2 Boys looking down from the Telluride gondola . things to do in Colorado with kids blog cover
2 Boys looking down from the Telluride gondola . things to do in Colorado with kids blog cover
Ride in Telluride Gondola. Source: Gowhee App

26 Fun things to do in Colorado with kids

Colorado is know for it’s great outdoors and high altitudes, but did you know that there are tons of fun things to do with kids as well? From amazing farm experiences to unique children museums, you can enjoy an array of activities in all weather. 

Families of the Gowhee App, shared and recommend their favorite spots.

1. Experience the Ranch lifestyle at C Lazy U ranch.

With all its red rocks and rich cowboy history, Colorado is the perfect place to experience the ranch lifestyle, go horseback riding and take in a more laid-back vacation.
C Lazy U ranch/resort offers great horseback riding programs for kids 3+, and the accommodations are perfect for families to spread out.

Info: The all-inclusive for camps, activities, and 3 bedroom cabins is $749/ night. Complimentary laundry onsite. Kids’ equipment for activities is offered.

Good to know: They have programs all year long with winter activities and even a photographer onsite ready to capture the perfect family portraits.

2. Take a space shuttle to an imaginary planet.

The John McConnell Math and Science Center is a hands-on museum for kids and adults alike. It has over 100 interactive and educational exhibits about many sciences and a Space Shuttle Simulator.

Info: Tickets start at  $7.00 – Open Tuesday – Saturday – Birthday parties available

Good to know: The average visit is 2 hours. Admission is good for the entire day so if you want to leave to grab lunch somewhere, you can return with no additional fee.

>>> Find more places for kids to learn about science on Gowhee App

3. Start a forest adventure at the Children’s Museum of Denver

This kids’ haven is a hug and whimsical indoor/outdoor play space for ages 5+. They have a separate play area for little ones as well. Kids can climb, build, craft or pretend-play. For the most adventurous family members, the playground includes a zipline and slides.

Info: Free for up to 1 year old and $15 for 2+. Recommended time onsite 1-3 hours.

Good to know: In the winter they have a whole winter wonderland vibe with an ice rink and other snow-themed activities.

Children museum's outdoor forest playscape
Forest playscape at the Children's museum of Denver. Source: Gowhee App

4. Visit Santa’s Workshop

Ride the Candy Cane Coaster. Go down the Peppermint slide with the whole family. Learn a little history along the way as you ride Santa’s train along the edge of the park. This place has rides for every age group.

Info: Tickets are 25$ 2 & under are free but need an accompanying adult with a wristband to ride. 

Good to know: Over the summer park entry is free. There are infant-friendly rides like a whimsical, vintage carousel

5. Spend some time with creepy crawlers at the May Natural Museum

This is a straight-up BUG museum! If you have kids that are fascinated by what we might call “creepy crawlers”, then this museum is a must-see. It houses The World’s Largest Private Insect Collection. 

Info: Adults tickets are $8, 5 years old, and Under are Free with their Family. Open from May 1 to October 1.

Good to know: You could stay at the nearby Golden Eagle Campground, also owned by the May family, which provides beautiful photo opportunities and quick access to many of the area’s top attractions.

6. Ride the Telluride Gondola

Apparently, some kids have said this gondola ride is “better than a ride at Disneyland!” You’ll have to decide for yourself! Take the “G” from town to Mountain Village, grab some lunch, check out the slopes (in winter), or hit the bouldering rock (in summer), and then head over to the playground near Poacher’s Pub

Info: FREE for the whole family, runs about every 5 minutes. The ride from Telluride to Mountain Village takes approximately 13 minutes.

Good to know: You can enjoy a great little playground right next to the station before or after your trip up. In summer, from Telluride unload at the top (Station St. Sophia) where you can visit the Nature Center, open daily from 9 am-4 pm from early June to September.

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7. Spend the day at Bananas Fun Park

This park has it all. From miniature golf, go go-karting, laser tag, crawl, and an indoor arcade, to a whole inflatable playland! 

Info: All Day pass starts at $27.50. Restaurant available onsite. Special birthday packages are available.

