Planning your summer vacation around a Vail summer camp, or have a babysitter secured? While the kids are occupied, you can take some much needed “me” time.
Vail’s many day and weeklong camps are the chance for kids, big and small, to spread their wings under the care of counselors and specialized instructors. Responsible babysitters can also step in while parents peruse their own passions. While the kids are doing their thing — and having a blast — their caretakers have the chance for relaxation, adventure and date nights.
Here are some Vail vacation ideas while your kids are at summer camp or with a babysitter:
A Day of Shopping & Spa’ing
While the kids are away at camp or exploring Vail on their own, head to the villages for shopping in Vail. For the latest fashion trends, head to Due Luca Bruno, Perch and Blitz in Vail Village, then hit up Arriesgado and Avalon in Lionshead. For unique-to-Vail shopping, The Golden Bear, Gorsuch and Pepi’s are all must-stops. Shopping for summer or winter gear? Lululemon, Patagonia and North Face are sure bets. Duck into the many stores and shop to your heart’s delight. Find a full list of Vail shops.
Next, head to a Vail spa to kick up your feet and relax. You’re in luck, as Vail plays host to many spas, each with their own unique ambiance and experiences. Need help narrowing it down? Here are some the best spas in Vail.
A Day of Adventure
Shopping and spa time aren’t the only things to do around Vail. An early morning fly-fishing adventure with Vail Valley Anglers is the perfect way to spend a day on the river, out in nature, learning from the pros and hopefully getting lucky by landing the big one. Bonus: Since you’re on your own, you can always stretch the truth about how big your catch was — and the guides are experts at taking the photo to make it look bigger!
Have more free time after your fly-fishing excursion? Rent a mountain bike for a quick trip up one of the gondolas and take a ride of a lifetime down the mountain. You can always stay on Gitalong Road or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try Radio Flyer – a fun, rolling trail with options to exit onto the road if needed. Or head out on one of Vail’s many trail and road rides. Explore our top biking recommendations.
Date Night
With a night all to yourself, head to a delicious Vail restaurant. Favorite dinner spots include Sweet Basil, Elway’s, La Tour Restaurant & Bar, Alpenrose, Montauk Seafood Grill, Up The Creek and Matsuhisa. You can cheers to a fabulous adults-only day while sipping your new favorite wine and sharing your day’s adventure.
Tomorrow, bring the family back together and check out Vail’s top family adventures.
• See a list of Vail’s camps and kids’ programs.
• Check out this guide to fly fishing with kids.
• Explore these bucket-list-worthy Vail hiking trails.
• Go shopping at these unique-to-Vail boutiques.