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Family-Friendly Spring Break in Vail: Activities and Tips for All Ages

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Spring break is the perfect opportunity for families to experience the breathtaking beauty and high-altitude adventures of Vail, Colorado. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Vail is a world-renowned destination for winter sports, but it also serves as an excellent family getaway with activities that extend far beyond the slopes. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, Vail offers something for everyone.

Having explored Vail with my kids, I can confidently say that it’s a destination that perfectly balances adventure, convenience, and charm. With kid-friendly ski schools and snowmobiling through trails lined with pine trees, a spring break in Vail is guaranteed to create lasting memories.

Getting to Vail

Colorado is an easy flight from most parts of the United States, and getting to Vail can be half the fun. I am lucky enough to live near Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Airport. If you haven’t been to the Capital One lounge in DFW you are missing out!  We like to plan our flights so that we can spend a few fun hours enjoying the lounge before we have to board the plane. 

If you’re lucky enough to be flying from a major hub Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), you’ll find frequent flights to both Denver International Airport (DEN) and Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE).

  • Denver International (DEN): About a two-hour drive to Vail. You can book a shuttle service such as Epic Mountain Express, but I recommend renting a car in Vail. 
  • Eagle County Airport (EGE): Closer and more convenient—only 35 minutes from Vail. It’s a smaller airport with fewer crowds and a more relaxed arrival experience.

Once you land, you’ll be greeted with snowcapped mountains and a scenic drive into the village, which sets the tone for your high-country vacation.

Do You Need A Rental Car In Vail

Depending on where you stay and what you plan to do in Vail, a rental car is a must, especially if you are traveling with kids. Parking in the popular spots in Vail is a pain and it is expensive.  Many resorts offer shuttles and there are other public transportation options but I want convenience of my own transportation.

Rental cars are very affordable in Denver and at EGE, especially if you book in advance. I suggest using RentalCars.com, where you can compare prices from all the major rental car companies. They also have an excellent cancellation policy, typically offering free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance. Plus, they provide a price match guarantee!

Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Lodging Options

For my family, the choice of accommodation can make or break a family vacation. Thankfully, Vail has a range of family-focused places to stay, from luxury resorts to rental condos.

Family-Friendly Resorts

Resorts like The Grand Hyatt Vail and The Arrabelle at Vail Square are ideal for families. They offer amenities such as heated pools, ski valets, and shuttles to the mountain. Many rooms come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, which makes prepping snacks and meals easy, especially helpful with picky eaters.

We stayed at Vail Residences at Cascade Village. I booked a two-bedroom condo that gave us plenty of space. A full kitchen and separate bedrooms helped make it feel more like home. My kids were especially excited that their room had bunk beds.  I was less thrilled to hear them argue about who got the top bunk bed.

The condo is associated with Hyatt and is just a short walk from the Grand Hyatt Vail.  I enjoyed having access to the resort amenities and the space in the condo. 

The Grand Hyatt Vail has a fantastic cocktail hour every day.  They put on a little show by sabering champagne and then provided a complimentary glass of champagne to everyone in the lounge.

Also in the lounge was a magician walking from table to table.  This was the first time my kids had seen a magician and they loved it.  After that meal a magic kit was added to my son’s birthday wish list.

Cozy Cabins and Vacation Rentals

Another option for space of a condo with resort amenities is in a cabin at Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort. These units often come with multiple bedrooms, fireplaces, and outdoor decks perfect for cocoa-sipping after a day of play. Many vacation rentals are close to trails and have access to hot tubs and community amenities.

Things To Do In Vail

Vail, like most mountain towns, is not cheap. I want to have fun adventures on vacation but I have a budget. On our spring break in Vail I included a mix of paid and free (or significantly cheaper activities). We stayed in budget and had a fabulous time.

Skiing and Snowboarding For Kids

Vail is a top destination for skiing, and it’s surprisingly accessible for families.  Vail is also part of the network of resorts where you can use the Epic Pass.  I have been doing a lot of research about the Epic Pass for our next ski season.  As soon as I have everything figured out and have used the pass, I will make sure to provide all the details and a review.

