The Vail Valley is the ultimate destination for families who love the outdoors. Once the snow melts from the world-famous ski resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek, they transform into a summer playground with ample opportunities for outdoor play. There are numerous activities to accommodate kids of all ages and athletic abilities. From thrill seekers looking for an adrenaline rush, to nature lovers seeking an outdoor-inspired educational experience, The Valley has it all. Paired with numerous trails for hiking and biking, or rafting and fishing on the river, it’s hard to pack all the adventure into just one trip. Luckily, there’s an easy way to extend your vacation. The Inn at Riverwalk offers special rates through their Stay and Save program when you book multiple consecutive nights.
Read more about the best kids’ summer activities in the Vail Valley:
Beaver Creek Activities
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.
Vail Mountain Activities
Vail’s Adventure Center sits more than 10,000 feet up 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.
Designed for our small adventurers, The Marmot Mini Kids Tubing and the Little Eagle Kids Zipline are their spot to play. 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.
Educational Museums
Walking Mountains Science Center is an innovative natural science learning center. Their main location at the Avon Tang Campus sits on a ten-acre site with wetlands, a pond, and an aspen forest for exploring. The Nature Discovery Center, located on a yurt on top of Vail Mountain, features exhibits about local wildlife and guides 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.
Do you dig dinos?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
If your little one prefers activities on two wheels, there are plenty of places to practice their skills. Freedom Parkin 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
The Valley offers many places for families to cool off. The kids’ fountain is a fun stopping place if you’re strolling through Vail Village. Conveniently located outside of Fuzziwig’s Candy Store, the fountain is only a few inches deep and great for little ones to splash in. Post up under the swim beach’s large trees on the southside of Nottingham Lake in Avon 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.
If lounging by the pool sounds like the ideal way to spend a summer afternoon, The Inn at Riverwalk has one of the best settings in the Vail Valley. Beautifully lined with trees and backing up to the Eagle River, the pool at The Inn is the perfect place for parents to relax under an umbrella while kids take advantage of the heated pool stocked with pool toys.
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.
Numerous parks can be found throughout the Town of Vail alone. Each playground incorporates artistic concepts and playful elements, such as apirate ship parknear 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. For a full summer event schedule, check out our Summer of Music Guide.
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 offers a unique selection in their kids’ 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.
Where to Stay in Edwards
Keeping up with the kids can be exhausting. Which is why The Inn at Riverwalk has thoughtful amenities for all members of the family. A 24/7 self-serve Lavazza Coffee & Tea Bar offers lattes, herbal teas, and hot chocolate to fuel your adventures throughout the day. Check out the Gear Garage, which is well-stocked with complimentary gear and games for guests. Grab a hybrid bike to easily explore the area or go for a spin on the bike path as it follows the Eagle River. Got a toddler in tow? A Thule kid trailer hitches onto the bike so everyone can tag along. In the evening, bond with your family over board games or take advantage of the long days with lawn games, including a giant Jenga, Connect Four, ladder ball, and bean bag toss.
Rooms at The Inn prioritize comfort with plush, feather-bed topped mattresses, blackout curtains, and luxury bath products. With a variety of room types, from a single room with a double queen or king bed to one or two-bedroom condos, The Inn accommodates families of all sizes. Pets are part of the family too, which is why The Inn welcomes dogs in their pet friendly rooms.
The Inn at Riverwalk is the best place to stay in Edwards for families looking for an authentic mountain vacation. Book your stay with The Inn today.