Spring Family Traveler

Spring in the Valley

When the snow melts, the river fills, and the Vail Valley begins to bud green trees. The most fascinating aspect of the terrain is going from high alpine to high mountain desert— just take a 30 minute drive west and families can enjoy white water rafting, experience authentic western history, mountain biking in Eagle, and visit the hot springs and theme park in Glenwood Springs.

Zip Adventures

The zip line course at Zip Adventures are the first and the best ground-to ground zip lines in the country. Our unique tour provides an unbelievable outdoor recreation adventure that challenges the senses: fragrant sagebrush, pinyon pine and Colorado fresh air surround you in this beautiful slice of rustic Western landscape. Our zip line courses will get you pumpin’ – the farther you go, the higher the exhilaration! 6 unique zip lines give you a graduating progression of excitement and adventure, as well as a stunning view of our beautiful Colorado landscape. Each has their own special personality – so much so, that the guides have fondly nicknamed them over the years.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park  is a unique attraction that has thrill rides, cave tours, laser tag and so much more. Bring out your inner scientist as you study stunning caverns and formations in Colorado’s largest show cave. Or, bring out your wild side as you fly down the mountain on Colorado’s first alpine coaster. Whatever your family enjoys, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is sure to please everyone. The Adventure park closes at the end of October. Make sure to check their schedule before going.

Buy your tickets today as there is limited capacity to allow for social distancing and reservations are required.

The Wild West at 4 Eagle Ranch

When you visit 4 Eagle Ranch you can choose to kick back and take in the beautiful scenery, or you can get out and have some extraordinary experiences…of course, you can do both! The ranch gives guests an authentic Colorado experience by offering an abundance of activities such as ranch menagerie, horseshoes, volleyball, steer head roping and The Trading Post. You can also book a stay in 4 Eagle Ranch’s beautiful Homestead House, originally built in 1925 (remodeled in 2011)… Which makes enjoying all the ranch has to offer that much easier.

The Coolest Playgrounds

In the Vail Valley, we love to be outside, and that’s true even for the littlest locals. Playgrounds are abundant throughout the valley and include:

  • Pirate Ship Park in Vail
  • Donovan Park in Vail
  • Red Sandstone Park in Vail
  • Lionshead’s Birds Nest in Vail
  • Nottingham Park in Avon
  • Pavilion Park in Eagle Vail
  • Brush Creek Park in Eagle
  • Freedom Park & Skatepark in Edwards

Sage Outdoor Adventures Rafting
One of the most wonderful joy rides to do with the family is floating down the river with a friendly tour guide. Sage Outdoor Adventures is here to facilitate you creating memories, you connecting with family and friends, and most of all, you just plain having fun.

Turtle Tubing
Take a mellow float trip down the Colorado River with Turtle Tubing out of Dotsero. The trips are open to adults and to kids 2 and older and are ideal for people looking for a relaxing and scenic day on the water. Guests can also book the Turtle Bus for transportation needs within the Vail Valley.

FOR THE CURIOUS MINDS

 Walking Mountains Science Center offers an array of fun programs for families, children and adults. Explore their three facilities in Avon and Vail and discover your curious side. Programs include Bug Safari, Earth Explorers, Morning Bird Walks, S’mores, Photo Safari, and other exciting options.

RAIN OR SHINE

Imagination Station
Vail Rec District’s Imagination Station, a thoughtful play space, features a play wall to integrate physical and cognitive learning, a hyperbolic funnel that models the planetary motion, and a health clinic that promotes imaginative play where children can provide care for dogs, cats and babies.

Mountain Recreation
Mountain Recreation facilities are the perfect place to visit when vacationing in the Vail Valley area. With indoor pools, water slides, drop in gymnastics for little ones, trampolines, skate parks, soccer fields, ice skating, and so much more, there is something for everyone! Visit mountainrec.org to learn more and see our drop-in and program schedules.

Libraries
You don’t have to be a local to enjoy our four libraries. The Vail Public Library offers library cards for visitors. In addition to books, there’s a robotics section and 3-D printers as well. A community center, the Vail Public Library also has free concerts and a healthy living series with activities like yoga in the park.

The Eagle Valley Library District has locations in Avon, Eagle and Gypsum. Free story times throughout the week cater to children with sessions in both English and Spanish.

Restaurants & Bars

In the Vail Valley, eating isn't merely sustenance - it's an important part of the lifestyle. From fine dining hotspots to casual comforts, it's not hard to find great food. Colorado is known for their locals breweries, distilleries and even wineries. Come sample a taste of Colorado and even international spirit favorites.

Activity Providers

Sure, Vail is world-renowned for its skiing and snowboarding, but the Vail Valley offers plenty beyond vast bowls of bluebird powder days and grippin' groomers. Whether you prefer your adventure water-drenched, iced, air-borne, cliff-side, cycled, motorized or snowy out mountain recreation covers it- and much, much more.

Vail Valley Events

Ski terrain and wonderful snow put the Vail Valley on the map, but it's more than just a ski resort. The calendar is packed with events that are a big part of the Vail Valley's culture. From outdoor concerts at the Ford Amphitheater to bull riding at the rodeo, it's easy to stay busy.