When you’re looking for a great vacation destination to enjoy with the entire family this year, Estes Park, Colorado is it! This beautiful and inviting location is loved by visitors of all ages in every season. Whether you arrive with a passion for wildlife, time in nature, amazing shopping, delicious dining, or you have a longing for new discoveries of all kinds, you’ll find what you’re looking for and more right here. The following are some of the top kid-friendly things to do in Estes Park the next time you’re heading this way, and excited to elevate the experience.
Take a Thrilling Ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway
A great way to start your kid-friendly journey to Estes Park is to get your bearings from a bird’s-eye view. The perfect place to do exactly that is the Estes Park Aerial Tramway. When you decide to gather the kids and hop on this open-air cable car, you’ll be treated to 360-degree panoramic views from an impressive 8,708 feet up in the air. Your final destination will be scenic Prospect Mountain, but the trip upward is equally inviting, and it’s well worth having your camera ready for the ride ahead.
The tram runs from mid-May through November and starts operating at 8:00 am daily. You can purchase tickets online ahead of time, and when you arrive at the summit, it’s easy to disembark and build a day of wildlife watching and hiking into your kid-friendly adventure. There’s even a chipmunk feeding station here for the littlest ones in your group to check out when you arrive at the top.
Make Time to Explore Rocky Mountain National Park Together
If you’re a family of travelers who shares a passion for time on the hiking trails, your trip this way might not feel entirely complete until you’ve taken time to explore Rocky Mountain National Park together. The beauty of heading this way for the day is that you can pick and choose from a variety of hiking trails that run through the park and are suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels.
Routes like the Bear Lake Loop are really great for a more leisurely stroll, thanks to the flat terrain and great views. If you’re heading into the park with older kids in your group, you might want to consider the Alberta Falls hike, which is a bit more challenging, includes a cascade to admire, and is known for playing host to everything from marmots to elk.
When you want to make your time in Rocky Mountain National Park even more interactive for the kids in your group, head over to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center when you’re here. It’s a one-stop hub for signing up for Junior Ranger programs that are hosted throughout the year and gives kids a chance to learn more out in nature alongside an expert.
Spend Quality Time on and Around Lake Estes
A focal point for many families heading to Estes Park with kids in tow is time spent on and around Lake Estes together. In total, the lake spans nearly five miles of shoreline, making it a wonderful place to enjoy an afternoon of kayaking, paddleboarding, or pedal boating together at your own preferred pace.
There are easy-to-navigate pathways that wind around the lake as well, so if you’re more in the mood for a walk and soaking up sensational lake views, that’s an option, too. Many visitors choose to bike their way around Lake Estes, while others head here to picnic their way through a kid-friendly afternoon by the water.
Families who head over to the Lake Estes Marina with kids can always enjoy options to rent fishing gear for the day and see what’s biting below the surface. The marina sells fishing licenses right on-site as well, making it to have everything you need in place before heading out to cast a line.
Give Indoor Climbing a Try
When you’re looking to learn a new skill in a space that’s safe and fun for all ages, an afternoon at the Epic Climbing Gym in Estes Park is a must. Located on Big Thompson Avenue, this indoor climbing gym is a great place to learn the basics of rock climbing alongside a friendly and knowledgeable instructor. They’re open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm every day of the week, and all the gear you’ll need for a day of climbing adventures with the kids can be rented when you arrive.
Book Your Unforgettable Stay in Estes Park Today
No matter when travel plans bring you to Estes Park, booking your accommodations through Mountain Village at Lake Estes is a great way to ensure comfort, quality, convenience, and style are all a part of your getaway experience! Reach out to our team today to learn more about our many family-friendly property options available. We can’t wait to help you make it a trip you won’t soon forget, and we look forward to seeing you in Colorado soon.
