The Best Family Vacation Spots in Colorado (Guest Post)

It has been quite a few years since I visited Colorado, and it was only for a few days while attending a conference. I am definitely overdue for a return trip! And a family vacation in Colorado is something I really need to plan.

Since Colorado is not on my travel agenda in the near future, I thought I’d introduce my followers to another Tanya…who also loves to travel! Tanya Raedeke lives in Colorado with her family of 6 and shares their travel adventures at www.radfamilytravel.com. One of Tanya’s favorite things to cover on her blog is her family’s adventures in their own state of Colorado.

If you have been considering a trip to Colorado with your clan, then keep reading to learn about the 8 options Tanya recommends for great family vacations in Colorado.

Guest Post by Tanya Raedeke

Many of us already know that Colorado is a top summertime destination for many families. But exactly where are the best spots in Colorado for taking adventure-filled vacations? At Rad Family Travel, one of our goals is to share tips and trips to some truly amazing locations in Colorado.

Since moving to the Centennial state over three years ago, our hearts have only grown fonder of Colorado. Here, we’ve highlighted all our favorite places to go with kids in Colorado on a summer vacation (and beyond!).

From a family who’s been there, done that, and loved it — let’s get you out there!

1. Southwest Colorado Road Trip

Hot springs, three national parks, and “Switzerland of America”

Hit the road with your family through stunning Southwest Colorado for a summer vacation to remember. Unparalleled San Juan mountain views, jaw-dropping waterfalls and drives, three national parks, geothermal soaking and swimming, star-studded camping, free gondolas, whitewater rafting, hiking, canyoning, climbing, biking, wildlife, mining ghost towns, local burgers and brews, wildflower capital, rent a Jeep for some unforgettable mountain climbs … need I say more?

Southwest Colorado doles out adrenaline and adventure for kids and adults.

Starting from Colorado Springs, we looped our way through southwest Colorado on an unforgettable road trip including: Great Sand Dunes National Park, Pagosa Springs, Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray (Switzerland of America!), Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crested Butte, and Buena Vista.

Grab your swimsuit, hiking shoes, and sunglasses for this Southwest Colorado road trip that makes for one amazing family summer vacation.

2. Buena Vista

Our favorite little mountain town

There is so much to do in the wonderful little mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado, making it a perfect place to call home for a week, especially in the summer.

Sitting in the Collegiate Peaks, and just two hours from Colorado Springs, Buena Vista is a great base for adventure in and along the Arkansas River. Enjoy Buena Vista’s rejuvenated Main Street, with cool shops and delicious food and drink at every corner.

Go whitewater-rafting in Brown’s Canyon with Noah’s Ark. Go biking, kayaking, climbing, fishing, or take the scenic drive up to Independence Pass. Camp in campgrounds just outside of town or rent a vacation home near the Arkansas River.

3. Aspen – Snowmass

Maroon Bells and Independence Pass

I used to think family vacations in places like Aspen, Colorado in the Rocky Mountains were only for the rich and famous. But one summer, our un-showered family of six descended on Aspen from our gorgeous, basic campsite on the flip side of Independence Pass.

Having found a delicious ice cream shoppe, we then discovered the famous Maroon Bells were there in Aspen’s backyard! Since that first day trip, we’ve been back to unwrap all of the area’s best outdoor adventures and things to do with kids and teens in the Aspen – Snowmass area.

Learn how to hike to the famous Maroon Bells via the Crater Lake Trail and more budget-friendly options for an amazing family summer vacation in gorgeous Aspen.

4. Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, a top-rated zoo and so much more

Colorado Springs is your back door to spectacular mountain adventures. Colorado Springs sits at 6,035’ under her majestic fourteener called Pikes Peak. Less congested than Denver, Colorado Springs is a great base for a family vacation.

Your number one stop is Garden of the Gods. With 1,300 acres of jutting, towering sandstone rock, plus hiking trails and a modern Visitor’s Center, you must come stretch your legs in this city-owned free park.

Then head to the historic Broadmoor Hotel, and explore this luxury resort inside and out. Mosey around and people watch. Splurge on the short hike to Seven Falls (owned by the Broadmoor) or head to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo just around the corner. This favored zoo offers up-close interactions with animals. Feed the giraffes face to face – it’s a riot!

