Gondola One
Gondola One: Vail's Gateway to Alpine Adventures
Pirate Ship Playground: A Vail Adventure
Embark on a swashbuckling adventure at Vail's one-of-a-kind Pirate Ship Playground in Ford Park! A treasure for kids and families.
Ahoy, mateys! Set sail for adventure at Vail's Pirate Ship Playground, a unique and imaginative play space where kids can climb, slide, and explore a giant wooden pirate ship. Located in Ford Park, this popular playground offers a memorable experience for families visiting Vail.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Pirate Ship Playground
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
9 Hanson Ranch Rd, Vail, Colorado, 81657, US
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Pirate Ship Playground
Getting There
Walking
From the Vail Village Transportation Center, walk east along the Frontage Road. Turn right onto Hanson Ranch Road, cross the bridge, and you'll see Ford Park and the Pirate Ship Playground on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.
Public Transport
Take the free Town of Vail bus to the Ford Park stop. From the bus stop, walk a short distance north towards the park. The Pirate Ship Playground will be visible on your left. The Town of Vail offers free year-round bus service throughout Vail.
Parking
If driving, park in the Ford Park parking lot. Parking is free for the first hour, then $2 per hour, with a maximum of $10 per day. Event parking at Ford Park is $20. From the parking lot, the Pirate Ship Playground is a short walk away.
Local tips
✓
Pack a picnic to enjoy at the playground's picnic tables while watching your kids play.
✓
Visit during the summer months for the best weather and full access to Ford Park's amenities.
✓
Combine your playground visit with a stroll through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, also located in Ford Park.
Discover more about Pirate Ship Playground
Vail's Pirate Ship Playground, residing within Ford Park, offers a distinctive and imaginative play experience for children. Opened in 2001, the playground's centerpiece is a large, custom-designed wooden pirate ship, complete with a crow's nest, helm, bowsprit, and even a spot to 'walk the plank'. This nautical-themed play area encourages kids to climb, run, slide, and let their imaginations run wild as they embark on their own pirate adventures.
Beyond the main ship structure, the playground also features additional play elements such as baby swings, a climbable serpent, and a rocking dinghy. Picnic tables and benches surround the play area, making it a great spot for families to relax and enjoy a meal while watching their children play. A babbling brook runs along the back of the park, adding to the immersive and playful atmosphere.
The Pirate Ship Playground was born out of the Vail community's desire to create unique and engaging play spaces for children. The original playground was replaced in 2004 with the current ship, designed by artist Ty Gillespie and constructed by Valley Fabricators. Vail is known for its commitment to custom-designed playgrounds, incorporating artistic elements to create memorable and inspiring environments for kids.
A brief summary to Pirate Ship Playground
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Vail
Discover Vail, Colorado - a year-round alpine paradise offering world-class skiing, vibrant cultural events, and breathtaking natural beauty in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Tell me more about Vail