Although popular tourist destinations in Colorado include Vail, Denver, Aspen, and Colorado Springs, did you know that the state has even more to offer?
The Centennial State is home to several picturesque cities and villages, all framed by the breathtaking natural backdrop of the Rockies; as if that weren’t tempting enough, these places are also typically devoid of tourists.
These locations in Colorado are some of the best for an enjoyable family vacation with lots of time spent in nature.
- Aspen/Snowmass
If you’re a family of skiers looking for the most excellent family-friendly ski resorts in Colorado, go no further than Aspen.
Aspen, often known as Snowmass (for obvious reasons), has beautiful ski slopes; yet, Snowmass is more than just its ski slopes.
Aspen also offers attractions such as the Ice Age Discovery Center and the Aspen Art Museum, ideal places for children to combine fun and education.
There are also snowshoeing, tubing, and snowmobiling to enjoy if your family isn’t like skiing.
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- Telluride
Telluride’s closest major airport is an hour and a half away, making it a challenging destination to access. Still, the trip is well worth seeing the picturesque town within the San Juan Mountains.
Telluride, one of our favorite family vacation destinations in Colorado, has more than its fair share of tourist families. The Hotel Telluride is a popular place to stay since it is close to downtown and offers many excellent amenities.
Don’t miss the beautiful scenery on the free gondola trip from the Mountain Village ski slope into town!
- Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek, one of Colorado’s best summer vacation spots, is filled with lovely stores and fantastic dining options.
Beaver Creek, located a few miles west of Vail, has fewer visitors due to its tiny size.
Mini-golf, bungee trampoline, fishing at Flood’s Fishing Pond, and leisurely gondola rides are available during the summer.
Mountain biking and hiking to Beaver Lake will be fascinating for older children. At the same time, parents can take a much-needed vacation from their children by attending a concert at the Vilar Performing Arts Center.
- Ouray
Ouray, located close to Telluride, is the place to visit for golden autumns, mountain views, and natural hot springs with pools and slides for children.
Visit the historic Bachelor-Syracuse silver mine for a glimpse into mining life, or admire the natural beauty of Box Canyon Falls as it winds its way through a tight canyon.
Due to the abundance of frozen waterfalls, Ouray becomes a popular ice climbing destination every winter.
The Ouray Perimeter Trail is famous for family outings due to its easy terrain and breathtaking vistas.
- Breckenridge
Breckenridge, located between Vail and Denver, is one of the most significant places in Colorado for a family vacation due to its abundance of family-friendly activities year-round.
This classic western town offers summertime activities, including an alpine coaster, an alpine slide, rope courses and zip lines at Epic Discovery, picturesque gondola rides, white-water rafting, and family horseback riding.
Additionally, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating are available in nearby Frisco.
During the winter, Breck’s terrain parks and one of the giant half pipes attract visitors.
- Crested Butte
This tiny, attractive town, which takes its name from the region’s most prominent mountain, Mount Crested Butte, is near Aspen and features many antique buildings and original miner’s shacks from the 1800s.
When traveling with children, investigate the numerous trailheads that lead to magnificent forests and alpine meadows.
The Viceroy Snowmass provides hikers with outstanding vacation packages.
If you’re up to the challenge, the 12-mile West Maroon Pass Hike will reward you with breathtaking vistas of Maroon Lake and the Maroon Bells!
- Boulder
Laid-back Boulder, predominantly a student town, is an excellent weekend destination.
Stroll along Boulder Creek or enjoy shopping in Pearl Street’s fabulously odd stores.
Hotel Boulderado is a popular place for families to stay; the historic structure with its Victorian-style rooms is in the heart of the bustling downtown area and a short distance from Pearl Street Mall.
Visit the Flatirons for a pleasant hike, or take Banjo Billy’s Bus Tour to hear local legends and ghost stories!
- Estes Park
With Rocky Mountain National Park right in town, Estes Park is a fantastic option for a family vacation in any season.
Families may enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, and ziplining in the summer, while there is fantastic snowshoeing in the winter.
Because of the abundance of kid-friendly activities available at the YMCA hostel, a visit to Estes Park is even more appealing to families with young children.
Estes Park is great for raising a family to everyone’s delight.
- Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, the state capital and one of the state’s largest towns, is home to the famous Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the beautiful and sacred Garden of the Gods, and the iconic Pike’s Peak.
Canon City and Cave of the Winds Mountain Park (Manitou Springs) are easily accessible from Colorado Springs and make fun day trips with the kids.
Visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park for some more family-friendly activities; this amusement park has the potential to be enjoyable for people of all ages and is located high above the Royal Gorge.
- Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is home to the wildly popular Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and is an excellent option for a family vacation in the western United States.
There are many exciting things at Glenwood Caverns, from cave tours to an alpine coaster to thrill rides for the brave and games for the small ones.
Hanging Lake, located in Glenwood Springs, is widely considered to be the most beautiful hiking site in Colorado.
Visit the beautiful natural hot springs at Iron Mountain or Glenwood Hot Springs Pool after a strenuous hike to Hanging Lake.
- Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde is a unique park with over 600 cliff houses and several archeological sites that were once the Pueblo people’s homes. It is not as well-known as Rocky Mountains National Park, but it is no less stunning.
In addition to its historical significance, Mesa Verde is famous due to its Junior Ranger program.
Staying at a campground will save you a significant amount of money, put you in the lap of Mother Nature, and provide ample opportunity for family bonding without the distraction of electronic devices and luxurious hotel rooms.
