Colorado is packed with astonishing natural beauty. Yet, sometimes, kids need more than just great views. Luckily, the state features a breadth of exciting outdoor adventures that families can enjoy together. These include everything from hiking trails, camping destinations, and national parks to ski resorts and fishing spots. Families in Colorado can also visit children’s museums, zoos, hot springs, and water parks. Other attractions like aerial parks and historic railroads are perfect for fun days out.
No matter what you’re into, Colorado’s options seem endless. You could opt for thrilling activities or time spent in the amazing outdoors. It’s the perfect spot for family vacations full of fun and unforgettable memories.
Thrilling Outdoor Adventures in Colorado’s National Parks
Colorado’s national parks are full of thrills for families. You’ll find hiking trails, wildlife, sandboarding, and rock climbing. These places are perfect for getting into nature and making great memories together.
Rocky Mountain National Park: Hiking Trails and Wildlife Viewing
At Rocky Mountain National Park, explore beautiful landscapes. You’ll find many hiking trails. Look out for elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears. You can challenge yourself with the rough paths. Or, enjoy the amazing views from scenic spots.
Great Sand Dunes National Park: Sandboarding and 4WD Adventures
Great Sand Dunes National Park has a special kind of beauty. You can try sandboarding on the huge sand dunes. Or, hop into a 4-wheel drive to see the various terrains. It’s a unique place for adventure and connecting as a family.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Rock Climbing and Scenic Drives
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a dream for rock climbers. It’s known for its high cliffs and cool rock formations. For something more relaxed, take scenic drives around the canyon. You’ll see stunning views around every corner.
Family-Friendly Ski Resorts and Winter Playgrounds
Colorado’s ski resorts are not just for skiing and snowboarding. They offer many family-friendly adventures besides the usual winter sports. These places make sure families have a great time with lots of winter activities and fun things to do, ensuring a perfect Colorado family vacation.
Vail: Epic Discovery Adventure Park and Ski School
At Vail, ski school and the Epic Discovery Adventure Park are ready for families. Here, you’ll find thrilling zip lines, ropes courses, and more. Kids can learn to ski and enjoy other Colorado family-friendly outdoor activities.
Breckenridge: Mountain Top Explorium and Tubing Hills
Breckenridge’s Mountain Top Explorium is full of fun family activities. The town’s tubing hills are fun and perfect for making snowy memories.
Steamboat Springs: Hot Springs and Winter Carnival
Steamboat Springs is famous for its hot springs and the yearly Winter Carnival. The carnival has unique events like ski joring and a torch parade, making it special and fun for families.
What outdoor activities can families enjoy together in Colorado?
Families in Colorado can enjoy a wild array of outdoor fun. Denver is known for its Denver Zoo, home to 3,500+ animals. There are also kids’ museums such as the Children’s Museum of Denver. They have interactive exhibits for learning.
In Colorado Springs, families find more to love. The Cave of the Winds offers an adventure deep in limestone caves. And the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo puts animals in a stunning mountain spot. These spots are perfect for fun and learning as a family.
Scenic Drives and Mountain Adventures
Colorado is known for its stunning landscapes. Families can enjoy drives through the Rockies’ towering peaks. They can also explore historic mining towns, showcasing Colorado’s natural beauty.
Pikes Peak Highway: Summit House and Endless Vistas
The Pikes Peak Highway takes you up to its 14,115-foot summit. This mountain is a Colorado icon. At the top, the Summit House offers endless vistas of the surrounding area. Families feel proud after reaching this amazing view.
Million Dollar Highway: San Juan Skyway and Historic Mining Towns
The Million Dollar Highway is part of the San Juan Skyway. It takes you through Colorado’s mining history. This Colorado scenic drive will lead you to historic mining towns in a beautiful mountain setting.
Colorado’s Hot Springs and Water Parks
Colorado has many natural hot springs and water parks perfect for families. Glenwood Hot Springs has mineral-rich pools and fun features, including a big outdoor pool and slides. Water World in Federal Heights is a huge water park with slides and wave pools. Families can enjoy and make special memories in these Colorado hot springs and Colorado water parks.
Glenwood Hot Springs: Mineral-Rich Pools and Attractions
For family fun, visit Glenwood Hot Springs. It has a big outdoor pool with mineral-rich water from the Glenwood Hot Springs. The kids’ pool and a water slide pool add to the fun. Glenwood Hot Springs offers a lot of attractions for a memorable family time.
Water World: Thrilling Slides and Wave Pools
At Water World in Federal Heights, there’s excitement for all. With big slides and tube rides, it’s one of the nation’s biggest. But, there are also calm, wave pools if you just want to unwind. Everyone in the family can find fun here.
Family-Friendly Hiking and Camping Destinations
Colorado has many places for families to enjoy the outdoors. The Maroon Bells near Aspen is famous for its beautiful scenery and hiking trails. It’s a great spot for camping too. Families love Mesa Verde National Park for its ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings. There are fun activities like hiking and rock climbing. These places help families bond and make unforgettable memories.
Maroon Bells: Picturesque Hikes and Camping
Located near Aspen, the Maroon Bells are a natural wonder. They offer trails with stunning alpine views. From Maroon Bells Lake to Crater Lake, there are hikes for everyone. Families can also camp nearby, letting them truly enjoy Colorado’s beauty.
