Best things to do in Colorado with kids

Colorado is one of the best destinations in the United States for families who enjoy outdoor adventure, dramatic scenery and active travel. The state offers a mix of mountain landscapes, national parks and small towns where children can explore nature rather than simply visit attractions.

During our own trip, Colorado formed part of a wider family road trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore and back through the Rockies, which gave us the chance to experience rafting, zip lining and scenic mountain hikes. For school-aged children in particular, the mix of adventure and exploration makes Colorado a very engaging destination.

If you’re deciding whether the state works well for families overall, our guide Colorado with Kids: Why It’s One of the Best States for Family Adventures explains why the region works so well with children.

This guide shares what we learned while planning our trip, with links to the exact places, tours, and tools we used or considered to make planning easier. Some links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only ever share experiences we’ve personally used and genuinely enjoyed, and hope these links help you plan a trip that feels exciting and manageable rather than overwhelming.

White Water Rafting in the Rockies

One of the most memorable activities for many families visiting Colorado is white water rafting. Several rivers in the Rockies offer beginner-friendly rafting routes that are suitable for children. These trips are typically guided and designed for first-time rafters, making them accessible for school-aged kids who enjoy a bit of adventure.

During our own visit we went rafting on Clear Creek near Idaho Springs, which offered exciting rapids while still feeling safe and well organised. If you're considering rafting with children, our guide White Water Rafting in Colorado with Kids: Is It Safe & Worth It? explains what parents should know before booking.

Zip Lining Through the Mountains

Zip lining is another activity that works particularly well with school-aged children.

Flying across mountain valleys on a zip line offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape while adding a sense of adventure that many kids love.

Most zip line operators in Colorado offer family-friendly courses with multiple lines and professional guides. We share more about our experience in Zip Lining in Colorado with Kids: Our Honest Experience.

Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most famous natural areas in the United States and offers plenty of opportunities for families to explore nature.

Popular activities include:

• short scenic hikes

• wildlife spotting

• scenic mountain drives

• picnic stops with dramatic views

Children often enjoy spotting animals such as elk, marmots and deer, which are commonly seen in the park. If you're planning a visit, Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids: Practical Guide explains how families can explore the park with children.

Scenic Drives Through the Colorado Rockies

Some of the best experiences in Colorado happen simply by driving through the mountains.

The Colorado Rockies are full of scenic roads that pass through forests, mountain passes and small towns. These drives make it easy for families to enjoy the landscape while stopping frequently for short walks or viewpoints.

For families travelling with children, these scenic drives break up longer journeys and help keep road trips interesting. Our guide Exploring the Colorado Rockies with Kids: What Families Should Know explains how to plan a trip through the region.

Hiking Family-Friendly Trails

Colorado offers many hiking trails that are suitable for families with school-aged children. Instead of long or technical routes, many families choose shorter trails that offer scenic views and manageable distances.

Typical family hikes include:

• forest walks

• lake trails

• short mountain viewpoints

Because of Colorado’s altitude, it’s often best to start with easier hikes on the first day of the trip while everyone adjusts to the elevation.

Visiting Small Mountain Towns

One of the nicest aspects of travelling through Colorado is the chance to visit small mountain towns.

Places such as Georgetown, Estes Park and Idaho Springs offer relaxed environments where families can:

• walk around historic streets

• stop at local cafés or diners

• explore small shops

• enjoy scenic surroundings

These towns provide a slower pace between outdoor adventures and are ideal for relaxing evenings during a road trip. If you're deciding where to base yourself, our guide Where to Stay in Colorado with Kids (Mountain Lodges vs Towns) explains the best locations for families.

Combine Colorado with a Road Trip to Mount Rushmore

Colorado works particularly well when combined with other destinations in the western United States.

During our own trip we:

• flew from the UK to Denver

• drove north to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota

• returned through the Colorado Rockies

This combination of iconic landmarks and outdoor adventure created a varied and engaging trip for our child. You can see how this route works in Planning a Family Road Trip from Denver to Mount Rushmore to Colorado from the UK.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Colorado with Kids?

Most families travelling from the UK visit Colorado during summer, when hiking trails and outdoor activities are fully accessible. Summer offers warm daytime temperatures and cooler evenings in the mountains, which makes exploring far more comfortable than some hotter US destinations.

If you're planning a trip, When Is the Best Time to Visit Colorado with Kids? explains what each season offers. If you're preparing for a similar trip, What to Pack for a Family Road Trip in America (From a UK Perspective) explains what families should bring for comfort on longer journeys.

Final Thoughts

Colorado offers a type of family travel experience that is very different from typical city breaks or theme park holidays. Instead of crowds and queues, children spend their time exploring mountains, rivers and forests. Activities such as rafting, zip lining and hiking make the destination particularly engaging for school-aged children, while scenic drives and mountain towns provide plenty of opportunities to relax between adventures. For families who enjoy active travel and nature, Colorado can easily become one of the most memorable parts of a US trip.

Planning a Family Trip to the USA

If you’re planning a family trip to the United States, we’ve created a collection of practical guides based on our own experiences travelling there with a child. In our USA Travel Hub, you’ll find advice on everything from ESTA requirements and travel insurance to driving, healthcare and managing jet lag with kids, alongside destination guides for places we’ve explored including New York, Colorado, South Dakota and Florida. It’s a useful starting point for parents researching how to plan a smooth and enjoyable family trip to the USA.