Looking for free things to do in Colorado this summer and fall? Take advantage of Vail’s incredible free offerings, activities and events to make the most of your Centennial State vacation.
1. Family-Friendly Vail Events
Vail hosts events throughout the summer and fall, many of which are free to attend, with the option to purchase food, drink and art. Signature events include the GoPro Mountain Games, Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show, Vail Oktoberfest, Vail Automotive Classic and more. Explore more action-packed activities on the full events calendar.
Events at Vail Library
The Vail Library, located between Vail Village and Lionshead, offers free events and opportunities throughout the summer for kids and adults. Kid favorites like storytime and arts and crafts occur most Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Other kids’ programming includes scavenger hunts and interactive music. Adult programming includes Evenings of Engagement, a healthy-lifestyle series and more.
2. Music Events
Summer and fall bring concerts full of lively instruments and heavenly vocals. Pack a picnic and be ready to dance along to live music in Vail.
Hot Summer Nights
The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (also known as The Amp) is the place to be on summer Tuesday nights, with free concerts starting at 6:30 p.m. Shows range from rock and country to bluegrass and funk. Locals and visitors are invited to throw down a blanket, bring a picnic or purchase snacks at the venue and enjoy an evening of incredible music in a stunning setting. These concerts are family-friendly with kids dancing in the grass — everyone is welcome.
Pop-Up Music
Live music fills the streets of Lionshead and Vail Village — check the events calendar for happenings. Grab a seat and enjoy these free concerts that celebrate the summer season.
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
The Bravo! Vail Music Festival showcases world-renowned orchestras and offers free opportunities for families and young listeners to enjoy the music with the interactive Little Listeners @ the Library series and Family Concerts. In addition, chamber-music performances by the festival’s acclaimed musicians offer a wide repertoire and are held in the beautiful Vail Interfaith Church. These educational and engaging performances require a free ticket.
3. Playgrounds & Water Parks
Kids of all ages love playing at parks and Vail has many unique parks and playgrounds right in town or a short distance outside of town.
Children’s Fountain
Located next to Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory in Vail Village, the fountain is a shallow pool with spraying fountains perfect for wading. Don a swimming suit and take the family to make a splash or submerge yourself on a hot day.
Gore Creek
Once the winter runoff has subsided, kids and adults of all ages can enjoy a dip into Gore Creek. The best places to access the creek are along the grass in front of Mountain Plaza, below Ford Park, in front of the Vail Library and along the bike path in front of the Lion Square Lodge. Please be careful and make sure the current is not running fast — it is always best to stay on the edges and keep children close.
Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark
Grab your skateboard and head to the Lionshead Parking structure and Vail’s skatepark. Because the park was designed with input from local skaters, it features ramps, rails and open spaces ideal for shredding. It also includes four colorful mosaic murals created by artist Valerie Theberge.
4. Outdoor Activities
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Vail during the summer and fall. Take in the high-elevation scenery on a bike ride, see the mountain from above on a gondola, learn more about the area’s ecosystem and admire local wildlife.
Hiking & Biking
A vacation to Vail must include at least one hiking and one biking adventure. The great outdoors offer a variety of trails, from those with very little elevation gain for beginners to more advanced trails that take you high into the mountains. Regardless of your skill level, hiking and biking trails on Vail Mountain (and on the surrounding mountains) are always free, unless you want to ride the gondola up.
Vail Gondola Rides
Whether you’re looking for stellar fall leaf-peeping or sun-drenched mountain vistas in the summer, you can admire Vail like never before on either Gondola One from Vail Village or Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead. Slide slowly down from the top of the mountain above forests of pine trees, yellow-leafed aspen groves and the idyllic structures of the village. Kids 12 and younger ride for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
The Recreation Path
The Vail Recreation Path System is an easy way to have fun with the entire family. Located right in the middle of town, the trail winds from West Vail to East Vail and has 1,100 acres of open space available to the public. The path stretches for 15 miles and is surrounded by 350,000 acres of national forest, making it a fantastic biking, walking or running path with little elevation gain. Pack a picnic and find the best spot to take a break.
Solaris Plaza Lawn Sports
Solaris Plaza, located in the heart of Vail Village, is a gathering spot for kids and adults alike. With a large green turf filled with free lawn sports, kids will be entertained for hours, while adults can enjoy a cold beverage and snack at one of the surrounding restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
Vail Nature Center
The Vail Nature Center is a preserved historical 1940s homestead located in the heart of town. This 7-acre gem of mountain meadows and forested creekside trails is a great place for solitude just minutes from the villages. Plus, learning opportunities with exhibits and programs are open to all ages (donations accepted).
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Visit the highest-elevation botanical garden in the world and you’ll be transported to a magical realm of horticulture showcasing succulents, vibrant flowers and other plants that thrive in an alpine environment. Learn more about the local flora through the Education Center’s entertaining displays and interactive exhibits. Or, cool down in the temperature-controlled Alpine House, featuring more than 200 species of plants from around the globe. The fun continues through the garden’s programs: Check out the many family-friendly events, like the Discovery Cart, scavenger hunts and yoga classes.
Nature Discovery Center
Explore an array of natural exhibits about local wildlife at the Nature Discovery Center located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Admission is free with the purchase of a gondola lift ticket. Take your pick of an easy or moderate guided hike through the surrounding forest to learn more about the ecosystems, wildlife and nature of the area.
5. Culture, Arts & History
Teeming with a rich sports history, live-music events and impressive public art, Vail is an ideal town for appreciating culture through shows and museums.
Vail Dance Festival Dancing in the Streets
The Vail Dance Festival showcases incredible performers with unique performances taking place for free at various Vail Village and Lionshead locations.
Wednesday Art Walks
Enjoy a free 1-hour public art tour of Vail each Wednesday from July to August. Wednesday Art Walks wind through the village and include discussions of the history of Vail and the importance of site-specific art. Marvel at more than 55 works in the town’s public collection during this unique tour.
Colorado Snowsports Museum
Located in the upper level of the Vail Village parking structure, this intriguing museum’s interactive exhibits and programs will teach you about the history of the town, skiing, snowboarding and the 10th Mountain Division.
6. Free Travel Services
Booking a trip to Vail soon? There are a variety of resources to help you plan your travel and make the most out of your stay.
Vail Welcome Centers
Vail’s welcome centers are here to answer any questions prior to and during your vacation. Our two welcome concierge centers are conveniently located in Vail Village (atop the parking structure) and Lionshead (ground level of the parking structure). Our knowledgeable staff can provide personal information on activities, events, lodging, dining, navigating around town and more.
Year-Round Bus Transportation
Vail is home to one of the largest free public-transportation systems in the country. Jump on the bus for a music event or when venturing to outlying hiking and biking trails, as parking in Vail is limited at many trailheads. There are also accessibility-friendly transportation options and travel planning for those who need accommodations.
Plan Your Trip to Vail
• Explore the best summer activities in Vail
• Discover your new favorite summer event
• Find your new favorite outdoor adventure