It was another beautiful summer day in the mountains. I stepped outside, barefoot, on my porch to take a deep breathe of fresh air and turn my face to the sunshine and bright blue sky. I wrapped my hands around a warm coffee mug and took a satisfying sip. Then my toddler came running.
What are we going to do today, I pondered. The world is our oyster, yet I was stumped. And, to be honest, bored of the same parks and paths that we always wander. We (or I) needed something different. The Vail Valley is filled with family-friendly activities, I just needed to think outside the box. Or just finish my coffee and then think.
Here’s a list of the best family friendly activities in Vail Colorado:
Family-Friendly Activities on Vail Mountain
Some of the best family friendly activities in Vail Colorado sit at over 10,000 feet.
Vail’s Adventure Center is headquartered on top of Vail Mountain. Take the Eagle Bahn Gondola out of Lionshead Village to access the on-mountain adventure activities. Fly through the mountainside on the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, which winds 3,400 feet around the mountain and through the trees. Other opportunities on top of the mountain include scaling a 35-foot climbing wall or bouncing and flipping on the bungee trampoline.
The Marmot Mini Kids Tubing and the Little Eagle Kids Zipline are designed for small adventurers. All the activities (other than the Forest Flyer) are appropriate for ages three and up. Choose individual activities or purchase an Adventure Pass for a full day of fun.
Kid-Friendly Activities in Beaver Creek Colorado
The Beaver Creek Adventure Center, located at the base of Beaver Creek, is packed with family-friendly activities. Ascent a realistic climbing wall. Strap on a harness and jump on the bungee trampoline. Play a round of mini golf or spend your day panning for rock, gems, and fool’s gold. Once you’ve made your rounds on the ground, take to the sky with the Ropes Course. Kids will be safely guided through six different elements, wearing a fitted harness and helmet.
In the center of Beaver Creek Village, the ice-skating rink becomes a kids’ play area filled with lawn games. With picnic tables inside the rink and comfy couches lining the perimeter of the area, this is the place to sit and relax between activities.
Educational Museums in Vail Colorado
Walking Mountains Science Center is an innovative natural science learning center. Situated on a ten-acre site, the campus is home to wetlands, a pond, and an aspen forest. Head up the gondola to the Nature Discovery Center. Inside the yurt are exhibits about local wildlife and guided free nature hikes. Set in a 1940’s homestead near the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the Vail Nature Center provides programs and exhibits for all ages, including wildflower viewing, creekside nature tours, and campfire talks.
The Museum at Dinosaur Junction in Edwards offers educational exhibits and tours about the ancient world, specifically prehistoric Colorado. With an informative host who’s passionate for paleontology, you’ll leave with stories about fossils and dinosaurs that once roamed Colorado.
Skate parks & Pump Tracks near Vail Colorado
If your little one prefers activities on two wheels, there are plenty of places to practice their skills. Freedom Park in Edwards has the largest concrete skate park in the area, filled with large bowls and fun features for various levels. Nestled between the Lionshead Parking Structure in Vail, the Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark offers a variety of street features, a mini-bowl, and a full-size halfpipe.
If you prefer to play in the dirt, the Minturn Bike Park has an extensive network of trails, pump tracks, and technical features including rock drops, bridges, and jumps for beginner through expert level riders.
Water Activities
Cool down when it heats up. Here are some family friendly places to splash around near Vail, Colorado. The kids’ fountain is a fun stopping place if you’re strolling through Vail Village. The fountain is only a few inches deep and great for little ones to splash in. There’s a candy store conveniently located steps away. Post up under the swim beach’s large trees on the southside of Nottingham Lake in Avon. It’s a great spot to sit while kids dig in the sand and splash in the sectioned off swim zone. Paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats are available to rent on the beach as well. Head to Freedom Park to cool off in the splash pad.
Parks
The options for outdoor play are endless. But sometimes kids need free play and room to roam. Luckily, the area is filled with dozens of beautiful and well-maintained playgrounds. Tucked into all corners of the Valley, parks range from smaller pocket parks in local neighborhoods to large, custom designed playgrounds.
Parks are plentiful throughout the Town of Vail. Each playground incorporates artistic concepts and playful elements. Within the heart of Vail, check out the a pirate ship park near Gondola One or Lionshead Park, complete with three “nest” tree houses.
Situated along the river and shaded by large trees, Little Beach Park on the south end of Minturn is a great destination to climb, play, and throw rocks in the water. With a large play area, a flat, paved path around Nottingham Lake, and a sandy beach and swim area, Nottingham Park in Avon offers numerous activities all in one vicinity. Freedom Park in Edwards unveiled a brand-new playground this summer with play structures and climbing walls for various ages. The splash pad and skate park are adjacent to the playground. The Eagle Town Park sits on the edge of the downtown, with a playground, basketball courts, and horseshoe pits.
Live Music
Free, live music can be found most days of the week. Summer is The Valley offers outdoor music on large grassy fields that encourages families and friends to bring blankets and spread out. Hot Summer Nights is typically on Tuesdays at the Ford Amp in Vail. On Wednesdays, live bands take to the lakeside stage in Nottingham Park. In Eagle, ShowDown Town is a family-friendly venue on Thursdays. Additionally, Bravo! Vail hosts a 4 week classical music festival from late June through July. Or catch paid shows at Ford Amp all summer long.
Libraries
Libraries are a great place for a rainy afternoon or to hide from the heat. Filled with children’s books and toys, each of the four libraries in the Vail Valley has a dedicated childrens room. Train tracks, puzzles, blocks, and cozy reading nooks provide the perfect opportunity to keep kids entertained. Head to a local library in Vail, Avon, Eagle, or Gypsum.
For more family friendly destinations, check out a weekend itinerary in Ouray, Highline Lake State Park, or Silver Jack Reservoir.