Activities For Kids

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.
• 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.
• Hiking
  From meandering paths through town to hiking trails in nearby national forests, you can take your pick of hiking adventures with the kids.
• Horseback Riding
  Go horseback riding with the family for a spectacular way to see the Rocky Mountain wilderness.
• Whitewater Rafting
  On a hot summer day, nothing quite beats a whitewater rafting trip.
• Wagon Rides
  Take a step back in time and enjoy a wagon ride near Vail.
• ATV / Offroad
  Throughout the White River National Forest you’ll find plenty of trails where ATVs, jeeps and other four-wheel vehicles are permitted. Wind through valleys and across ridges.
• 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.

Summer Attractions for the Family

• The Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum
  This museum 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.
• 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?
• Snowshoeing
  Vail 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.
• Alpine Arts Center
  Enjoy programs, classes, camps and special events for children, teens and adults offered year round. Drop-In studio use for all ages is available.