• James Buck
• Oakledge Park

Oakledge Park

Flynn Ave., Burlington, enjoyburlington.com

Tennis, volleyball and bocce courts — and the occasional hipster kickball league — are draws at this beautiful South End park. The picnic pavilions, spacious lawns, playground and hidden tree house are nice, too. Seeking some sun? You've got options. Lounge on the clean, sandy beach that abuts the bike path and affords a view of the Burlington skyline. Or, for a more secluded hang, find a spot on the sun-warmed rocks a few hundred yards south.

Battery Park

1 North Ave., Burlington, enjoyburlington.com

This is the best place in town to watch the sun set over the Adirondack Mountains. In warmer weather, grab a Michigan hot dog from Beansie's Bus — perhaps while enjoying the Burlington Concert Band's Sunday evening show.

Leddy Park

216 Leddy Park Rd., Burlington, enjoyburlington.com

Splash into the calm, shallow water on the beach of this family-oriented park in the New North End during the summer months — or hit the tennis or basketball courts. In winter, check out the ice rink.

Red Rocks Park

Central Ave., South Burlington, sburlrecdept.com

This woodsy oasis is popular with dog walkers, whose pooches often roam its miles of trails in gleeful defiance of posted leash laws. Scenic overlooks from the cliffs above Shelburne Bay are stunning. Though it rarely stops daredevils, cliff jumping is strictly verboten. So relax on the quiet beach instead.

Shelburne Farms

1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, shelburnefarms.org

The landscape architect behind New York City's Central Park designed the rolling acres of this working farm, once the agricultural estate of wealthy Vanderbilt descendants. Hike the lakeside trails or brunch like you're a 19th-century millionaire at the manor home, now an inn.

Waterfront Park

10 College St., Burlington, enjoyburlington.com

The crown jewel of Burlington's shoreline is Waterfront Park, a sprawling, grassy destination for sunbathers and Frisbee and kite enthusiasts. Major bands headline tented concerts here from spring to fall.

Winooski River Walk

Downtown Winooski

A scenic walkway winds along the Winooski River for views of the falls and the Champlain Mill. There's also a canoe launch nearby for paddling downstream to the lake.