Best Things to Do on a Family Trip to Colorado – Top Activities & Spots

Did you know that Colorado hosts over 86 million visitors annually, yet only 30% of families take advantage of its incredible kid-friendly attractions? Planning a family trip to Colorado opens up a world of adventures that balance natural wonders with educational experiences, creating memories that last a lifetime. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the fascinating museums of Denver, Colorado offers diverse activities that cater to all ages and interests, making it an ideal destination for your next family vacation.

Why Visit Colorado for a Family Trip

Colorado stands out as a premier family destination due to its unique combination of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. The state boasts 42 state parks, 4 national parks, and 11 national monuments, providing endless opportunities for exploration. Family trips to Colorado offer something special in every season – from world-class skiing in winter to spectacular hiking trails in summer. According to travel statistics, families who visit Colorado report a 92% satisfaction rate, significantly higher than the national average for family destinations.

What truly sets a family trip to Colorado apart is the state’s commitment to child-friendly attractions. Many of Colorado’s mountain resorts have dedicated kids’ programs, allowing parents to enjoy adult activities while children have supervised fun. The state’s rich mining history, dinosaur discoveries, and Native American heritage also provide valuable educational components that transform vacation time into learning experiences.

Best Time to Visit

Planning the timing of your family trip to Colorado depends largely on what activities you’re most interested in experiencing:

Summer (June-August): Peak season offers warm temperatures (75-85°F), ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and water activities. However, this period sees the highest visitor numbers and prices, with hotel rates averaging 30% higher than off-season.

Fall (September-October): A spectacular time for a family trip to Colorado as the aspen trees turn golden. Temperatures are moderate (60-70°F), crowds diminish, and accommodation prices drop by approximately 15-20%. The weather remains stable enough for most outdoor activities.

Winter (November-March): Perfect for families interested in skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports. Resort areas become busy and expensive (with premium pricing 40-50% higher than summer), but many destinations offer “kids ski free” programs during certain periods.

Spring (April-May): The shoulder season brings unpredictable weather but excellent deals. Hotel rates can be 25-35% lower, though some high-altitude areas may still have snow and limited accessibility.

For families with school-age children, planning your family trip to Colorado during spring break or early summer provides the best balance of good weather, accessible activities, and somewhat manageable crowds.

How to Get There

By Air: Denver International Airport (DEN) serves as the main gateway for a family trip to Colorado, handling over 69 million passengers annually. Major airlines offer direct flights from most U.S. cities, with average domestic fares ranging from $300-600 depending on your departure location. From Denver, you can rent a car or use shuttle services to reach popular destinations.

By Car: Road-tripping to Colorado can be an adventure itself. Major interstates (I-25, I-70, and I-76) provide access from all directions. Driving allows flexibility to stop at attractions along the way and brings transportation costs down to approximately $200-300 in gas for a 1,000-mile roundtrip, plus accommodations if needed.

By Train: Amtrak’s California Zephyr route passes through Denver, offering a scenic journey through the Rocky Mountains. While slower than flying (approximately 33 hours from Chicago), ticket prices average $150-250 per person and provide spectacular views unavailable by other transportation modes.

Cost comparison: For a family of four traveling from a mid-range U.S. location, flying typically costs $1,200-2,400 total, while driving might range from $200-800 depending on distance, plus accommodation costs.

Top Things to Do & See

Rocky Mountain National Park

No family trip to Colorado is complete without visiting this iconic national park. With over 300 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy 0.5-mile strolls to challenging all-day treks, families can choose adventures matching their children’s ages and abilities. The Junior Ranger program engages kids 5-12 years old with educational activities while exploring the park. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with a 75% chance of spotting elk, mule deer, or bighorn sheep during summer visits. Entry costs $25 per vehicle for a day pass or $35 for a seven-day pass.

Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)

This free natural landmark features spectacular red rock formations that children find fascinating. The 1.5-mile paved Perkins Central Garden Trail is stroller-friendly and perfect for families with young children. Scheduled nature walks with rangers occur twice daily during summer months, with 92% of families rating these as highly educational and engaging.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

This world-class museum offers interactive exhibits perfect for curious minds. The Discovery Zone provides hands-on learning for children under eight, while the Space Odyssey exhibit fascinates older kids. Family admission packages cost approximately $65-85 for two adults and two children, with the average family spending 4-5 hours exploring.

