Vail, Colorado Summer Vacation: Ultimate Guide for Families

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A Vail, Colorado summer vacation offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, breathtaking scenery, and family friendly activities that make it an ideal destination for creating unforgettable memories.

The mix of adventure and relaxation is one of the many reasons why our family LOVES vacationing in Vail during the summertime.

In this guide, you’ll discover why a Vail summer vacation is so special, along with tips on the best ways to get around, where to stay and eat, and the top activities to enjoy with your family.

We will take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your summer vacation in Vail.

Why You Should Visit Vail in the Summer

Pedestrian-Friendly and Easy to Get Around

Vail is designed with pedestrians in mind, making it incredibly easy and enjoyable to explore on foot. This is one of OUR favorite things about Vail. 

When we arrive, we park our car and essentially don’t move it for the entire trip–unless we’re heading to a larger grocery store or embarking on a day trip.

The charming cobblestone streets are lined with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, shops, and art galleries. 

Vail Village and Lionshead Village are both car-free zones making walking around safer and far more relaxing. It’s also great for the kids, giving them more freedom to explore without the worry of traffic.

Additionally various trails and sidewalks link different areas of Vail, making it an easy walk between Lionshead and Vail Village. 

With these trails combined with the Vail’s free shuttle service, there’s no need for a car to get around– adding to the overall relaxation of your vacation.

Weather is Great and Temperatures are Perfect

Summertime in Vail offers a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat and humidity of lower elevations.

The crisp mountain air and comfortable temperatures create an ideal setting for outdoor adventures.

Typically, daytime highs hover in the 70s, while the evenings in Vail cool down to the 50s or even upper 40s– perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring the area. 

This is truly my favorite kind of weather. I love starting the day in a cozy sweatshirt, transitioning to shorts and a tank as the sun warms things up, and then slipping back into my sweatshirt as the evening cools down.

It’s the perfect climate for both active days and cozy nights.

Fewer People, Especially During Weekdays

One of the greatest perks of visiting Vail in the summertime is the peacefulness compared to the bustling ski season. 

Weekdays, in particular, offer a more peaceful and uncrowded experience.

This means shorter lines- or sometimes no lines at all- for popular attractions at Epic Discovery atop Vail Mountain, quick seating at top restaurants, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. 

For families, this translates to a more relaxed and enjoyable vacation, free from the hustle and bustle often associated with the peak tourist season. 

I can personally attest to the calm, laid-back vibe of a summer vacation in Vail- it’s truly the best.

While weekends can bring in visitors from Denver, a quick 90-minute drive away.

I love arriving in Vail on a Sunday late afternoon or early evening, just as the highway heading back east is filled with car returning back to the city. It’s the perfect way to start a peaceful getaway.

Abundance of Outdoor Activities

If your family loves the outdoors, a summer vacation in Vail is the ultimate destination!

During our family vacations in Vail, we get to do all of our favorite things including biking, hiking, exploring parks, and taking peaceful walks along the creek.

The options for outdoor adventure are endless.

Epic Discovery, an activity center perched atop Vail Mountain and accessible via the Eagle Bahn Gondola, offers an array of exciting activities including ziplining, rock climbing, tubing, bungee trampoline, and a thrilling mountain coaster.

But the fun doesn’t stop there-your family can also enjoy horseback riding, whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, and more. 

Vail’s summer calendar is packed with outdoor concerts, the Vail farmer’s market as well as numerous other outdoor events.

On our trip, we even got to enjoy ping pong, cornhole, and foosball outdoors in Lionshead Square, adding to the fun. 

And when it’s time to relax, Vail Village and Lionshead offer a plethora of outdoor dining options.

Perfect for Relaxation

Beyond the outdoor adventures, summertime in Vail is also the ideal destination for relaxation. 

There’s something incredibly serene about the backdrop of the mountains paired with the gentle flow of Gore Creek.

Your family can spend the days lounging by the pool, enjoying a picnic by the creek, or taking a leisurely gondola ride with breathtaking views.

