2018-12-10 06:05:55
More and more people are traveling in packs these days: As older generations are living longer, healthier lives, families are rediscovering the special connections that form while vacationing together. And parents enjoy having more grown-ups around to wrangle little ones. It’s nearly impossible to find a spot in Colorado that doesn’t have “something for everyone,” so these base camps are just the beginning of what could become your most memorable whole-family getaway of all time. SUMMER: 1 ESTES PARK At the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, set aside time for hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching and driving scenic Trail Ridge Road. In town, your entire clan will love strolling Elkhorn Avenue’s shops and sweet treats. THINGS TO DO: Rocky Mountain National Park, Open Air Adventure Park, downtown Estes, Lake Estes, Trout Haven Fishing Pond, Green Jeep Tours, Rocky Mountain Conservancy FAMILY-FRIENDLY EATS: Rock Inn Mountain Tavern DATE-NIGHT ESCAPE: Twin Owls Steakhouse 2 GLENWOOD SPRINGS Glenwood Hot Springs has been a favorite family destination since 1888, but new attractions, trails catering to all abilities, and whole-family-friendly activities seem to be added every year — one of the reasons the town is a hot spot for tots, teens and everyone above. THINGS TO DO: Glenwood and Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs Golf Club, Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail, Frontier Historical Society FAMILY-FRIENDLY EATS: Slope & Hatch DATE-NIGHT ESCAPE: Co. Ranch House 3 COLORADO SPRINGS The city’s easily accessed outdoors will call to your group right away, many with trail options suitable for strollers to wheelchairs. There are also literally dozens of attractions that call to each family members’ interests. THINGS TO DO: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Cave of the Winds, Broadmoor Seven Falls, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Space Foundation Discovery Center FAMILY-FRIENDLY EATS: Edelweiss Restaurant, Airplane Restaurant DATE-NIGHT ESCAPE: Shuga’s 4 DURANGO From trains to ziplines, camping and alpine slides, summer in Durango is filled to the brim with activities that can be ratcheted up or down, depending on the level of action your group seeks. THINGS TO DO: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Mesa Verde National Park, Powerhouse Science Center, Purgatory Resort, raft trips that run the gamut from floating to flying FAMILY-FRIENDLY EATS: Steamworks Brewing Company, Fired Up Pizzeria DATE-NIGHT ESCAPE: Seasons WINTER: 5 GOLDEN Bring your cowboy boots — the crew will love stepping back into the Old West in Golden. Interactive elements and places to get active and shake off the road-trip cobwebs abound. THINGS TO DO: Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, Lookout Mountain Nature Center & Preserve, Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado Railroad Museum, climbing the steps or exploring the trails at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre FAMILY-FRIENDLY EATS: Sherpa House Restaurant & Cultural Center DATE-NIGHT ESCAPE: The Fort 6 BRECKENRIDGE Cool mountain breezes and long, sun-drenched afternoons make it easy to seek out the excitement in Breck’s winters. THINGS TO DO: Breckenridge Ski Resort, Mountain Top Children’s Museum, Barney Ford House Museum, Escape Room Breckenridge FAMILY-FRIENDLY EATS: Downstairs at Eric’s DATE-NIGHT ESCAPE: Relish 7 SALIDA Salida is one of those easy-going Colorado towns where you feel your pulse slow down the minute you roll in, and you find yourself joining in on the laid-back way of life. Monarch Mountain is a manageable size for families yet boasts plenty of excellent terrain. THINGS TO DO: Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort or Salida Hot Springs Pool, Monarch Mountain, artsy shops of downtown FAMILY-FRIENDLY EATS: Boathouse Cantina DATE-NIGHT ESCAPE: The Biker & the Baker 8 WINTER PARK Winter Park has plenty of ways to keep folks busy in the winter — with a good mix of inside and outside activities for those with varying tolerances for winter weather. THINGS TO DO: Winter Park Resort skiing or tubing hill, sleigh and dog-sled rides at Snow Mountain Ranch, The Foundry Cinema & Bowl, snowshoeing on the Fraser River Trail, Cozens Ranch Museum FAMILY-FRIENDLY EATS: Hernando’s Pizza Pub DATE-NIGHT ESCAPE: Idlewild Spirits Distillery
©Colorado. View All Articles.