Some family trips are all about getting outside. Others call for a hot spring, a good meal, and a schedule that leaves room for everyone to do their own thing. In Colorado, you can have a little of both.
From mountain towns and scenic hiking trails to whitewater rafting and hands-on attractions, there are plenty of ways to plan a Colorado family getaway that works for younger kids, teenagers, and grandparents alike.
The trick is choosing a destination that fits your family’s interests, how much time you have, and how much driving everyone is willing to do.
Here are four of our favorite places to start, along with what to do, who each destination is best for, and a few things worth knowing before you go.
What Are the Best Family Getaways in Colorado?
Some of the best family getaways in Colorado include Glenwood Springs for hot springs and mountain activities, the Arkansas River Valley for rafting and outdoor adventures, Colorado Springs for accessible attractions and scenic landmarks, and Boulder for hiking and a relaxed downtown experience.
Each offers a different mix of activities for a weekend or longer family vacation.
Destination | Best for | Ideal stay | Top family experiences |
|---|---|---|---|
Glenwood Springs | Families wanting adventure and relaxation | 2–3 days | Hot springs, caves, biking |
Arkansas River Valley | Outdoor-loving families of different ages | 2–3 days | Rafting, fishing, Royal Gorge |
Colorado Springs | Families wanting a variety of attractions | 2–3 days | Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, zoo |
Boulder | Families wanting a flexible, easygoing getaway | 1–2 days | Flatirons, Pearl Street, trails |
1. Glenwood Springs: Hot Springs, Caves & Mountain Adventures
Best for: Families who want outdoor adventure with plenty of opportunities to relax.
Glenwood Springs sits where the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers meet, surrounded by mountains and the dramatic scenery of Glenwood Canyon. It’s a great option for families who want to spend part of the day exploring and the rest soaking in a hot spring.
One of the biggest draws is the town’s geothermal pools. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort offers a large pool complex, while Iron Mountain Hot Springs provides a different soaking experience. Check current age policies and pool access before choosing where to visit.
For a little more excitement, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park combines cave tours, mountain views, and amusement rides. The mix makes it especially appealing for families with older kids who want something beyond hiking.
More Family-Friendly Things to Do in Glenwood Springs
Bike the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path. Enjoy river views and canyon scenery on a paved route. Check for seasonal closures or trail restrictions before heading out.
Explore downtown Glenwood Springs. Grab lunch, browse local shops, and give everyone a break between activities.
Plan a scenic hike. The surrounding area offers trails for different abilities. Hanging Lake is a popular option, but access is regulated and requires advance planning.
Enjoy the hot springs. Save some time to unwind after a day of exploring.
How Long Should Families Stay?
Two nights is a good starting point. That gives you time for a hot springs visit, one major activity, and a little flexibility if the weather changes.
Glenwood Springs works particularly well for families who want a mountain getaway without filling every hour of the itinerary.
2. Arkansas River Valley: A Family Getaway With a Little More Adventure
Best for: Families who want to get outside, try something new, and choose their own level of adventure.
If your family likes spending time outdoors, the Arkansas River Valley deserves a spot near the top of your list.
The river winds through some of Colorado’s most varied scenery, from mountain landscapes to high-desert canyons. Along the way, you’ll find rafting, fly fishing, hiking, camping, and plenty of reasons to slow down and enjoy the views.
The Cañon City and Cotopaxi areas are especially convenient for families visiting Colorado Springs or exploring the Royal Gorge region.
And when it comes to rafting, there’s no need for everyone in the family to be a thrill seeker.
Choose a Rafting Trip That Fits Your Family
Arkansas River Tours has been guiding guests on the Arkansas River since 1973, offering trips that range from gentle scenic floats to more advanced whitewater adventures.
The best trip depends on your children’s ages, your group’s comfort level, and how much excitement you’re looking for.
Rafting trip | Typical minimum age | Experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
4+ | Gentle scenic float, Class I–II+ | Young kids, grandparents, first-timers | |
7+ | Splashy Class II–III rapids | Families ready for more action | |
8+ | Class II–IV whitewater | Active families looking for a longer adventure | |
14+ | Advanced Class III–IV+ whitewater | Adventurous families with older teens |
For families with younger children, Cottonwood Canyon offers a relaxed introduction to rafting, with calmer water and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is a great middle ground. It combines exciting rapids with quieter stretches, making it a popular choice for families who want a true whitewater experience without jumping straight into advanced rapids.
