VailValleyKids.com

Unique family fun on top of Iron Mountain in Glenwood Springs   Located in historic Glenwood Springs, Colo., Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers a unique mountain-top adventure that's fun for the whole family. Featuring three guided tours of Glenwood Caverns & Historic Fairy Caves, voted "One of the Top 10 Places to Go Underground" by USA Today; Colorado's only alpine coaster; giant swing; tram rides; 4D theater; laser tag; climbing wall; bungee trampoline; mountain-top restaurants; and breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery. Great for groups, family reunions and birthday parties. Open year-round, visit our website for hours. (less) ... (more)

Take a Train Ride Through the Royal Gorge!   The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is Colorado's finest and most exhilarating way to explore the riches and beauties of the Royal Gorge. Whether enjoying the breathtaking views from an open railroad car or enjoying a meal garnished with spectacular sights, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad has bounties of fun for all those who board. The train departs daily now through October 31. Looking for a Christmas adventure the whole family will enjoy? The Santa Express Train is the answer for this year's holiday fun! Take part in the magical journey up the gorge to the "North Pole" where the train makes a special stop to pick up a very important passenger - Santa! Every family will enjoy classic Christmas stories and hot cocoa while making memories that will last a lifetime on the Santa Express Train. Make your reservation now for Santa Express, as spots fill up quickly. Visit us on our website or call us to make a reservation for an unforgettable journey on Colorado's most unforgettable train. (less) ... (more)

Multi-Purpose Ice Facility   Dobson Ice Arena is one of the largest multi-purpose ice facilities on Colorados Western Slope. Big enough to host concerts, it is open year-round for hockey, figure skating and broomball. It offers a variety of public-skate times, classes, leagues and competitions, from Story Time Skate in conjunction with the Vail Library, to the Vail Invitational Skating Championships, to mixed-martial arts competitions. (less) ... (more)

March 9-11, National Western Complex   Thousands of horse lovers and fans from around the region are getting ready for the 20th annual Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, with four-days of horse related family entertainment, crafts, vendors, educational exhibits, art and demonstrations scheduled for March 9-11 at the National Western complex in Denver. Expo 2012 features every type and size of horse, from show horses to working horses, dancing horses and ponies, and gives horse owners and fans the chance to meet and learn from the region's leading horse trainers, riders and clinicians. Highlights this year includes the Mane Event performances, with professional equine entertainers, and over 45 clinics per day featuring horsemanship workshops, riding, extreme trail, dressage and jumping demonstrations. We are also showcasing a Holistic Horse fair, with nationally known equestrian artists, sporting events, competitions and Art in the Part. "If you love horses, you will love the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo," said Bill Scebbi. "We have something for everyone and you can even bring your own horse." (less) ... (more)

   Have a horse crazy kid? Look for a qualified riding instructor or an educational horsemanship manual. The purpose of Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals, produces educational horsemanship DVDs and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on CHA, please visit www.CHA-ahse.org or call 800-399-0138. To find a certified horseback riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you visit www.CHAinstructors.com. (less) ... (more)

Scouting   Going to Girl Scout camp can be a life-changing experience for girls. Its a place to try new things, get along with girls who are different and let down their guard in a safe environment. We have affordable day camp programs for all girls ages 6-17. You don't have to already be a Girl Scout to join the fun. Special discounts are available for first-time campers, even those who participate in other Girl Scout activities. Each camp program is geared to the girls age and gives girls the unique Girl Scout Leadership Experience while they have big fun and make friendships to last a lifetime. You could learn different dances from around the world; experience life as the pioneer women did; perhaps grow crystals or set off rockets; solve a mystery CSI-style; play games and make camp crafts; challenge yourself to learn new water sports; or choose from many other themed sessions. Most camp sessions are five days per week from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Day camps are made possible by dedicated volunteers throughout the state. If you are interested in volunteering this summer (and earning a free week at day camp for one daughter), call Kim Petau at 303-607-4647. For more information, click on website. (less) ... (more)

