Bring the whole family for some quality time spent together in the mountain town of Estes Park. The restaurants and activities in Estes Park’s downtown combined with the natural playground provided in the surrounding wilderness areas make this a fun-filled destination for a variety of ages! Set aside some time for a weekend getaway or stay a whole week on your Estes Park kid-friendly journey.
Day 1: Estes Park Kid-Friendly Activities at the Local YMCA
The YMCA of the Rockies offers a host of fun Estes Park kid friendly activities year-round, and you may be surprised at some of the options available. In summer months, you will find activities such as whitewater rafting, swimming, mini-golfing, guided hikes, and archery. In winter months, get out and enjoy the snow by sledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating, or stay warm with indoor swimming and roller skating. A day pass for those not staying at the YMCA can be purchased for access to multiple exciting Estes Park kid friendly activities for the whole family!
Day 2: Explore Trails on Horseback
Explore Estes Park’s scenic trails from a different vantage point when you set out via horseback. From trails that meander through the forest and across streams to paths that set out through wide-open fields with dramatic mountain backdrops, parents and children alike can enjoy the scenery and experience of exploring the wilderness on horseback. Stables in the area provide different ride options for a variety of skill levels, from short, easy rides to full day adventures that traverse trails leading to high elevation lakes. For the littlest riders, pony rides are the perfect introduction. Check out National Park Gateway Stables, Hi-Country Stables, and Sombrero Ranch for a few of the horseback riding options located in Estes Park!
Day 3: Fish at Trout Haven Ranch
Take on the leisurely pace of life in the mountains and spend the day fishing alongside your kids. Unlike many destinations, fishing in Estes Park doesn’t require an expensive expedition booking. At Trout Haven Ranch, no fishing license is required and all the gear you’ll need is available onsite. This pond is stocked regularly throughout the season with rainbow trout, and the cost is per inch for what you catch. With rod rentals at just a few dollars, this Estes Park kid-friendly destination is a fun, budget-friendly opportunity to introduce your children to the sport of fishing!
Day 4: Ski or Snowboard at Eldora
Nearby Eldora makes a great day trip option from Estes Park. Pick up rental gear in Estes Park at lower prices and be ready to hit the trail right upon arrival. With 680 acres of skiable terrain, including plenty of runs for beginners, a day at Eldora is fun for the whole family. An onsite ski school with patient, knowledgeable instructors make this activity accessible even for beginners. The ski and snowboard school caters to children as young as four, while there are also beginning lessons for adults. Book a private instructor that will focus just on your family, having everyone enjoying the slopes by the end of the day. Skiers and snowboarders who already have experience can hop right on the chair lift and enjoy miles of skiable terrain!
Day 5: Cool Off on Lake Estes
If you’re traveling outside of ski season, there’s a good chance you can instead enjoy a day of refreshing water activities on and around Lake Estes. The four-mile path encircling the lake is ideal for families who want to enjoy a walk or bike ride away from the dangers of traffic. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, it’s time to hit the lake! The Lake Estes Marina offers rental kayaks, paddle boards, paddle boats, canoes, and pontoon boats, perfect for a day of family fun on the water.
Make cherished family memories this spring in Estes Park!
Day 6: Indulge in a Sweet Treat
Treat the kids to a dessert that the adults can enjoy just as much! The charming downtown Estes Park area has several options for satisfying that sweet tooth craving. You Need Pie Diner & Bakery is known for their freshly baked pies warm from the oven. With about two dozen old fashioned favorites as well as over a dozen cream pie options, their selection is definitely plentiful. With the opportunity to order by the slice, ordering multiple selections to share is the way to go! The strawberry peach is a favorite for those who like a fruity flavor, the key lime has just the right combination of sweet and tart, while the peanut butter is ideal for those who like to indulge in a rich dessert. Located just outside of town, Cinnamon’s Bakery is another tempting locale for a delicious treat. Start your day with warm, freshly baked cinnamon or salted caramel rolls. They tend to sell out fast, so snag them early even if you plan to save them for a dessert later in the day!
Day 7: Sled at Hidden Valley
Located on the grounds of a former ski resort within the bounds of Rocky Mountain National Park, Hidden Valley is now a destination for backcountry skiers and families looking to enjoy a fun-filled time of sledding. When snow blankets the ground, the former ski slopes’ bunny hills are now a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Indoor restroom facilities are available, and a warming hut is open on weekends to thaw those fingers between downhill thrills. Sledding at Hidden Valley brings back the simple pleasures of enjoying an outdoor family activity together. While there are no fancy lifts to escort you to the top of the hill, the walk keeps you warm and the downhill thrills experienced together are well worth it. Sleds can be rented for a low cost at nearby outfitters such as Estes Park Mountain Shop and Kirk’s Mountain Adventures.
Day 8: Get Active at Open Air Adventure Park
Kids of all ages will love the challenges and thrills provided at Open Air Adventure Park. This aerial adventure park offers rope bridges, tightropes, swinging log steps, a horse saddle zip line, and more! Challenges are 11 and 21 feet above the ground and cater to every age and ability level. With the safety of a harness, kids are able to explore and challenge themselves to new heights at this family-fun location!
Family Cabins in Estes Park
At Mountain Village at Lake Estes, we specialize in family cabin rentals that are situated along the shores of the picturesque Lake Estes. Our cabin rentals are fully furnished and spacious, with room for your whole family. Open floorplans with full kitchens and living rooms offer a family-friendly space to gather around meals and enjoy games together in the evenings. Private sleeping quarters are perfect for families, who can put the children to bed and continuing enjoying the evening without them waking. Kids will love the upstairs loft that overlooks the great room, providing a bird’s eye view of all that is happening and offering a special place for them to hide away with books or games. With multiple bathrooms and sleeping accommodations for up to 8 guests in each home, these cabin rentals are perfect for families! A private outdoor space with a covered deck and yard provides more space for the kids to roam. Make our Estes Park family cabins part of your family vacation this year and discover a new tradition of enjoying the mountains with your children! And no need to worry if you need to work a bit during your stay; we have fantastic work-from-home Estes Park homes for rent! Browse our listings here!