Family fun hits its peak on mountain vacations

Enjoy high-altitude family fun and cool starry nights in scenic mountain towns. Here are five to consider:

1. Telluride, Colo. Check in at the Inn at Lost Creek with the crew for easy access to free concerts in Mountain Village, golf, free gondola rides into the historic town and a slew of kid-friendly eco-adventures. Pop over to the Spa at the Peaks for a relaxing massage or tap into options provided by a season full of festivals. Stop by the Friday Farmers Market for fresh produce and crafty gifts, or treat yourselves to alfresco dining and top-notch organic selections at 221 South Oak. Shutterbugs will be continuously tempted by stunning views of the surrounding peaks, colorful flower boxes and the Victorian homes tucked within the box canyon.

Contact: innatlostcreek.com; 221southoak.com; tellurideskiresort.com

2. Sisters, Ore. Named for a trio of peaks that grace the skyline, this truck stop turned trendy central Oregon town offers year-round family-friendly activities. During the summer, find a comfortable combination of outdoor adventure, chic restaurants and a hip art and music scene. Don’t miss the 74-year-old rodeo, fishing derbies, quilt shows, rafting, hiking and boating.

Contact: sistersoregonguide.com

3. Flagstaff, Ariz. Just 80 miles from the Grand Canyon and close to seven other parks and monuments, this college town offers a long list of options for family travelers. At 7,000 feet, you’ll enjoy hiking and biking amid ponderosa pines, comfortable in the cool mountain air.

Tap into a history that combines the nostalgia of Route 66, the historic “Mother Road” that bisects the town, as well as the rich legacy of the Old West and American Indian culture. Don’t miss a tour and exhibits at the Lowell Observatory, the astronomy research center where Pluto was discovered. Three nights each week, Summer on the Square offers music, dance and merriment.

Contact: lowell.edu; flagstaffarizona.org

4. McCall, Idaho. The 5,500-acre glacial Payette Lake is the summer centerpiece in this mountain enclave of fewer than 3,000 full-time residents. Set sail across the lake, balance on your stand-up paddleboard, or zip here and there on a Jet Ski. Surrounded by miles of pristine wilderness and dozens of high mountain lakes, make time for hiking, biking, fishing, golf, white-water rafting and paddling.

Contact: mccallchamber.org; visitidaho.org

5. Stowe, Vt. Have you always wanted to learn fly-fishing? Check out the Family Gone Fishing packages and free casting clinics offered with your sporting crew in mind.

Learn how cider is made. Hop aboard a dogcart (a sled on wheels) and take part in sled-dog training. Consider canoeing, the alpine slide and carriage rides during a summer visit to this storied New England playground.

You’ll also find hot-air ballooning, mountain biking, miniature golf, zip lines and swimming in the 200-year-old village that is also home to Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak. Lodging options include quaint bed and breakfasts, modern hotels and the Trapp Family Lodge.

Contact: gostowe.com