ECHO Center Burlington
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: A vibrant science and nature museum with live animals and interactive exhibits on lake ecology.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
ECHO Center Burlington
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: A vibrant science and nature museum with live animals and interactive exhibits on lake ecology.
"A fun and enriching experience, especially if you have little ones!"
🎯 Plan for Interactive Fun
Most exhibits are hands-on! Kids can spend hours building and experimenting.
🅿️ Parking Fees Apply
Parking is $3/hour via the ParkMobile app. Factor this into your budget.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Engineering Arena
First Floor
Kids can spend hours building and experimenting in this spacious, hands-on engineering zone.
Lake Champlain Ecology Exhibits
Various Floors
Discover the fascinating aquatic life and environmental science of Lake Champlain through engaging displays.
The Pigeon Comes to Burlington Exhibit
Traveling Exhibit Space
An interactive exhibit based on Mo Willems' beloved children's books, perfect for younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Smoother Visit
Parking and Ticketing Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan for Interactive Fun
Most exhibits are hands-on! Kids can spend hours building and experimenting.
🅿️ Parking Fees Apply
Parking is $3/hour via the ParkMobile app. Factor this into your budget.
🔬 Check for Renovations
Some areas might be closed for updates, so check their website before your visit.
🐢 Live Animal Feedings
Catch live demonstrations like eel feedings for an educational experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan for Interactive Fun
Most exhibits are hands-on! Kids can spend hours building and experimenting.
🅿️ Parking Fees Apply
Parking is $3/hour via the ParkMobile app. Factor this into your budget.
🔬 Check for Renovations
Some areas might be closed for updates, so check their website before your visit.
🐢 Live Animal Feedings
Catch live demonstrations like eel feedings for an educational experience.
📚 Gift Shop Treasures
The gift shop offers a nice selection of books and toys, perfect for souvenirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
ECHO Center Burlington is a highly-rated, family-friendly science and nature museum focused on Lake Champlain's ecology. Visitors praise its engaging, hands-on exhibits, especially for younger children, and the variety of live animals. Some minor drawbacks include paid parking and occasional exhibit renovations.
"I thought this was a great museum. even the snacks were healthy and good here. my kids are 12, 9 and 5 and each found enough to do. 12 and 9 kept so busy in the STEM and Rube Goldberg lab they only did half the museum."
Ted Chan
"I recently visited ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, and it was such a fun and enriching experience—especially if you have little ones. I went on a weekday and there was no wait at all, which made things so much smoother. The center is incredibly family-friendly, with three engaging floors of exhibits that are mostly interactive and hands-on. My toddler was completely absorbed in the engineering area on the first floor, which had enough space and materials for multiple kids to explore and build.
The third floor was another highlight, with water play stations, science experiments, and even a cozy little library. Some sections were under renovation during our visit, but there was still plenty to see and do. We caught a live eel feeding demo—not the most thrilling part, but still interesting to watch.
The mini café and market-style setup added a nice touch, giving it a warm, local feel. I also really appreciated the solar panel structure in the parking lot—it provides shade and promotes clean energy, which I found genuinely cool.
Parking isn’t free ($3/hour via ParkMobile), but it’s manageable. The gift shop had some lovely books and toys as well.
Overall, it’s a great place to spend a few hours learning, playing, and making memories. Highly recommended!"
Edward Humphries
"Great place to take your toddler. You could spend hours here with all the interactive exhibits. The little Cafe and market setup is too cute.
Also, i hadn't noticed before that the structure shading the cars in the lot behind the building was actually solar panels. Solar energy + shade for your cars? That was cool to see"
Chi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is located on the Burlington waterfront. You can reach it by car, and parking is available nearby for a fee. Many visitors also enjoy walking or biking along the waterfront to reach the center. +2
Yes, there is parking available behind the building. It costs $3 per hour and can be paid for using the ParkMobile app or website.
Absolutely! The Burlington waterfront is very bike-friendly, and the ECHO Center is easily accessible by bike. Many TikTok videos showcase biking along the causeway and waterfront. +1
Burlington is a walkable and bikeable city. For longer distances, consider local buses or ride-sharing services. Many visitors enjoy exploring the Church Street Marketplace and waterfront on foot. +1
While specific bus routes may vary, Burlington has a public transportation system. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes serving the waterfront area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees apply for ECHO Center Burlington. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing for adults, children, and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance, especially for weekends or holidays, can save you time and guarantee entry. Some reviews suggest weekday visits have no wait.
