While Sun Valley is famous for its ample outdoor recreational options for the whole family and its sunshine, there’s also plenty to do when the weather forces the search for fun indoors. So here’s a rundown of the Top 10 Rainy Day Activities for Sun Valley.
GO BOWLING!
The old school Bowling Alley and Game Room at the Sun Valley Lodge offers an entertaining step back in time. The lanes are open daily from 4-10pm. sunvalley.com/things-to-do/family.
GO FOR A SWIM!
When the rain falls, the Wood River YMCA offers large indoor pools and Sun Valley Resort has their famous outdoor heated Lodge Pool, which offers cocktail service for parents. For summer swimming options, check out "Take a Dip" on page 18. woodriverymca.org or sunvalley.com.
CHECK OUT A MUSEUM!
The history of the Wood River Valley is as long and storied as a powder-covered run on Baldy. The Ketchum-Sun Valley Ski & Heritage Museum in Ketchum offers exhibits on everything from the local mining and sheepherding history to the rich and impressive history of America's original destination ski resort. The Ore Wagon Museum in Ketchum and the Blaine County Historical Museum in Hailey are also good options. ksvhs.com
or bchistoricalmuseum.org.
MAKE YOUR OWN JEWELRY
The Bead Shop “Plus” (208.788.0677) in Hailey and Iconoclast Books (iconoclastbooks.com) in Ketchum both offer great selections for jewelry and craft making for kids of all ages.
CATCH A MOVIE!
Built in 1937, the Sun Valley Opera House (208.622.2244) offers first run movies and a bfree daily showing of “Sun Valley Serenade” during the winter. The Magic Lantern Cinema (208.726.4274) in Ketchum and Big Wood Cinemas, (208.578.0971) which features films in 3D, on Main Street in Hailey offer a more modern feel for moviegoers.
GO CLIMBING!
The Wood River YMCA on Saddle Road in Ketchum offers up a 10- meter-high climbing gym that includes 14 belay stations for climbing cracks, overhangs, lead routes and a bouldering cave. Top roping and shoe/harness rentals available for climbers as well. Routes added monthly ranging from beginner to advanced. woodriverymca.org.
DIVE INTO A BOOK!
The Community Library in Ketchum hosts a “Dig Into Reading” summer program as well as the Paws to Read program on weekends (check out the Calendar on page 8 for more details). Ketchum is also home to two of the finest independent bookstores in the country: Chapter One and Iconoclast Books.
ENJOY SOME ART!
Ketchum is literally chock full of world-class galleries, with a little bit of something for everyone’s taste and fancy (check out svgalleries.org for a full listing).
CREATE SOME USEABLE ART!
Kids of all ages love to create things with their own two hands—and it’s even more rewarding if they can then use and enjoy what they've made for years to come. Ketchum offers two terrific spots to create your own clay art. Local Color (208.726.2788) and Boulder Mountain Clayworks (bouldermtnclay.com).
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY!
From low-key locals’ favorite options like Mahoney’s in Bellevue and The Powerhouse Pub & Bike Fit Studio in Hailey to classic Ketchum spots like The Pioneer Saloon or Perry’s, to new spots like the Konditorei in Sun Valley, there are all kinds of delicious family-friendly places to eat, drink and be merry around Sun Valley. Visit our dining listings at sunvalleymag.com/dining.