If you’re traveling with adventurous teenagers, the Royal Gorge offers a bigger challenge through one of Colorado’s most dramatic river canyons.
More Than Just Rafting
The Arkansas River Valley is worth exploring even when you’re not on the water.
The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park offers views into the canyon, while Cañon City’s downtown gives families a place to stop for food and explore local shops.
Guided fly fishing is another way to experience the Arkansas River. Families with older children or teenagers who enjoy learning new outdoor skills may appreciate the slower pace and hands-on instruction.
For a longer adventure, ART also offers family-friendly multi-day rafting trips that combine time on the river with overnight camping.
A Simple Two-Day Arkansas River Family Getaway
Day 1: Rafting and Cañon City
Start with a half-day rafting trip suited to your family’s ages and comfort level. Spend the afternoon exploring Cañon City or relaxing after your time on the water.
Day 2: Royal Gorge and Scenic Attractions
Visit the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, enjoy the canyon views, and leave time for lunch or another nearby attraction.
Want to combine rafting with a train ride? ART’s River & Rail packages pair select rafting trips with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, providing a different perspective on the region.
3. Colorado Springs: Big Attractions Without a Packed Itinerary
Best for: Families who want a mix of sightseeing, outdoor activities, and easy access to restaurants and lodging.
Colorado Springs is a great family getaway because you can fill a weekend with very different experiences without constantly changing hotels.
You can spend one morning exploring red rock formations, another visiting the summit of Pikes Peak, and an afternoon meeting animals at the zoo.
It’s also a convenient home base for families who want to include rafting or a day trip to the Royal Gorge region.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods
One of the city’s most recognizable attractions, Garden of the Gods features towering red sandstone formations, scenic drives, and walking trails.
The park is free to visit, making it an easy addition to a family itinerary. Families with younger children can enjoy shorter paved paths, while those looking for more activity can explore additional trails.
Pikes Peak
The summit of Pikes Peak sits more than 14,000 feet above sea level, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and plains.
Families can reach the summit by driving the Pikes Peak Highway or riding the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, subject to weather and operating conditions.
Allow time to adjust to the elevation, bring layers, and check conditions before heading up.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
This mountainside zoo offers animal exhibits and interactive experiences, making it a good option for families with younger children.
Because it’s built on a hillside, expect some walking and elevation changes.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Located near Manitou Springs, Cave of the Winds offers guided cave experiences and aboveground attractions.
Some activities have age, height, or other participation requirements, so review the options before visiting with younger kids.
Should You Stay in Colorado Springs or Cañon City?
It depends on what you want to prioritize.
If your family plans to visit Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the zoo, Colorado Springs is a convenient base.
If rafting and Royal Gorge attractions are the main event, staying closer to Cañon City can reduce driving and make your schedule more relaxed.
For families planning both, consider spending two or three nights in Colorado Springs and dedicating one full day to the Royal Gorge region.
You can also explore ART’s Colorado Springs lodging and activities guide for more ideas.
4. Boulder: Easy Hiking, Mountain Views & a Walkable Downtown
Best for: Families who want a flexible weekend with easy outdoor activities and plenty of places to eat and explore.
Boulder is a good choice when you want to spend time outside without committing to a full schedule of guided activities.
Set against the Flatirons, the city combines scenic hiking areas with a lively downtown full of restaurants, shops, and places to spend an afternoon.
It’s also relatively close to Denver, making it practical for a shorter getaway.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Boulder
Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons
Chautauqua Park is one of the best places to experience Boulder’s mountain scenery.
Families can choose from a variety of trails, including easier walks through open meadows and more challenging routes into the foothills.
Choose a route that matches your group’s abilities, and bring water and sun protection.
Pearl Street Mall
Boulder’s pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall is a convenient place to grab lunch, browse shops, and spend time together without another drive.
It’s especially useful when different family members want different things from the afternoon.
