Colorado is a great place to be in summer, especially if you have kids. From great camping spots to top-notch theme parks to educational indoor attractions, Colorado is full of family-friendly fun. These top things to do with kids in Colorado this summer will make your Colorado vacation unforgettable.
Go Camping
What Is It? A great way for kids to appreciate the outdoors and learn about outdoor gear.
Why Do It? There are so many great places to camp in Colorado, from national parks to state parks to national forests. To keep things exciting for kids, camp near a swimming spot or hiking trail.
Good to Know: One of the most popular places to camp for families is Rocky Mountain National Park, which boasts incredible views and great camping opportunities. Furthermore, the town of Estes Park also offers many family-friendly activities during the summer.
Denver Zoo
What Is It? Home to over 4,000 animals, the Denver Zoo is a great place to take kids this summer.
Why Do It? Both local and exotic animals call the Denver Zoo home. Learn all about different wildlife habitats and endangered species here. The Denver Zoo is a popular Mile High City attraction that draws over one million people a year.
Good to Know: Kids will enjoy the up-close animal encounters along with activities like face painting and the carousel ride.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
What Is It? A mountaintop theme park in Glenwood Springs.
Why Do It? Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers thrilling rides, like a roller coaster and giant canyon swing, as well as laser tag and a 4D Theater. The whole family could easily enjoy an entire day here.
Good to Know: There is also a mountaintop restaurant offering great views of the surrounding scenery, which make for the perfect resting spot for parents. This adventure park can also cater to birthday parties and group functions too.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
What Is It? Breckenridge Summer Fun Park, open every summer season, is one of the best ski resorts to take kids during the summer.
Why Do It? Ski resorts aren’t just great places to visit during the snowy months. During the summer, many ski resorts are still open to visitors for fun activities like mountain biking, mini-golf, and gondola rides.
Good to Know: A playground for families, Breckenridge Ski Resort is the go-to place to enjoy downhill mountain biking, an alpine coaster, and more fun activities especially created for kids.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
What Is It? Open from May to November, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park offers over 50 different rides, ranging from roller coasters to water slides.
Why Do It? Denver gets hot during the summertime. So you can cool off at Elitch Gardens, a theme and water park found in the middle of downtown.
Good to Know: Both big kids and little kids will find a fun ride at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park.
Cave of the Winds
What Is It? Explore a cave this summer at Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs.
Why Do It? Cave of the Winds offers a variety of cave tours, from the classic Discovery Tour to the spooky Lantern Tour. View underground features that you never knew were just below the mountains. At 7,000 feet in elevation, the cave here is one of the highest show caves in the world.
Good to Know: After exploring underground, don’t miss out on the outdoor park located on the surface.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
What Is It? Spend a rainy day this summer at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Why Do It? Kids of all ages will enjoy the exhibits here, which range from gems to dinosaurs. The Discovery Zone was made for children since it features hands-on displays.
Good to Know: If you’re tired of walking around the museum, take a seat in the planetarium or IMAX theater for an educational show.
Whitewater Rafting
What Is It? Whitewater rafting is a thrilling and fun time to spend a Colorado summer.
Why Do It? There are plenty of rivers that offer whitewater rafting opportunities. There are many rafting guide companies found throughout Colorado that take newcomers on the water. The Arkansas River is one of the most rafted rivers in the nation. However, you’ll also find rafting opportunities along the Colorado River, Poudre River, and other rivers in Colorado.
Good to Know: The rafting season starts in spring and goes through the summer months.
Dinosaur Ridge
What Is It? Millions of years ago, dinosaurs wandered the land that is now known as Colorado – and you can learn all about it this summer at Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison.
Why Do It? Dinosaur Ridge is an education center that teaches young learners about dinosaur prints, archaeological digs and what Colorado was like millions of years ago.
Good to Know: You can join a guided tour to learn even more about the land’s earliest inhabitants, such as dinosaurs like the Stegosaurus and Tyrannosaurus Rex. The visitor center is a great place to grab a gift or a snack.
