Vail and Beaver Creek humbly rest in the magnificent and awe-inspiring Eagle County, Colorado. However, as much as you enjoy the stunning vistas of the mountains and scenic horizons, your children may have different attitudes and appreciation for the beauty of nature. Whether Eagle county is a place you call home, or you are here on vacation, it’s essential to plan accordingly if you bring the little ones.
Below is a comprehensive list of recommended kid activities in the Vail and Beaver Creek area. If you are looking for ski and snowboard rental in Summit and Eagle counties, don’t hesitate to visit one of Charter Sports’ 14 locations in the area. Charter Sports has proudly provided affordable ski and snowboard rental equipment since 1988.
Walking Mountains Science Center
For an easy start to exploring nature, visit the Walking Mountains Science Center, a science learning hub open year-round and free to the general public. The center also offers seasonal guided tours and scheduled activities and events for kids of all ages. You can either stroll through the garden or join one of the scheduled events at the center. The outdoor sanctuary also has picnic tables you can lean on while your kids amuse themselves at the center’s playground.
Horseback Riding
For animal lovers, horseback riding at the Beaver Creek Stables or Eagle Stables is something to consider for a fun afternoon in the sun. The above options offer several different riding packages, and kids can also interact with the horses. Some stables only operate during the summer through early Fall, so reserve your spots in advance.
Ice Skating
No winter vacation is complete without ice skating. Eagle County has several beautiful rinks surrounded by shops, cafes, and fire pits, giving the touch and feel of a Hallmark movie. Together, Vail and Beaver Creek offer four different ice rinks. Lionshead’s Alderhof Ice Rink is located at The Arrabelle hotel in Vail Square. Solaris Ice Skating rink is another popular place with incredible mountain views. If you want a more active and professional skating experience, visit John A Dobson Ice Arena, located in the heart of Vail. Beaver Creek Resort also has its ice rink right in the heart of the Beaver Creek village.
Lakota River Guides
If your family prefers a more active and thrilling adventure, we recommend checking out Lakota River Guides. For over 30 years, they have offered ATV tours, off-road trips, horseback riding, sporting clays, and more. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as walk-in times may not be guaranteed.
Vail Farmers Market
If you want something more leisurely and relaxing for the family, explore Vail Farmers Market. Such a wonderful place for kiddos to browse through local vendors, sample delicious fares, enjoy the outdoor music and simply people-watch. Vail Farmers Market is open approximately 17 weekends annually and takes place on Sundays from June through October.
Bravo! Vail Music
Outdoor concerts and community events are always a great way to distract the little ones for several hours while getting to relax yourself. Bravo is our preferred location for outdoor music and events in vail, with grass surrounded by pristine views. Bravo puts on a fantastic Little Listeners program at the library that your kiddos won’t want to miss. Look at the schedule for the Vail summer concert series.
Skiing/Snowboarding
The beauty of winter is you don’t have to plan much, as fresh powder, skis or a snowboard, and warm clothes are all it takes for the kids to spend endless hours outside. Beaver Creek has built a few family-friendly ski parkstailored to beginner and intermediate riders. You can start at Haymeadow Park or Red Buffalo and progress to McCoy Pak, a newer addition on over 250 acres with 17 well-maintained trails. If you are skiing at Vail, we recommend taking the little ones over to Golden Peak if they are just learning how to ski.
Vail Nordic Center
If your kiddos aren’t comfortable skiing downhill yet, we recommend taking them to Vail Nordic Center. Located at Vail Golf Club during the winter, the Nordic Center offers endless fun for avid fat bikers, backcountry skiing, and alpine tours. There is also an on-site restaurant, allowing your little ones to heat up and fill their bellies after a long day in the snow.
Avon Recreation Center
There are plenty of occasions when it’s too cold outside for the kiddos to enjoy the great outdoors. In such instances, we recommend taking them to Avon Recreation Center. This 40,000-square-foot center offers programs for kids and adults, including a pool, fitness classes, a weight room, and more. Avon Recreation Center also offers youth programs in the summer to keep your kids busy so you can get some personal time.
Vilar Performing Arts Center
Located in the heart of Beaver Creek, Vilar Performing Arts Center runs family-friendly performances all year long, no matter the time of year. There truly is no better way to spend a weekend night with the family than checking out one of their many theatrical performances in their 530-seat auditorium.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember while planning activities for children is that they should be able to enjoy themselves and have fun while also learning something new. When living on visiting Eagle County, there are endless opportunities to help your kiddos do precisely that. We hope the above list gives you a good starting point for creating an incredible experience for your children in the Vail and Beaver Creek areas. If you are looking for ski and snowboard rental in Summit and Eagle counties, don’t hesitate to visit one of Charter Sports’ 14 locationsin the area. Charter Sports has proudly provided affordable ski and snowboard rental equipment since 1988.
