Colorado summer vacation for families
Finding the right Colorado summer vacation for your family can be tough. With so much to see, do and experience, it’s no wonder that so many parents seek our Colorado summer vacation planner to make the most of their family time in the summers in Colorado.
Have you ever thought about taking a summer vacation to Colorado ? If so, you’d certainly be in good company – every year, more and more families are making the trip from Gulf Shores, Alabama (AL), Coolbranch, Avalon and Longboat Key, Florida (FL), Frankston and Somerville, Texas (TX), Sanibel Island, IL and Cape San Blas, Florida to Rocky Mountain National Park, Manitou Springs and Estes Park. It’s no wonder that this state draws such a crowd: it’s full of wild open spaces aplenty; surely no other continent can claim the USP- “America’s Playground”- as theirs. And the city of Denver is equally tempting: teeming with vibrant arts and culture scenes; complete with plenty of opportunities to go ga-ga over international cuisine.
Colorado is a great place to visit in the summer. With its wide range of activities, you can find something fun for everyone in your family.
If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids, there are many options. Some of our favorite places to visit with kids include:
- Rocky Mountain National Park – This park has so much to see and do that it’s hard to pick just one thing! There are tons of hiking trails, fishing spots and picnic areas, along with wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Pikes Peak – Take the cog railway up 14,115 foot Pikes Peak for amazing views of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon learning about Colorado history while getting some exercise at the same time!
- Garden of the Gods Park – Located in Colorado Springs, this park has breathtaking red rock formations that make for great photo ops! You’ll also find lots of other activities here like hiking trails and picnic areas as well as rock climbing opportunities if that’s something you’re interested in trying out on vacation with your family this summertime!
1. Breckenridge
Breckenridge is the ideal destination for those who love fishing and mountain biking. Even though these are the most popular outdoor adventures, there are a lot more activities you can explore. From hiking, golfing, boating, and horseback riding, your family will never run out of ideas to try during your Colorado summer vacation.
Breckenridge Stables have over one hundred horses to choose from when you want to go horseback riding. Of course, safety is a priority during these horse rides.
For all your boating needs, Lake Dillon has you covered. While at it, you can stop to eat and enjoy some great music at the Tiki Bar or Island Bar and Grill. Also, you can head straight to the 27-hole course if you’re a golf-loving family.
Your Breckenridge family summer vacation can never be complete without exploring the Discovery Fun Park. This place takes you right on top of the mountain, and all your family members can go. With all the fun activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, and mini-golfing piled up for you, your day will surely end on a higher note.
On the days you want a little quiet and alone time, you can always drop the kids at the Mountain Top Children’s Museum. Here, they can indulge in several hands-on activities such as building and crafts. Take advantage of the kid’s night out on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays as you perhaps go out clubbing and dancing in town to wind off.
2. Colorado Springs
Going on a vacation with kids is never an easy thing. Ideally, you want to go to places where both you and the kids will have fun, a place that can comfortably accommodate your different needs.
Why not try Colorado Springs? It’s one place that offers lots of activities, from biking, golfing, hiking to driving adventures.
Your kids will love visiting the attraction sites in this spot. Take them to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Seven Falls, to mention a few.
Entry to some of these excellent sites is free. You can have fun riding your bikes, watching the circus, ziplining, feeding giraffes, and watching other animals at the zoo.
See also Revealed: The Best Places to Vacation in Colorado with Kids
While staying in Colorado Springs, you can also take your family to Canon City, a one-hour drive from Colorado Springs. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a must-visit amusement park in Canon City. Here, you’ll ride the gondola, go to the theater, and walk the bridge.
3. Beaver Creek
In the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain lies another must-visit family spot, Beaver Creek.
Visiting Beaver Creek in one of your Colorado summer family vacations could be one of your best decisions. It’s the perfect place for reconnecting with nature and bonding with your family members.
The best activity to indulge in during the summer is hiking in the town’s mountains. The Rocky Mountains have several challenging trails, especially for experienced hikers. That said, novices have some access routes they can follow to keep the fun up.
While ascending mountain paths, your family can enjoy spectacular views, mostly dotted with Aspen trees.
Don’t leave without unwinding in the Beaver Creek Village. This cultural village offers plenty, from art performances to exquisite desserts.
4. Aspen/Snowmass Village
Aspen, Colorado, has some of the most attractive sites you can visit with your whole family. Although Aspen is a ski town, it also offers many activities to explore and enjoy as a family in summer.
Do you enjoy biking as a family? Why not go on a biking adventure along the Rio Grande Trail that follows the Roaring Fork River. This trail suits people of all ages, regardless of their biking experience. Even if your family is full of novice bikers, you can still create epic memories.
Aspen has several hiking trails for your family’s hiking adventures. Whether you’re just learning to hike, an intermediate hiker, or an expert, you’ll find trails that befit your level.
From the Snowmass village, you can follow the Ditch Trail all the way to Snowmass Mountain for the novice hike family. The Smuggler Trail is perfect for intermediate hikers, while expert hikers can explore the Ute Trail.
Besides biking and hiking, you can take your family for a ride on the Silver Queen Gondola, looking at those breathtaking views of Aspen town. The free Thursday night concerts at the Snowmass Village should also be on your list.
This town will surely make your Colorado family vacation memorable. Don’t end your vacation without trying the different cuisines from the various restaurants available.
5. Palisade
Palisade is a small town in Colorado, widely known for its vineyards, wineries, and farms, thanks to its mild weather. These are the primary attractions in this town, bringing people from all corners of the world, especially the wineries.
That said, this tiny town also offers a ton of other family fun activities. You can go hiking, climbing, biking, and even fishing here. At the end of the day, when you’re tired and want to relax, you end your day with a glass of freshly brewed wine.
See also Recommended: The Best Family Weekend Getaways in Colorado
For your family biking adventures, Palisade town offers a variety of mountain biking trails for riders with different skills. The Palisade Bike Skills Park, for instance, is an ideal location for beginner riders to have some fun. But if you’re used to those adrenaline-pumping descents from mountain biking, take your adventure to the Palisade Rim Trail.
Those who love hiking can visit the Grand Mesa National Forest for all the hiking fun. Mount Garfield is also an excellent spot in Palisade for hiking during the summer season.
Pay to go on a trip to the many wineries available there, orchards to pick your peaches, and to lavender farms for fresh lavenders.
Overall, Palisade is a great summer destination for a family that loves agriculture and being on the farms.
6. Estes Park
Are you still looking for more spots for Colorado summer family vacations? Estes Park is the ideal kid-friendly location for your summer vacation. This destination will help you reconnect with nature, go back to your good old days, and make your kids happy and excited throughout your stay.
Start with the Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the best national parks in the United States. There are several outdoor recreation activities that your kids can enjoy. Even more interesting, you can also join the fun in hiking and biking.
You can play cowboy with the kids on a hot afternoon and go horseback riding through the Rockies. Other activities include fishing from the Trout Haven Fishing Pond and Lake Estes and ziplining.
It’s not hard getting a place to stay in this town, especially with the kids. Anyone you ask will recommend the YMCA of the Rockies, especially for the kid activities they offer.
7. Telluride
Telluride is always crowded during the summer, probably for its unique attractions. First off, there’s the Telluride Hotel, a kid-friendly hotel where you can set your base and enjoy exciting services.
The most incredible thing is that the town is a tourist attraction site based on its history. You can get the whole story about how the city has transformed from a Ute tribe summer camp to a ski mecca from the town museum.
While in the town, going on an off-road adventure is truly worth trying. You can’t reach certain places on foot, but with a 4by4 off-road adventure, your family gets the chance to explore such areas.
Ever tried rock climbing? During summer, Telluride will offer you an opportunity to try this activity at the Adventure Rock in Mountain Village, whether you have the experience or not. The place is 100% safe.
See also 8 of the Best Places to go Snow Tubing in Colorado
Other activities include paragliding over the town’s valleys, hiking, and mountain biking. Ensure your family tries the different delicacies from the restaurants available.