Things to Do with Our Advocates : Brattleboro

  • Peer group activities listed on the Families First website. Some events are also posted on our monthly Programming newsletter that is sent to your Families First email.

  • Brattleboro Museum and Art Center (BMAC). Payment is optional / donation based. https://www.brattleboromuseum.org/

  • Vermont Museum of Natural History in West Marlboro, VT. https://www.vermontmuseum.org/

  • Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, VT. There are free passes at the Families First office available upon request. https://www.montshire.org/

  • Winston Prouty Gym @ Austine Drive in Brattleboro. The space is typically only available on Fridays. Staff should check the Peer Group Calendar for further instructions/specifics.

  • YMCA in Keene, NH. Passes are $5 for advocates and staff get in free. A waiver must be signed prior to going (it is good for a year). Please plan in advance.

  • Brattleboro Bowl. For hours and pricing visit https://brattleborobowl.com/

  • Brooks Memorial Library. It is free and has books, games, public computers, and other rental options. They also have free passes for many community venues.

  • Board games, arts & crafts, music, movies, the gym, and more!

  • Frisbee golf located at the Winston Prouty campus and Memorial Park in Brattleboro, VT. Families First has frisbees that can be loaned out upon request.

  • Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, NH. https://alysonsorchard.com/things-to-do/

  • Up for a drive? Visit Harrisville, NH to cuddle a cow, goat, or sheep at Granite Oak Farm! https://graniteoakfarm.com/

  • Visit the Retreat Farm in Brattleboro to see the animals and outdoor story walk. Also a great place for a picnic, hike, or cheese tasting.

  • Dublin, NH: The Friendly Farm has many animals to see & pet. https://www.friendlyfarm.com/

  • Other places for hiking/walking are the West River Trail, the trails at Winston Prouty, Fort Dummer State Park, Dutton Pines State Park, Townshend State Park, Woodford State Park, and Sweet Pond State Park. There are also trails at Putney & Black Mountain. Please be mindful that not all trails are fully accessible. You may need to pre-plan.

  • Keene has over 40 miles of four intersecting trails that connect in the center of Keene. This includes the Cheshire Rail Trail, the Ashuelot River Trail, the Jonathan Daniels Trail, and the Appel Way Trail. The Cheshire Trail is accessible and has parking available. For more information please visit https://pathwaysforkeene.org/.

  • Snowshoeing, sledding, and tubing! Snow shoes can be rented at the Brattleboro library.

  • Local basketball courts and soccer fields can be found at Crowell Park and Memorial Park.

  • There is swimming at Memorial Park, Vernon pool, Putney, or Springfield pool in VT. There is also Spofford Lake in NH. Payment may be required if passes are not available.

  • Visit the Bennington Monument, Brattleboro Commons, Creamery Covered Bridge, and local Farmers Markets.

  • Jim’s Arcade in Bellows Falls. Can be found on Facebook. Typically open 7 days a week, 10am-6pm.

  • Dummerston Community Center has a playground & basketball. While Scott Farm has stone sculptures, cider, and sweets!

Speak to your Supervisor and/or the Peer Group Organizer Laura Chapman if you have questions or suggestions.

Please be mindful of the physical ability, safety, and financial obligations of the self-advocate you are working with.

Make sure to bring any necessary medications, personal protective equipment, and/or a first aid kit.

Things to Do with Our Advocates : Bennington

Bennington County offers a plethora of opportunities for outdoor adventures. State parks, mountain lakes, swimming holes, and hikes for all ages and abilities.

  • Bennington Welcome Center (free): has information on maple sugarhouses, cheesemakers, breweries, wineries, farmers' markets, skiing, golfing, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, bicycling, music, theater, museums, galleries, antiquing, lodging, dining, bookstores and shopping. https://informationcenter.vermont.gov/centers/bennington

  • The Bennington Battle Monument: Admission for adults: $8.00. Tickets can be purchased at the gift shop. https://benningtonbattlemonument.com

  • The Bennington Museum: Admission for adults $16, and Seniors (62+), Active/Retired Military, and Students 18 and over are $14. https://benningtonmuseum.org

  • Park-McCullough Historic Mansion in North Bennington: Admission is $15 for Seniors - $12 for Students, and $8 for ages 13+, over 18 with school ID), Children – 12 & under, with an adult, free. https://www.parkmccullough.org