I especially love walking to the coffee shop in Vail, sipping on my favorite coffee, and soaking in the mountain views. 

The slower pace of summer in Vail also allows for quality family time, whether you are enjoying a leisurely dinner at one of Vail Village’s restaurant patios or taking a peaceful walk along the creek- as leisurely and peaceful as it can be with kids!

By choosing Vail as your summer getaway, your family can experience the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty all while making memories together.

Getting Around Vail

The best way to get around Vail during the summer is by walking or biking, especially if you are staying in Lionshead or Vail Village.

Both areas are perfectly designed so you can walk or bike everywhere!

Vail also provides a free shuttle service with different routes depending on your destination. We usually take the in-town shuttle to go between Lionshead and Vail Village.

Where to Stay in Vail

When choosing where to stay in Vail, I recommend prioritizing accommodations within walking distance of Vail Village or Lionshead. It will make your stay so much more enjoyable and convenient.

It is so great to be able to walk to everything you need.

On our most recent trip, we stayed at a fantastic vacation rental located in Lion Square Lodge. It was phenomenal!

Lion Square Lodge is located right at the base of Vail Mountain, just steps away from the Eagle Bahn Gondola. 

Our vacation rental offered stunning views of Vail Mountain and Gore Creek.

There was also a really nice pool plus 2 hot tubs. 

Being just steps from shops and restaurants made our stay even more convenient, enhancing our overall Vail experience. 

On previous vacations, we’ve stayed multiple times at the Sebastian Hotel, located right in Vail Village.

Its central location means you can walk to absolutely everything you need.

The Sebastian Hotel offers a range of amenities, including a pool, spa, dining, and more.

I highly recommend our vacation rental in Lion Square Lodge and the Sebastian Hotel for their location, amenities, and overall quality.

As long as you read reviews carefully, I suggest staying anywhere within walking distance of Vail Village or Lionshead.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider the Residence Inn Vail. Although it’s not as walkable to everything since it’s located across the highway, there are frequent shuttles to Vail Village. 

What to do in the Summer in Vail

Vail offers an abundance of exciting activities during the summer months.

DISCOVER VAIL: Top 30 Things to do in Vail in the Summer with Your Family

One of our favorite Vail summer activities is renting bikes and riding along the scenic Gore Creek Trail.

We love stopping at various parks along the way, especially Pirate Ship Park and Ford Park, which provide great spots for a break and even a picnic. 

Another highlight of our Vail trips is taking the Eagle Bahn Gondola up Vail Mountain. Once at the top, we enjoy a range of thrilling activities at Epic Discovery, including the mountain coaster, tubing, ziplining, rock climbing, and much more. 

We also enjoy taking walks along Gore Creek and around Vail Village and Lionshead.

Vail also has so many amazing parks to enjoy. Don’t miss Ford Park and the Sunbird Park in Lionshead. 

It’s also enjoyable simply to wander around Vail Village and Lionshead. There are so many great shops to explore, including Charlie’s T-shirts for souvenirs, Fuzziwig’s Candy in Vail Village, and Rocket Fizz in Lionshead.

For a unique experience, your family can go horseback riding with Vail Stables.

They also offer Happy G.O.A.T. Hours on certain days, where you can interact with friendly goats while the adults enjoy beer and wine.

It’s a very family friendly event that both kids and adults will love. 

What to do on a Rainy Day in Vail

Rainy days in Vail might not be ideal, but there are still plenty of ways to keep your family entertained. Here are a few suggestions:

Visit the Vail Public Library 

The Vail Public Library is within walking distance from both Lionshead and Vail Village or you can take the free shuttle.

It’s a great place to relax, browse books, and even enjoy storytime sessions.

Bowling and Arcade Games at Bol

Bol, located in the Solaris Plaza in Vail Village, is the perfect destination for a rainy day. 

Spend some time bowling and playing arcade games with your family- it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. 

Check out Imagination Station

Imagination Station in Lionshead Village is an interactive play space designed for children, featuring hands-on exhibits and activities like art and science projects. 