High Quality Half-, One-, Two-, and Three-day Rafting Adventures on the Arkansas River   We give you more value for your rafting dollar! Our Brown's Canyon Bonus Half-Day Trip includes two extra rapids. On our deluxe two- and three-day trips, we camp on private land so we give you a better camping experience for less money than companies that camp on public land. Our friendly, well-trained guides and staff will make your rafting trip a special experience! ACQUIRED TASTES HAS PROVIDED SAFE, FUN, EXCITING WHITEWATER ADVENTURES UNDER THE SAME OWNERSHIP SINCE 1986! (less) ... (more)

Offering Rafting Trips Packed With Premium Features   Congratulations on discovering COLORADO'S PREMIER OUTFITTER. Founded in Breckenridge in 1987, we have earned a reputation for unsurpassed quality by offering trips packed with premium features. As COLORADO'S ONLY OUTFITTER THAT DOES NOT HIRE FIRST-YEAR GUIDES, we recognize that an experienced guide is critical to a safe and fun trip. In fact, our least experienced guides are typically fourth-year guides! Unheard of in today's rafting industry! For over 20 years, we have specialized in whitewater rafting and now offer more than 25 trips from beginner to expert on 4 rivers from 5 convenient meeting locations. Try combining one of our other activities like fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, or horseback riding with a raft trip for an awesome day and we'll serve you our "ULTIMATE FAJITA BUFFET" lunch for free! For those who enjoy camping, consider one of our multi-day "wilderness style" raft trips. We also offer discounted group packages that can include teambuilding activities. Committed to remaining medium-sized, we understand the importance of individual attention and great customer service. While you won't see us advertised in the newspaper or hear us on the radio, we are confident that you will not find a better quality guided outdoor adventure anywhere else. (less) ... (more)

Dogsledding   Are you looking for a breathtaking outdoor adventure? Do you love dogs and want to try something new? Dog sledding is fast becoming one of the most popular outdoor winter sports! When you take an exciting dogsled ride, you will leave with memories that will last a lifetime!

Whitewater Rafting   Join us for a fun filled day of whitewater rafting in Colorado on one of numerous stretches of the Arkansas River. The Ark, as the locals call it, is the premier location for a whitewater rafting vacation in Colorado and one of the best in the world! Located some two hours from Denver or Colorado Springs, whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River makes a perfect quick and exciting trip for friends, company retreats, or a great family adventure vacation. Pick from four spectacular stretches of river, each with their own unique personality: Whitewater Rafting Browns Canyon, Whitewater Rafting The Numbers, Whitewater Rafting Royal Gorge, and Whitewater Rafting Parkdale / Bighorn Sheep Canyon. (less) ... (more)

Trips on 5 Rivers at 6 Outposts!   Trip Discounts & Packages offered every day on our website, including our adventure-packed whitewater rafting & zipline packages! FREE wetsuits and splash jackets. With trips on 8 rivers, we'll find the trip that's perfect for you. We offer whitewater rafting adventures for all ages and abilities -- mild & relaxing floats, fun family whitewater and the most thrilling, heart-pounding Class V in the West! Plus zipline tours on 40+ acres of scenic Colorado beauty close to Vail, Aspen, Summit County and more . Let us show you the best summer activities in Colorado and make the booking process easy. Be sure to check out our award-winning website, where you can watch live-action VIDEOS of all of our trips and find discounts every day. We also offer rock climbing, fly fishing and horseback riding. Come stay in our log cabins or campground and make it a multi-day trip! Let us help you create the adventure of a lifetime with AVA! 877RAFTING (less) ... (more)

Door-to-Door Service   Get the best DEALS on the best whitewater rafting and zipline trips in Colorado. See our website for daily DISCOUNTS, all year long! Let us provide door-to-door service for you from Breckenridge or Keystone while you enjoy your Colorado adventure! Or save $$$ by driving to one of our convenient offices! BWR's offices are centrally located within an hour of five Colorado rivers. Always FREE wetsuits and splash jackets on all of our trips. Our outstanding and experienced guides will provide you with the adventure of a lifetime. Also offering rock climbing, fly fishing and horseback riding. Book today! (less) ... (more)