Vail Ski & Snowboard School

If your kids are interested in learning to ski or snowboard, the Vail Ski & Snowboard School is a fantastic option. Designed for children aged 3 to 14, their lessons are grouped by age and skill level, ensuring each child gets personalized attention.

While we opted not to enroll our kids in ski school this trip, we still enjoyed riding the gondola up the mountain, having lunch at the summit, and taking in those jaw-dropping views. It’s a low-stress way to enjoy the snow without full-day lessons.

We are going to Vail later this year and will be skiing, so make sure to check back for a review of the slopes.

Off-the-Slopes Fun: More Family Adventures

We decided not to ski on our first trip to Vail.  One of the reasons we choose Vail is that while it may be best known for skiing, Vail has so much more to offer!

Ice Skating in Vail Villiage

We took the kids ice skating for the first time in Vail Village. You can enjoy outdoor skating at Solaris Plaza or Vail Square Ice Rink. Both rinks are open daily and surrounded by shops, cafes, and festive lighting.  Although the area around the rink was very busy, the rink was not.  I was happy not to worry about many other people while worrying about my kids on skates for the first time.

My older son liked it so much that he added hockey skates to his birthday wish list. My younger son lasted almost 32 seconds on the ice. Parenting is fun.

Snowmobiling in Vail with Vail Backcountry Tours

If you’re looking for an unforgettable winter adventure during your family trip to Vail, this is it. We booked a two-hour snowmobiling tour with Vail Backcountry Tours, and it ended up being the most memorable parts of our spring break.

It was a long drive to where we started but once we got there everything was perfect. The company made everything super easy. From the moment we arrived, we felt like we were in good hands. The gear was high quality and warm (thankfully), the snowmobiles were practically brand new, and the staff was incredibly organized.

Our guide (whose name I cannot remember) was amazing—patient, upbeat, and super knowledgeable. He made sure to stop at just the right times for photos and regrouping (which I appreciated after realizing I am not naturally gifted at snowmobiling). He also gave us some background on the area, which made the experience feel a little more special and less like a cold roller coaster ride through the woods.

The views were stunning—think snow-covered pine trees, rolling white meadows, and peaks that looked like something out of a postcard. Even my kids, who usually only look up from their devices for snacks or sledding, were totally into it.

I won’t lie—this tour isn’t cheap. But I honestly think it’s worth every dollar. We felt safe, cared for, and like we were experiencing something really unique as a family. Plus, I didn’t have to plan it (major bonus points).

Would we do it again? 100% yes. The boys beg for another snowmobiling trip whenever we go on a ski trip.  Unfortunately for them, I don’t have money left for snowmobiling after paying for skiing.  

Sledding

I kinda struggled to find good information online about where to go sledding.  Eventually, after driving to a few places we found Ellefson Park and had a great time! 

Ellefson Park is located in West Vail. This hill isn’t massive or extreme, but that’s why it was perfect for our family.

What I loved most about Ellefson is the flat run-out at the bottom. It gave me a little peace of mind that my boys could sled full speed down the hill without risking hitting a tree or skidding off a cliff. The vibe is super relaxed—mostly local families, no tickets or lines, and plenty of space to spread out.

Bonus: You might even score a free sled. It’s common for other families to leave theirs behind for the next crew to enjoy. We brought our own (Target special, thank you very much), but I loved the community spirit.

If you’re exploring other areas, here are a few more Vail-area sledding spots that come highly recommended, but we did not visit:

  • Bighorn Park in East Vail: lots of snow and multiple hills to pick from.
  • West Park in EagleVail: it has different zones depending on your thrill level—perfect if your kids are half wild-child and half cautious.
  • Singletree in Edwards: this one is supposed to be close to a golf course and has a nice long slope with a safe catch zone similar to Ellefson Park.

