One of the toughest parts about being a parent is finding quality time to spend with your fellow parent or even by yourself. Whether you want to go play in the mountains or the rivers, or hit the restaurants, galleries or shops, or you simply want to lounge around the pool or a comfy hotel room for a few hours, Sun Valley has got your covered. Here are a few options for dropping the kids off so you can go enjoy some Sun Valley-style fun, too.
Hit the Y!
As the song so famously goes, “It’s fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A!” This is definitely true at the state-of-the-art Wood River Community YMCA in Ketchum. The local Y is a year-round popular spot for both visitors and locals.
The main splash pool and slide create a mini-water park for kids, while there’s also a large hot tub and lap pool. The climbing gym is a great place for youngsters to monkey around and the sports courts are ideal for fans of basketball and other sports. The health and fitness areas are also top-notch. The Y offers various youth and family programs throughout the year as well and is a popular spot for birthday parties.
Unless they are taking a program, children 10 and under must be accompanied by someone over 16 years of age at all times. Kids 12 and older do not need supervision to enjoy the climbing gym and sports courts.
The BCRD makes `em Happy
photo: BCRD
The Blaine County Recreation District is simply known locally by its initials. And when most local kids hear or see “BCRD,” they know something fun is going to happen.
BCRD’s terrain runs from Galena Lodge, down the Harriman Trail, along the beloved Wood River Trail or “bike path,” and all the way down valley to the Community Campus in Hailey. The seasonal outdoor Aquatic Center has recently done some upgrades and the sand volleyball court and pump track are both open to the public and great spots to spend some time. The gymnasium in the Community Campus is also offers open hours for basketball.
The BCRD offers a variety of camps whenever school is out. They’re always something to do through the BCRD that’s bound to make any kid happy.
Zen Time
A health club and spa may not seem like the ideal place to bring any youngsters, but Zenergy isn’t your run-of-the-mill club. Zenergy offers tennis, with classes starting as young as 4 year olds, training sessions for kids 12 and up, and full access for those 14 and over. The views from Zenergy’s impressive variety of indoor and outdoor heated pools are pretty tough to top.
Zenergy even offers a variety of membership packages, including a 30-day membership that can be used for any 30 days over the course of the year. So, while the kids enjoy some time at the pool, on the courts or doing some training, mom and dad can enjoy some spa time—a win-win indeed.
Take `em to a Movie!
Even in this age of handheld devices and TV screens in the headrests of pick-up trucks, there’s still nothing like going to a movie theater. We are blessed with three theaters locally and all offer their own unique-style and vibe.
The cozy and classic movie theater, Magic Lantern Cinemas, in Ketchum shows current films and is also the home for many entries in the annual Sun Valley Film Fest. The legendary Opera House in the Sun Valley Village has recently upgraded its projector system and plays current films as well as classics like “Sun Valley Serenade” during ski season. The Big Wood Cinemas in Hailey is the most modern local theater, offering stadium seating and all the latest films. All local theaters offer early evening showings and matinees on the weekends.
Bowl Away
The retro Bowling Alley in the Sun Valley Lodge looks cool and is even more fun in person. Offering a half dozen of lanes, video games and tasty food options, the Bowling Alley is often a crowded spot. It’s always best to call a head to book a lane or for any other questions 208.622.2191
Skate Park Time
Even though Sun Valley offers all kind of options for playing in the mountains, we also like our more urban pastimes around here, too. Both Ketchum and Hailey offer world-class skate parks that are open from dawn to dusk—once the snow melts. Users pride themselves on being respectful, courteous and clean. Scooter use is limited at this point in both parks.
Send ‘em on a Guided Fishing Trip
As the old saying goes, “The best way to turn kids into anglers is to hook `em while they’re young.” Since Sun Valley is a fly fishing mecca, there’s no better place to introduce youngsters to fishing than by sending `em out with a pro.
Some of the best fishing guides on the planet live here, and many of them enjoy introducing youngsters (usually in the 10 to 12 range on up) who have the right attitude to the joys of fly fishing. Silver Creek Outfitters and Lost River Outfitters both offer guided trips for adults and youth. They provide everything needed for a fun and successful day on the water.
As an added benefit, this also gives mom and dads some time to fish on their own, or do anything else that catches their fancy.
Sitter Services
Located in the middle of the Sun Valley Village, Sun Valley’s Playschool and Adventure Camps are designed to offer safe and fun activities for kids from 18 months to 5 years old. Since 1996, Sun Valley Super Sitters has been offering nannies to help with everyone from infants to the elderly.
Kids Camps
Have your own favorite place for the kiddos? Leave us a comment below.