Colorado Rafting For Singles, Couples, Families and Groups of all Ages   The Arkansas River offers some of the best Colorado river rafting trips. Every year, Buffalo Joe's books Colorado rafting reservations for singles, couples, families and groups of all ages and takes them on guided Colorado rafting trips! Colorado Rafting has quickly become one of coolest additions to your western vacation. Half-day to 6 day Colorado river rafting tours are available on the Arkansas River for all skill levels from Class III (great family trips) to Class V rapids (high adventure). Even if you have never been on a Colorado river rafting trip, or are a non swimmer we have a trip for you. (less) ... (more)

   Experience Colorado whitewater river rafting adventure! Want to raft the Arkansas River or Clear Creek River in Colorado, or experience the thrill of whitewater rafting in the Rocky Mountains or at the majestic Royal Gorge? A river rafting adventure on a Colorado white water rafting trip will be the highlight of your vacation! Whitewater rafting getaways and family adventures on the Arkansas River, Clear Creek River, through the Royal Gorge, Browns Canyon and Bighorn Sheep Canyon in Colorado are our specialty. Experience the thrill of the Clear Creek River 30 minutes away from Denver. (less) ... (more)

A river rafting adventure on a Colorado white water rafting trip will be the highlight of your vacation!   Whitewater rafting getaways and family adventures on the Arkansas River, Colorado River, Dolores River, Gunnison River, and North Platte River are our specialty. What Sets Us Apart? * Twice named 'Colorado Company of the Year!' * Whitewater rafting tours for all skill levels including families * Outstanding safety record - we're proud to have one of the best safety records in the industry * Elite handpicked guides - the most entertaining and highly trained professionals on the river * Helpful, knowledgeable and friendly office staff * New 17-acre headquarters on the banks of America's most popular rafting river - the Arkansas! * 1st class amenities - clean rest rooms, retail store, and licensed food preparation facilities * Top of the line equipment including two-way radios and satellite phones for increased safety * Mouth-watering meals on the river and a free continental breakfast at our riverside headquarters (less) ... (more)

Colorado River Guides offers it all!   See the beauty of Colorado while floating down one of its many rivers. Travel through gorges and tributaries, shoot through exhilarating whitewater and float through serene and scenic waterways - Colorado River Guides offers it all! Our experienced guides are fun, knowledgeable and personable, operating top-of-the-line rafts, duckies and dories. Colorado River Guides also offers fishing trips to incredible spots that can be best reached on a float. We pride ourselves on our delicious buffet lunches. So if you're ready for an adventure with personality give Colorado River Guides a call today! (less) ... (more)

Colorado State Parks   Enjoy scenery that captures the beauty of Colorado from mountains to plains. Affordable vacations and some of the highest-quality recreation destinations in the state including hiking, biking, nature programs, boating, fishing, hunting and more. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year Colorado State Parks manages more than 4,300 campsites, and 58 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit our website. (less) ... (more)

Cottonwood Country Snowmobile Tours is the place for you.   Whether you are looking for a half day snowmobile tour with the family or an exciting full day performance snowmobile tour in the Colorado backcountry, Cottonwood Country Snowmobile Tours is the place for you. Cottownwood Colorado snowmobile tours is a great change from a crowded ski town tour, and you can expect small personalized tours with highest guide to customer ratio in Colorado. (less) ... (more)

Multi-Purpose Ice Facility   Dobson Ice Arena is one of the largest multi-purpose ice facilities on Colorados Western Slope. Big enough to host concerts, it is open year-round for hockey, figure skating and broomball. It offers a variety of public-skate times, classes, leagues and competitions, from Story Time Skate in conjunction with the Vail Library, to the Vail Invitational Skating Championships, to mixed-martial arts competitions. (less) ... (more)

