The family summer vacation Colorado is not just for the adventure seeker but for the nature lover. As the holiday season is fast approaching, families need to plan their trip and look for places which have an immense array of adventure and fun.

Are you thinking about going on a family vacation to Colorado? Before you go, here are 13 things you must do with the family Family summer vacations are all about relaxation, adventure and creating lifelong memories together. Whether you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park or planning a family reunion trip to the Mile High City, there’s a Colorado vacation for any type of family trip.

Planning a family vacation can be stressful and challenging, especially when you have more than one child that requires your attention! We were looking for a place where we could take our boys on a break from school and where they’d stay occupied in the summer heat. What more perfect place than Colorado? The views are incredible, and the outdoor activity options are endless—even if you want to just relax on the deck with a book!

Family Summer Vacation Colorado

Have you just found yourself daydreaming about the upcoming vacation now that summer break is here? Then it’s probably time to start planning your travels.

11 Best Family Vacations in Colorado – Kid Friendly Ideas!

• Christina Rado
• MAY 23, 2022

Spots such as Vail, Denver, Aspen and Colorado Springs are among the top Colorado vacation hotspots, but did you know that there’s more to Colorado than just these?

The Centennial State abounds in a ton of photogenic towns and quaint, charming villages, all set against the stunning natural backdrop that the Rockies are; as if this wasn’t appealing enough, these spots are devoid of crowds, adding to their allure.

If you’re thinking of a fun family vacay with plenty of time in the great outdoors, consider these spots for some of the best family vacations in Colorado.

1. Aspen/Snowmass

If you’re a family of skiers and interested in the best family ski resorts in Colorado, look no further than Aspen.

Also known as Snowmass (for obvious reasons, methinks), Aspen boasts gorgeous slopes for skiing; however, it isn’t just about the slopes at Snowmass.

Aspen also has on offer attractions such as the Ice Age Discovery Center and the Aspen Art Museum; great spots to mix up fun and learning for the young ones.

Don’t worry if yours isn’t a skiing family—there are also other fun activities on offer, such as snowshoeing, tubing and snowmobiling!

11 Best Family Vacations in Colorado

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Recommended Hotel: Limelight Hotel Aspen

2. Telluride

Granted—the closest major airport to Telluride is an hour and a half away, making it quite a difficult spot to reach, but beautiful Telluride, nestled amid San Juan’s peaks is well worth the travel.

One of our favorite vacation spots in Colorado for families, Telluride has more than its fair share of tourist families—The Hotel Telluride is a popular spot to set up base, conveniently close to downtown and offering a ton of great services.

Don’t miss the lovely views on your free gondola ride from the Mountain Village ski area into the town!

Recommended Hotel: The Hotel Telluride

Also See:
Restaurants in Telluride
Hotels in Telluride

3. Beaver Creek

One of the great summer vacation destinations to visit in Colorado, Beaver Creek abounds in charming boutiques and impressive dining options.

A few miles west of Vail, Beaver Creek sees fewer crowds owing to its small size.

Come summer, you’ll be spoilt for choice—there’s mini-golf, bungee trampoline, fishing at the Flood’s Fishing Pond and leisurely gondola rides.

Older kids will find mountain biking and hiking to Beaver Lake exciting, whereas parents can take a much-needed break from the kids and enjoy concerts at the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Recommended Hotel: Grand Hyatt Vail

4. Ouray

Close to Telluride, Ouray is “the” spot to be for golden autumns, mountain scenery and gorgeous natural hot springs, replete with pools and slides for the little ones.

Take a peek into a miner’s life with a tour of the once-active Bachelor-Syracuse silver mine, or head to the beautiful Box Canyon Falls that flows through an extremely narrow slot canyon.

Come winter, Ouray is a hotspot for ice climbing owing to its many frozen waterfalls.

Families also enjoy the panoramic views from the Ouray Perimeter Trail, as well as the relaxed hiking.

Recommended Hotel: Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs

Related: Fun Things to Do in Colorado with Kids 

5. Breckenridge

Settled between Vail and Denver, Breckenridge abounds in family-friendly activities throughout the year, making it one of the best places in Colorado for a family vacation.

This authentic western town features summer fun such as an alpine coaster, an alpine slide, rope courses and zip lines in Epic Discovery, scenic gondola rides, white-water rafting and family horseback riding.

You can also visit nearby Frisco for kayaking, paddleboarding, boating and kayaking.

Winter in Breck sees visitors hit the terrain parks and one of the largest half pipes in the world.

Recommended Hotel: Village at Breckenridge Resort

Related: Best Family Beaches in Colorado