Good to know: There is an aqua play center called Coconut Cove, which opens in late May.

8. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

This isn’t just a zoo where you simply look at animals. Here, you can explore innovative exhibits, enjoy fun events and discover the many attractions offered. Feed giraffes, chickens, goats, and budgie birds as you learn about the animals in one of the many animal demonstrations. 

Info: Tickets start at $10.75 – Advanced reservation required.

Good to know: Peanut products are used throughout this facility as part of the animal enrichment and training programs, so parent’s with kids that have allergies be prepared. 

9. Discover about Cliff Dwelling in Manitou Springs.

Explore the ancient cliff dwellers overlooking the historic town of Manitou Springs. Browse through two museums featuring cultural displays that show you the magic and mystery of the Native American culture.

Info:  Adults  $12.00, Children under 3 are FREE. Food is available onsite in the summer. Pet friendly.

Good to know: There are coupons available on the website

10. Eat a picnic with nature and Art at the Flower Gardens of CSU.

The gardens of Colorado State University are the perfect setting for a picnic with kids. They will be wowed by the giant tomato soup sculpture, with lots of room to run around and have fun voting for their favorite flower.

Info: Free. No bathroom onsite. No food on site so come prepared.

Good to know: Visit in the summer to get the full experience with the colors of the flowers.

>>> Discover kid-friendly gardens and parks near you.

11. Go sand sledding at the Sand Dunes National Park.

Take the 0.7-mile hike from the main Dunes Parking Area to get to the small or medium-sized slopes. Young kids can find smaller slopes at the base, while teens and adults may prefer longer slopes near the top of the first high ridge of dunes. 

Info: Annual Pass  $45, Private Vehicle Pass for 7 days $25. There are some free entrance days on a few holidays which are listed on the website.

Good to know: The National Park does not rent sand sleds or sandboards; these may be rented or purchased at retailers in the San Luis Valley. Some retailers are a 45-minute drive away from the dunes in the off-season. Plan to rent gear before arriving at the park.

12. Slide down the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

This local gem might just end up becoming your new favorite pool! They have heated pools all year round and amazing slides in the summer.

Info: It is $26 for ages 13+ and $18 for kids. Kids area available – Food onsite and party amenities available.

Good to know: You can rent cabanas all year long to lounge by the pool

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13. Get dinner on a rooftop at Treeline Restaurant

You will go to Treeline for the breathtaking views and you will stay for the food! The menu is local and fresh and offers some great options for kids. The vibe inside is cozy and the patio views are out of this world.

Info: Entrees are around $10-$15 – Kids’ menu available – Highchair and changing table onsite.

Good to know: The staff is super friendly and always have activities for kids (i.e pipe cleaners) to keep them entertained.

14. Take an afternoon ski at the Ski cooper


If you are going to Colorado for a ski trip, then head over to this local’s favorite. All-natural snow, with very few lift lines and a great variety of terrains and levels. It is a great affordable ski spot the family will love.

Info: You can find day passes as low as $35 for kids. Restaurants are onsite.

Good to know: The parking lot is right by the entrance so there is no shuttle or gondola required to hit the slopes.

>>> Find more family-friendly ski resorts here.

15. Escape an avalanche at the Breckenridge Escape rooms

Escape an avalanche, find bigfoot or trap a collector ghost in one of these beautifully done Mountain Time escape rooms. It is super fun for all ages and creates bonding time as a family.

Info: $42/per for families. Restaurants can be found nearby.

Good to know: If you are celebrating a birthday, they can even hide the gift in the room for you!

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16. Explore the local hiking trails

Colorado offers some of the most interesting vistas in the country. To take it all in, go and explore some of the numerous kid-friendly trails in the area such as the Bear Lake Nature Trail. The 0.8mil trail around the lake is toddler-friendly and offers beautiful views of the emerald lake.

Info: Day pass is $25 with parking onsite. There is a bathroom onsite, shade, and outdoor seating available.

Good to know: Pets are not permitted here, so if traveling with pets, we recommend heading to the Sally Barber Mine Hiking trail instead.

