Vail is a mountain town where teenagers can feel safe to roam. From exploring the storybook villages to dancing at silent discos to carving powder at one of the best ski resorts in the world, there are so many places where the older kids get tiny tastes of freedom and make some memories on a vacation with your extended family. Discover the best things to do in Colorado with teenagers below.
- Stroll the Villages
- Vail Ski Lessons
- Silent Disco
- Bowling in Vail Village
- Gore Creek
- Biking in Vail
- Hiking in Vail
- Epic Discovery
- Live Music in Vail
- Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show
Stroll the Villages
Because both Lionshead and Vail Village are pedestrian-friendly, they’re great areas for teens to explore. Casual, fashionable or athletic stores like Pano and Patagonia line the streets and entice teen shoppers of all kinds. Then, they can order up chocolate bars, sour gummies and ice-cream cones at Fuzziwigs Candy Shop and Rocket Fizz or stop into Sundae for caramel-brownie slab sundaes topped with chocolate-covered pretzels, whipped cream and a cherry. For something savory, they can take a seat at casual restaurants like Big Bear Bistro for cheesy breakfast sandwiches or French Deli for sugar-dusted French toast with fresh berries. When they’re ready to run around in the warmer months, Solaris Plaza is home to an expansive turf field covered with lawn sports perfect for an afternoon in the sunshine.
Vail Ski Lessons
Teen ski and snowboard lessons at Vail Mountain give young adventurers the chance to sharpen their skills while exploring the resort’s diverse terrain, from the gentle bunny hills at Golden Peak to the exhilarating cruisers on Born Free. In group or private lessons, instructors run age-appropriate sessions that blend technique with confidence-building, helping teens progress from basic pizza-and-French-fry movements to carving runs down Game Creek Bowl or tackling moguls on Avanti.
Silent Disco
Part of the Vail Après series held at the beginning of winter on Friday evenings, teens can head to Lionshead for a completely quiet party. Each week, from mid-November to early January, don your headset and jam out with DJs at a free silent disco. The whole family can come along and tune into their favorite genres and songs and dance the night away. If you’re visiting near Christmas time, you can even come early with the little ones so they can snap a photo with Santa Claus.
Bowling in Vail Village
Located in Solaris Plaza, DECA+BOL is the perfect spot for families with teens to unwind and have some fun after a day on the slopes. This modern bowling alley has a lively atmosphere where teens can challenge each other to a game or two while parents relax and sip wine nearby. With chic dining options like macadamia-crusted halibut and a kids menu with chicken fingers and pasta, everyone in your multi-generational crew can refuel with tasty bites before, during or after a game.
Gore Creek
Once the spring runoff water levels subside, Gore Creek from East Vail to Lionshead gives teens tons of options to explore and take a dip. Stroll along the waterfront near Vail Village and Lionshead and swim in popular (and safe) spots by Mountain Standard, Ford Park, Vail Public Library, Lion Square Lodge or the swimming hole near the Vail Golf Course. Come August, pick up an inner tube at a local gas station and ride the river from Ford Park to Lionshead.
Biking in Vail
Teens can take the adventure to the next level by hauling a mountain bike up the Vail gondola and cruising down trails like Gitalong Road, an easy-rated option perfect for beginners. More experienced riders can test their skills on advanced Vail Mountain bike trails, weaving through alpine forests and tackling thrilling descents. For a more relaxed vibe, they can hop on a bike and explore Vail Village, pedaling along scenic paths and discovering local shops and hangouts (keep an eye out for all dismount zones in higher-traffic pedestrian areas). Bike rentals are readily available, making it easy for teens to gear up and hit the trails.
Hiking in Vail
Hiking in Vail gives teens the perfect mix of independence and adventure, with easy trails that start right from the villages. From Lionshead, they can hit the Berry Picker Trail, which climbs through tall aspen groves that glow gold in autumn, or take off from Vail Village on Strawberry Lane that bursts with kaleidoscopic wildflowers in summer. For a higher-altitude trek, direct them to the gondolas, where they can ride up and hike trails like Grand Escape, which winds to sweeping views of Gore Range.
Epic Discovery
The ultimate mountain playground, Epic Discovery, is located atop Vail Mountain via the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Set your teens loose for a day of adventure, hopping aboard the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, sailing down slides for summer tubing, climbing rock walls, disk golfing and plenty more – all at 10,000 feet. Purchase an Adventure Pass for all-day entertainment and be sure to book the zipline and rope courses in advance.
Live Music in Vail
Live music is always flowing in Vail — on sun-soaked patios in summer and in cozy lounges for your winter après. On Tuesday nights all summer long, bring your picnic blanket and head to the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater for free summer concerts, ranging from folksy ramblers to rock and rollers. And in winter, grab dinner at the Red Lion and listen to guitarists jam while you snack on smokey barbecue. Check out Vail’s event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show
If you’re lucky enough to be in Vail on a Sunday, explore Vail’s Farmers’ Market & Art Show. Running along Meadow Drive, teens can explore to their hearts’ content and check out the hundreds of booths showcasing sweet pastries, art, jewelry, produce and more. It’s a great place to grab a snack and people-watch.
