Here is a blueprint for a perfect five-night, six-day stay that the Keystone team helped us create -- grand total? $1,481, just under our $1,500 target. And it is a boatload of vacation!
Go to Keystoneresort.com and click on vacation deals. "Choose Your Own Adventure Package” with a one bedroom condo starting at $868 for five nights. Since your condo has a full kitchen, bring in $200 worth of groceries, but don't worry, you won't be cooking in every meal, we promise!
Your package includes a host of free and discounted activities including:
Your package includes a host of free and discounted activities including:
- Free nine holes of golf after 4 p.m. on day of arrival
- Free yoga class
- Free guided hike
- Free scenic lift ticket for the kids (12 and under)
- Free Friday Children’s Theatre
- Discounted activity options including horseback riding, climbing walls, bounce house, putt-putt and more.
Here's what six days could look like with a Monday arrival:
Day 1 (Monday)
- Arrive at Keystone
- After all that driving, send dad out for a free round golf while mom and the kids take an afternoon scenic lift ride to the top of the mountin (free for the kids, $17 for mom)
- Easy first night dinner as a family at 9280’ Tap House ($60)
Day 2 (Tuesday)
- Breakfast in the condo
- Mom head out for a free yoga class while dad takes the kids to Kid's Discovery Days (free) (weekly rotating performer, bounce house, spine art, games and face painting)
- Meet back at the condo for lunch
- Head to the Keystone Stables for Wild West Night & Bike-In Movie (free)
- Enjoy a BBQ at the Stables ($50)
Day 3 (Wednesday)
- Breakfast in the condo
- Two hour horse back ride (included in the choose your own adventure package for the entire family) (free)
- Paddle boating at Lakeside Village ($16)
- Dinner at Bighorn Bistro & Bar ($150)
Day 4 (Thursday)
- Pancake breakfast in the condo
- Guided hike for the entire family (free - included in Play for Free)
- Fly fishing casting clinic (free)
- Make your own pizza dinner in the condo
Day 5 (Friday)
- Kidtopia Kid’s Theatre (free - included in Play for Free)
- Friday Afternoon Club (free)
- Dinner at the top of the mountain during Friday Afternoon Club ($60)
Day 6 (Saturday)
- Super Slimy Science (free)
- Sigh ... travel Home
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Neighboring Breckenridge offers similar summer mountain fun at similarly awesome prices. Start with a quick look at their blog post, 50 Things to do in Breckenridge this Summer, then check out the long list of available lodging options, with many, many choices under $150/night. Add guided hikes for the family ($48), Country Boy Mine tours ($90), art workshops ($140) passes to the Fun Park for the kids ($68) and tons more for another fantastic mountain vacation option for under $1,500.
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Amazing summer packages can be found at ski areas across the country, many of whom have worked hard in recent years to entice families to enjoy summer in the mountains. On the East Coast, we recommend Smuggler's Notch in Northern Vermont where you will find a full bevy of summer fun including heated pools, water slides, zip lines, special afternoon activities for the entire family and oodles more.
