Not just for skiing, Keystone Resort is a family-friendly, summer getaway high atop the Rocky Mountains.
Keystone is a popular, kid-friendly ski destination, but I was surprised to discover just how much it has to offer families in the summer. Keystone now markets itself as a year-round family destination, and I’m telling you, it delivers! Whether you have young kids or older teens (or an adult who acts like a kid), there are activities for everyone.
Where to stay at Keystone Resort?
Keystone is made up of several areas, all connected by a free, resort shuttle. To be in the center of it all, I’d recommend staying in River Run Village. Condos here have multiple-room layouts plus fully-equipped kitchens. You’ll be steps to the festivals, fire pit, and gondola. Some buildings also have outdoor pools and hot tubs. We wanted to make our weekend a family affair and bring our furry kid too, so we stayed in a dog-friendly room at the Keystone Lodge and Spa. It offers traditional hotel rooms in Lakeside Village. Since my toddler loves the water, she was ecstatic to be just steps from paddle boating, canoeing, fish and duck feeding, a small beach, as well as bike rentals.
What to do at Keystone Resort?
You could spend an entire weekend in Keystone and still not hit everything. Let’s start with Kidtopia, an area in River Run Village for families to play with toys and costumes and even create and paint your own pottery. The entire family can challenge each other to a round of miniature golf before heading over to the gondola area for rock climbing, bouncy houses, bungee trampolines, and panning. We were lucky enough to visit during Kidtopia Kidzfest, an entirely free kid festival in River Run Village. My toddler was in heaven with trackless train rides, balloon artists, painting, pony rides, and a bubble foam pit (bring a towel). And there are even more free activities, like strider bike races for toddlers and preschoolers on Sunday mornings.
KidTripster Tip: If you’re not bringing your own bike, you can rent one at Keystone Sports. But get one early, because the shop only has a limited supply.
Continue the cycling theme by taking the bike path to Lakeside Village. There you can jump on a paddle boat or canoe or enjoy a beach at 9,000 feet! Be sure to grab a bag of fish food to feed the fish and ducks. My toddler loved it so much that I wish we had grabbed two bags before heading out on the water.
After you’ve explored all there is at the base of the mountain, take a scenic gondola ride to the top. Be sure to have your camera ready, as the gorgeous views are Christmas card-worthy! Challenge your family to a game of horseshoes or ladder ball before testing out your balance on the slackline course (much harder than it looks). Turn left off the gondola, and you’ll find the Dercum Hiking Trail, a 3-mile loop appropriate for even novice hikers. Afterwards, fuel up at the grill before heading back down the gondola.
KidTripster Tip: The top of the mountain can get a bit chilly, so be sure to pack light layers.
If you still have time left in your stay, check out the horse stables, golf courses, family dodgeball tournaments, mountain biking trails, free music, and snow tubing (yes, you read that correctly!).
Where to eat at Keystone Resort?
We found kid-friendly restaurants all over Keystone. One of our favorites for breakfast was New Moon Cafe. It serves up breakfast burritos, french toast, and coffee in an eclectic atmosphere. There’s even outdoor seating to enjoy those brisk mountain mornings. Just steps away is a favorite for lunch, Kickapoo Tavern. Here you’ll enjoy classic bar food with great local beers on tap.
If you looking to splurge, check out the Wagon Ride Dinner. You’ll board a covered wagon, pulled by two friendly horses to a historic ranch homestead for dinner. Pile your plate high with BBQ ribs, chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob, and salad, plus apple pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert! (Vegetarian option is available.) We loved it, because our toddler could run free and play horseshoes, practice her cattle roping skills or her personal favorite, hula hoop! Enjoy this cowboy feast under a tent while a guitarist sings some classic tunes. She was even so nice as to play my daughter’s favorite songs around the campfire! The entire dinner is relaxing and fun; we were sad to board the wagon to return. Cost: Youth (2 & under) Free with paying adult; Youth (3-5) $18; Youth (6-12) $34; Adults $73; not available on Sundays.
How much to stay at Keystone Resort?
A two-bedroom condo in River Run Village will cost a family of four about $180 to $250/night. But I think that it’s worth it to be in the center of all the activity, especially if you have young ones who may need to nap in the condo during the day. Traditional hotel rooms run about $185/night. Prices are typically the same for weekdays and weekends.
Getting to Keystone Resort
Keystone is a 1-1/4-hour drive from Denver. Just head west on I-70, take the Silverthorne exit, and hang a left at the light. The resort is about 7 miles down the road.
KidTripster Tip: If you’re heading back to Denver on Sunday, beware of the traffic. Plenty of locals will be returning from mountain weekends. It’s best to leave during non-peak hours to minimize your time in the car, especially if you have a flight to catch.
Amy Sward lives in Denver with her husband but cures her mountain withdrawal by traveling up to the slopes nearly every weekend. She enjoys rediscovering the Rockies through the eyes of her 2-year-old daughter.
This writer received a complimentary stay and activities for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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