Colorado Vacation With Kids In Summer
When Cherry Creme Soda asked me what was the best trip to take on summer vacation with kids in Colorado, I had no idea how much research I would have to do. I felt like a detective, or a reporter (which is so ironic since I’m not a reporter). Honestly, it took me all day to dig up my answers but because of different experiences and places I’ve been to myself (a lot), this article ended up quite long!
Every Summer, thousands of families flock to Colorado for a fun-filled vacation with kids. But it’s not just for the kids. There are many activities and attractions in Colorado that are perfect even for the grown-ups such as scenic drives and day trips to the national parks. You may be tempted to come to Denver, Aspen, or Vail but let me tell you there is so much more to do in Colorado! We will base our discussion today on – Colorado Vacation With Kids In Summer. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: colorado summer vacation packages and inexpensive family vacations in colorado
Colorado Vacation With Kids In Summer
Summer is the perfect time to visit Colorado, and we’re going to show you why!
If you love being outdoors and want to get away from it all, then you’ll love our list of things to do with your family in Colorado.
The state has some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country, so get out there and explore!
Colorado is the perfect place to vacation with kids in summer.
The state is home to many amazing national parks and monuments, including Rocky Mountain National Park, which is located near Estes Park. The park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and camping, as well as scenic views of the area’s mountain ranges and forests.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous than hiking and camping, consider visiting one of Colorado’s ski resorts during the summer months. Many ski resorts have activities available year-round, including zip lining tours, horseback riding excursions, miniature golf courses and amusement parks.
For those who prefer to stay closer to home when vacationing with children, there are many family-friendly attractions in Denver such as the Denver Zoo or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Estes Park
This list kicks off with one of the best family vacation spots in the state – Estes Park. Estes Park is home to one of the best national parks in the country, Rocky Mountain National Park. Both kids and adults will enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities found year round in Rocky Mountain, from hiking in the summer to snowshoeing in the winter. However, Estes Park offers more to families than just the national park. From ziplining to horseback riding, there are a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy here. Choose to stay at YMCA of the Rockies to take advantage of the number of kid activities offered there.
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Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, one of Colorado’s biggest cities, is only an hour and a half from Denver. With attractions like Pike’s Peak, Garden of the Gods, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the kids will have plenty of fun when you choose a family vacation here. Nearby Canon City is also a great spot to explore as a family. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is an amusement park high above the Royal Gorge. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park in Manitou Springs is another family-friendly attraction near Colorado Springs. There are endless opportunities for families when vacationing in Colorado Springs.
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Glenwood Springs
One of the top family-friendly attractions in the state is Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs. Families will enjoy this amusement park in the mountains that features an alpine coaster, cave tours, and other thrilling rides and games. Glenwood Springs is also home to one of the most beautiful yet popular hiking spots in the state, Hanging Lake. After a hike up to Hanging Lake, you and the family will love soaking in the natural hot springs in town at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool or Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
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Breckenridge
There is a reason why families continually flock to the picturesque city of Breckenridge every winter. This charming Colorado mountain town is perfect for a family ski vacation. Kids will enjoy a day at ski school, while adults can take advantage of Breckenridge Ski Resort, a world-renowned skiing oasis. However, Breckenridge isn’t just a great family vacation during the winter months. Families also head to Breckenridge during the summer to hike, mountain bike and enjoy fun attractions like Epic Discovery.
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Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a Colorado ski town that is a great spot for a family vacation no matter if you’re traveling here during the summer or winter season. The ski resort in Crested Butte caters to all skill levels, as well as offers groomed trails for Nordic skiing. Even if the weather turns bad during your vacation, take the kids to Trailhead Children’s Museum for indoor fun. Crested Butte isn’t just known for its skiing; it’s also known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado once summer hits. The entire family will love a scenic summer hike surrounded by Colorado wildflowers.
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Aspen/Snowmass
Aspen (as well as Snowmass) is a mecca for skiing families, as the area is home to four mountains to ski. When you aren’t shredding the slopes, attractions like the Aspen Art Museum and the Ice Age Discovery Center offer educational fun. Even if you aren’t a skier, activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing and tubing offer outdoor fun without skis or snowboards.
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Boulder
This Front Range city is a great spot to visit for families with older kids. If you’re visiting Boudler during the summer, window shop along Pearl Street Mall or hike the Flatirons. The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and the Boulder Farmers Market are also fun attractions to fill your day in Boulder. If you’re heading to Boulder during the fall, root for the Buffs at a CU Boulder football game.
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Vail
Vail is a gorgeous mountain town that makes for a great family vacation spot in Colorado. It has been known as one of the top skiing destinations in the state for decades. Therefore you’ll definitely want to take advantage of this ski town by getting the whole family out on the slopes. If you’ve grown tired of the slopes, visit kid-friendly attractions in Vail like Imagination Station or Adventure Ridge.
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Mesa Verde National Park
Take the family to one of Colorado’s lesser-known national parks, Mesa Verde National Park. This unique park features 600 cliff dwellings and thousands of archeological sites from the Pueblo people who lived here hundreds of years ago. The park has a Junior Ranger program perfect for the kiddos. For a budget-friendly trip, choose to stay at the campground here.
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Fort Collins
BEST PLACES TO STAY
One of the most picturesque mountain towns in Colorado, Fort Collins boasts small-town charm with its bike-friendly layout, beer-obsessed locals, and a picturesque historic district dubbed Old Town. No matter if you and your family want to enjoy outdoor recreation or Fort Collins’ city sites, there is plenty to do here to please everyone. Hike up Horsetooth Mountain, go boating in Horsetooth Reservoir, or float down the Poudre River. A cold craft beer is a perfect way for the adults in the family to relax after exploring the foothills outside of the city. This Colorado city is one of the top brewing cities in the state; it is home to small microbreweries as well as large-scale craft beer giants like New Belgium Brewing Company and Odell Brewing Company. Families with children will enjoy spending a sunny afternoon at City Park or a rainy day at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.
The best Colorado summer resorts
Discover the place where summer adventure and luxury meet.
After the snow melts, it’s easy to see how “colorful Colorado” earned its nickname. Here you’ll find meadows peppered with wildflowers, vibrant blue lakes, and mountains that change color with the sun. Summers are perfect for outdoor adventures, but you don’t have to rough it in a tent to experience Colorado’s beautiful scenery.
The state’s ski resorts, known for their world-class terrain and powdery snow, become hubs for summer activities. But just where should you hang your hat for the week? We’ve found the top summer resorts in Colorado to keep you and your group comfortable, entertained, and even pampered.
The top summer resorts in Colorado
- Aspen Snowmass Resort
- Copper Mountain Resort
- Steamboat Ski Resort
- Vail Ski Resort
- Keystone Resort
- Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Winter Park Resort
- Beaver Creek Resort
- Telluride Ski Resort
Aspen Snowmass Resort
With two resorts in one, Aspen Snowmass lets you choose your own summer adventure. The town of Aspen is known as a high-end ski getaway—and the luxury doesn’t disappear with the snow. Aspen’s quaint village streets are a popular destination for celebrities, and are teeming with high-end shopping, lavish spas, and fine dining. You can even attend a yoga class on Aspen Mountain, with breathtaking views at 11,200 feet.
Snowmass Village, located just nine miles away, is more suited to travelers who want to spend time focusing on the outdoors. The ski runs are popular for hiking, or you can take the gondola for gorgeous views of White River National Forest. For a truly memorable experience, you can even book a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s eye view of the land.
WHERE TO STAY
Aspen Snowmass resort lodging
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$889 – $3295Next
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Copper Mountain Resort
Adventure awaits at Copper Mountain Resort, where adrenaline-seekers get their summer thrills. Channel your inner daredevil at the Woodward WreckTangle, a ten-part obstacle course including a climbing wall, zip line, and ropes course. You can even sign up for a competition, where the fastest and most daring team wins. Hit the trails on your mountain bike or diggler off-road scooter, or careen down the 5,800 feet of tracks on the resort’s alpine coaster.
WHERE TO STAY
Copper Mountain Resort vacation rentals
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$63 – $521Next
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Steamboat Ski Resort
Steamboat Springs is one of the best summer Colorado resorts for families traveling with young kids. Enjoy the charming downtown area, including Steamboat Celebrations, where the little ones can take art classes, play 1980s arcade games, snack on retro candy, or pick out a new favorite toy. Splash in the Yampa River or visit Old Town Hot Springs, complete with fun kid-friendly waterslides and relaxing soaking pools for the adults.
WHERE TO STAY
Steamboat Springs vacation rentals
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$450 – $1070Next
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Vail Ski Resort
When it comes to romantic getaways in Colorado, Vail is hard to beat. Book a horseback riding tour through the mountains or explore beautiful hiking trails at golden hour, when the light is just perfect. For a romantic sunset dinner with a view, Game Creek Restaurant is the place to be. Or you can taste to-die-for French cuisine and wine at the Left Bank. Afterward, you can stroll arm in arm through the Swiss-style streets of Vail Village just as the stars come out.
WHERE TO STAY
Vail vacation rentals
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$400 – $2199Next
Keystone Resort
Mountain bikers, rejoice: Keystone Bike Park is your ticket to singletrack bliss. Enjoy the convenience of lift-serviced downhill mountain biking, featuring bridges and drops for an exhilarating day. But bike enthusiasts of all types can enjoy this Colorado summer resort town: road cyclists can tackle the bike path around Dillon Reservoir, an 18-mile loop with over 1,000 feet of climb. Several breweries dot the road along the reservoir, including Outer Range Brewing, where you can reward yourself with a well-earned pint of local ale.
WHERE TO STAY
Keystone vacation rentals
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$286 – $813Next
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge (or Breck, more familiarly) is your ticket to outdoor adventure. With an ideal location in the Tenmile Range, a subset of the Rocky Mountains, you could spend your entire trip in nature. Enjoy an easy day on the Iowa Hill Mine hiking trail, where you can meander through an 1800s mining site, complete with historic markers and beautiful scenery. Or you can head deeper into nearby Rocky Mountains National Park for more rugged terrain.
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Breckenridge vacation rentals
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Water House On Main Street #5305
Ski-In / Ski-Out Tyra Lookout #20
Water House On Main Street #5305
Ski-In / Ski-Out Tyra Lookout #20
Water House On Main Street #5305
Ski-In / Ski-Out Tyra Lookout #20
$148 – $2412Next
Winter Park Resort
In the summer, Winter Park’s beginner ski trails become a world-class, 20-hole disc golf course. Never tried it before? Disc golfing is rising in popularity, and it’s a great way to while away the sunny afternoons, surrounded by gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains. Just hop on the Arrow lift to start, and when you’re finished, you can jet down the alpine slide (the longest in Colorado) to the base. There’s also an 18-hole putting golf course on the mountain, for the traditionalists in your group.
WHERE TO STAY
Winter Park vacation rentals
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$135 – $615Next
Beaver Creek Resort
It’s time to get on the water. At Beaver Creek, you can book an exhilarating day of whitewater rafting with local company Lakota Guides. For the truly adventurous at heart, they even offer overnight and two-day rafting excursions. For a more serene experience on the water, you can spend an afternoon fly fishing on the Eagle River, Gore Creek, and beyond. If you need to rent gear or want to plan a guided trip, Gore Creek Fly Fisherman makes an excellent choice.
WHERE TO STAY
Beaver Creek vacation rentals
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Townsend Place – Beaver Creek Retreat
Townsend Place – Beaver Creek Retreat
2 BED | 2 BATH | SLEEPS 8
Borders Lodge: Lower 110
$350 – $2001
6 BED | 6.5 BATH | SLEEPS 16
Arrowhead Abode
$1800 – $2495Next
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Telluride Ski Resort
Telluride is a historic mining town tucked in the San Juan Mountains, and is the perfect place to get away from it all. The nearest stoplight is 45 minutes away, and with no chain restaurants or shops, there’s a friendly local vibe. Popular summer activities in Telluride include attending a number of music festivals, from jazz to blues to indie rock, and even a hot air balloon festival. Telluride is known for its amazing culinary scene, so don’t forget to check out the local restaurants during your stay.
