Betty Ford Alpine Garden
183 Gore Creek Drive
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-0103

Open before and after snow season: dawn to dusk Admission free. Donation accepted.
One of the highest alpine gardens in the world. Actually, it is three small gardens each with a different theme. The gardens are filled with over 2,000 vividly blooming plants.
All are in walking distance from the Vail Nature Center.

Colorado Ski Museum/ Ski Hall of Fame
231 South Frontage Road East
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-1876

The museum gives the history of transportation across areas of snow and ice. Snow sports began in Colorado in the 1800's and this museum makes the journey forward both entertaining and enlightening. Children will be able to maintain interest at least long enough to enjoy the exhibits of early chairlifts and the former heavy equipment necessary to enjoy skiing.

Eagle Bahn Gondola and Adventure Ridge
Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-9090

Each car holds up to 6 people. The gondola offers a pleasant way to ride to the top of the mountain to enjoy the view, or to bike or hike back down. The scenery is breathtaking, and children consider it to be like an amusement park ride - but with far more aesthetic and educational value.
Other attractions at Adventure Ridge are:

The Vail Wildlife Center
Located in a small hut directly in front of the gondola exit. Features interactive displays of wildlife and local flowering plants. Guided tours are offered twice a day.

For the whole family: there are two self-guided tours at which children can go at their own pace. They are indicated by signs: Eagle's View and Lower Fireweed.

Tubing is also offered at this location from noon-10pm. Fee is per hour, including tube. Reduced fee for ages 12 and under.

Ice skating: Noon - 10pm same rates as tubing; includes skates.

Sledding: Noon to 10pm

Snowboard park and half pipes: 8:30am-10pm equipment rental and lessons available.

Laser Tag, ski biking, and ice skating are also offered at this location.

Piney River Ranch
700 Red Sandstone Road
White River National Forest
Vail, CO 81657
970-477-1171

Some snowmobiling in winter; most activities are June-Labor Day
Archery, fishing, crafts each has a fee ; horseshoes, volleyball, playground, petting farm, fly casting clinics, forest service talks each is free. Thursday is Family night out: Western style barbecue, western story tellers, lively music.

Vail Nature Center
841 Vail Valley Drive
Vail, CO 81657
970-479-2291

Small museum displaying animal pelts, stuffed birds and butterfly displays. The highlight is watching birds at feeders near the windows and checking their identity on a wall chart. There are easy, short trails to hike outside along the river.

Vail Public Library
292 West Meadow Drive
Vail, CO 81657
970 479-2185

Toddler story hour Tues and Wed 10am Preschool story hour Tues and Wed. 11am
Good haven for rainy days or even on sunny ones to add variety. Vail Library has a separate glass enclosed room with educational toys, including a train set for toddlers and a playhouse for reading enjoyment. Children also have the use of up to date computers with Internet child approved sites only access. Special children's programs such as puppet making are sometimes held. Call to check on hours.

Glenwood Cavers Adventure Park
51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
970-945-9799

Cave tours, Iron Mountain Tramway rides, Exclamation Point Restaurant, thrill rides, rock climbing, mechanical bull riding, horseback riding, chuckwagon dinner show, and much more!