Keystone, Colorado Summer Activities for Families

Keystone in summer? Yes! When I suggested families head to ski resorts in summer for outdoor activities during a radio interview, the DJ scoffed, “What in the world is there to do at a ski resort without any snow?” Plenty, that’s what! Keystone Resort in Colorado is just as beautiful off-season as it is in winter. Snow crowns the mountains, but the grass is green, plentiful, and dotted with delicate wildflowers. With an array of outdoor activities to choose from, there’s lots to keep all ages content. I visited Keystone Resort in summer during a multigenerational vacation with 12 other family members spanning three generations. Let me convince you to book your own future trip with these 10 Keystone summer activities for families!

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1. Mountain Top Yoga

Kickstart your day with a scenic gondola ride from River Run Village to do some Mountain Top Yoga. Stretch, breathe and rejuvenate your mind and body while taking in views of the Tenmile Mountain Range.

2. Horseback Riding with Keystone Stables

Although the pace is slower than when skiing or boarding, Keystone’s mountain range is never more impressive than when viewed from the saddle of a horse. Choose a one- or two-hour ride in the White River National Forest with an experienced wrangler from Keystone Stables as your guide. Although our crew loved our ride up and then down the side of a mountain, those with a fear of heights (or horses) might find portions of the ride intimidating. (Kids must be aged 8+ to to attend the trail ride but brief pony rides near the stable are available for kids ages 3-7.)

3. Summer Snow Tubing

Just because it’s summer in Keystone, it doesn’t mean you can’t get some snow play in! Take the gondola up Keystone Mountain from River Run Village for some adrenaline-pumping Adventure Point Summer Snow Tubing. I don’t know who had more fun zooming down the snow covered tubing hill, my 6-year-old son or my 70-year-old parents! Thankfully, a magic carpet makes getting back up the hill for return slides easy and fun. (Participants must be at least 42 inches tall, which tends to be about 4 years old.)

4. Après “Ski”

You can’t ski at Keystone Resort in summer but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy après ski! After a day of outdoor play — a couple cold drinks and hot beer cheddar fondue hits the spot at 9280 Tap House in River Run Village. Happy hour takes place daily 2 to 6 pm on their outdoor deck or inside the restaurant.

5. Kidtopia Play Park

Families love Kidtopia Play Park in River Run Village. Look for a bounce house, climbing wall, miniature golf, gem panning, bungee trampoline, and Montezuma Mine Shaft maze. This play park provides fun activities for kids after lunch or shopping in the village.

6. Breckenridge Epic Discovery Park

For a full day of play, drive to neighboring ski resort Breckenridge to experience the impressive Epic Discovery Park. This attraction offers many of the same activities as Kidtopia, plus the Alpine SuperSlider, Gold Runner Alpine Coaster, and zip-lining. (Age and height restrictions apply for some of the Kidtopia Play Park and Epic Discovery Park activities.)

7. Fly Fishing

Even if you didn’t fall in love with the idea of fly-fishing (and Brad Pitt!) while watching A River Runs Through It, you may want to try your hand at this graceful form of fishing while in the Colorado Rockies. Don waders and fight to hold yourself against the river’s cold current for a catch-and-release adventure you’ll always remember.

The Colorado Angler provides all gear. Participants also learn how to mimic the flight pattern of a fly on the water’s surface during lessons in casting.

8. Lake Fishing

For a more relaxing experience, choose lake fishing. My family set sail with Big Ed’s Fishing Ventures on two pontoon boats. Big Ed’s will provide all you need, including rods and reels, lures, and a captain for each boat. Large parties of seven or more (like ours) receive a 10 percent discount off their second and third boats. This tour company is happy to cater to families with young children. In fact, my kindergartner was beyond thrilled when he caught his first-ever fish with Big Ed’s! No matter which type of fishing you choose — lake or fly — all fishers need a valid fishing license.

9. Keystone Wagon Ride Dinner

The Keystone Wagon Ride Dinner spurred many wonderful memories during this trip. The crazy beautiful scenery, sweet draft horses, a delicious barbecue dinner, campfire songs, and the cowboy games added up to an incredible experience. Read more about what made our Keystone Wagon Ride Dinner so special.

10. Keystone Spa

Any vacation is made more relaxing and enjoyable when a spa day is added to the itinerary if you ask me, my sister, and my sister-in-law! With muscles sore from our mountain activities, the Bliss treatment (featuring massage plus customized facial) was just what I needed. Arrive AT LEAST 30 minutes prior to your appointment time at the Keystone Spa at the Lakeside Village to make use of the whirlpool, relaxation room, sauna, steam room and fitness studio. (Guests must be 15+ to enjoy all of the spa’s facilities and services. Kids aged 12 and younger may receive a manicure or pedicure if accompanied by a parent.)

11. Friday Afternoon Club

If you’ll be at Keystone in summer on a Friday, you must make time for Friday Afternoon Club. Take the gondola from Riverside Village to Summit House for an evening of live music, food, and drinks with 360-degree views of the Rockies. Parents may appreciate a full bar, while kids will love free activities like horseshoes, corn hole, ladder ball, and bocce ball.

12. Connect with Nature and Family

It would be an understatement to say it was difficult to narrow down a multigenerational vacation destination with 13 family members ranging in age from 6 to 70. After many suggestions, we finally agreed upon a Keystone summer vacation. We didn’t want the focus of this trip to be on sightseeing, beaches, or cruise activities. Rather, we wanted to spend time together doing things that everyone would enjoy and remember for a lifetime.

With various personalities, preferences, and abilities, we were able to put together an itinerary that, amazingly, pleased us all. Some of my all-time favorite family memories were made on this trip, and I came home feeling more connected to my travel mates, each and every one of them!

Learn More

Before you go, take a look at my tips for planning a family reunion vacation and check out all there is to do at sister ski resort, Vail in summer!

Save these Keystone in Summer Travel Tips

Dreaming of a Keystone Ski Resort summer trip? Be sure to save these things to do off-season at this family-friendly ski resort. Just pin the image above to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Have you ever vacationed at a ski resort off-season? Would you consider visiting Keystone in summer? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: Some activities and meals were hosted by Keystone Ski Resort and other providers for my family of four during our Keystone summer vacation. All opinions are mine, as always.

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