From swimming in a lazy river at a mountain resort to horseback riding at an all-inclusive dude ranch, Colorado is full of family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities.
If you’re looking for vacation ideas for your next family trip, here is a round-up of the best Colorado family vacations.
1. The Gaylord of the Rockies
Location: Denver
Best for: Families with kids who like to swim
One of the best family resorts in Colorado, the Gaylord of the Rockies is a great place to visit with kids who like to swim. The premises are large and open and the site contains multiple swimming pools, water slides and a lazy river. It’s an easy getaway for families that want to relax and take in some sun.
2. Great Wolf Lodge
Location: Colorado Springs
Best for: Families with younger children
This indoor water park offers themed suites, family dining, storytime, arcades and late-night dance parties. Younger children will be entertained during all hours of the day.
3. Breckenridge
Location: Breckenridge
Best for: Families with older children
There is plenty to do for older kids in this mountain town including paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, whitewater rafting and zip-lining. Historic main street is fun to stroll around on, but if younger kids get tired, you can just hop on the trolley. Visit the Mountain Top Children’s Museum, try to beat the clock in an escape room or take a ride on the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster.
4. The Broadmoor
Location: Colorado Springs
Best for: Families with older children
What doesn’t this resort offer? Parents will enjoy the upscale facility and older kids will love the paddle boats, hiking trails, mountain biking, swimming, horseback riding and zip-lining. Aside from the resort, Colorado Springs has great spots for kids like the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peake and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. With so many choices, this is one of the best places to take kids in Colorado.
5. C Lazy U Ranch
Location: Granby
Best for: Families with kids of all ages
Of course, this dude ranch offers horseback riding, fishing and other experiences for families to enjoy together. But one unique aspect of this all-inclusive facility is that they offer supervised kid’s programs in four age groups ranging from three to eighteen years old. From arts and crafts to pool time to cattle clinics and whitewater rafting, there is something for everyone.
6. Crested Butte
Location: Crested Butte
Best for: Families with older children
Take in the clear mountain air as you go camping, hiking, fishing and biking with older children at this gorgeous mountain resort. Chair lifts are available for easy access to the top of the mountain so you can enjoy breathtaking views with the whole family.
7. Road Trip to Telluride and Ouray
Location: Telluride and Ouray
Best for: Families with kids of all ages
These mountain towns are known for hot springs, waterfalls, bike trails and a history of mining. The scenic 40-mile ride between the two towns is famous for its steep cliffs and stunning scenery making it one of the best Colorado road trips for families.
8. Glenwood Springs Hot Springs and Hotel
Location: Glenwood Springs near Aspen
Best for: Families with older children
The packages offered at this resort make it easy to go whitewater rafting, biking or exploring in caverns. Each package comes with breakfast as well as access to the hot springs, so there is plenty to do here with older kids.
9. Pirates Cove Family Aquatic Center
Location: Englewood
Best for: Families with younger children
Take a ride down the slides at this water park, lay back on the lazy river or let younger kids run around a splash pad. If you’re staying nearby for a few days, head to the aquarium or learn about aviation at the Rockies Exploration of Flight Museum.
10. Great Sand Dunes
Location: Mosca
Best for: Families with kids of all ages
This national park offers hiking and backpacking, sandboarding and sand sledding, or you can rent a teepee for a one-of-a-kind camping experience. Kids of all ages will love the alligator farm in Mosca, a 20-minute ride from the Sand Dunes.
11. Jellystone Park
Location: Larkspur
Best for: Families with younger children
This 100-acre campground offers upscale cabin rentals, as well as space for an RV hook up, allowing visitors many ways to enjoy the gorgeous Colorado mountains. Two swimming pools, water slides, an outdoor cooking station, mini-golf, themed weeks and even gem mining make this a great Colorado attraction for families with younger children.
12. Georgetown and The Train
Location: Georgetown
Best for: Families with kids of all ages
Hike the many trails in this scenic and historic old town, take a guided tour, enjoy a walking path or fish in the lake. Kids will love the open-air train as well as the mine tours and gold panning. This is a must for any hikers!
Family vacations are a great way to make life-long memories year-round and traveling with kids to Colorado can be magical. But being prepared with the right equipment can make a big difference between a successful trip and a stressful one.
Before you pack your bags for some family fun, spend some time shopping for the right family travel gear you need to ensure a good trip. When shopping for your next adventure or summer vacation, lean on us to make that job a little easier. GoodBuy Gear is your one-stop-shop for all baby and kid gear for life’s most important moments.
