The summer is in full swing at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, where a range of events and activities ensures something for visitors of all ages and interests. Between morning yoga and tours, bustling events, and the ongoing summer educational exhibit, “Dinosaurs Among Us,” each day at the Gardens provides an opportunity to engage with the natural world—past and present.
Morning: Garden Zen
Start your day in the tranquility of the Gardens with our morning offerings. Join a local instructor for yoga in the gardens at 9:00 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Take a guided walking tour through the Gardens at 10:30 am on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to learn about alpine flora, mountain environments, our rare plant collections, and the history of the Gardens and Vail.
Afternoon: Chefs in the Gardens
Enjoy a cooking demonstration and sampling at our popular Chefs in the Gardens series on select Thursdays at noon. This year, Chefs in the Gardens will feature esteemed local chefs including Simone Reatti of La Nonna, Paul Ferzacca of La Tour, Chef Taylor of Taylor Made, Brain Farquharson of Red Canyon Catering, Jess Kober of Red Maple Catering, and Pollyanna Forster of Pollyanna Productions + Curated Caviar. Be sure to buy a ticket in advance, as these popular events do sell out!
All-Day: Dinosaurs Among Us
Bring the whole family for a variety of educational activities and summer fun. Start at the education center, where our current exhibit, “Dinosaurs Among Us,” is sure to spark awe and curiosity for learners of all ages. Curated in tandem by the American Museum of Natural History and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the exhibit traces modern birds to their prehistoric ancestors—the dinosaurs who went extinct millions of years ago.
In the education center, a series of informational panels is accompanied by a film docu-series, Life on Our Planet, thematic coloring activities, and a dino-inspired play station. Children are also invited to play in the excavation station and see what it’s like to be a real paleontologist. Pick up a family-friendly scavenger hunt to take with you as you explore the Gardens—and find out what a Tyrannosaurus rex and a modern-day chicken have in common.
Evening: Science Elevated Lecture Series
Join Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in welcoming experts from a variety of fields and specialties for an evening lecture series. Talks take place on select evenings from 4:30-6:00 pm, and are accompanied by light refreshments. Topics include dinosaur habitats and diets, the botanical knowledge of the Ute peoples, and more.
For more information and to register for specific events, visit the summer 2024 event calendar here.
