7 Family-Friendly Colorado Activities

Planning family activities is difficult. You want to keep the kids entertained and the teenagers engaged all while not exhausting the adults. Because of this, it can be hard choosing the perfect activities for your weekend fun or family vacation. Fortunately, Colorado is bursting with entertainment for the whole family. No matter where you go in the state, you’ll find gorgeous parks and fascinating museums that visitors of all ages can enjoy. When planning your next family outing, consider these fantastic family-friendly Colorado activities.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Enjoying Colorado means enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking down from Pikes Peak or staring up the Seven Falls, there’s always something exciting to see in Colorado’s parks. Colorado is home to plenty of extreme activities like ice climbing and bouldering, but there are also endless opportunities for visitors of all skill levels.

Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs

Colorado Spring’s Garden of the Gods is one of the state’s most popular attractions—and for good reason. The implausible yet natural rock formations create an iconic landscape to explore. Check out the Kissing Camels, Sleeping Giant, and other famous landmarks. The park is free and open all year long. With fifteen miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels, there are plenty of paths to explore. You can also take guided horseback, Jeep, or Segway tours through the park. If an afternoon in the area isn’t enough, book a campsite at the Garden of the Gods Campground and RV Resort.

Pikes Peak – Colorado Springs

Known as America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak is a must-see when it comes to family-friendly Colorado activities. Spend an afternoon on the 14,115-foot mountain, exploring the Pike National Forest and catching some of the elk, bighorn sheep, and other creatures that make up the area’s wildlife. The 19-mile road to the top is completely paved. The round trip takes about two hours when driving, but Jeep or shuttle tours are longer. Don’t forget to plan for some downtime, too. Even if you don’t venture out to fish at one of the three lakes on the mountain or wander through the incredible hiking trails, you should still stop and enjoy the view from time to time. There’s plenty to enjoy at the summit—if you don’t get distracted by the views—but parking space is currently limited due to construction work on the new and improved Pikes Peak Summit Complex.

Seven Falls – Colorado Springs

You can find this breathtaking series of waterfalls in a 1,400-foot box canyon, giving the park a secluded, tranquil atmosphere. Take the path up alongside the falls and enjoy the natural beauty of crystal-clear water bounding off the granite cliffs. Of course, the falls are the main attraction, but there’s more to do in the park. For daring families, there are two different zip line courses that soar above the falls. You can also explore the rest of the park on foot along the 2500-foot long walking trail. Make a weekend out of your trip by staying at the Broadmoor Hotel and enjoying some downtime in the Restaurant 1858. You can even catch a glimpse of Seven Falls at night, gorgeously illuminated by eco-friendly LED lights.

Wild Animal Sanctuary – Keenesburg

About 45 minutes outside Denver lies over 9,000 acres of sanctuary. Venture down the world’s longest footbridge to get a look at the massive range of wildlife. From lounging large cats to playful porcupines and dozens more in between, the Wild Animal Sanctuary is the perfect day trip for a family of animal-lovers. The elevated walkway offers a fantastic experience for visitors while giving the animals a safe and comfortable habitat. Not only is it a great facility, but the sanctuary is also invested in saving and rehabilitating animals worldwide. To date, the sanctuary has rescued over 1,000 animals, and more than 460 currently reside there. Plan your visit to catch the most exciting time of day: while most animals nap throughout the hot summer days, come evening you can hear howling wolves, roaring lions, and more.

Explore Fascinating Museums

Aside from its natural beauty, Colorado also boasts unforgettable cultural experiences. From interactive exhibits to historical wonders, Colorado’s museums capture the interest of all ages. No matter where you visit, you’ll find unique and fascinating museums showcasing the state, its history, and what it was like being a part of America’s Old West.

Colorado Railroad Museum – Golden

Explore 15 acres of railyard at Golden’s Colorado Railroad Museum. Home to over 100 historic railcars, the museum teaches visitors about Colorado’s rich and fascinating railroad history. Check out the roundhouse restoration facility, the remarkable library, and the working turntable. The museum hosts different events all year round, so visitors can always learn something new here. Plan a Saturday trip in the summer to hop a train and ponder what it must have been like in the golden years of Colorado’s railroads.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum – Denver

Head over to the former Lowry Air Force Base in Denver to learn all about air and space travel in the past, present, and future. In the historic Hanger No. 1, you’ll find the base’s history and operations. From the research library to the dozens of historic planes and space vehicles, Wings has something to amaze everyone. It’s also home to the incredibly rare B-19A Bolo—one of only five WWII-era bombers—and one of only two B-1A Lancers.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings – Manitou Springs

Both child- and pet-friendly, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings allow visitors to explore the architecture of the ancient Anasazi tribe. A red sandstone overhang has preserved the buildings for over 800 years, creating a rare remnant of the Anasazi tribe that roamed the Four Corners area from 1200 BCE to 1300 CE. Visitors can explore from room to room, taking in the fascinating architecture at their own pace. You can also visit the Pueblo-style building—rendered faithfully in the architectural style of the Anasazi and Pueblo tribes—and learn more at this Anasazi-centric museum.

Choose your destination, gather the family, and be sure to experience Colorado culture to the fullest with our t-shirts, baby flat bill hats for the little ones, and other Colorado apparel. From fascinating educational experiences to thrilling tours of the state’s natural wonders, there are many activities the whole family can enjoy in Colorado.