Whitewater Rafting   Come enjoy a unique Colorado rafting experience and let us put the wet and wild in your Colorado family vacation! For over twenty years KODI Rafting has provided trips on some of Colorado's most spectacular rivers. With over 30 excursions on six Colorado rivers, we provide something for everyone; whether you a looking for a scenic float trip for the whole family or a wild whitewater challenge. Join us and find out why we've been voted #1 by Summit County locals five years in a row. (less) ... (more)

Full Service, Year-Round Guide Company   Vail Valley's only full service, year-round outdoor adventure company. Offering whitewater rafting, Jeep Tours, ATV tours and rentals, mountain bike tours, guided fishing trips, and hiking tours in the summer, Nova Guides has over 25 years of guiding experience. When the snow falls, be sure to check out a guided snowmobile tour, unguided rental, or a scenic snowcat tour on the largest commercial snowmobile trail system in the area. Providing complimentary transportation from your hotel in Vail or Beaver Creek, Nova Guides is sure to provide a memorable experience and a true taste of the Colorado backcountry. If you're looking for a weekend getaway, look into the Pando Cabins operated by Nova Guides. Only 15 miles from Vail or Beaver Creek, they're isolated enough to get away but have all of the luxuries so you're not exactly roughing it. (less) ... (more)

Genuine Colorado Adventure at its Best!   Rafting in Colorado on a scenic whitewater raft trip is genuine Colorado adventure at its best ! Our rafting trips range from family adventure to extreme whitewater excitement trips. The raft trips depart from our offices in Breckenridge, Buena Vista, and the Royal Gorge. Our offices are an easy drive from the Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Canon City, Aspen, Vail , Keystone, Copper Mountain, Dillon, Frisco, and Salida areas. We raft on the Arkansas, Clear Creek, Blue and Colorado Rivers offering half-day to multi-day trips with spectacular mountain and canyon scenery. The Arkansas River is the most popular river in Colorado and offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the nation! Performance Tours has been offering professionally guided raft trips for all ages and abilities since 1986, and we have provided over 200,000 guests with fun-filled river memories that will last a lifetime! Our excellent safety record, and emphasis on customer satisfaction has made us one of the most popular, trusted, and highly respected outfitters in Colorado. Our highly qualified and service oriented staff is committed to exceeding your expectations in an effort to make your Colorado rafting adventure the best that it can be ! We invite you to join us this summer and experience for yourself the thrill and excitement that whitewater rafting offers. You'll see why river rafting has become one of the most popular activities in the Colorado Rockies and you'll discover why so many people prefer Performance Tours for their adventures. Give us a call - you'll be glad you did! (less) ... (more)

Hot Springs & Cool Rafting Packages.   10% OFF Rafting & 10% OFF Lodging. Soak in 100% Natural Hot Springs after your rafting trip. $100 OFF Multi-Day Rafting Trips in Dinosaur National Monument. We are proud to be an Authorized Concessioner for the National Park Service. Family Rafting Trips. Teaching People to Raft since 1972. RIVER RUNNERS has two Arkansas River rafting destinations near Denver, Colorado Springs & the Colorado ski resorts. Visit RIVERRUNNERS Riverside Rafting Resort and Grill in Buena Vista, Colorado or RIVERRUNNERS Royal Gorge Rafting Center in Canon City, Colorado. Call 800-723-8786 to learn why people have been trusting us with their precious families for the last 36 years. (less) ... (more)

Colorado State Park   Sweitzer Lake provides day-use nature, picnic and water recreation. Visitors come to Sweitzer Lake, near Delta, for action-packed boating and water skiing on busy days and relaxed nature play on mellow days. Built solely for recreation, Sweitzer Lake fulfills its planned purpose well. Water-ski, swim, picnic, fish, boat, bird watch or just breathe-in the clean air. Sit on the grass, at a picnic site or on the sandy shore and enjoy the day. Sweitzer Lake is considered a good fishing spot for youngsters, so pack up the family and head out to enjoy the day at this wonderful state park. (less) ... (more)

