

Exordium Adventure: See July 9.

Fairs & Festivals

deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival: See July 26, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2. Fresh From the Garden: Good Food for Kids: See July 2.

Kids cooking class: Food-lovin’ participants prepare a Mexican fiesta, complete with homemade corn tortillas and garden-fresh veggies.

Ages 6-11. King Street Youth Center, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. $5-10; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 861-9757.

Kids in the Kitchen: summer squash

Baskets: Fledgling chefs put these overabundant vegetables to good use, filling them with chicken, rice and cheese. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Games

chess club: See July 2.

Health & Fitness

dancing With my Baby: See July 2.

martial Arts class: See July 2.

Parent/child Yoga With Jaycie: See July 9. story Time Yoga: See July 2.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See July 2. Walk/Run Trail series: See July 2.

Library & Books

Garden story Time: See July 2. Garden Visit: See July 2.

Quechee summer Tuesdays: See July 2.

Reading Rocks!: See July 2. summer Reading Program: See July 2.

movies

Ben & Jerry’s summer outdoor movie Festival: See July 27. Ben & Jerry’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free. Info, 862-9620.

Teen Animation camp: See July 29, 9 a.m.-noon.

Youth media Lab: See July 2.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See July 2.

Nature & science

Honeybees: See July 3.

Time Travel Tuesdays: See July 2.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

What Rot! The Amazing Life of dirt: Stephen Amos leads this hands-on — and hands-in — exploration of soil. All ages. Joslin Memorial Library, Waitsfield, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 496-4205.

31 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on the Go: See July 2.

Kids craft: Glimmer Art Tattoo: Little ones queue up for sparkly self-expression at this drop-in session. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Nature Art Workshop: Local artist and author Doris Weeks teaches kids to appreciate Mother Earth through visual expression. Ages 9-10. Essex Free Library, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 879-0313. Webby’s Art studio: See July 29, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Nursing Beyond a Year: Moms gather to discuss the joys and challenges of an older nursling. Discussion topics include nighttime parenting, weaning and setting limits. Bring a snack to share. Aikido of Champlain Valley, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-3000.

Education

social Thinking: See July 3.

Fairs & Festivals

deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival: See July 26, 6 p.m.

Food

caledonia Farmers market: See July 3.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See July 2. cookie decorating: See July 3.

Kids in the Kitchen: spring Rolls for summer: Garden veggies and herbs make their way into these petite Vietnamese wraps. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

middlebury Farmers market: See July 3.

Woodstock Farmers market: See July 3.

Games

chess for Kids: See July 3.

Lego Afternoons: See July 3.

Lego club: See July 3.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See July 3.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See July 2.

Library & Books

Beneath the surface: See July 3.

Booktivity: Archaeological dig: Discoverers excavate like archaeologists would. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Flushed Away: Inquisitive kiddos walk to the Wastewater Treatment Facility to find out what happens to things we flush down the toilet. Grades 2-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:30-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library’s story Time on the Road: See July 10. Adamant United Methodist Church, 10:30 a.m.

murder mystery: Whodunnit? Youth sleuths dig for clues to solve a crime. Grades 6-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. summer Reading Program: See July 2.

movies

stories on the screen: Vermont Public Television cohosts a viewing of Wild Kratts: Lost at Sea. Crafts, games and treats follow. Ages 6 and up. South Burlington Community Library, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7539. Teen Animation camp: See July 29, 9 a.m.-noon.

music

‘connecting the drops’: Wednesdays on the marketplace concert series: See July 3.

craftsbury chamber Players’ mini concerts: See July 17.

Lunchtime concert: See July 3.

Preschool music With mr. chris: See July 3.

Nature & science

digging deep into the dirt: Vermont Institute of Natural Science educators give the lowdown on dirt, exploring above and below the forest floor. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Farm Programs for Preschoolers: See July 3.

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: See July 4. Kitchen chemistry: See July 4.

ViNs summer Programs: See July 15, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wagon Ride Wednesdays: See July 3.

Theater

‘swimmy’: Puppetree presents a stage version of Leo Lionni’s picture book about life under the sea. All ages. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; tickets required. Info, 388-4097. K

Tom Joyce: See July 9. Highgate Municipal Park, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970. K

BOOK-REVIEW WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG CRITICS who shared their reading recommendations with us this month. Each wins a $25 gift certificate from Crow Bookshop in Burlington. We loved reading about all the entrants’ literary adventures and have included some of our favorite excerpts below.

Eleanor Freebern, 6

RICHMOND recommends:

McKenna, Ready to Fly! by Mary Casanova

“I liked it because it made me happy for the girls that made the competitive team. It was hard for them.”

Corry Masi, 10

BARRE recommends:

Why I’m Afraid of Bees (Goosebumps series) by R.L. Stein

“My favorite part of the book was when Gary Lutz changes bodies with Dirk Davies.”

