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Summer in the Valley

The secret is out that the Vail Valley summer’s are truly remarkable and full of fun. Kids and their parents can explore Colorado’s natural beauty, take a joy ride on one of the many rivers and lakes, and play at Adventure Ridge on Vail Mountain. The days are long with plenty to do and a lot to see.

There are several summer camp options for kids, even if it’s for just a day. There are options for the more adventurous with zip lining and white water rafting. For the more curious minds, send young scientists for a day learning about nature and science. Summer is a magical time filled with countless activities you’ll want to experience.

ON THE MOUNTAIN

Vail Mountain’s Epic Discovery
Vail’s Epic Discovery is an adventure park at the top of Lionshead Gondola. This is an adventure HQ with activities for adults & kids of all ages such as a mountain coaster, summer tubing, zip lining, ropes course, bungee trampoline, climbing wall and so much more! Epic Discovery is only open Friday-Sunday during the month of September due to the gondola’s fall schedule.

Beaver Creek Mountain
Let alpine activities at Beaver Creek allow you explore your sense of adventure. From horseback rides to hiking our trails and experiencing 4×4 Mountain Tours, discover all the ways you can experience family moments together. From our Wine Excursions to Beano’s Cabin to Kids’ Day Camp and the Summer Adventure Center, there’s plenty to explore that ensures every detail is taken care of for you.

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

Zip Adventures
The zip line course at Zip Adventures are the first and the best ground-to ground zip lines in the country. 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.

Public Pools

Outdoor Public Swimming Pools:

Eagle Vail Pool: The Eagle Vail Pool is open mid May through early September and is open to both EagleVail residents and non-residents. This salt-water pool includes a smaller kiddy pool with beach entry as well as a 25 meter lap pool with a water slide.
Eagle Pool: The outdoor pool has a zero depth entry pool with a toddler slide. Big kids will love the monster slide and diving board.. Also on these grounds, try your skills on the mini-golf course or rally on the tennis courts. The BMX course is two acres in size and features an assortment of jumps.
Gypsum Creek Pool: This outdoor pool overlooks the beautiful Gypsum Creek Gold Course. There is always one lap lane available and is first come first serve.

Indoor Public Swimming Pools

Avon Rec Center: This indoor pool offers a 5-lane lap pool, a lazy river, zero-depth entry kids pool, 140-foot water slide, water climbing wall, diving board, hot tub, sauna and steam room.
Gypsum Rec Center: The Gypsum Pool has everything from a lap pool, to a play pool containing a water playground for smaller children, a water slide, a lazy river and even a sauna and hot tub.

On The Water

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.

Lakes & Water Parks
If you are ready to navigate the water yourself, rent a SUP (stand up paddle board), kayak or canoe. Beginners may want to get their sea legs on the stiller, gentler yet lovely Piney Lake in Vail, Nottingham Lake in Avon, or Sylvan Lake in Eagle. Once you feel comfortable kayaking and SUPing on the lake, ask a rental agency where the best stretch of river is for you based on your capabilities.

You can also check out: Sylvan Lake State Park, Eagle River Park and Avon Whitewater Park

Camp-tastic

Check out the summer camps where the kids will be excited to go back every day:

Beaver Creek’s Five Star Kid Camp will have you wishing you were still a kid. Campers will enjoy activities such as jeep tours, zip lining, indoor rock climbing, river rafting, and more!
Cordy Camp offers kids an opportunity to spread their wings and try a variety of activities like tennis, golf, swimming, basketball, hiking, fishing, games and arts and crafts lead by professional instructors.
When schools are out, Mountain Recreation’s Summer Camps ensure your kid(s) have safe and enriching programs available to them from half-day activities to 5-day wilderness trips in the White River National Forest. Click on a camp type below to learn more.
Vail Recreation District Youth Summer Camps feature hands-on learning about the natural environment and have adventure-packed days including rafting and caving, arts and crafts, plus golf, gymnastics, ice skating and more.

For the Curious Minds

White water rafting and zip-lining isn’t for everyone! There are plenty of camps for the more curious minds that explore science and nature.

Walking Mountains Science Center has summer science camps that allow your kiddos to experience the wild places of the Vail Valley while nurturing their connection to the natural world through backyard explorations
Vail Recreation District Mad Scientists camp allows inquisitive participants to explore topics to a depth rarely achieved with elementary-age children. The VRD has chosen different topics like, magnetism, electric motors and rockets to help young scientists gain a better understanding of how the world works. Children will experiment, build, discuss, revise and learn. topics include magnetism, electric motors and rockets.

ON THE TRAILS

Beginner Hikes:

Eagle’s Loop (Vail Mountain): Short ridgetop loop with great views of Mount of the Holy Cross. 1 mile (1.6 km), 15–20 minutes.
Nature Valley Complimentary Hike (Beaver Creek): Easy guided hike. Begins at the top of Centennial Express (Meet at Spruce Saddle)

Horseback Riding
One of the best ways to see and experience the Colorado wilderness is on horseback (where you can relax and let your horse do the walking). Horseback riding through green meadows caters to groups of nearly all ages and abilities. You can even

Bearcat Stables, Beaver Creek Stables, Piney River Ranch, & Sage Outdoor Adventures, are all great options for tours!

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.

Visitor Information from the Locals

Hike, Wine & Dine returns to Beaver Creek on September 19

Enjoy a scenic hike with gourmet tastings for a great cause! Hike, wine and dine through golden aspens for a great cause on Sunday, September 19. The 13th annual Hike, Wine & Dine brings the community together with a moderate 5-mile hike on Beaver Creek Mountain and gourmet cuisine to benefit Vail Health Shaw Cancer Center and Jack’s Place, a cancer caring house. “Hike, Wine & Dine is a fantastic way to enjoy a beautiful fall...
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Eagle Music Fest Rocks for RRP

Pre-pandemic most any teen or tween would have thought hours of unscheduled downtime sounded like a dream. Once the reality of less school, fewer activities and more mask wearing set in, however, it quickly became clear that young people were not thriving. Red Ribbon Project, like many area nonprofits, pivoted and set about creating inclusive learning environments to help keep students engaged, active and feeling like part of a...
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Habitat for Humanity’s 2020 Impact Report

As I reflect on the past year, there were times of uncertainty, anxiety and struggle, it was also a year of growth, resilience, perseverance and hope. Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley, thanks to our leadership, staff, partnerships and generosity, persevered and adapted as we faced the unknown. In doing so, with limited volunteers, our business partners we re “essential.” Over 50 companies provided professional...
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