17. Become a gold hunter at the Sawmill museum


This historic museum is great to learn a bit more about the mining days of the wild west. They also offer a kid-friendly gold panning experience to experience the thrill of finding gold in the stream onsite.

Info: Site visit is Free with a suggested donation. The gold panning experience is open June-September.

Good to know: For kids who love tech, they also have a virtual reality immersion experience available on the app store: 1888 Breckenridge”.

 

18. Spend an afternoon at the Vail Ski Resort

Vail has more than skiing to offer! You can spend the afternoon on the ice rink, enjoy the European vibe of the village, stay warm at the library, or head over to the playground with a pirate ship theme.

Info: Accessible for Wheelchairs and Strollers, Food onsite, Bathroom with a changing table available.

Good to know: There is an amazing indoor play space/museum in one of the villages called Imagination Station.

 

19. Enjoy a local brew at the Dillon Dam Brewery

American-style restaurant and pub serving lunch and dinner with over 70 menu items and up to 20 DAM beers on tap! Come for the great food, hand-crafted lagers and beers, and the family atmosphere. 

Info: Happy Hour and 1/2 price appetizers daily from 3-6 pm

Good to know: Gluten-friendly and vegetarian options.  

>>> Discover kid-friendly breweries and wineries near you.

20. Go back in time at the Colorado Railroad museum 

Explore a 15-acre railyard with over 100 locomotives, passenger and freight cars, and cabooses. Activity backpacks and tours are available

Info: $10 adults, $5 ages 2-17, $8 seniors ages 60+; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday

Good to know: Every first Tuesday of each month they host a great family-friendly event inspired by children’s storybooks.

Also available on

21. Eat a famous Mountain pie at Beau Jo’s Pizza

When in Colorado you must try a Colorado Mountain Pie Pizza! This local joint is famous for its 3lbs (mostly cheese) pizza with a very unique history (involving a mammoth and a turtle, read it here!).

Info: The mountain pie is $25. Kids menu and high chair available.

Good to know: Desert is built-in since the large white crust can be drizzled with honey after you eat the pizza.

22. Go on the highest Hot Air Balloon ride in the country.

The Colorado hot air balloon company takes the whole family on an experience of a lifetime! You can discover the views thousands of feet above the ground, with snacks and classical music. The departure points are already between 9,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level, you are looking at 360-degree views of some of the highest peaks in the area.

Info: Cost is $275 / person. Open for children 5+

Good to know: The season for hot air ballooning is May through October, weather permitting.

23. Learn about LIFE at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Located near the Denver zoo, this kid-friendly museum offers fabulous exhibits for all ages like IMAX theater, children’s playroom with water tables, arts & crafts, dinosaur dig, and more.

Info: Adults $19.95 and kids $14.95. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible. They have food onsite.

Good to know: You can enjoy the museum at night for a fun experience on Fridays.

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24. Learn about the local agriculture at the Fort Collins Museum

This Discovery museum is a fun play space for kids of all ages. It highlights northern Colorado agriculture and includes animals, musical instruments, and human evolution exhibits.

Info: It is $12.50 for adults and $9.50 for kids.

Good to know: The digital dome theater puts on shows for kids regularly and even organizes special interactive exhibits like a dance party with lasers.

25. Play at the Twin Silo Park playground 

Amazing park with community gardens, paved trails, an orchard, a BMX park, pickleball courts, a dog park, a playground that includes the tallest slide in Fort Collins, and so much more. Recognized as one of the coolest playgrounds in the country!

Info: Free. Restrooms are available but close at 6 pm. Port-o-let toilets remain available on the east side of the park by the pickleball courts and BMX track.

Good to know: Shaded tables for parents under the barn next to the toddler play area. 

26. Take a Break and a Brew at Red Leg

Red leg Brewing Company has both indoor and outdoor spaces that are completely fenced in. 

Info: Food onsite. Kid zone available. Wheelchair accessible and changing table in the bathroom.

Good to know: There are 3 igloos with seats, blankets, and heaters inside, perfect to take a break and maybe score nap time for overstimulated kids.

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