Things To Do
Sun Valley is an outdoor-lover’s paradise. The area boasts an expansive list of adventures, activities and sightseeing during all months of the year. With endless options for outdoor recreation, there will never be a dull moment on your Sun Valley vacation. Be sure to check out downtown Ketchum where you will find an assortment of restaurants, bars and shops to explore. Plan your visit around one of the area’s many festivals, farmers markets, concert series and more! Whether you are traveling with friends or family, we can guarantee you will never struggle to find things to do in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Kids Activities
Thinking about a family vacation in Sun Valley? Great idea! For kids, Sun Valley is nothing short of spectacular. The area has several camps providing entertainment and adventure on a drop-in daily basis or by the week. Children ages 3 and older can participate in the programs. Activities for the preschoolers might include story time, a trip to the splash park, catching butterflies, painting rocks and supervised free play. Camps for children seven years and older might include day trips to Redfish Lake, tennis, swimming lessons, as well as mountain biking, golf or baseball. There are one-day pottery classes, fly-fishing clinics, week-long theater camps, and performances. Apart from all of the main outdoor activities, kids can also visit the skate park, ice skating rink, pools or library. There are also two local movie theatres for a fun family evening activity. Sun Valley is the perfect destination for a family vacation with activities and excitement for kids of all ages.
Indoor Fun
Even with all of Sun Valley’s outdoor activities, the area also has some great indoor options as well. If the weather is not cooperating, try exploring one of the many indoor Sun Valley attractions. Learn about the Wood River Valley’s rich cultural history at one of the many local museums. Spend the day relaxing at the spa or head to a movie theater to see that flick you have been waiting for. Finally, make your way to downtown Ketchum for shopping and restaurants. If you are looking to get some exercise in, head to the local YMCA for their indoor pool, full array of cardio and weight training equipment, as well as a wide range of classes. Rain or shine, Sun Valley has outdoor and indoor activities for everyone.
Winter Sports
As the days get shorter and the snow begins to fall, Sun Valley’s origins begin to shine. The Sun Valley Ski Resort was the first destination ski resort to be developed in the U.S. The skier’s paradise boasts 3,400 vertical feet and access to over 2,000 acres of groomed and varied terrain.
A winter vacation in Sun Valley is a must for any snow lover. The outdoor winter activities are endless- downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, natural hot springs, horse drawn sleigh rides and more. No matter which winter activity you choose to try, one thing is for sure – you’ll be awestruck by the beauty of open spaces, pristine snow and views that seem to extend as far as the eye can see.
Summer Activities
As soon as the snow melts, the mountains around Sun Valley come alive. In the Springtime, the mountainsides explode with colorful wildflowers and the local animals begin to emerge. From that moment until the first snow falls, Sun Valley is filled with events and outdoor recreation galore.
During the late spring, summer and fall months, visitors can explore the many scenic hiking trails, mountain bike, rock climb, fish, raft, swim, paraglide and more. The town also hosts a summer farmers market, festivals and concert series that are not to be missed. Looking to hit the links? Sun Valley offers four outstanding golf courses with world-class amenities.
Arts & Culture
Sun Valley is one of the top small towns for art- the area has more than a dozen galleries and two live theater companies to see! Be sure to also check out the Sun Valley Opera and Sun Valley Music Festival performances to experience the talented vocal arts and classical music of the area. Every year the Sun Valley Film Festival and Sun Valley Jazz Festival draw huge crowds to the town. Depending on your dates, you can also enjoy one of many summer concert series performances. The Sun Valley Center for the Arts is one of the premier non-profit arts organizations in the region and continually works to bring an impressive lineup of events, art showcases and performances in Sun Valley and Ketchum.
Explore the Area
Any visitor to Sun Valley should explore and discover some of the hidden gems that the area is home to. Spend a day at the scenic Redfish Lake or hike during the Fall to see the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. The Sun Valley gondola is open in the Summertime as well! Ride up the high tech, beautiful Gondola which spans Baldy all the way to the historic Roundhouse. View the amazing scenery of Sun Valley suspended high in the air. You can take it back down, or hike down after a delicious meal at the Roundhouse. Be sure to still enjoy some time in the town of Ketchum and attend a farmers market or check out the local shops and restaurants.