VAIL FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN THE SUMMER
Vail, Colorado, is renowned for its winter slopes and vibrant ski culture. Still, Summer in Vail is just as exciting, especially for families. When the snow melts, the valley opens up into a green alpine playground filled with outdoor adventures, scenic beauty, and activities for every age and energy level. If you are planning a summer trip to the mountains, knowing the top Vail family activities summer offers can help you make the most of your vacation.
Whether your family prefers calm nature walks, fast-paced river adventures, or hands-on experiences in the backcountry, Vail has something for everyone. At Sage Outdoor Adventures, we offer families unforgettable access to some of Colorado’s most spectacular landscapes through guided rafting, ATV, E-mountain bike, and fly fishing trips designed to be safe, fun, and educational for all ages.
Here is your guide to the best family-friendly activities in Vail during the summer months.
Amazing Outdoor Adventures With Sage
Summer in Vail is a stunning time that you won’t want to miss. Our guided adventures help you get the most out of the outdoors!
Whitewater Rafting on the Eagle River
If you are looking for a combination of excitement, scenery, and family bonding, whitewater rafting with Sage Outdoor Adventures is a must. Our guided rafting trips take place on the Eagle River, a beautiful, high-alpine river located just outside Vail, offering sections ranging from Class II to Class IV, depending on water flow and trip selection.
Sage operates on a private section of the river, which means your family will avoid the crowds found on public stretches. The result is a quieter, more immersive outdoor experience where kids and adults can fully enjoy the thrill of the rapids and the beauty of the canyon walls surrounding them.
Our rafting trips are suitable for first-time rafters and families with children who meet the age and weight requirements. Each trip includes a comprehensive safety briefing, all necessary gear (helmets, paddles, and life jackets), transportation to and from the river, and expert guides who prioritize both safety and comfort. The trip is structured to allow time for breaks, splashing, and enjoying the views, making it an ideal introduction to whitewater rafting for kids and families.
ATV Tours Through Colorado’s High Country
For families with older kids who want to explore the rugged Colorado backcountry, ATV tours with Sage Outdoor Adventures offer a thrilling way to see more of the landscape without the need for long hikes or technical skills. Located on a private mountain ranch near Vail, our ATV trails cover over 6,000 acres of pristine terrain, including aspen groves, alpine meadows, and panoramic mountain ridgelines.
The tours are guided by local outdoor professionals who help guests navigate the terrain safely and confidently. Kids can ride as passengers with parents or guides, and we customize the route based on the group’s comfort level and interests. We offer both beginner-friendly trails and more technical loops for families looking to challenge themselves a bit more.
ATV tours are a great way to unplug, see wildlife, and get above the tree line where views of the Vail Valley stretch for miles. Morning and afternoon tours are available, and many families choose to pair an ATV experience with an afternoon of fishing or rafting for a full day of outdoor fun.
Fly Fishing for All Skill Levels
Not every outdoor adventure has to be fast-moving. For families who prefer a slower pace and want to learn a new skill together, guided fly fishing with Sage Outdoor Adventures is an excellent option. Whether your kids are casting for the first time or your family is full of seasoned anglers, our private access to calm, scenic stretches of river creates the perfect learning environment.
Our fly fishing guides provide everything you need for a successful day on the water, including rods, reels, waders, boots, and flies. They also offer hands-on instruction in casting, reading the water, and safe catch-and-release techniques. Trips are designed to be relaxed and beginner-friendly, with a focus on teaching and enjoying the natural setting.
Fly fishing is a great way to experience the quiet side of the mountains, and it gives kids a chance to engage with the environment in a thoughtful and rewarding way. We offer half-day and full-day trips with flexible start times, allowing you to create a schedule that suits your family’s needs.
Guided E-Mountain Bike Tours
For families looking to explore the stunning Vail landscape on two wheels, guided e-mountain bike tours with Sage Outdoor Adventures offer an exciting and accessible way to experience the great outdoors. E-mountain bikes provide a boost to pedaling power, making it easier for riders of all skill levels to tackle the varied terrain while still enjoying the thrill of biking.
