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.
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.
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!
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.
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.