If your crew wants something a little more structured (read: not free), check out Sage Outdoor Adventures near Wolcott. They’ve got snow tubing runs that are groomed and even offer a snowmobile tow to the top. We didn’t get a chance to try it this trip, but it’s on our list for next time.

If you’re planning a family trip to Vail, you must add sledding to your itinerary. It’s simple, fun, and a great way to enjoy the snow at hardly any expense.

Eagle Bahn Gondola

Riding the gondola in Vail was one of those moments where I looked around and thought, yep, this is exactly why we came here. Even if you’re not skiing (and we weren’t that trip), taking the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead is absolutely worth it. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a great way to take in the incredible mountain views without breaking a sweat or wrangling gear.

We bundled up the kids and rode the gondola up the mountain for lunch. The ride itself is smooth and surprisingly relaxing. The boys had their faces pressed to the glass the whole time, pointing out snowboarders below and spotting “the best snow ever” in totally unreachable places. I just enjoyed sitting quietly, surrounded by snowy trees and stunning views, not responsible for making lunch or locating anyone’s gloves.

Once at the top, we took some photos, tossed a few snowballs, and grabbed lunch with a view that made everything taste better. You don’t need to ski to enjoy Vail’s mountains—just hop on the gondola and enjoy the ride. For us, it was one of those easy, no-stress highlights we’ll remember long after the trip.

Shopping & Exploring the Village

Strolling through Vail Village is an experience in itself. There are boutique shops, chocolate stores, toy stores, and plenty of people watching.  I can’t help but stare at the giant furry boots that make women look like Chewbacca from the knee down.

We always enjoy walking through the village, primarily window shopping, but we inevitably end up buying a souvenir or two. My kids end up “adopting” a new stuffed animal, my husband adds to his work-from-home t-shirt wardrobe, and I have an addition to buying hoodie sweatshirts. 

Dining with Kids in Vail

Vail has so many restaurants with menus that look amazing.  When on a vacation with my kids, I skip those restaurants and search for places that might have something my kids will eat. 

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants

  • Vendetta’s: The restaurant was packed, service was slow, but the food was great.
  • Tavern on the Square: The menu had kid-friendly meals like chicken tenders and grilled cheese. Crazy busy like everywhere else in Vail.  Remember you are on vacation, be patient, try to relax.
  • Blue Moose Pizza: Great for casual dining and picky eaters.
  • Big Bear Bistro: Ideal for breakfast or a quick sandwich.

Many restaurants offer crayons, puzzles, and even entertainment to keep kids occupied for a few minutes before they start begging for electronics. Parenting is hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Vail good for families with young children?

Yes! Vail has a wide range of activities for all ages, including ski schools, easy walking paths, ice skating, and kid-friendly restaurants. Many hotels also offer babysitting services.

2. Can beginners ski in Vail?

Absolutely. Vail has many beginner-friendly runs and offers excellent ski schools for both kids and adults.

3. What’s the best time in spring to visit Vail?

Late March to early April typically offers the best mix of snow conditions and warmer temperatures. Spring festivals also happen around this time.

4. Is it necessary to rent a car in Vail?

Not always. If you fly into Eagle Airport and stay in the main village, you can rely on the free town shuttle and resort transportation.

5. What non-ski activities are available?

Tons! Ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, shopping, museum visits, and scenic gondola rides are all great alternatives.

Final Thoughts: Is Vail Worth the Hype for Families?

100% yes. Vail has that perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. It’s the kind of place where families can reconnect while discovering new skills and making lasting memories.

From riding a gondola into a snowy sunrise to flying down the mountain on a sled, our trip to Vail was awesome and one we want to repeat.

We’re already planning our return for Christmas 2025, and I can’t wait to experience it all over again—this time with twinkling lights, holiday markets, and fresh powder.

Thanks for joining us on our Vail journey. If you’re considering a family spring break getaway, Vail welcomes you with open arms and snowy trails.

Happy travels, friends!