Boulder Creek
The creek corridor offers walking and biking opportunities through parts of the city.
It’s a nice option for a lower-key outdoor activity, although water levels and conditions can change throughout the year.
Boulder County Farmers Market
If your visit lines up with market dates, the farmers market is another way to explore local food and vendors.
Check the current schedule before planning your visit around it.
How Long Should Families Stay?
A weekend is usually enough to enjoy Boulder’s main attractions.
Spend one day hiking and exploring the Flatirons, then use the next for Pearl Street, the creek path, or another nearby activity.
For families traveling with younger children, Boulder can be especially appealing because it’s easy to change plans without losing an entire day.
Things to Know Before Planning a Colorado Family Getaway
Colorado is a great place to travel with kids, but a little planning goes a long way, especially when your itinerary includes mountains, rivers, or multiple destinations.
Choose the Right Season
Summer is popular for hiking, rafting, and outdoor attractions, but spring and fall can be great for sightseeing and quieter weekend getaways.
Winter opens up different activities, although mountain driving conditions and seasonal closures require more planning.
If rafting is a priority, check the outfitter’s current operating season and trip availability before booking your accommodations.
Give Everyone Time to Adjust to the Elevation
Colorado’s elevation can catch visitors off guard, particularly those arriving from lower elevations.
Drink plenty of water, take it easy on your first day, and be mindful of how everyone feels before heading into the high mountains.
This is especially important if you’re planning a visit to Pikes Peak or another high-elevation destination.
Don’t Underestimate Driving Times
Colorado destinations can look close together on a map, but mountain roads, traffic, weather, and stops along the way can make travel days longer than expected.
For families with younger kids, it’s usually better to focus on one region than try to cover several distant destinations in a weekend.
Match Activities to Your Youngest Traveler
An activity that’s perfect for a teenager might not work for a five-year-old.
Before booking rafting, cave tours, ziplining, or other guided experiences, check minimum ages, height and weight requirements, physical demands, and weather restrictions.
For example, ART’s Cottonwood Canyon Family Float generally welcomes children ages 4+, while Bighorn Sheep Canyon typically starts at age 7. More advanced Royal Gorge rafting generally requires guests to be at least 14.
Colorado Family Getaways FAQs
What are the best family weekend getaways in Colorado?
Glenwood Springs, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and the Arkansas River Valley are all good choices for family weekend getaways. Glenwood Springs offers hot springs and mountain activities, Colorado Springs has a wide variety of attractions, Boulder is great for hiking and downtown exploring, and the Arkansas River Valley offers rafting and outdoor adventures.
Where should families go in Colorado with young kids?
Colorado Springs, Glenwood Springs, and the Royal Gorge region offer activities suitable for younger children. Families can explore Garden of the Gods, visit the zoo, enjoy hot springs with age-appropriate facilities, or try a gentle guided float. ART’s Cottonwood Canyon Family Float generally welcomes children ages 4 and older, subject to current requirements.
What are the best Colorado family getaways for teenagers?
Families with teenagers may enjoy the Arkansas River Valley, Glenwood Springs, and Colorado Springs. Popular activities include whitewater rafting, hiking, cave tours, and scenic mountain attractions. For adventurous teens ages 14 and older, Royal Gorge rafting may be an option depending on river conditions.
Is Colorado a good place for a family vacation year-round?
Yes. Colorado offers family activities throughout the year, although the best destinations depend on the season. Summer is popular for rafting, hiking, and outdoor adventures, while fall offers scenic drives and mountain scenery. Winter brings skiing and other snow activities, and spring can be a good time for sightseeing at lower elevations.
Ready to Plan Your Colorado Family Getaway?
The best family vacations aren’t necessarily the ones with the longest itineraries. Sometimes it’s a morning hike, an afternoon in the water, or finally trying that activity everyone has been talking about.
Whether you’re soaking in Glenwood Springs, exploring the Flatirons, or spending a weekend around Colorado Springs, there’s plenty of room to make the trip your own.
And if your plans bring you to the Arkansas River, we’d love to show you around. From gentle family floats to splashy whitewater and longer river adventures, Arkansas River Tours offers ways to experience Colorado from a different perspective.