Mesa Verde National Park: Ancient Pueblo Dwellings and Outdoor Adventures
Mesa Verde National Park is special because of its ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings. You can also do outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing. There are canyons to explore and diverse ecosystems to see. Families come here to enjoy nature and learn about the indigenous people.
Whitewater Rafting and Fishing Excursions
Colorado’s rivers and streams are great for whitewater rafting and fishing. The Arkansas River is top for rafting and kayaking. It has rapids for all, from calm waters to exciting waves. Families can easily join in with guided trips and gear to rent.
Arkansas River: Rafting and Kayaking Adventures
The Arkansas River offers amazing whitewater rafting in Colorado. It has different levels of rapids, like Class IV for the brave and Class II and III for a scenic ride. This makes it perfect for adventure seekers as well as those looking for a calm time.
Gold Medal Fishing Streams: Fly Fishing and Guided Tours
Colorado is also famous for fishing, especially fly fishing in its best spots. Families can enjoy fly fishing on these special trout streams. Either by themselves or with the help of expert local guides. It’s a great way for families to come together over a shared love for nature and fishing.
Historical and Cultural Experiences
Colorado is not just about its stunning scenery. Families can dive into its past through Colorado historical experiences and Colorado cultural experiences. At Mesa Verde National Park, see ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings. Learn about the area’s native people. Near La Junta, Bent’s Old Fort shows life on the frontier. It includes a living history museum and a 1830s trading post.
On the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, families travel on a vintage steam train. The train has been along the Animas River since 1882. This experience helps families understand Colorado’s past. It also creates memories that last.
Mesa Verde National Park: Ancient Pueblo Dwellings
At Mesa Verde National Park, see ancient cliff dwellings. This UNESCO site offers a look at the Ancestral Puebloan people’s lives. Walk through the dwellings and see their impressive work. Learn about their culture and how they survived in a tough world.
Bent’s Old Fort: Living History and Frontier Life
Bent’s Old Fort takes you to the 1830s frontier. It’s a glimpse into life in the American West. Costumed interpreters show daily life and trades. Your family will dive into the past of exploration and settlement.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: Steam Train Journeys
Ride the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a historic steam train. It’s been running since 1882. Journey through Colorado and New Mexico’s landscapes. See mountains, forests, and rivers. It’s a memorable adventure through time.
Ziplining, Ropes Courses, and Aerial Parks
Families looking for a thrill should check out Colorado’s ziplining, ropes courses, and aerial parks. Soaring Tree Top Adventures in Durango lets you fly through the treetops on a zipline tour. Then, the Epic Discovery parks at Vail and Breckenridge offer ziplines, ropes courses, and other fun activities. Families can have a great time, challenge themselves, and make lasting memories in Colorado.
Soaring Tree Top Adventures in Durango
In the San Juan Mountains, Soaring Tree Top Adventures is an amazing spot. Families can fly on ziplines through the trees, seeing the lush forests and incredible Colorado views.
Epic Discovery Ziplines at Vail and Breckenridge
The Epic Discovery parks at Vail and Breckenridge are perfect for adventure lovers. There, you’ll find ziplines, ropes courses, and mountain coasters. Families can have fun, face challenges, and enjoy Colorado’s stunning natural landscapes.
Horseback Riding and Dude Ranch Vacations
Families can live the true cowboy life in Colorado with horseback riding adventures and dude ranch vacations. The C Lazy U Ranch in Granby and the Sundance Trail Guest Ranch in Red Feather Lakes are great examples. There, you can ride horses, join in on ranch activities, and see amazing mountain views. These places let families step back from the usual and get closer while enjoying Colorado’s Wild West.
C Lazy U Ranch in Granby
In the Rockies’ heart is the C Lazy U Ranch, perfect for a Colorado dude ranch vacation. Families can ride horses on beautiful trails, take part in ranch stuff, and soak up the quiet Western vibes. Imagine learning to ride together or roasting marshmallows under a sky full of stars. The C Lazy U Ranch is all about making memories.
Sundance Trail Guest Ranch in Red Feather Lakes
Looking for the real Colorado horseback riding deal? Go to the Sundance Trail Guest Ranch in Red Feather Lakes. This genuine dude ranch has guided rides in the Rocky Mountains and lots of activities like archery and fishing. With comfy cabins and tasty meals, it’s the perfect place for a Colorado dude ranch vacation with the family.
Wildlife Viewing and Nature Centers
Colorado’s mix of ecosystems and protected areas makes it perfect for exploring wildlife. Families can see a range of creatures and learn at nature centers. At Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver, you might see bald eagles and bison.
Places like the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Butterfly Pavilion offer chances to learn about local plants and animals. These visits help visitors admire Colorado’s nature more.
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is near Denver and great for wildlife watching. Here, families can see bald eagles, bison, and more on its trails. The Denver Botanic Gardens shows off lots of plant species in beautiful settings.
If you want to get up close to nature, head to the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. Here, you can walk in a tropical forest and see butterflies. This place also teaches about the role of insects in our world. These experiences at wildlife viewing and nature center make Colorado special.
