It’s the first morning of your Sun Valley vacation and the kids are ready for an adventure. Don’t panic; you’re in the land the family fun. Here are some of the best experiences for kids this summer in Sun Valley.
Stay Cool
Kids love getting wet in Sun Valley’s splash parks. These playgrounds feature spraying, misting, and streaming water for cool summer fun. Check out theRainmaker Splash Parkand Memory Park in Ketchum. When nothing but full immersion will do, plunge into the always-chilly Big Wood River.Popular swimming holescan be found under the railroad bridge north of the hospital, and at Big Rock near the Big Wood Church. (Keep an eye on water levels as the flows can be high in early summer.) Water loving kids won’t want to miss the two-story indoor waterslide at theWood River YMCAin Ketchum. Check day, week or month admission fees HERE.
photo: Hallie MacPherson // Visit Sun Valley
Take a Hike
In Sun Valley there’s a trail for everyone, including those with little legs. Looking for a great introduction to hiking without getting too far from the car? Check outAdams Gulch, a popular spot close to Ketchum. Staying at the Sun Valley Resort? Hike theWhite Clouds Loopacross the street from the Lodge for great views of town. Are the kids feeling adventurous? The four mile loop atTaylor Canyonis full of wildflowers and mountain vistas. For those kids who don’t mind a bit of climbing, and want a true Sun Valley experience, hike up theBald Mountain Trailand hitch a free ride down on the gondola.
photo: Tory Taglio // Visit Sun Valley
Summer at Sun Valley Resort
Sun Valley Resort abounds with prime-time fun for kids. Theoutdoor skating rinkis open year round and there’s nothing like gliding on ice under the summer sun. Thegondola on Bald Mountainwhisks kids and their families to panoramic views of the mountains. Grab lunch at The Roundhouse’s deck for a memorable experience. Other kid-approved activities at Sun Vally Resort includefeeding the horses at the Sun Valley Stables, playingputt putt at the Sun Valley Club, and hanging out in the resort’sBowling and Game Room.
photo: Pexels
A Night Under the Stars
Spend a night (or more!) with a campfire under a blanket of stars. Free and affordable camping abounds in Sun Valley. For a campsite with bathroom facilities, a picnic table and a fire ring, check outBoundary Campgroundnorth of a Ketchum. Free campsites can be found at the North Fork of the Big Wood River and Baker Creek. Don’t forget ingredients for s’mores!
photo: Sawtooth Botanical Gardens
Bike to the Sawtooth Botanical Garden
Hop on the pavedWood River Trailand bike four miles to theSawtooth Botanical Garden. Garden paths weave past streams, art pieces, and native and cultivated plants. Kids will enjoy spinning the handcrafted 400 pound prayer wheel in the Garden of Infinite Compassion, a gift from the Dalai Lama during his visit in 2005.
photo: Freehub Magazine
Summer Fun at Galena Lodge
Galena Lodge, 23 miles north of Ketchum, offers a home base for hiking, mountain biking, wagon rides and horseback riding. Drive up for a day trip and eat lunch on their sunny, dog-friendly deck, or book a yurt and have an overnight family adventure. Kids will love the short, easy trails and tasty homemade cookies.
There is so much to do so check out this page and also remember to be mindful.
