Colorado Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Colorado with kids.
Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state renowned for world-class skiing, stunning national parks, and vibrant outdoor culture. From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the red rock canyons of the southwest, Colorado offers some of America's most dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Colorado.
Denver Children's Museum
Excellent hands-on interactive play spaces, arts and crafts stations, outdoor water play, and educational exhibits designed specifically for young children from infants to age 8
Denver Zoo
300+ acres with 4,000+ animals including African elephants, snow leopards, komodo dragons, and Colorado native species. Consistently rated among America's top zoos.
Garden of the Gods
Stunning free red rock formations with easy paved walking paths and dramatic Pikes Peak backdrop. The free Visitor Center has excellent geology and history exhibits for all ages.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
World-class natural history museum with fossil dinosaurs, space exploration exhibits, Colorado geology, an IMAX theater, and hands-on discovery zones consistently rated among America's best children's museums
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
America's only mountain zoo built into a canyon at 6,714 feet with spectacular Pikes Peak views and the famous giraffe feeding experience that children never forget
Rocky Mountain National Park Junior Ranger
Kids complete an activity booklet at their own pace and earn an official Junior Ranger badge from a park ranger. Excellent educational program connecting children to Colorado's wildlife and ecosystems.
Cave of the Winds
Guided tours through ancient limestone caverns with impressive stalactites and stalagmites near Manitou Springs. Also features outdoor challenge courses and the terror-dactyl swing for adventurous kids.
Breckenridge Alpine Coaster
Colorado's most exciting mountain coaster descending 1,900 feet with 360-degree turns and speeds up to 28mph. Kids must be 54 inches to ride solo.
White Water Rafting - Beginner Section
Beginner-friendly rafting on the Clear Creek near Denver or upper Arkansas River sections. Most companies accept kids 10+ (minimum 50 lbs) for mild Class II-III rapids.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Historic steam train ride through spectacular San Juan Mountains canyon country operating since 1882. Children are captivated by the working steam locomotive and wilderness scenery.
Activities by Age Group
Find activities suited to your children's ages.
👶 Toddlers (0-3)
- Parks with shaded play areas
- Short, stroller-friendly walks
- Swimming pools at family hotels
- Animal encounters
🧒 Young Kids (4-7)
- Interactive museums
- Easy outdoor adventures
- Cultural shows and performances
- Market explorations
🧑 Older Kids (8-12)
- Historical site tours
- Adventure activities
- Cooking classes for kids
- Nature excursions
👦 Teens (13+)
- Adventure sports
- Photography walks
- Cultural immersion experiences
- Food tours
Colorado Family Guide
Family itineraries, packing checklists, and activity planning tips.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Where to stay with kids.
Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs
Indoor waterpark resort with massive water slides, wave pool, lazy river, and extensive kids programming that makes it a destination in itself. Kids rarely want to leave.
The Broadmoor Colorado Springs
Colorado's grandest resort with extensive family programming across its sprawling property at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain. Worth every penny for a special family trip.
YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park
Beautiful family resort near Rocky Mountain National Park with extensive facilities, activities programs, and family-sized cabin accommodation at genuinely affordable prices.
Keystone Resort Colorado
Family-oriented ski resort with excellent ski school, dedicated terrain for beginners and kids, tubing hill, and affordable compared to Vail or Aspen.
What to Look For
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Swimming pool (supervised)
- Restaurant with kids' menu
- Babysitting/kids' club services
- Safe, enclosed outdoor spaces
- Proximity to attractions
Kid-Friendly Dining
Where to eat with children.
Colorado restaurants are generally very family-friendly with high chairs and kids menus
Most ski resorts have casual family dining at the base and mid-mountain
Denver's Casa Bonita (4320 W Colfax) is a unique Denver entertainment dining experience children adore
Colorado's brewpub culture means most establishments are kid-friendly until evening
Family Travel Tips
Make traveling with kids easier.
Book ski lessons weeks in advance - popular Colorado resort ski schools fill up for peak weeks
Children under 5 ski free at most Colorado resorts; under 12 ski free with parent at some
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is consistently ranked one of America's best children's museums
Summer wildflower viewing at Rocky Mountain National Park is magical for families in July
Colorado's altitude means children may tire more easily - plan rest time into your itinerary
Junior Ranger programs at all national parks and monuments are free and genuinely engaging
Health & Safety
- Check recommended vaccinations for children
- Pack enough prescription medications
- Bring sun protection and stay hydrated
- Research nearest hospitals/clinics
- Get travel insurance covering the whole family
Plan Your Family Adventure
Get our complete family travel guide with kid-friendly itineraries, packing lists, and activity recommendations.