Looking for a family vacation destination that offers an adventure for the whole family? There are endless fun activities to do with kids in Vail, Colorado. This popular ski destination has more to offer than its ski slopes, and many opportunities are geared toward kids. Plan a relaxing day at the gardens or indulge in a trip to the candy store; the choice is yours!
What Are the Most Popular Things To Do in Vail With Kids in Summer?
Whether you have young children or your family includes kids of all ages, these activities are great for various age ranges. Before your next visit to Vail, put a few fun activities for kids in your trip itinerary. These popular things to do in Vail will make family vacation memories that will last a lifetime!
Visit Fuzziwig's Candy Factory
Since 1995, Fuzziwig's Candy Factory has been a well-known name throughout Colorado. Your kids will be thrilled to visit this exciting candy paradise, which offers store-made fudge, handcrafted chocolates, and dozens of bulk candies. Satisfy every sweet tooth in your group as you browse every kind of treat imaginable.
Located in Vail Village, your family can indulge in their favorite treats while walking around and taking in the atmosphere of the Village.
Stroll Through Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
If you're wondering, "what are the most popular things to do in Vail with kids?" Betty Ford Alpine Gardens comes to the top of the list. Kids can run and roam freely in the family-friendly children's garden while parents enjoy the fantastic floral displays.
Visiting Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is not only a fun experience but also an educational one. In addition to the children's garden, stroll through Betty's Market, a market-themed farmer's market where kids can use their imaginative play. A kid-friendly scavenger hunt is another fun activity here, held every day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guided tours are available for families to learn about the history of the Alpine Gardens. If your family prefers to roam freely, grab a self-guided pamphlet highlighting the plant species located throughout the gardens.
Go Fishing with Gore Creek Fly Fisherman
Locals of Vail know all about Gore Creek Fly Fisherman, a must-do fly fishing experience for tourists. For over 35 years, Gore Creek Fly Fisherman has offered exciting fly fishing experiences to both Vail locals and visitors.
During a tour, a guide will take your family to various streams, lakes, and rivers across the region. Older kids can participate as they learn fishing skills, while younger kids can engage in learning activities as they spot species of fish native to the region.
Note: This activity does have an age restriction — participants must be 8 and older.
Shop at the Vail Farmer's Market
For over 22 years, the Vail Farmer's Market has been a town staple, featuring delicious local food vendors and live music. The market is generally open from June through October and features more than 100 vendors showcasing local goodies you won't find anywhere else. A stop at the Vail Farmer's Market is the perfect summer activity.
Don't miss No-Bull Entertainment at the farmer's market, offering a bounce house and a mechanical bull for kids to ride. If you're visiting Vail in the winter when the market is closed, you can still find many market vendors at their brick-and-mortar stores.
Ride the Vail Scenic Gondola
Treat your kids to a birds-eye view when your family rides the Vail Scenic Gondola. Up above 10,000 feet, you'll take in breathtaking views. When you reach the top of the mountain, grab a snack and take some family photos. The Vail Scenic Gondola is a family-friendly experience for all to enjoy. Plus, kids under 12 ride free when you purchase an adult ticket.
Make an Epic Discovery
If your kids are up to a thrilling adventure, try Epic Discovery, a park full of many recreational activities. Epic Discovery offers tubing, ziplining, and so much more. A visit to Epic Discovery is a fun experience for the whole family, including the little ones. The Little Eagle Zipline can accommodate little adventurers ages three and up (no height requirement, kids must weigh between 30 and 100 pounds).
If ziplining sounds a bit too intense of a thrill, Epic Discovery also offers the Forest Flying Mountain Coaster, a bungee trampoline, and the Paramount Peak Climbing Wall. They also have a unique mini golf course for a change of pace. If you plan on spending all day at Vail Mountain's Epic Discovery, check out the option to purchase an Adventure Pass, allowing your family to try out all of the activities Epic Discover offers.
Visiting Vail, Colorado, with Kids
With this list in mind, you'll never need to wonder, "What are the most popular things to do in Vail with kids?" A summer vacation to Vail won't ever get boring with these exciting kid-friendly experiences nearby. There's so much to do here, both on the slopes and off.
P.S. Speaking of slopes, plan ahead for peak season now! Don't forget to sign your kids up for child ski lessons to ignite their passion for the mountain, year-round! Vail Resorts offers a fun and supportive environment for kids to learn skiing, no matter their current skill level. Our team of world-class instructors teaches children skiing skills in a kid-friendly and fun manner. Schedule a group lesson if you'd prefer your family to improve their skiing skills!
