My kids have long been obsessed with American Ninja Warrior and our house has turned into Mount Midoriyama. Why walk up the stairs when you can shimmy up like the spider wall? And couches aren’t for sitting on when you can use them as a launching pad to the next obstacle. I’ve wanted an outlet for their passion but, despite the occasional kid’s race in conjunction with adult competitions, there isn’t anything out there specifically tailored to kids.
Except for Kids Adventure Games where kids, ages 6 through 14, have the opportunity to experience the thrill of adventure racing.
This event on August 8-12 in Vail, Colo. emphasize teamwork, problem solving and fun as teams of two tackle a variety of challenges that include a zipline, mountain biking, wall climb, tubing, a mud pit, slip ‘n slide and much more.
“Our objective is simple,” says co-founder Hélène Mattison. “We want to create a fun and confidence-building outdoor experience for kids.”
Her family would know how to do that. Her husband Bill is a retired, professional Adventure Racer, listing top five in all the major races in the world. He has been designing and directing adventure race courses for many years. Starting with his 1-year-old twins’ birthday party, he set up a little zip line, amongst other obstacles, and sent the kids in toddler-hiking backpacks down the rope! The following years, they expanded into a local campground, which has a major creek, slopes and trees.
They invited all the kids in their kindergarten class, plus their older siblings and had high school kids lead them through a course. They loved it! The parents loved it even more and the Kids Adventure Games were borne.
My children have participated in the Kids Adventure Games for 5+ years. We have mostly done the Colorado-based courses but last summer, we tried Park City for the first time and discovered a new phenomenon: Kids Adventure Race groupies! There were families who planned their summer vacation around a different race each summer. It was a win-win! The family got to discover a new location while the kids were challenged in different courses while having the time of their lives.
Still not convinced? Let the video do the talking and check-out these amazing locations across the country.
KAG_Sizzle Reel_120_No Graphics from Helene Mattison on Vimeo.
Skills Clinics Friday June 15: 1 pm – 5 pm
Long Course Saturday June 16
(Approximately 3.5 miles in length with 15 obstacles)
- Ages 10 – 11
- Ages 12 – 14
Short Course Sunday June 17
(Approximately 3 miles in length with 12 obstacles)
- Ages 6 – 7
- Ages 8 – 9
- Open: ages of teammates are more than 3 years apart (i.e. 7 & 11 year old).
Skills Clinics Friday June 22: 1 pm – 5 pm
Long Course Saturday June 23
(Approximately 3.5 miles in length with 15 obstacles)
- Ages 10 – 11
- Ages 12 – 14
Short Course Sunday June 24
(Approximately 3 miles in length with 12 obstacles)
- Ages 6 – 7
- Ages 8 – 9
- Open: ages of teammates are more than 3 years apart (i.e. 7 & 11 year old).
Skills Clinics Friday June 29
- 8 am – 12pm
- 1 pm – 5 pm
Long Course Saturday June 30(Approximately 3.5 miles in length with 15 obstacles)
- Ages 10 – 11
- Ages 12 – 14
Short Course Sunday July 1 (Approximately 3 miles in length with 12 obstacles)
- Ages 6 – 7
- Ages 8 – 9
- Open: ages of teammates are more than 3 years apart (i.e. 7 & 11 years old).
Friday Skills Clinics July 27: 1 pm – 5 pm
Long Course Saturday July 28
(Approximately 3.5 miles in length with 15 obstacles)
- Ages 10 – 11
- Ages 12 – 14
Short Course Sunday July 29
(Approximately 3 miles in length with 12 obstacles)
- Ages 6 – 7
- Ages 8 – 9
- Open: ages of teammates are more than 3 years apart (i.e. 7 & 11 year old)
Skills Clinics Friday, August 3rd: 1 pm – 5 pm
Expert Course Saturday, August 4th:
(Approximately 3.5 miles in length with 10-15 obstacles)
- Ages 10 – 11
- Ages 12 – 14
Beginner Course Sunday, August 5th:
(Approximately 3.5 miles in length with 10-15 obstacles)
- Ages 6 – 7
- Ages 8 – 9
- Open: ages of teammates are more than 3 years apart (i.e. 7 & 11 year old).
Skills Clinics Thursday Aug 9
Long Course Friday Aug 10 (Approximately 3.5 miles in length with 15 obstacles)
- Ages 10 – 11 who have raced before
- Ages 12 – 14
- This course involves intermediate mountain biking. There will be a mandatory bike drop and a parent/athlete meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10
Medium Course Saturday Aug 11 (Approximately 3 miles in length with 12 obstacles)
- Ages 8 – 9 who have raced before
- Ages 10 – 11 who have not raced before
Short Course Sunday Aug 12 (Approximately 2.5 miles in length with 12 obstacles)
- Ages 6 – 7
- Ages 8 – 9 who have not raced before
- Open: ages of the teammates span multiple days (i.e. 7 & 12-year-old). No prizes will be awarded in this category.
Skills Clinics Friday: Aug 24 1 pm – 5 pm
Long Course Saturday Aug 25
(Approximately 3.5 miles in length with 10 – 12 obstacles)
- Ages 12 – 14
- Ages 10 – 11
Short Course Sunday Aug 26
(Approximately 3 miles in length with 10 – 12 obstacles)
- Ages 8 – 9
- Ages 6 – 7
- Open: ages of teammates are more than 3 years apart (i.e. 7 & 11 year old).
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
