Making time to unwind and enjoy a well-earned getaway to Estes Park is always a treat for travelers. Being able to spend time here with the kids over the summer makes it that much more exciting! Estes Park is a family-friendly vacation destination packed with opportunities for fun whether your kids are looking to get into nature or are the type that seek out adrenaline-pumping entertainment. From amazing views to fun shopping stops, Estes Park truly has something for everyone. The following are just a few of the many exciting Estes Park summer activities you can add to your itinerary when you’re headed this way in the summertime and looking for activities the kids are sure to love.
Explore the Open Air Adventure Park
When you and the kids could do with a sky-high view and some heart-pounding fun along the way, head over to the Estes Park Open Air Adventure Park this summer. Located at 490 Prospect Village Drive, the Open Air Adventure Park is the perfect place to spend 90 minutes alongside your favorite crew exploring no less than 32 on-site thrilling elements both on and above the ground. While some of the obstacles are just 10 feet off the ground, others rise to 21 feet over the earth, providing a new perspective on the terrain. Visitors here can enjoy everything from swinging log steps and aerial tightropes to rope bridges, moving platforms, and more! This is the perfect place to adventure alongside kids that are at least six years old and making a recommendation in advance is highly recommended.
Book a Wildside 4×4 Tour
Getting out to take in the stunning Estes Park views is always memorable and when you’re along for the ride with the kids this summer, there’s no reason not to do it in authentic mountain style. Make time to enjoy a jeep tour altogether and pair backcountry adventures with amazing vistas. Headquartered at 212 E Elkhorn Ave in Estes Park, this company can customize your tour experience according to preference, but you can always count on riding alongside a knowledgeable and friendly guide. There are different tour routes to choose from that feature everything from wildlife and waterfalls to the best of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you opt for the National Park experience, you’ll ride through at the Fall River entrance station and navigate no less than 12 miles of mesmerizing switchback dirt roads at an elevation of around 7,800 feet. There are opportunities to stop and take pictures along the way so be sure you have your camera on hand for this experience.
Take a Family Trek
For the family traveling to Estes Park with the kids this summer that loves to lace up their boots and hit the trails, there are plenty of kid-friendly routes waiting to be discovered at Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you’re hoping for a challenge or hiking with little ones that move at a more leisurely rate, there are many options to choose from. The Sprague Lake Trail is a great starting point for hiking families with kids that are bound to make plenty of stops along the way. This hike is less than a mile in total and is relatively flat with stunning views across lakes as well as the Continental Divide peaks. You can plan on stopping at Sprague Lake and exploring the pier or making the most of a picnic too. The Bear Lake trail is also less than a mile and a popular option for families with kids who are looking for a little more elevation with just as much scenery included.
Consider Joining a Junior Ranger Program
If you’re going to be in town for a while this summer and your kids are excited to really get into the lifestyle, make your way to one of the Rocky Mountain National Park Visit Centers where you can sign up for a summertime Junior Ranger Program. You’ll pick up one of three different activity books depending on your children’s ages and head out to discover the park following the booklet’s instructions. As activities are completed, kids can earn badges while simultaneously discovering more about the natural world around them. When they’ve earned all of their badges, they’ll officially be a Junior Ranger.
Visit the YMCA of the Rockies
Travelers who are heading to Estes Park with kids of varying ages who have just as many different interests will find that a stop at the YMCA of the Rockies is a great option when you’re looking for access to many different activities at once. The YMCA of the Rockies is found at 2515 Tunnel Road and in total, spans 5,100 acres of rolling terrain. Here, guests can enjoy activities ranging from disc golf and archery to spending time stretching creative muscles in the on-site Craft and Design Center.
Book Your Stay Today
Make sure your Estes Park getaway comes with luxury, comfort, and style too when you book accommodations this summer through Mountain Village at Lake Estes. Reach out to learn more about our exciting property options and to start planning!
