At A Glance
Season:
Winter
Months:
Nov - May
Winter Kids Activities in Vail
Winter in Vail transforms the town into a snow-covered playground for families. Whether your kids are ski or snowboard fanatics or you’re looking for off-mountain adventures, there are plenty of ways to keep them entertained. From jingling sleigh rides to indoor days of creative play, here are some of the best winter kids activities in Vail.
- Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
- Ice Skating
- Ski Lessons
- Vail Après & Holiday Festivities
- Sledding & Tubing
- Indoor Play
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Dash through frosty scenery on a horse-drawn sleigh, wrapped in a cozy blanket as you gaze at white-capped peaks. Families can book a short scenic ride or opt for a full dinner experience — complete with roasted chicken thighs, warm drinks and ice cream-covered apple cobbler — at 4 Eagle Ranch then settle in for strumming Western tunes. Bearcat Stables also offers sleigh rides that wind through snowy meadows, with options for prime-rib dinners, s’mores roasting and storytelling under the stars.
Ice Skating
With twinkling lights overhead and charming Tyrolean architecture all around, Vail’s outdoor ice rinks feel like something straight out of a holiday movie. Both The Solaris Plaza in Vail Village and The Arrabelle at Vail Square in Lionshead have rinks where kids can glide around, then sip marshmallowy hot chocolate at nearby dessert spots. Skate rentals are available on-site, making it easy to drop in for an afternoon or evening.
Ski Lessons
Few places make learning to ski or snowboard as fun as Vail. First-timers can feel their skis grip the snow as they link their first turns, while seasoned skiers and riders learn to carve through fresh powder, fine-tuning technique with expert guidance. Whether in a private or group setting, lessons help kids, teens and adults build confidence while exploring Vail’s world-class terrain. Adaptive skiers experience that same thrill with lessons tailored to their abilities, using specialized gear like sit-skis, monoskis and outriggers to match their needs. Instructors personalize coaching to keep the focus on fun and progression, whether guiding a beginner down gentle slopes or helping a seasoned skier tackle steeper runs.
Vail Après & Holiday Festivities
Vail’s après-ski scene isn’t just for adults. Throughout the winter, family-friendly après events include live music, interactive art workshops and festive holiday celebrations. Don’t miss the annual tree-lighting ceremony, Kringle Crossing Holiday Village and Smile With Santa, where kids can meet jolly St. Nick himself. When tummies start rumbling, head over to Lionshead and take a seat at Blue Moose Pizza for pepperoni-covered slices or opt for a fancier evening at Almresi, where the fam can order up velvety fondue with rustic bread.
Sledding & Tubing
For a rush of winter adrenaline, hop in a tube or sled and take to the hills. At Sage Outdoor Adventures, a cat walk whisks you up the hill before they launch you down smooth, groomed tubing lanes at brisk speeds. Families looking for a DIY sledding experience can bring their own sleds to Big Horn Park in East Vail (an off-leash dog-friendly park as well, for families who brought Fido), where soft powder and gentle slopes make for a perfect afternoon.
Indoor Play
When it’s time to warm up, kids can get creative at the Imagination Station in Lionshead to dive into art projects, explore a virtual-reality exhibit and experiment with interactive displays. And over at Deca + Bol, the kiddos can hit the lanes for a round of bowling while sipping sodas and munching on crispy chicken fingers from their kids menu — while parents can indulge in chimichurri-covered lamb lollipops and craft cocktails.
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