Family-Friendly Vail Summer Itinerary: 3 Days of Activities, Dining, and Relaxation

There’s something magical about Vail in the summer. The crisp mountain air. The wildflowers in full bloom. And that feeling—somewhere between awe and ease—that settles in the moment you arrive. If you’ve only ever thought of Vail as a winter playground, you’re in for a sun-drenched surprise. For families with young kids, summer in the Rockies means scenic gondola rides, mountaintop playgrounds, alpine gardens, splash pads, and cheese fondue experiments. This three-day itinerary is designed to help your crew—toddlers to grown-ups—unplug, explore, and make the most of Vail’s family-friendly summer charm. 

Getting There: A Scenic Breeze from Denver 

Getting to Vail is almost as breathtaking as being there. About 100 miles west of Denver along I-70, the drive takes under two hours on a good day. Expect winding roads, epic mountain views, and the occasional elk sighting if you’re lucky. Pro tip? If you're traveling eastbound on a weekend, leave after 7 p.m. to avoid that I-70 traffic jam you’ll hear locals grumble about. 

Flying? Denver International (DEN) and Eagle County Airport (EGE) both offer easy access to Vail. You can hop on an Epic Mountain Express shuttle and let someone else navigate the mountain curves while you sit back and sip your coffee. 

 

Day 1: Welcome to the Mountains 

Stay: The Lodge at Vail 

Check into The Lodge at Vail, a charming alpine hotel nestled right in Vail Village. Not only is it steps from Gondola One, but its spacious pool, cozy fire pits, and prime location make it ideal for families. Settle in, explore the grounds, and let the kids run wild in the pedestrian-only village. 

Late Afternoon: Scenic Gondola Ride 

Start your adventure with a ride up the Vail Scenic Gondola. Trust us—it’s worth it for the jaw-dropping views alone. At over 10,000 feet, it’s the kind of panoramic moment that makes you remember why you took this trip in the first place. Kids under 12 ride free with an adult ticket, so load up the whole family. 

Dinner: Blue Moose Pizza 

Wind down at Blue Moose Pizza, a casual joint with kid-pleasers like mac n’ cheese, chicken tenders, and classic cheese slices. Parents will appreciate fun combos like the “Apple of My Pie” (bacon, sausage, apple slices, gorgonzola—yes, it works). It’s warm, it’s lively, and no one will judge if your toddler throws a crayon. 

 

Day 2: Big Fun for Little Adventurers 

Breakfast: Cucina at The Lodge 

Head downstairs to Cucina for a hearty breakfast buffet. Think fluffy pancakes, eggs, and maybe a mimosa or two. Bonus: You won’t have to pack up the kids to go anywhere. 

Morning Activity: Epic Discovery or Betty Ford Alpine Gardens 

Depending on your crew’s energy levels, you’ve got two top-notch options: 

• Epic Discovery: Alpine coaster, tubing, a rock climbing wall and more! The Little Eagle Zipline is a hit with kids as young as three. 
  
• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: A gentler option. Let kids roam the children’s garden or try the market-themed play area. There’s a daily scavenger hunt from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and plenty of shaded benches for snack breaks. 

Afternoon: Pool Time at The Lodge 

After a full morning, nothing hits like a splash in The Lodge at Vail’s pool. Lounge while the kids cannonball, grab a drink at the pool bar, and maybe sneak in a soak in the hot tub while someone else keeps watch. (We see you, tired parents.) 

Dinner: Swiss Chalet at Sonnenalp 

Wrap up the day with a visit to Swiss Chalet, where fondue is the name of the game. This one’s a crowd-pleaser: kids love dunking bread in melted cheese, and parents will appreciate the nostalgic European charm. Challenge each other to see who can create the longest cheese-pull! 

 

Day 3: Sweet Goodbyes and Sugary Smiles 

Breakfast: Westside Café in West Vail 

Start your final day with the Hungry Bear Breakfast at Westside Café—eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, the whole nine. And for the littles? The Cap’n Crunch French toast is a sugar-fueled dream that’ll power them through the morning. 

Before You Go: Candy and Village Vibes 

Before you hit the road, make a final stop at Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory in Vail Village. Handcrafted chocolates, rainbow-colored gummies, and enough bulk candy to fill your snack stash for the ride home. 

Let the kids pick out treats, grab one last coffee, and stroll through the cobblestone streets. Soak in that mountain air. Then it’s back to real life—just a little more refreshed, connected, and maybe still sticky-fingered from fudge samples. 

 

Quick Tips for Traveling with Kids in Vail 

• Altitude Matters: Hydrate like it’s your job. The first day is all about taking it slow. 
  
• Free Splash Pads & Parks: Check out Pirate Ship Park or the Lionshead splash area. 
  
• Perfect Picnic Spots: Grab sandwiches at Joe’s Famous Deli and head to Gore Creek, Pirate Ship Park, or Sunbird Park. 
  
• Outdoor Patios: Plenty of restaurants offer spots where you can sip and snack while the kids stay entertained. 

 

Ready for Your Family's Mountain Getaway? 

Vail in the summer is the kind of place where screen time fades, conversations stretch out, and the simple joy of being together takes center stage. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, there’s always more to discover here—especially with kids in tow. 

Plan your family-friendly summer escape to Vail today. The mountains are calling.