10 Ways to Explore the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, CO

On a recent visit to Vail, Colorado, we spent a wonderful morning at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and enjoyed our visit so much, we decided to devote a full post to the gardens. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is considered the highest (8,200 feet above sea level!) botanical garden in the world. The word alpine means “above treeline” and the gardens are organized by regions, including the Eastern Himalayas, Patagonia, and Scottish Highlands. Vail’s higher evaluation and cool, dry climate make it possible to grow alpine plants from around the world. The complex, located inside the Ford Park, includes 19 gardens with well marked walking paths and plenty of signage to explain the name and origin of each plant, flowers, bush, and tree. Betty Ford, wife of US President Gerald Ford (who is the namesake of the adjacent amphitheater and park) “gave her name” to the center in 1988. Today, the gardens are one of the most popular attractions in Vail Valley and for good reason.

Travel Tips:

  • The gardens are open 24 hours a day with two entrances, one near the Education Center and one near the museum and gift shop side of Ford Park.
  • The Education Center is open year round from and museum and gift shop are open Memorial Day weekend through Labor day weekend 9:30am-4pm. There is also a second gift shop located in nearby Vail Village, open year round from 11am-7pm, closing at 5pm on Sundays.
  • There is no admission fee, but donations are encouraged.
  • Restrooms and water fountains are located in Education Center.
  • Themed tours of the gardens are given three times a week during summertime for a $10 per person fee- more information here. There are also tons of special programs like Yoga in the Gardens, Chefs in the Gardens, and special guest lectures. Read more about programs and events here.
  • Most of the gardens are handicap accessible; there are two sets of natural stone staircases. There are several benches throughout the garden to sit and enjoy the beauty of nature.
  • Free daytime parking is available in the Vail Village parking garage during the summer; it is less than a ½ mile walk alongside the Gore Stream. Another option during the summer is the Ford Park Parking Lot, but fees many apply during events in the park. Consider taking the free Vail bus- more information on routes here.
  • There are dozens of dining options in the nearby Vail Village- here is a good index.
  • Plan on one to two hours to fully explore the gardens, more time for a guided tour.

 10 Ways to Explore the Betty Ford Gardens 

  1. Start in the Education Visitor Center and check out the exhibits which explain the various regions of alpine plants. There are hands on activities for kids such as coloring stations, microscopes, and matching games.
  2. Walk through the warm alpine house indoor garden, featuring dozens on small plants, succulents, and cacti from around the world.
  3. Learn about how plants survive in various weather conditions by reading the many placards on display throughout the gardens.
  4. Notice the details of the recreated miniature wetlands and Aspens in the upper level gardens.
  5. Choose a favorite variety of plant of flower spread throughout the 18 acres of gardens.

6. Ignite all 5 senses throughout the sensory garden in the Children’s Garden section.

7. Read about the original schoolhouse (now home to a small museum and gardens gift shop), built in 1922 in West Vail and used for over 15 years for grades kindergarten through grade 8. Because of the extreme winter conditions, the school year ran from late spring through December. The schoolhouse was later used as a shepherd’s cottage and ski cabin until it was moved to its current location as part of the gardens.

8. Play pretend at Betty’s Market, a replicated miniature market.

9. Skip over the rock path in the stream and explore the Children’s Garden. Check here for daily activities and weekly events.

10. Check out the adjacent Ford Park, which includes athletic fields, two playgrounds (toddler and larger), half-court basketball court and four square court, swings, and several picnic tables.

For more fun throughout the Vail area, check out our Vail City Guide. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Similar Posts

10 Children’s Museums, Aquariums, and Zoos to Virtually Explore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |

10 Children’s Museums, Aquariums, and Zoos to Virtually Explore

Last week, we shared a list of 10 National Parks sites that we have previously visited that now offer virtual tours. After the post went live, we found this massive collection of activities and Junior Ranger assignments that children (and adults!) can complete at home. Find the full list here.

This week, we have been looking through old scrapbooks of past trips. Our children have been reminiscing about specific children’s museums, aquariums, and zoos and their favorite activity or animal from each spot. This week we’re sharing our top 10 children’s spots to virtually explore:

New Bedford, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | |

New Bedford, Massachusetts

New Bedford, a small city located in the southeastern part of Massachusetts (about an hour from Boston), is known as the whaling capital of the world, due to the protected deep water harbor of Buzzard’s Bay and ideal transportation routes. Indeed, New Bedford has a rich history in whaling, fishing, and commerce. At its peak in the mid 1850s, New Bedford employed over 300 ships and 10,000 fisherman.

My family recently took a weekend trip to visit the New Bedford area and were pleasantly surprised by the variety of family friendly activities, even in the “off” winter season. I started my research at DestinationNewBedford.org and found lots of helpful advice.  I printed copies of the Kids Scavenger Hunt for my kids to complete while we were in town, although you can find copies at many local attractions.

10 Ways to Explore Alligator Park in St. Augustine, Florida
| | |

10 Ways to Explore Alligator Park in St. Augustine, Florida

We’re not a huge zoo family, but every guide we read about St Augustine, Florida, as well as a couple of fellow travel writers, all suggested visiting Alligator Farm Zoological Park. So, on our recent visit to St. Augustine, we started one of our mornings at the park and agreed it’s a special place the whole family will enjoy.

Established in 1893, Alligator Farm is one of the oldest zoos in the country. Originally opened as an exhibition space of native Florida reptiles at South Beach on Anastasia Island, Alligator Zoo quickly became a popular spot for tourists. After both a storm and fire destroyed much of the area in 1920, the owners moved the animals to the current, nine acre space. The zoo is home to 24 species of crocodilian, 40 species of birds, dozens of reptiles, and many other animals. The park has shaded paths that weave through the exhibits, with plenty of viewing areas and places to sit and enjoy the beauty of nature. There’s also a zip lining course, daily animal feedings, and various programs and special events that offer plenty of new things to see with each visit.

10 Ways to Explore the Florence Griswold Museum in Lyme, Connecticut
| | | |

10 Ways to Explore the Florence Griswold Museum in Lyme, Connecticut

We enjoy visiting art museums with our children. Some people may think art museums are not an ideal spot to bring children, but there are a whole variety of reasons why you should- read them in this post. We’ve recently been researching local museums in Connecticut and were pleased to see that the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme is open and taking very good steps to honor pandemic restrictions and keep everyone safe and healthy.

Home to military sea captain Robert Griswold and his family in the middle 1800s until Florence Griswold’s death in 1937, the 12 acre estate includes art galleries, the main mansion, three additional structures with exhibits, an artist trail, gift shop, and seasonal cafe. The Griswold family harvested a large collection of gardens, producing much of the food the family ate, and later served to guests. Griswold inherited the home from her family and began welcoming boarders in 1899 as a way of making money. Up to 18 artists, who became known as the Lyme Art Colony, would stay in the home at one time,. Famous guests include President Woodrow Wilson and his first wife, an aspiring artist. Old Lyme became known as one of the biggest Impressionist art colonies in America, in large part to the Griswold campus. Today, it is open to visitors and welcomes families to explore what life was like for the artists in the early 20th century.

Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum in New York City
| | | | | |

Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum in New York City

My family is fortunate to live close enough to New York City that we make regular day trips into the city to explore different areas. You can read more about our suggestions for Things to Do in New York City on a Rainy Day (or a sunny day!) and Things to Do during the Holiday Season in New York City. We’ve driven by The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum several times and were invited to visit this past week ahead of the Fleet Week festivities.

Enjoying a New England Fall With Kids Without Looking at Leaves
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Enjoying a New England Fall With Kids Without Looking at Leaves

I love that I grew up in New England, and recent travels have confirmed I will always be a New Englander. One of my favorite things about living in New England is the change in seasons, and there is (arguably) nothing more beautiful than fall in New England. However, I would argue that it takes a more “mature” desire to spend significant time looking at foliage. I don’t know too many toddlers, children, or teenagers who enjoy going for long drives in the country just to look at leaves. If your children are anything like mine, they like to do things, especially when the weather is still warm enough to be outside for extended periods of time.

Here is a list of some of my family’s favorite things to do in the Northeast during the fall and links to full, detailed blog post. Yes, you’ll still see plenty of beautiful foliage while traveling to these spots, but your children will be happily engaged, entertained, and energized:

4 Comments

  2. It looks beautiful there! We’re going to Colorado next spring for a wedding, and I think we’re going to make a trip out of it. 😊

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *