Betty Ford Alpine GardensBetty Ford Alpine Gardens
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a great place for families. From exploring the Children’s Garden to playing in Betty’s Market, the Gardens are a great place to bring kiddos.
The Education Center, at the west end of Ford Park, has a microscope discovery corner, tabletop activities and is the starting point for the seasonal scavenger hunt -available daily 10am -3pm.
A great way for the family to see all of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens this summer! Search for clues to discover more about alpine plants, habitats and pollinators. Take your time enjoying the hidden and wonderful areas of the gardens or let the kids lead and spark their sense of adventure. Complete the scavenger hunt to get a special prize. Come back each year to discover a new theme. The Scavenger Hunt starts and ends at the Education Center.
Freezing temperatures and deep snow make winters in Vail challenging. Discover how animals have adapted to survive by following the clues! Pick up a clue sheet at the Education Center.
Wander through the family-friendly Children’s Garden. See vegetables grow and let children play in Betty’s Market, a realistic farmer’s market for kids. Families can enjoy the shade in rocking chairs perched over Gore Creek or head into the Schoolhouse Gift Shop to find garden-inspired keepsakes.
Let the kids embrace their own adventure by visiting our daily Discovery Cart located in the middle of the Children’s Garden. Everyday, we put out a different activity for kids to do around the Children’s Garden. They are self-guided and encourage children to discover something new about nature.
Betty’s Market playhouse is a great way for kids to have fun and embrace their creativity while surrounded by our beautiful vegetable garden. Make a connection to where the food on our table comes from or shop the market for the ingredients on your chosen recipe card. Parental supervision suggested.
“Hike” to the different altitudes of the Rocky Mountains in a short loop including vegetation you’d see at those heights, skip across the flowing pond and watch out for the hidden wildlife.
Relax in the shade, see how tall rhubarb can grow or shop in our gift shop. The Children’s Garden has plenty to do for everyone!
Take a walk down the creek or a stroll through the gardens and be sure to take in all the outdoor exhibit information! Discover the unique adaptations of the plants, the role they play in alpine environments and what life is like above treeline. From being transported around the world, to their importance to the ecosystem, every plant here has a story.
Visit our calendar of events for ways to explore and experience our gardens and participate in learning programs.
