With all of the leaves starting to change and mountain drives ahead, this is the perfect time to explore the best playgrounds in Vail, Colorado! One of the reasons I love Vail so much is that the town works with artists to create completely unique parks and all have a natural outdoors theme. This post is sponsored by The Arrabelle at Vail Square (970-754-7750) and The Lodge at Vail (970-754-7804), two wonderful, family-friendly hotels located in the heart of Vail, just steps from a few of the playgrounds below. Bighorn Park Address: 4800 Juniper Ln, Vail, CO 81657 If you’re looking for one of the most peaceful, gorgeous locations in Vail, Bighorn Park is a must see. With less than a 5 minute drive from I-70 on the east side of Vail, this is a perfect stop for the whole family. You will love the location with surrounding mountains and beautiful lake, complete with a storybook walking trail. If you’ve never seen a storybook trail, the pages of a book are posted along the path so you can read a book with your children as you enjoy a walk around the lake! As you near the playground, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the log structure pictured below. Your kids will love the high platforms, bridges, slides and rope ladders as they explore the park. In addition to what is shown, there is a similar structure for ages 2 to 5, monkey bars, long wooden seesaw and swings! Truly a perfect stop on your journey as you can play, picnic, grill, and there is even a nice restroom. Ford Park Address: 841 Vail Valley Dr, Vail, CO 81657 This is not your typical “go play for a half hour” kind of park…Ford Park is a destination! When you go, make sure you plan extra time to explore not just the playground, but also the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Gerald R Ford Amphitheater, and the schoolhouse museum. The playground is remarkable with its multi-level structure and large bridge between. We love the “extras” that make a park unique like the bird sculptures in the sandbox and toddler play area. To find the playground, you can park along the frontage road in the parking lot and walk around the Amphitheater and Alpine Gardens. When you stay at The Lodge at Vail, you could enjoy a walk or bike ride to Ford Park instead! Pirateship Park Address: 9 Hanson Ranch Rd, Vail, CO 81657 By far, one of the best themed playgrounds in Vail, Pirateship Park is exactly what it sounds like…a giant pirate ship! Completely unique, this ship has a high Crow’s Nest, helm (steering wheel) for the captain and a walkout on the bowsprit (front of the ship). There’s even a spot to “walk the plank”! Near the base of the ship you will find a climbable serpent and rocking dinghy. The playground has a lot of shade from the surrounding trees and is the perfect spot for an imaginative adventure! Pirateship Park is only a short walk from The Lodge at Vail, right at the base of the mountain, making it a great spot to visit during your stay. It is close to Gondola One (open daily through September 7th, then weekends only through October 3rd) and in walking distance to many shops and restaurants. Red Sandstone Park Address: 715 N Frontage Rd W, Vail, CO 81657 Get ready to experience Vail’s most unique playground at Red Sandstone Park! My kids immediately named it “The Clubhouse” with its multilevel house-like structure, but if you look closely, it should probably be “The Stick Figure Park”. Throughout the playground you will see giant people/stick figures holding the swings, keeping the fireman pole steady, and lifting up the roof. There is a tall slide with a sudden turn, spinners, toddler play area and it is a perfect park for a game of hide and seek! For full details, check out our review: https://slidesandsunshine.com/vail-redsandstone/. Sunbird Park Address: 555 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657 Just steps away from The Arrabelle at Vail Square, Sunbird Park will amaze your little ones! With its splash pad fountains and unique play area, you have the perfect place to hang out and enjoy the town. Lovingly referred to as the “Onion Park”, your kids will love running from one structure to the next! There are climbing nets, bouncing bridges, climbable rocks and slides to keep them entertained and challenged. Not only do you have Sunbird Park near The Arrabelle at Vail Square, you also can enjoy their family-friendly activities (think s’mores), gondola rides (Eagle Bahn Gondola is open daily through Sept 7th, then weekends only through October 3rd) and even a mountain coaster! Talk about a perfect way to experience this mountain town and its fall colors! Donovan Park Address: 1600 S Frontage Rd W, Vail, CO 81657 Check out the remarkable log play structures at Donovan Park! Not only is there the one pictured below, there is also one for ages 2 to 5 around the corner. Your kids will love trying out all of the different slides and climbing options. There’s even a rope to climb up like when we were in elementary school! Donovan Park is one of two regional parks for Vail so in addition to the playground, it also has the Donovan Pavilion, Vail Waterwise Demonstration Garden, athletic fields, basketball court, and beautiful picnic areas. Booth Creek Park Address: Manns Ranch Rd, Vail, CO 81657 Booth Creek Park is fantastic for mountain views, nature nearby and the playground. The centerpiece is a cone-shaped log structure complete with Adirondack chairs to relax. Your children will love the rope bridges and climbable boulders. For the younger ages, there is an adorable playhouse with xylophone inside and a slide to exit. You can add extra adventure by hiking up to Booth Creek Falls, a 60 foot waterfall! Be aware though that it is a steep, intermediate hike so plan accordingly. Which playground is your favorite? Shout it out in the comments below! Now it’s time to plan your next trip to Vail. Contact The Arrabelle at Vail Square (970-754-7750) or The Lodge at Vail (970-754-7804) for a perfect family getaway! Thanks for joining us at Slides & Sunshine! Don’t forget to Pin for later!