KidPaths

Denver to Beaver Creek Drive With Kids

Plan one good break on the way, then let the kids run at Avon's lakeside park once you arrive.

The drive

Distance
Approximately 120 miles to the Avon exit
Typical drive time
An estimated 2 hours 15 minutes

Measured from Denver International Airport, as stated by the official source listed at the bottom of this page. Traffic, weather and stops with kids add time, so plan for a longer day than the map shows.

Kid-friendly stops on the way

Each stop was checked on its own official site. Open it before you go for current hours, prices and any closures.

  1. Vail Pass Rest Area

    Vail Pass, CO

    A rest area on I-70 about 15 miles east of Vail Village, with accessible restrooms and educational exhibits.

    Official site

  2. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

    Vail, CO

    An alpine botanical garden in Ford Park, east of Vail Village, with no required admission fee.

    Official site

  3. Harry A. Nottingham Park

    Avon, CO

    A 48-acre town park with Nottingham Lake, used for fishing and pedal-boating, and a children's playground.

    Official site

  4. Walking Mountains Science Center

    Avon, CO

    A science center campus with trails, education programs and a visitor center.

    Official site

Need more ideas before you leave? Browse things to do with kids in Denver or plan a different route.

Free road-trip stop checklist

Stop before everyone runs out of patience: how to plan a real break to burn energy, pick an indoor backup in case it rains, and add up the family total before you pay. One page, emailed now. Then The Weekend Scout once a week: one family outing idea for the weekend. Free. Unsubscribe from any email.

Three things to plan before you leave

  • Colorado's Traction Law applies on I-70 from Morrison to Dotsero every year from September 1 through May 31, and any time conditions require, so check your tires before you leave.
  • Plan the restroom stop at Vail Pass so the last stretch into Avon is calm.
  • Save one easy outdoor stop, like a lakeside playground, for after check-in.

Checked against: Beaver Creek: getting here, CDOT: Traction Law (checked )

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Plan the Denver to Beaver Creek family drive with a Vail Pass rest stop, Avon's lakeside park and winter road advice.

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