Colorado State Park   Sylvan Lake provides serenity in an alpine park perfect for daydreaming. Overnight visitors can camp, stay in a cabin or lounge in a yurt while gazing at majestic mountains piercing the deep blue sky. Spring, summer and fall are all about fishing, hiking, nature study, non-motorized boating and picnicking. During the winter, snowshoes and poles are available to rent, and during the summer you can rent a kayak, canoe or paddle boat. Campsites are scattered throughout the state park and accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. (less) ... (more)

   The Vail Golf Club is nestled at the base of the Gore Mountain Range in the Rocky Mountains and presents golfers with a unique 18-hole, par 71 experience at 8,200 feet elevation. The golf club is open to the public and offers a full service golf shop, group and corporate outings, professional instruction, launch monitor, driving range, practice area, club storage, golf swing analysis, club rentals, demo days and an on-site restaurant, Happy Valley Grill. Recognized by Golf Digest as a "Top 100 Resort Course," golfers enjoy watching their balls fly 10 percent farther in Vails high altitude environment, while they challenge themselves on greens that follow the Gore Creek and lay adjacent to the White River National Forest. New in 2009, the golf club renovated its irrigation system. The new system will allow the course to be better prepared for a drought, water targeted areas and be the best environmental stewards possible. (less) ... (more)

Cross Country Skiing   When snow blankets the Vail Golf Club, it becomes the full-service Vail Nordic Center. Glide along 17 kilometers of daily-groomed skate and classic track, or snowshoe on 10 kilometers of trail. The staff offers rentals, lessons and clinics on technique and tuning for adults and children. The Nordic Center also serves as one-stop shopping for backcountry needs including clothing, backpacks and snowshoes. An evening race series as well as larger weekend events offer opportunities for competition. Hot soups from Happy Valley Grill, drinks and snacks are served daily. The Nordic Center , which is owned and operated by Mia Stockdale and Shane Sluder, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily November through April, weather permitting. (less) ... (more)

Providing Affordable Recreation to the Community   The Vail Recreation District is dedicated to providing the community with a wide array of recreational activities. Although we charge fees to cover most of our programming, we are determined to keep costs low for you, the customer. We also offer grants and scholarships for all of our youth programs and free programming to our adult volunteers. Feel free to contact us at any time to discuss grants, employment, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities with any of our branches. The VRD thrives because of its relationship with the Vail Valley. (less) ... (more)

Snowmobiling Tours   WHITE MOUNTAIN TOURS is Colorado's highest snowmobile touring outfit and has been providing a safe and unique experience for guests in the same location, under the same local ownership for over 16 years. Whether you choose the 2-hour tour over groomed backcountry terrain; or a high adventure tour through true powder filled back bowls; White Mountain will take you over the Continental Divide and above 12,500 feet through thousands of acres of unrivaled terrain. Our veteran guides are trained in backcountry safety, and have a minimum certification of First Aid/CPR. White Mountain Tours has a fleet of over 100 top of the line Polaris Sport Touring 440 and 550 RMK snowmobiles. Our mountain staff will always go the extra mile to cater tours to our guests riding ability. (less) ... (more)

A river rafting adventure on a Colorado white water rafting trip will be the highlight of your vacation!   A river rafting adventure on a Colorado white water rafting trip will be the highlight of your vacation! Whitewater rafting getaways and family adventures on the Arkansas River, Colorado River, Dolores River, Gunnison River, and North Platte River are our specialty. What Sets Us Apart? * Twice named 'Colorado Company of the Year!' * Whitewater rafting tours for all skill levels including families * Outstanding safety record - we're proud to have one of the best safety records in the industry * Elite handpicked guides - the most entertaining and highly trained professionals on the river * Helpful, knowledgeable and friendly office staff * New 17-acre headquarters on the banks of America's most popular rafting river - the Arkansas! * 1st class amenities - clean rest rooms, retail store, and licensed food preparation facilities * Top of the line equipment including two-way radios and satellite phones for increased safety * Mouth-watering meals on the river and a free continental breakfast at our riverside headquarters (less) ... (more)