Summer on Vail Mountain

Nestled at the base of Vail Ski Mountain, Vail is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by White River National Forest. Though best known for skiing, Vail is a spectacular mountain town with bountiful summer recreational opportunities. The locals have a saying that, “We moved here for the winter, but stayed because of the summers.” Sunny days, cool evenings and more family fun and culture than you could imagine make it an ideal summer destination.

Vail is comprised of two adjoining base areas of villages, Vail Village and Lionshead Village. Each have their own personality and perks. A convenient free bus system, a beautiful bike path along the river, pedestrian friendly heated streets and four ski lifts connect the two villages. Beaver Creek Mountain is just a few short minutes drive through the valley. For more on where to stay read our tips on planning your Vail family vacation.

Vail Summer 2018 family activities
Vail offers fun and free parks in both Lionshead and Vail Villages.

The Vail area is family friendly and boasts plenty of activities for kids, from the epic outdoor adventures to art and musical experiences. You will want to visit Epic Discovery atop Vail Mountain for outdoor adventures, and maybe even have your bike hauled up and ride down. If you have toddlers, there’s still plenty to keep them entertained around town. A couple of our favorite toddler friendly activities are even free.

Vail’s Epic Discovery 2018

Epic Discovery opened for the third summer at Vail Mountain on Friday, June 8, 2018. New this summer, the Scout Sampler Pass will give children access to the Kid’s Play Area, a structure specifically for Vail’s youngest guests. The play area includes a log balance beam, log crawl tunnel, log steppers, and a rock climbing boulder. The Family Adventure Pack is also new: buy three Adventure Passes and receive the lowest-priced fourth for free. Also, the Kids Ride Free Program provides kids ages 12 and younger free access up the gondola with the purchase of an adult ticket returns this summer.

The Epic Discovery Pinecone Adventure course will test the bravery of little first-timers.
The Epic Discovery Pinecone Adventure course at Vail’s Epic Discovery will test the bravery of little first-timers.

Summer 2018 Gondola Dates & Hours

Vail Epic Discovery Summer 2018 Hours

  • June 8 – September 3: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily
  • September 7-30: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday through Sunday

Gondola One, Vail Village Summer 2018 Hours

  • June 1-3: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday
  • June 8 – September 3: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily
  • September 7-30: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday

Eagle Bahn Gondola, Lionshead Village Summer 2018 Hours

  • June 8 – September 3: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily
  • September 7-30: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday

Summer 2018 Vail & Beaver Creek Family Fun Lodging Packages

Two Vail & Beaver Creek hotels are offering fun, and value-added lodging packages. Be sure to get your pool toy and ice cream treats from the Antlers at Vail. And enjoy cowboy fun with the Beaver Creek Rodeo package at the Westin Riverfront!

Vail simmer 2018 fun family lodging packages
Antlers 2018 Beat the Heat package offers lodging in one of their family-friendly one-bedroom with bunk alcove condos. Pool toy and ice cream treats are included. Photo: Antlers at Vail

Antlers at Vail Beats the Heat

The Antlers at Vail invites families to chill out in the Rocky Mountains this summer, with family-friendly value pricing. Beat the Heat includes three nights’ lodging, a complimentary pool toy for the kids for use in the Antlers’ stunning mountainside pool, and delicious icy treats for four from Vail’s Rimini Gelato & Café. Available June 1 – Sept. 30, 2018; the 3-night value package includes a 20% lodging discount with rates starting from $744 for a one-bedroom with bunks condo for a family of four.

Summer 2018 Beaver Creek family fun
Cowboy fun at the Beaver Creek Rodeo. Photo: Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek

 Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek Rodeos

Experience Colorado’s cowboy culture at the Beaver Creek Rodeo, which runs on select Thursday evenings from June 21 – Aug. 9. Starting at $239 per night, this Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek Rodeo package includes accommodations in a traditional room, 4 VIP Beaver Creek Rodeo tickets and bandanas and cowboy hats.

The Vail Colorado area is family friendly and boasts plenty of activities for kids, from the epic outdoor adventures to art and musical experiences. Here's what you need to know to plan your Vail summer 2018 family vacation. #vailcolorado #beavercreek #vail #visitcolorado #mountainvacation #summervacation

Vail Summer 2018 Guide for Families

Liana Moore

Liana Moore is a third-culture kid with a hangover from those days that is a severe case of wanderlust. She is more comfortable driving the cliffs of Amalfi, Italy or the dirt roads of Costa Rica or attempting to decipher the street signs of Osaka, Japan than navigating the theme parks of Disney World. But she loves it all. She doesn't believe a vacation is complete without an adventure. Her husband and kids know well that "adventure" often is code for mishap or challenge and it usually results in a good story. They seek outdoor experiences whether in the mountains, on a beach or in the jungle of a tropical country. Her favorite vacation is... all the ones she hasn't yet taken, as well as those she plans on taking again. And, that list is so, so long. But she continues to extensively explore her home state of Colorado, spends lots of time wandering Texas, California, New Mexico, Costa Rica, Mexico, Norway and has even explored Kazakhstan.

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