  • Robert Frost Stone House Museum: Admission: Adults: $10, Seniors and Students: $6, Under 18: $5. https://www.bennington.edu/robert-frost-stone-house-museum

  • Bennington Cinemas: Admissions: Adults $8.50, Seniors $6.00, Children $5.00, Tuesday $5.00 https://benningtoncinemas.com

  • Bennington Theatre: The Bennington Theater is a non-profit that celebrates community and the power of shared experiences through art and culture. https://benningtontheater.org

  • The Alpaca Shack: Admission: Ages 11 & up are $5. https://www.shaftsburyalpacas.com

  • The Dollhouse and Toy Museum of VT: Admission is $4.00 for adults. Open Sat & Sun https://dollhouseandtoymuseumofvermont.com

  • Hildene The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester VT: Admission is $25 for adults.
    https://hildene.org

  • Lake Paran in North Bennington: Summer Daily Admission is $3.50 for adults. (Covered through our agency provided reimbursements on our website) https://lakeparanvt.org

  • Bennington Community Rec Center: The recreation center includes an indoor pool, fitness room, locker rooms, showers, and saunas. There are also outdoor tennis courts, a handball court, and a small playground. 

  • Riverwalk (free): Walk downtown along the Walloomsac inn. Under a mile from Depot St. to Park St. Riverwalk map

  • Greenberg's Headwaters Park (free): Nature, bird watching, trails. eBird.org

  • Robert Frost Trail (free): The Robert Frost Trail extends two miles from Lake Paran in North Bennington to Route 7A in Shaftsbury. Easy packed dirt trails, pets permitted on leash.

  • Stark Street Playground (free): Playground, track, basketball hoops. 

  • Fishing (free): GO FISHING!. Check out some fishing spots at https://vtfishandwildlife.com/fish

  • Gamers Grotto: Games galore! This store specializes in board games, card games, video gaming, and more. They host game nights, championships, and exclusive product drops regularly.  Located at 457 Main street in Bennington Vermont. Open Sunday-Thursday: 11AM-7PM & Friday-Saturday: 11AM-8PM. https://gamersgrotto.com/

  • Paula’s Weaving Workshop and Rock Shop: A shop that carries an impressive assortment of polished pebbles, natural crystal points, clusters, stone jewelry, Tarot Decks, books, singing bowls, and much more. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-5PM https://paulasrockshop.com/

  • Bennington Bookshop: Established in 1928- the oldest independent bookstore in Vermont. https://benningtonbookshop.com/

  • Fiddlehead At Four Corners: Art gallery that showcases Contemporary American and Canadian crafts and fine art.

  • Knapps: Music store featuring guitars, ukuleles, and other instruments, plus games, puzzles, and toys. https://knappsvt.com/

  • The Bike Hub: Bicycle repair shop. https://ourbikehub.org/

  • Terry’s Orchard: Family owned and operated apple orchard. https://www.terrysorchard.com/

  • The Blueberry House: At 589 Apple Hill Rd in Bennington. Pick your own blueberries!

  • Mile around the woods / North Bennington: An easy hike behind the Park-McCullough Historic Mansion.

  • Willow Park: Offers 2 playgrounds, a dog park, baseball/soccer fields, 2 covered pavilions, disk golf, bmx track, and a paved walking path. Bathrooms are open seasonally.

  • Second Chance Animal Shelter: Allows visitations with cats and volunteer opportunities to walk their dogs. Located in Arlington Vermont. https://2ndchanceanimalcenter.org/

  • The Splash Pad: A free way to enjoy some water in the summer. Located on North Street behind Mission City Church.

  • Bennington Free Library: Books, events, and rentals!. https://benningtonfreelibrary.org/

  • Vermont State Park Passes: (Covered through our agency provided reimbursements on our website) https://www.vermontparksforever.org/paf-pilot

  • The Apple Barn: Bake shop with apple cider donuts,  ice cream, and souvenirs.                                                                   https://www.theapplebarn.com/

  • Visit the local Deer park or feed the trout on the Veterans home property. 

  • Visit the duck pond on Park street to feed the ducks! 

  • Attend third Thursdays, a Classic car show and live music every 3rd Thursday of the month.