Summer family activities in Vail still abound

The Children's Fountain in Vail. Photo VLMD and Jack Affleck.

Vail is a great place to raise family (or enjoy an extended family vacation), particularly in the summer when you can get out and enjoy fresh mountain air, sun and a multitude of activities. Vail hosts a variety of free events, and just great spaces for the family to enjoy. Summer is winding down now, so it is time to get out and make sure to take advantage of these activities while you still can.

• Take the kids into town to ride the free Town of Vail bus, play at the pirate ship park, cool off in the children’s fountain and then enjoying a treat. Warning to parents: A candy store conveniently located itself right next to the fountain, so be prepared to take your kids in for a treat.
• Take a picnic and ride the gondola up to the top of Vail Mountain to enjoy some leisurely hiking and spectacular views.
• Come into Vail to meander through the Vail Farmers’ Market, enjoy some free jazz, getting some balloons for the kiddos and then enjoying lunch on a patio.
• There are a multitude of great hikes in the area. I’m looking forward to taking the kiddos up on some of the easier trails for some exercise and to enjoy nature and take in the views.
• Speaking of nature, Walking Mountains Science Center has all kinds of great family activities.
• Beaver Creek has some great activities too. The Beaver Creek rodeo on Thursday evenings is fun. They have a mutton-busting event that is pretty humorous.
• The KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race happens August 10-11. We just plan on spectating this year to see if our daughter is interested in entering next year.
• If you are up for a short road trip, check out the Glenwood Adventure Park with tons of fun rides and cave tours.
• But, the thing our family has enjoyed most this summer is hanging in our own ‘hood. I live in EagleVail and it is in my opinion the best Vail area location in the summer! We have a plot in our community garden just across the street. We've enjoyed taking the kids over to plant seeds and look after the garden, and enjoy grilling out with friends in the garden. Also, EagleVail has a new salt-water pool that is just 100 yards from our back door. I’m looking forward to relaxing at the pool with the kiddos.

EagleVail Community Garden

What are some of your favorite Vail area family activities and events? Share them with us in the comments section below!

Post published in a earlier version on the Antlers at Vail blog.