Natalie Dwyer-Frattalone, 11

BARRE recommends: Close to Famous by Joan Bauer

“I really like how Foster, the main character, helps people by using her skill, baking. When her baking idol, Sonny Kroll, is in the hospital, Foster creates her own cupcake recipe to videotape and send to him.”

Sydney Klugo, 11

SOUTH BURLINGTON recommends:

Nevermore: The Final Maximum Ride Adventure (Book 8) by James Patterson

“The whole story is full of action; I couldn’t put the book down. My favorite part would have to be when the apocalypse happens and Max and Fang watch the sky.”

Find this month’s Book Review Contest on page 50. The deadline is July 19. Happy reading!

Enchanted Backyard

By Alison n o VAK

The spirit nests ladders lead the way to these 16-foot-high nests, which Joplin James built after seeing similar structures near big Sur, Calif. Kids can climb up to read, eat lunch or observe nature from above. One nest is made of woven ash branches; another combines an ash platform and woven grapevine.

KindergarTen Teacher Joplin James and his author wife, Alison, run Harry Potter-inspired Enchantment Camps, so it’s no wonder their Shelburne backyard looks like a whimsical forest.

The wannabe wizards who flock to their home in the summer are often diehard Potter fans. “Some of them have read the series 12 times,” says James. In weeklong camps, they have the chance to act out their Hogwarts fantasies.

Kids VT profiled the James’ camp in the March issue, but we had to return to see more of the yard,

which looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel.

The Jameses — whose daughters are now 16 and 25 — have lived in their home since 1990. They started the camp eight years ago as a way to do something fun and creative with kids outside of school — and to make summer income in the process. They spend hours handcrafting wands, designing huge puppets and ordering special gems in preparation for camp activities. These include

The Flying Yurt

A 10-minute walk past a pond inhabited by beavers and frogs leads to this large, octagonal treehouse. Visitors climb a ladder through the center of the structure. The floor is covered with AstroTurf; a blue tarp acts as the roof. James built the structure on the ground, then hoisted it into the tree using pulleys — and the help of some strong 12- to 14-year-old girl campers.

potion making, spell casting and playing Quidditch on a field that James has outfitted with special hoops.

But, he says, campers also like to spend their time just exploring the land. In addition to the more outlandish structures pictured here, there’s a chicken coop, a collection of beehives, a vegetable garden and a crooked balance beam.

James humbly describes his handiwork as “folk art.” To visitors, it’s simply magic. K

The hobbit hole, aka “hagrid’s hut”

James, who has no formal training in construction, built this small house using poles made from backyard cedar trees. He draped them with a nylon material, then stacked sod on top, which now blooms with dandelions and little purple flowers.

Alison James painted the small, brightly colored door that leads into a living area fit for a hobbit. There’s a handmade wooden coffee table and an old woodstove, which makes the space ideal for a winter campout.

Review

Sponsored by

Calling all bookworms!

Send us a thoughtful paragraph about a recent read for the chance to win some literary loot.

Book:

Author:

Describe your favorite part of the story.

What did you like about it?

Feel free to use additional pages!

We’ll pick the four most creative entries and excerpt them in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is July 19.

Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Book Review, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Name Age Town Email

Phone

Painted Sneakers

WANT TO START SUMMER ON THE RIGHT FOOT? Canvas sneakers are lightweight, breathable and easy to slip into when the ice-cream truck is coming. They’re also cheap enough that it’s OK to wreck them with the mud, dirt and sand that accompany outdoor play. But as blank canvases, they’re not much to look at. Here’s a way to transform them into personalized, pumped-up kicks.

— CAROLYN FOX

Share

Materials

• newspaper

• clean canvas sneakers, available for $15-20 at local shoe stores

• masking tape

• acrylic paint

• paintbrushes

• acrylic paint pens

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cover your work space with sheets of newspaper.

2. Remove the laces from the shoes.

3. Use masking tape to cover the sole or other areas of the shoe that you don’t want to get paint on.

4. Decorate the sneakers as desired. Use acrylic paint and brushes to cover large areas of the shoe, or use paint pens for more detailed designs. Paint pens are easy to use and don’t create a lot of mess.

5. Let the paint dry completely before peeling off the masking tape.

6. Lace up the sneakers, and you’re ready to go.

PUZZLE PAGE

GRAND-PRIZE WINNER

LAV lives in South Burlington and turns 6 in July. His younger sister, Trusha, turns 3 two days later. They always celebrate their birthdays together. Lav loves playing golf and bowling.

Lav wins a gift certificate for two dozen mini cupcakes.

MEI-LING lives in Colchester and turns 8 in July. She is always smiling. She loves penguins and has all kinds of stuffed-animal friends.

Puzzles4Kids

Riddle Search — Astronauts

Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: Where do astronauts park their space ships?

