5 Colorado Summer Vacation Destinations for the Whole Family

Summer break can be a hard time of year for divorced parents. While extra time with your kids and warm weather can bring joy, it can also come with difficulty splitting up parenting time. Sometimes, even just planning a vacation can be difficult if it’s going to be out of state. This list of 5 family-friendly Colorado destinations will make planning your summer vacation far easier and allow you to make the most of your parenting time.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Glenwood Springs, Colorado

  1. Durango: This charming and historic town has a lot to offer during the summertime. Because of the river that runs through town there are plenty of water sports to keep the kiddos busy including kayaking, tubing, paddling, and whitewater rafting. Durango also offers a scenic railroad, in addition to various restaurants, boutique hotels, retail stores, and the Durango Discovery Museum!
  2. Snowmass: New on the summer vacation scene, Snowmass is quickly becoming one of the best family vacation spots in Colorado. There are tons of options for outdoor activities, like the Treeline Trial Challenge Course and the Lost Forest Adventure Park, which offers zip lines, an alpine coaster, a climbing wall, disc golf, and even paintball. In addition, the town of Snowmass boasts restaurants, live music, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and even a rodeo. The Roaring Fork River also offers water sports, specifically paddle boarding with local guides.
  3. Steamboat Springs: This cute Western town offers a weekly rodeo, which draws many tourists to the area. Main Street offers a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as being close to the Old Town Hot Springs. The springs have numerous pools and areas to play in and are a great spot for kids! There are plenty of activities on the mountain as well, including mini-golf, tubing, mini-boats, bounce houses, climbing walls, a mountain coaster, hiking, and biking. The 4th of July is a great time to visit Steamboat Springs for their huge parade through Old Town.
  4. Glenwood Springs: Another hot spring town? We promise it’s worth the stop! Glenwood Springs has a resort called Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, which offers a mile-long pool for kids to swim to their heart’s content. In the summertime, there are cabana rentals and even a splash zone. For the more adventurous children, there is adventure to be had at the Historic Fairy Caves Tour at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
  5. Winter Park: Only a 90-mile drive from Denver, Winter Park has a lot to offer its summer visitors. On the mountain, families can check out Colorado’s longest alpine slide, free Friday movie nights, climbing walls, and the Trestle Bike Park, which has trails appropriate for all ages. Families can also take a one-hour walking tour of the kennels at the Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park. The area also boasts 5 mountain lakes, which are perfect for boating, fishing, and water sports. Grand Lake is one of these lakes and is Colorado’s largest body of water. The historic boardwalk has various shops, restaurants, and even a theater to check out. As with all of Colorado, there are beautiful trails and hikes to be found all over this area.

Check out our source (and more info) here

4 Ways to Enjoy The Great Outdoors This Summer

With most of the state re-opening after coronavirus, here is a list of four exciting things to do outdoors with friends and family all over the state of Colorado!

1. Hike to Hanging Lake

This scenic trail that is just about 3 hours west of Denver, near Glenwood Springs, takes you to a gorgeous canyon with a flowing river and gentle waterfalls. The scenic hike is just over a mile long but it is quite steep and rocky. Make sure to pack sunscreen, hiking shoes and lots of water! Visitors must purchase a permit online at https://visitglenwood.com/hanginglake/#toggle-id-4-closed before arriving.

2. Sloan’s Lake Recreational Activities

Whether you want to catch some fish, take a bike ride or watch a beautiful sunset, the largest lake in Denver has it all. It is open to the public and has some great facilities to take advantage of in the summer. With picnic tables, sports fields and a trail around the lake, there is something to do for everyone! Check out all that Sloan’s lake has to offer at https://www.uncovercolorado.com/public-parks/sloans-lake-park/

3. Weekend Camping Trip

Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of your everyday life? Take the kids and get away for a weekend by going camping in the great outdoors! Pitch a tent, make a campfire, and relax in the Colorado wilderness. To find a campground and make reservations, go to https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/Reservations.aspx

4. Take a road trip

Want to explore new places you’ve never been before in Colorado or beyond? Hop in the car with your kids or some friends and set your sights on a new adventure. Whether it be the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, the gorgeous mountains in Estes Park, or out to the deserts of Moab, UT, there is always somewhere new to go and more beautiful to see!

We know life can get a little hectic, but it is always important to take some time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors – especially when we live in a state as beautiful as Colorado!