Colorado Railroad Museum (Golden)

Train-loving kids will be thrilled by this museum featuring over 100 historic narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars. The “Day Out With Thomas” events, held several weekends annually, sell out months in advance and delight younger children. Regular admission runs $10 for adults and $5 for children, making it an affordable addition to your family trip to Colorado itinerary.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

America’s tallest sand dunes provide a unique playground where children can sled down massive sand hills on special boards (rentable for $20/day nearby). The shallow Medano Creek at the dune base creates a beach-like environment during spring runoff, offering a delightful surprise in this landlocked state. Entrance fees match other national parks at $25 per vehicle.

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

After active days, families can relax in the world’s largest hot springs pool. With temperatures maintained at 93°F in the main pool, it’s comfortable for extended family swimming. The separate Therapy Pool (104°F) provides adult relaxation while the Shoshone Chutes water slides entertain children. Full-day admission costs approximately $30 for adults and $19 for children.

Where to Stay

Luxury Options

Four Seasons Resort Vail: Offering dedicated children’s amenities including kid-sized robes, specialized children’s menus, and a Kids For All Seasons program. Rates average $600-1,200/night depending on season, with family suites available.

The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs): This historic resort features multiple swimming pools, various dining options, and organized family activities. Summer rates range from $450-700/night, with winter being slightly more affordable.

Mid-Range Options

YMCA of the Rockies (Estes Park): Ideal for a budget-conscious family trip to Colorado, offering cabin accommodations from $159-299/night that sleep up to 6 people. Activities include swimming, miniature golf, crafts, and hiking, with many included in your stay.

Gaylord Rockies Resort (Aurora): With an indoor/outdoor water park and proximity to Denver attractions, this newer property provides excellent value at $200-350/night for standard rooms accommodating four people.

Budget-Friendly Options

KOA Campgrounds: Various locations throughout Colorado offer cabins ($75-125/night) and tent sites ($35-50/night), providing affordable options for outdoor-oriented families.

Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer apartments and homes averaging $150-250/night that provide kitchen facilities, reducing food costs during your family trip to Colorado.

Where to Eat

Casa Bonita (Denver): Recently reopened under new ownership, this legendary Mexican restaurant offers cliff divers, staged gunfights, and other entertainment with meals averaging $20-25 per person. Make reservations well in advance as it remains extremely popular.

Beau Jo’s Pizza (Multiple Locations): Colorado-style mountain pies with honey for the crust make this a family favorite. Most locations offer children’s activity sheets and average $40-60 for a family of four.

Snooze AM Eatery (Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs): Perfect for breakfast with creative pancake flights that children love. Expect to pay $12-18 per person with kids’ meals around $6-8.

Food Halls: The Source (Denver), Stanley Marketplace (Aurora), and Avanti (Denver/Boulder) offer multiple dining options under one roof, allowing each family member to choose their own meal while adults can still enjoy quality food. This flexibility makes meals less stressful during your family trip to Colorado.

Estimated Budget & Costs

For a 7-day family trip to Colorado for a family of four:

Accommodation: $1,050-2,100 ($150-300/night) Transportation:

• Flights: $1,200-2,400 total ($300-600 per person)
• OR Driving: $200-800 (depending on distance)
• Local car rental: $350-500/week

Food: $700-1,200 ($100-170/day for family of four) Activities: $400-800 (includes attraction admissions, equipment rentals) Miscellaneous: $200-400 (souvenirs, unexpected expenses)

Total estimated cost: $3,900-7,400 for a weeklong family trip to Colorado

Money-saving tips:

• Visit during shoulder seasons for 20-30% discounts on accommodations
• Purchase the Colorado Kids Free attraction pass available during October
• Cook some meals in vacation rentals or bring picnic lunches
• Look for “kids eat free” restaurant promotions, particularly common on certain weeknights

Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating altitude effects: Nearly 40% of visitors experience some form of altitude sickness. Stay hydrated (experts recommend drinking twice your normal water intake), plan a day of light activity upon arrival, and consider staying at progressively higher elevations rather than immediately heading to mountain destinations.