ECHO Center Burlington's hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Check the ECHO Center's website for any available discounts, such as for seniors, military, or group rates. Sometimes, local partnerships or special events might offer reduced admission.
Refund policies typically vary. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions at the time of ticket purchase or contact the ECHO Center directly for information on their refund or exchange policy.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
ECHO Center Burlington features over 70 species of live animals, interactive exhibits on lake ecology, science, and engineering, and special traveling exhibits like 'The Pigeon Comes to Burlington!' 
Yes, ECHO Center is highly recommended for toddlers and young children. The first floor's engineering area and the third-floor water play stations are particularly engaging for little ones.
You can see over 70 species of live animals, including fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, many of which are native to Lake Champlain.
ECHO Center frequently hosts traveling exhibits. 'The Pigeon Comes to Burlington!' based on Mo Willems' books is a popular example. Check their website for current special exhibitions.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside ECHO Center Burlington. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and any posted signage regarding photography restrictions, especially in sensitive exhibit areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, ECHO Center has a mini café with a market-style setup offering healthy snacks and drinks. It's described as having a warm, local feel.
The cafe offers healthy snacks and is noted for its good quality. It provides a convenient option for visitors who need a quick bite or refreshment during their visit.
The ECHO Center is located on the waterfront, close to downtown Burlington. You'll find numerous dining options along Church Street and the surrounding areas, offering a variety of cuisines. +1
Typically, museums and science centers have policies regarding outside food and beverages. It's best to check ECHO Center's specific policy on their website or inquire upon arrival. Usually, food is restricted to designated areas like the cafe.
Burlington has many family-friendly restaurants. Many eateries around Church Street offer diverse menus that cater to children, making it easy to find a place to eat after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant exhibits, live animals, and the interactive displays. The waterfront views from the center are also picturesque, especially during sunset. +2
Yes, you can generally take photos of the animals for personal use. Be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. Check for any specific signage in animal habitats.
While personal photography is usually permitted, professional photography or videography may require special permission. Always respect any posted signs or staff instructions regarding photography.
Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots. The natural light from the waterfront can also enhance your photos, especially during golden hours. +1
Look for unique angles in the engineering exhibits, the 'World of Plankton' game, or the indoor tornado simulation. The solar panel structure in the parking lot is also an interesting architectural element to photograph.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Parents will appreciate the healthy snack options at the cafe and the overall family-friendly atmosphere. The 'Pigeon Comes to Burlington!' exhibit is also a fantastic draw for younger kids who love Mo Willems' books.
+1 Weekday visits are recommended to avoid peak crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.🎒 Budget-Conscious Travelers
📚 Educational Explorers
The interactive STEM activities and the 'World of Plankton' game provide engaging ways to learn about scientific principles. The center also highlights local research and conservation efforts, such as the Vermont Loon Project, offering a glimpse into real-world environmental work. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Lake Champlain's Wonders
+1The center showcases the delicate balance of the lake's ecosystem and the importance of conservation efforts. You can explore exhibits on water quality, watershed management, and the impact of human activity on the lake. These displays are designed to be engaging for all ages, making complex scientific concepts accessible and fun.
Real-life examples, like the loon rescue featured by the Vermont Loon Project, highlight the ongoing work to protect Lake Champlain's wildlife. These stories add a powerful, real-world dimension to the educational experience, emphasizing the center's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Hands-On Fun for All Ages
On the third floor, you'll find water play stations and science experiments that encourage exploration and discovery. These interactive elements make learning about physics and chemistry an exciting adventure. The center also features a cozy library area, providing a quieter space for younger visitors to relax and engage with books.
Beyond the permanent exhibits, ECHO frequently hosts traveling exhibitions. 'The Pigeon Comes to Burlington!' exhibit, based on Mo Willems' popular children's books, offers a whimsical and interactive experience for younger children.
+1 These rotating exhibits ensure there's always something new to discover on repeat visits.The Legend of Champy
+1Many visitors come with the hope of spotting this elusive lake monster, and the center acknowledges this local legend through its exhibits and the general atmosphere of wonder surrounding the lake. It adds an element of playful mystery to any visit.
While you might not find definitive proof of Champy, the center's focus on the lake's ecology provides a fascinating backdrop to the legend, encouraging visitors to appreciate the natural world that might hold such secrets.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit