There’s a lot to be said for taking the family to one safe, beautiful area and then turning the kids loose to run amok while you grab an Adirondack chair and a cold beverage, soak up some rays and kick back nearby. You can do that starting next weekend at Beaver Creek Resort, at the base of the Centennial Lift. The choices for the kids (and the kid in you, if you can’t resist) include a climbing wall with routes for a variety of skill levels, a bungee trampoline (the trick is to flip without thinking too much about it) and an 18-hole miniature golf course. From there you can also take the lift up Beaver Creek Mountain for great views and plenty of biking and hiking. Don’t forget to grab a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie at 3 p.m. Prices for activities run $8-$10. Lift tickets are $22 (adults); $27 with mountain bike; ages 5-12 free with adult (970-754-4636, ). Kyle Wagner
DINE: Despite the name change from Bivans to 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill (50 W. Thomas Place, 970-827-6600, ), the main restaurant in the Park Hyatt has remained delightfully family-friendly, even improving its kids menu. The young ‘uns can get grass-fed burgers, homemade mac-and-cheese and an upscale PB&J. Meanwhile, adults will be happy with dishes like grilled lamb chops and tagliatelle with roasted vegetables. They do a wonderful breakfast buffet, too, with kids under 5 eating free.
STAY: Beaver Creek Lodge (26 Avondale Lane, 970-845-9800, ) is a sprawling property with huge rooms, all suite-sized with full-size sleeper sofas, two TVs and kitchenettes with microwave and fridge. The place is family-friendly, with the heated outdoor pool being a major draw, and the shuttle picks up at the front door to take you anywhere in Beaver Creek. The Rocks Modern Grill has a hip bar and does great desserts. Rates start at $199 for queen suites, $595 for 3-bedroom condo.
Beaver Creek is 107 miles west of Denver via Interstate 70.