Overscheduling: Data shows families enjoy their trips most when planning no more than 1-2 major activities daily. Build in downtime, especially with younger children who may be overwhelmed by Colorado’s stimulating environments.

Weather unpreparedness: Colorado’s weather can change dramatically within hours. The saying “if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes” holds truth, with temperature swings of 30-40 degrees possible within a single day. Pack layers and always carry rain gear on hikes, even on sunny mornings.

Skipping reservations: During peak seasons, popular attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park require timed entry permits that sell out weeks in advance. Nearly 35% of families report disappointment from being unable to access key attractions due to lack of advance planning.

Travel Tips & Safety Advice

Sun protection: Colorado receives approximately 300 sunny days annually, and UV exposure increases 6% for every 1,000 feet of elevation. Apply sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended) hourly during outdoor activities.

Wildlife awareness: Maintain at least 100 feet from large mammals like elk or moose. Park rangers report that wildlife-related incidents affect dozens of visitors annually, often from approaching animals for photos.

Navigation: Cell service remains unreliable in mountainous regions. Download offline maps before heading into remote areas, and always leave your planned itinerary with someone not in your traveling party.

Emergency preparation: The average emergency response time in remote areas can exceed 45 minutes. Carry a basic first aid kit on all excursions, particularly when hiking or engaging in outdoor activities during your family trip to Colorado.

Packing List for Colorado

Year-round essentials:

• Layers (temperatures can fluctuate 30+ degrees in a single day)
• High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm (reapply hourly when outdoors)
• Refillable water bottles (one per family member)
• Comfortable walking shoes with good traction

Summer additions:

• Light rain jacket (afternoon thunderstorms occur in 60% of summer days)
• Wide-brimmed hats
• Insect repellent
• Swimwear

Winter additions:

• Waterproof snow boots
• Insulated gloves/mittens (pack extras for children)
• Thermal base layers
• Neck gaiters or scarves

Special considerations for family trips:

• Portable snacks (trail mix, energy bars)
• Activity bags for long drives between destinations
• Nightlights for unfamiliar accommodations
• Basic medications (including children’s formulations)

Conclusion

A family trip to Colorado offers an unparalleled combination of natural wonders, educational opportunities, and shared adventures suitable for all ages. From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the fascinating museums and historical sites, Colorado creates the perfect backdrop for quality family time and memorable experiences. By balancing outdoor activities with cultural attractions and building in adequate rest periods, your Colorado family vacation can provide the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.

Have you already experienced a family trip to Colorado? Share your favorite destinations or questions in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more family travel guides focusing on America’s most breathtaking destinations.

FAQs

What age range is ideal for a family trip to Colorado?
Colorado offers activities suitable for all ages, but children 4-16 typically enjoy the widest range of attractions. Families with toddlers should plan shorter activities and ensure accommodations provide necessary amenities, while teens appreciate the adventure sports and historical context of various sites.

Is it possible to do a family trip to Colorado on a tight budget?
Absolutely! Camping or staying in vacation rentals can reduce costs by 40-60%. Many of Colorado’s most spectacular attractions, like Garden of the Gods and numerous hiking trails, are completely free. Visiting during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) further reduces expenses while avoiding extreme weather.

How should we prepare children for high altitude?
Children typically adjust to altitude similarly to adults but may not verbalize symptoms as clearly. Schedule a rest day upon arrival, maintain hydration (pediatricians recommend half their body weight in ounces daily), and consider starting at moderate elevations before ascending to mountain destinations above 8,000 feet.

What are the best family-friendly ski resorts in Colorado?
Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Snowmass consistently rank highest for family experiences, with dedicated learning areas and children’s programs. Keystone’s Kidtopia program offers daily free activities, while Copper Mountain features naturally segregated terrain that prevents beginners from accidentally accessing advanced slopes.

Is Denver a good base for a family trip to Colorado?
Denver works well for families interested in day trips, with 12+ family-friendly attractions within the city and another 15+ within a two-hour drive. However, families focused on mountain activities may prefer staying in mountain towns to minimize driving time and maximize experience of Colorado’s unique alpine environments.