Vail Colorado Kids Activities, Fun Things to Do

Around Vail, kids’ activities are abundant and families have a wide variety of things to do and attractions that will keep everyone entertained, enjoying all Colorado has to offer.

• Find a wealth of activities and attractions in and around Vail for kids of all ages
• Biking, fishing and hiking are great family-friendly activities
• Everyone will enjoy a museum tour, viewing wildlife or taking a scenic drive
• Hiring a guide or outfitter is a great way to experience the Rockies

There are a wealth of activities and attractions in and around Vail for kids of any age, which makes coming to this marvelous mountain town a big summer event for families.

Summer Kid Friendly Activities

• Biking
  As soon as the snow begins to melt, out come the mountain bikes around Vail. The choices of trails throughout the surrounding areas seem endless, and kids just love biking past the meadows of wildflowers with fresh pine breezes blowing.
• Fishing
  Family fishing vacations prove to be refreshing and exhilarating. With a number of trout streams within minutes of Vail, everyone can enjoy catching plenty of rainbows, browns and cutthroat. It’s quite a scenic experience as well.
• Hiking
  Getting out into the backcountry near Vail is one way to get in touch with nature. There are hiking trails that accommodate any level of ability, so it’s a perfect destination for family adventures.
• Horseback Riding
  Go horseback riding with the family for a spectacular way to see the Rocky Mountain wilderness. Being outdoors is what it’s all about in Vail in the summer months, and there’s no better way to do that than riding a horse through the backcountry forests. You’ll feel just like the early explorers of our great land.
• Floating and Whitewater Rafting
  Opportunities to navigate the mountain rivers around Vail provide extraordinary fun for the whole family. Float through beautiful gorges and canyons and view the pines, cottonwoods and junipers on the banks. Outfitters can take you on some mild whitewater adventures, too, which are safe for kids.
• Scenic Flights
  A unique vacation activity is to float thousands of feet above Vail in a hot air balloon or a plane. This is your chance to view the valley from a vantage point that many don’t experience. The kids will hold this memory close for years to come.
• Wagon Rides
  From the comfort of a horse-drawn wagon or carriage, you can take in the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies. Hayrides are a real favorite with the kids and Vail has places that offer these as well as special wagon and carriage rides.
• ATV / Offroad
  Throughout the White River National Forest and Summit County backcountry areas, you’ll find plenty of trails where ATVs, jeeps and other four-wheel vehicles are permitted. Wind through valleys, across ridges and even up to the tops of some of the peaks.
• Gondola Rides
  During the summer months, the gondola at Vail provides a great opportunity to get to the higher elevations in style. Magnificent views await you and your family. Be sure to bring a camera, as it isn’t often you view scenes such as you’ll see on a gondola ride.

Summer Fun Attractions for the Family

• The Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum
  This museum in Vail celebrates the 130-year history of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. Members of the entire family find the artifacts, photos and equipment a fascinating study in this hall of fame.
• The Vail Nature Center
  Just outside of Vail Village, you’ll discover seven stunning acres of terrain holding a wide array of wildlife. A guided walk is a wonderful way to take full advantage of this nature experience.
• Viewing Wildlife
  In the region around Vail, Colorado, you have abundant opportunities to view the wildlife of the Rocky Mountains. Perhaps you’ll see bighorn sheep, elk, black bears or mountain goats. The kids thrill to see these wild animals up relatively close!
• Scenic Drives
  Take the kids on a scenic drive on the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway. This is 75 miles of incredible sights, high in the Rockies. Besides a wide array of wildlife along the way, you will see colorful wildflowers and beautiful snowcapped peaks.
• Other Attractions
  If you are in Vail in July, the whole family will love to celebrate the 4th at America Days. This event is free, and has a parade and everything else you’d expect for a Fourth of July celebration. Later in July, the Eagle County Fair is held at the fairgrounds in Vail, and boasts plenty of music, food and festivities for all ages.

Winter Fun Activities for Families

• Ice Skating
  Glide hand-in-hand with your youngster at one of Vail's several quaint outdoor ice rinks, including the Bavarian-themed Alderhof in Lionshead Village.
• Snow Tubing
  Vail and Beaver Creek both have snow tubing hills operating from mid-December through early April. Cost is $25/hour per person and the little ones must be at least 3 feet all.
• Kids' Snowmobiling
  Children ages 6-12 can rip around a safe track on specially designed mini-snowmobiles at Vail's Adventure Ridge. It's like go-kart racing on snow. How cool is that? Cost is $25/hour per person.
• Snowshoeing
  Vail and Beaver Creek family snowshoe tours depart daily in the afternoon. Vail also offers a magical moonlight tour at 7 PM.
• Kids' Ski School
  The Vail and Beaver Creek kids' ski schools are staffed by instructors specializing in teaching kids the fundamentals that promise a lifetime of enjoyment.
• Dog Sledding
  Several dog sledding operators near Vail offer family friendly tours lasting about two hours that include well-deserved hot drinks.