Family-Friendly Road Trip: Cold Spring to Vermont & New Hampshire with State Capitols and Toddler Nap-Friendly Driving

Day 1: Drive to Montpelier & Explore

Cold Spring, NY to Montpelier, VT on September 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Riverview Cafe

Enjoy a fresh, organic, and toddler-friendly breakfast to start your trip off well; opens at 7am.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Montpelier, VT

Begin the 5.5-hour scenic drive to Vermont’s capital city, maximizing travel during your toddler’s nap time.
USD0, 5h30m

2:00pm

Visit Vermont State House

Tour the beautifully restored 1859 state capitol building with its stunning gold leaf dome, a great educational stop; self-guided tours available daily during the afternoon.
USD0, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Hubbard Park

Relax and let your toddler stretch their legs in this lovely park with walking trails and open spaces.
USD0, 1h

5:30pm

Dinner at Sarducci’s

Family-friendly Italian with a warm atmosphere and delicious homemade dishes, perfect after an active afternoon.
USD50, 1h
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Day 2: Burlington & Stowe with Nap-Time Driving

Montpelier, VT to Burlington and Stowe, VT on September 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bagel Bakery in Montpelier

Start with fresh bagels and coffee in a casual, family-friendly setting.
USD20, 45m

8:15am

Drive to Burlington

Drive 40 minutes northwest to Burlington with scenic views, arriving before main activities begin.
USD0, 40m

9:00am

Visit ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Interactive science and nature center great for toddlers and inclusive of your reciprocal St. Louis Science Center membership benefits; open 9am-5pm.
USD0 (reciprocal), 2h

11:00am

Lunch at American Flatbread

Enjoy wood-fired pizza in a relaxed setting with family-friendly service.
USD50, 1h

12:00pm

Drive to Stowe

1-hour drive to Stowe, timed to coincide with toddler’s nap from 1pm to 3pm, allowing uninterrupted rest.
USD0, 1h

1:00pm

Toddler Nap Time During Drive

Maximize comfort with smooth driving to encourage toddler’s nap from 1pm to 3pm.
USD0, 2h

3:00pm

Visit Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum

Explore local winter sports history in a small, quiet museum suitable for families; open 10am-4pm but plan for a brief visit given toddler’s needs.
USD10, 1h

4:30pm

Stroll Stowe Village

Walk through the quaint village, enjoy parks and shops, while giving your toddler active time before dinner.
USD0, 30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Idletyme Brewing Company

Family-friendly brewpub serving comforting meals with casual ambiance and outdoor seating.
USD40, 1h

6:30pm

Return to Burlington

Drive back 45 minutes to Burlington for overnight rest.
USD0, 45m
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Day 3: White Mountains & Nature

Burlington, VT to White Mountains, NH on September 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mirabelles Cafe

Light European-style breakfast with pastries and coffee, awakening the senses before a long day.
USD20, 45m

8:15am

Start Drive to White Mountains, NH

Begin your 3-hour drive east to the White Mountains region with toddler comfortable for morning travel.
USD0, 3h

11:30am

Visit Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Explore New England wildlife exhibits and trails ideal for young children; opens 9am-5pm.
USD26, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Common Man Restaurant

Enjoy hearty, family-friendly meals in classic New Hampshire ambiance.
USD45, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Franconia Notch State Park (Nap Time)

15-minute drive during toddler’s nap window to allow restful travel from 2pm to 3pm.
USD8 parking, 15m

2:00pm

Toddler Nap Time During Drive and Rest

Maximize nap time with easy, calm transfer to campground or lodge check-in.
USD0, 1h

3:00pm

Walk Flume Gorge Trail

Enjoy this stroller-accessible scenic trail showcasing wildlife and waterfalls; visits available during daylight hours.
USD16, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check into lodge

Settle for an overnight stay at a family-friendly lodge in the White Mountains, preparing for the final trip day.
USD200, Rest

6:30pm

Dinner at Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy convenient, warm meals with kid-friendly options in a cozy setting.
USD50, 1h
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Day 4: Portsmouth & Return Drive

White Mountains, NH to LaGuardia Airport, NY on September 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Cozy breakfast on-site to prepare for the trip home.
USD20, 45m

8:15am

Drive to Portsmouth, NH

Drive approximately 2 hours south to Portsmouth; toddler can nap during this stretch to ease the journey.
USD0, 2h

10:30am

Visit Portsmouth Children's Museum

Engaging hands-on exhibits designed for young children; reciprocal membership benefits apply for free admission.
USD0 (reciprocal), 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Green Elephant

Enjoy delicious vegetarian cuisine in a family-friendly environment with diverse options.
USD40, 1h

1:00pm

Drive to LaGuardia Airport

Final drive of approximately 4 hours to LGA, planned during your toddler’s nap window to promote rest on the road.
USD0, 4h
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