Scarf down burgers at the Skirted Heifer downtown, followed up with Josh and John’s homemade ice cream. Head up the hill to Manitou Springs for an hour of good old-fashioned fun at the Penny Arcade.

Read more of the best things to do with kids in and around Colorado Spring.

5. Steamboat Springs

Celebrate July 4th in the Rocky Mountains

Burst into family vacation mode with a Patriotic celebration in a historic alpine town that’s tough to beat. An internationally known winter ski resort destination, Steamboat Springs, Colorado wrangles up loads of summer fun too, especially around July 4th.

Don’t miss the Pro-Rodeo by night and true Olympians competing in summer ski jumping over on Howelsen Hill.

On July 4th, rise early, throw on some red, white, and blue, and save your spot for the epic annual Independence Day parade downtown. You and your kids are gonna love this one!

Ride the gondola to the top of Mount Werner at Steamboat Resort for hiking or biking, then soak your weary bones in the Old Town Hot Springs. On another day, float down the Yampa River with a cold one.

Steamboat Springs has aimed to please since 1900, with her main street more alive than ever. A thriving ski town that draws an international crowd each winter, know that Steamboat Springs in the summer is tough to beat.

6. Snow Mountain Ranch (YMCA of the Rockies – Granby)

Camp in a yurt just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park

A favorite Colorado vacation before we even lived in this adventurous state, a week at Snow Mountain Ranch is perfect for one family or a big family reunion. Owned by YMCA of the Rockies — with another location in Estes Park on the flip side of  Rocky Mountain National Park — this location has various lodging options and is a perfect base for exploring the park and nearby mountain towns of Winter Park and Grand Lake.

At Snow Mountain Ranch, staying in a yurt feels akin to camping, yet you sleep in a queen-size bed. There are so many free options on the ranch, like swimming indoors, roller skating, mini-golf, and an amazing summer tubing hill.

We also rode bikes, learned archery, and tie-dyed away a rainy afternoon at the craft hut.  Hiking trails and horseback riding are an option on property too.

Rocky Mountain’s west entrance is just an easy 30-minute drive from Snow Mountain Ranch, providing more hiking opportunities and sunset drives for spying wildlife. Nearby Winter Park boasts a fantastic summer adventure park.

Did you know there are four national parks in Colorado, all very different from each other?

Remember, you can hit the other three on the Southwest Colorado Road Trip mentioned at the beginning of this post. Sand sled down massive dunes at Great Sand Dunes, explore Ancestral Puebloan ruins at Mesa Verde, and follow the Gunnison River through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

7. Plan a Fall Visit to Colorado

Golden Aspen drives and hikes

What rivals a Colorado Summer? Colorado in Autumn! Hit the road and take a road trip into the mountains searching for gold. This might be a more romantic anniversary trip versus a trip with kids. After the kids are settled back into a school year, plan a getaway trip to Colorado for you and yours.

In late September through early October, Aspen groves turn to shimmering yellows and gold. Go for a drive, or even better, pack a picnic and head out on a hike. Here are 20 fantastic Fall destinations for hikes and drives in Colorado’s golden sanctuaries.

8. Winter vacations in Colorado

Family skiing on a budget in Colorado

Want to explore Colorado in the Winter? If you love finding ways to take cheap(er) vacations, we’ve rounded up smaller, cheaper Colorado ski resorts perfect for families.

With average prices for adult lift tickets at bigger ski resorts like Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Winter Park, and Keystone well over $100 per day (a smidge cheaper with multi-day passes), families on a budget are smart to look at booking with small resorts where the skiing is just as good and you won’t lose each other on the mountain.

With smart guidelines for buying lift tickets at any resort, here are ten smaller family-friendly Colorado ski resorts that won’t break the bank.

I hope you’ve enjoyed our round-up of favorite places to take kids in Colorado on a summer vacation and beyond!

My family and I still have a lot more exploring to do in this beautiful state, and we will continue to share more tips as we go, so bookmark our Colorado page if you love Colorado vacations.

What is your favorite vacation spot in Colorado? Comment below and let’s keep the love going for the great state of Colorado!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

P.S. Subscribe to my email list here and never miss out on any of Traveling Tanya’s exciting excursions or travel tips…plus I’ll send you my free Packing List!

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