E-mountain biking is a fantastic way to bond as a family, encouraging collaboration and exploration as you navigate the trails together. Trips are available in half-day or full-day durations, with options for picnics along the way, allowing families to relax and enjoy the stunning views while recharging before continuing their adventure. Whether you’re seeking an energetic outing or a scenic ride, our guided e-mountain bike tours are sure to be a highlight of your summer family vacation in Vail.
Other Fun Summer Activities in Vail
There is so much more that Vail has to offer in the Summer. Here are some of our favorite activities in the surrounding area.
Ride the Gondola and Explore the Summit
If you’re looking for a mellow activity that still offers stunning views, riding the Eagle Bahn Gondola is a great way to experience Vail’s alpine environment without the hike. The gondola transports visitors to an elevation of over 10,000 feet on Vail Mountain, where families can enjoy short hiking loops, observation decks, wildflower meadows, and picnic areas.
At the top, you will also find mountaintop dining, a kids’ nature discovery center, and photo opportunities with expansive views of the Gore Range and surrounding peaks. It is an excellent option for families with small children or grandparents who want to enjoy the outdoors without strenuous activity.
Many families combine a morning gondola ride with an afternoon rafting trip or ATV tour through Sage for a full day of mountain exploration.
Hiking and Biking for All Ages
Vail’s summer trail system is one of the most family-friendly in Colorado, offering a wide range of hiking and biking options for all ages and experience levels. Whether you are pushing a stroller along a paved path or hiking to a waterfall, there is a trail for your family.
Here are a few popular options:
- Booth Falls Trail: A moderate hike that leads to a scenic waterfall. Suitable for older kids who enjoy hiking.
- Gore Creek Trail: A gentle riverside hike with shaded paths and lots of wildlife.
- Bighorn Creek Trail: Less traveled, this trail provides a more peaceful experience for families looking to avoid crowds.
For biking, Vail Resort offers lift-served mountain biking with designated beginner trails and bike rentals available in town. You can also explore the paved Vail Recreation Path, which winds through the valley, providing a safe and scenic route for cyclists of all ages.
Explore Vail’s Local Events and Farmers Market
In addition to outdoor recreation, Vail’s summer calendar is filled with family-friendly events that take place in the village and surrounding areas. The Vail Farmers Market and Art Show takes place every Sunday, featuring live music, food vendors, local crafts, and kids’ activities. It is a perfect way to start the day before heading out on a Sage-guided adventure.
Live music, outdoor movies, and cultural events are also common throughout the summer months, offering more laid-back evening entertainment after a full day in the mountains.
Plan Your Family’s Summer Adventure with Sage Outdoor Adventures
At Sage Outdoor Adventures, Summer in Vail should be about more than just sightseeing. It should be about connection, challenge, and creating memories as a family. Our team of local guides is passionate about helping families explore Colorado safely and meaningfully. From whitewater rafting and ATV riding to fly fishing and wildlife viewing, our tours are designed to provide an authentic Colorado experience tailored to your group.
With private access to some of the best land and rivers in the state, flexible scheduling, and an unwavering commitment to guest safety and satisfaction, Sage is the go-to outfitter for summer family adventures in Vail.
Visit sageoutdooradventures.com to view our complete list of summer tours and book your next family experience today.
Nick Junker
General Manager
I’m dedicated to leveraging my skills and experiences to make a positive impact in the professional realm.
With a background in Sales and Outdoor Recreation, I’ve navigated through various roles where I’ve honed my expertise in Risk Management, Business Development and Financial Analysis. From Account Executive to General Manager, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of client and employee relations, Human Resources, Project Management and overall business operations from generating sales to budgeting expenses and managing over 30 employees.
My mission is to create a great culture in any organization I am apart of, through creating efficient industry specific systems within the business that satisfies both employees and investors. Whether it’s through implementing new business systems or managing employee expectations, I’m committed to meeting the goals of the organization.
Known for my strong leadership and organizational skills, I excel in delegating tasks to keep projects and goals on task and on budget. I’m passionate about systems, always seeking innovative solutions to making the business run smoother and more efficiently. I believe in the power of collaboration and enjoy working with diverse individuals to build a strong team thats driven to accomplish the organizations goals.