Kids can even paint their own pottery or explore an imaginative health clinic where they can pretend to take care of pets and babies. 

Virtual Reality play is also available.

Be sure to check the Imagination Station website and make a reservation before your visit. 

Visit the Vail Nature Center

The Vail Nature Center offers indoor exhibits that are perfect for a rainy day.

Located along the Gore Creek near the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, the center is easily accessed via the in-town bus route to the Soccer field stop on Vail Valley Drive.

Visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum

Open daily from 10a.m.-6p.m. with free admission, the Colorado Snowsports Museum is a great option for a rainy day activity.

The museum is located on the third level of the Vail Village Parking Structure, near the Vail Village Covered Bridge. 

Go Ice Skating at the Dobson Ice Arena

Dobson Ice Arena in Lionshead offers public skating on most days of the week.

Admission is $6 for ages 4 and under, $8 for ages 5-12, and $10 for ages 13 and over, with skate rental available for $5.

Be sure to check the facility’s calendar for exact public skating times.

Where to Eat in Vail

Some of our favorite places to eat in Vail include Blue Moose Pizza in Lionshead as well as Pazzo’s Pizzeria, The Red Lion, and Vendetta’s Italian Restaurant in Vail Village.

We clearly have a soft spot for pizza.

All of these restaurants are very family-friendly, and the Red Lion has a great kids menu, making it a perfect spot for families.

If you’re craving some ice cream, be sure to visit Sundae or Joe’s Famous Deli-yes, it’s a deli that also serves ice cream!

Both spots are located in Vail Village. 

Joe’s Famous Deli offers 24 homemade ice cream flavors, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

You really can’t go wrong with any restaurant in Vail. Many of them also offer fantastic patio dining options!

 

Tips for Visiting Vail in the Summer

Book Accommodations Early

As I mentioned earlier, staying in Vail Village or Lionshead Village is highly recommended for its convenience and enjoyment.

Being able to walk and bike everywhere makes your vacation much more pleasant.

Be sure to book early to secure the best hotels or vacation rentals that suit your family’s needs. 

Look for family-friendly accommodations with a pool, kitchenette, and ample space.

Plan for Altitude Adjustment

While we haven’t had much trouble adjusting to the altitude, some people might.

To help with acclimation, make sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

It’s also wise to take it easy on the first day to see how everyone adapts to the higher elevation.

Pack for Variable Weather

Summers in Vail can bring a range of temperatures, so it’s important to pack accordingly.

We usually start the mornings and evenings in sweatshirts and light jackets and switch to shorts and short sleeves during the warmer midday hours. 

Also, don’t forget to pack swimsuits if your accommodation has a pool or hot tub.

Incorporate Downtime

One of the best things about Vail is the ability to balance adventure AND relaxation.

We often enjoy slow mornings with coffee on a patio, followed by something more adventurous in the afternoon, or start the day with an early bike ride and then unwind in Vail Village or Lionshead in the evening.

Vail is the perfect place to blend activity with downtime.

Purchase Food and Drink Ahead of Time

Dining out in Vail can be expensive, especially for larger families.

I recommend stopping by a local grocery store to pick up breakfast foods, snacks, and supplies for lunch or a picnic. 

Safeway and City Market are just a couple of miles away on the Frontage Road, making it easy to stock up. 

Your Summer Vacation in Vail Awaits

Vail in the summertime is more than just a destination– it’s a place where families can reconnect, explore, and create lasting memories together. 

With its pedestrian-friendly villages, perfect weather, and a wide array of activities for all ages, Vail offers the ideal setting for a summer getaway.

For us, Vail is our go-to vacation spot when we want to relax, enjoy the great outdoors, and spend quality time as a family. 

It’s a refreshing escape from the heat and busyness of summer. 

Whether we’re hiking scenic trails, enjoying a gondola ride, or simply relaxing in the fresh mountain air, Vail provides the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, which is why we keep coming back.

Download our free travel itinerary planner to help you plan your family vacation to Vail or wherever your next adventure may take you.

May you LOVE your adventure! KW