BY HELENA HOVANEC

PAIGE lives in Burlington and turns 9 in July. She is an outdoor person who loves to learn, and she can sing any current music hit for you.

Riddle Answer:

LOGAN lives in Colchester and turns 10 in July. He has a green belt in Kenpo Jujitsu and likes building with Legos, reading comics and hanging out with his big sister, Haley.

Just

your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled.

Mei-ling, Paige and Logan win gift certificates for a six-pack of mini cupcakes.

COLORING CONTEST!

Send us your work of art by July 15 for an opportunity to win $25, sponsored by TD Bank

Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 4 and younger, (2) ages 5-8 and (3) ages 9-12. The best artwork will be featured on kidsvt.com, and winners will be named in the August issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to KidsVT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Ground Control

Taking on air travel with twins

BY ERIK ESCKILSEN

I ADMIT I WAS FEELING SMUG as my family and I boarded a jet back to Burlington a couple of years ago. Our trip out west — and our first time flying with our 7-monthold twins — could not have gone more smoothly.

Sure, my wife and I had endured the annoyed sighs, eye rolls and muttered complaints of our fellow passengers when they spotted our infants on the plane ride over. We’d also been burdened by our luggage: two car seats, the double stroller, our suitcases and a diaper bag better stocked than some Mount Everest expeditions. But none of that had kept us from having a great time. Our spirits were high as we headed home.

I thought of something English author G.K. Chesterton wrote: “An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered.” Maybe I was to blame for my bad time — me and my bad attitude. So I adjusted my expectations. The unpleasant surprises of air travel? They became little thrills instead.

We’d also been burdened by our luggage: two car seats,

As the wheels lifted from the tarmac, I laughed at how anxious I’d been about flying with small children.

I wouldn’t laugh — or even crack a smile — for the next 36 hours.

our homeward flight was delayed. For many hours. When we

In Chicago, the final leg of our homeward flight was delayed. For many hours. When we finally boarded, we were cranky and running dangerously low on diapers. Another passenger and I discovered we’d been assigned the same seat. Just as we’d sorted it out, we were informed that, because of the delays, our flight would miss the arrival curfew in Burlington.

Curfew? Turned out, nighttime construction on the BTV runway meant no planes could land after a certain hour.

We threw ourselves into the mass of people now fighting for the earliest next-day flight out of Chicago and a nearby hotel room for the night. Most of these people, I noticed, were not also trying to soothe two supertired, super-cranky, super-smelly infants.

Then came a sleepless night in a strange hotel. And an early-morning taxi ride to a drug store for diapers. And an unexpected transfer in Washington, D.C. And a missing flight reservation once we got there. When we finally touched down at BTV, it struck me as an aviation achievement on par with the Wright Brothers’.

For the next two and a half years, the idea of air travel with our kids was out of the question. Then last winter, my wife and I lucked into an opportunity to visit relatives in Florida that was too good to pass up. But how could we steel ourselves to board another aircraft with our kids?

When you think about it, air travel isn’t so different from, say, spending time at an amusement park — a site of cherished family memories. You may wait in a long line, only to discover the ride is broken and someone has to repair it before you can get on. Sometimes, after waiting a long time, you’re told that the ride won’t be fixed until the next day, so you’ll have to come back then.

ent from, say, spending time at an amusement park — long line, only to discover the ride is broken and someone has to repair it before you can get on. Sometimes, a long time, you’re told that the ride won’t be fixed until the next day, so you’ll have to come back then.

Sometimes the news about

after you’re already

Sometimes the news about the broken ride comes you’re already strapped into your seat. That’s the greatest disappoint-

That’s the greatest disappointment of all.

What else?

What else?

The food is as startlingly expensive as it is unhealthy.

There’s nothing of lasting value in the gift shop, and everything is overpriced.

The facility has been designed to require you to walk long distances without seeming to be walking long distances. No one is fooled by this.

The rides are often packed with people in various — and justifiable — states of anxiety. The roller coaster can be bumpy to the point of inducing vomit. No one pays much attention to the safety instructions.

And the carousels sometimes promise more than they deliver.

Yet people still go to amusement parks and have a great time. Surely, I thought, I could find the fun in flying.

Discovering these parallels freed me from trepidation as my family and I boarded that Florida-bound flight. Of course, since we were prepared for the worst, materially and mentally, the whole trip was hassle-free.

I know better than to expect such uncomplicated air travel the next time around. But we’ll fly if we want to — and cheer at the first jolt of turbulence, as if it were a dip in a roller-coaster track.

JUmbLES

ask. bent. farm. sick.

RIDDLE ANSWER:

What goes up and down but never moves? “StAIRS”

RIDDLE SEARCH ANSWER: at parking meteors.

we finally touched down at BTV, it struck me as an aviation achievement on par with the Wright Brothers’.