Colorado locals say: "Come for the winter, stay for the summer." That's because they know the secret to Colorado fun: the many things to do in the summer. From the exhilarating - racing down a mountain on a bike - to the serene - floating down river on a tube - here are the best things to do in Colorado in the summer.
While the winter is a haven for skiers at Colorado mountain ski resorts, for locals, such as me, and frequent visitors to the Rocky Mountain state, there is a long list of things to do in Colorado in the summer for families.
Your Colorado summer vacation can be filled with outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting, or adventures such as train rides, theme parks and museums. And places to visit vary as much as the weather, from urban adventures to exploring mountain towns and the state's four national parks.
Ready to get started? Read on for our amazing suggestions for your next family friendly summer getaway to Colorado.
Denver got its start as an Old West mining town in 1858, but quickly grew into today's sprawling western urban metropolis with sweeping Rocky Mountain vistas and casual hospitality. While it embraces its Western heritage, Denver is no Cowtown with its high-tech economy, legendary chefs and love for the outdoors.
This year-round vacation destination sits at a cool 5,280 feet above sea level, thus its Mile High City moniker. As a gateway to the Rocky Mountains, Denver is the perfect start for your Colorado summer activities.
Here are some of the top things to do in Denver:
Traveling Mom Tip: We always include a visit to Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park, with 54 rides, attractions and summer fun. My younger grandchildren loved the rides in Kiddie Land, and there's even a family-friendly roller coaster, the Blazin' Buckaroo. The teens prefer the adrenalin rides of the Brain Drain, Tower of Doom, Mind Eraser and Sidewinder. Cool off in the afternoon with a plunge on Shipwreck Falls or visit to the Island Kingdom Water Park. Want to save money? Purchase a Denver CityPASS and save on up to 40 attractions including Elitch Gardens!
Check out more kid-friendly museums and these family-friendly free things to do in Denver.
Don't forget to reward the adults with a refreshing cold beer. The downtown Denver breweries, such as Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery and Wynkoop, are kid-friendly. Or book a guided brewery walking tour.
My recent downtown stay with the grandkids was at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. We stayed in a corner suite, with a living room. It included a pull-out sofa bed and 2 queen beds with a view of downtown.
We loved the convenience of walking out of the hotel and being in the middle of the 16th Street Mall. I scored with the grandkids with the rooftop pool.
Say "howdy" to the small town of Golden, 15 miles west of Denver and part of the Front Range Urban Corridor. Golden offers a wide range of activities for all ages. These include hiking trails, biking trails, shopping, cultural attractions and breweries.
Traveling Mom Tip: Treat the kids to New Zealand style ice cream at the Golden Mill, a delicious mix of fresh sweet cream ice cream and a scoop of fruit.
Just 90 minutes south of Denver is the always popular Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region with its own set of must-see attractions.
Things to do in Colorado Springs include:
Less than 30 minutes away in the Pikes Peak Region another must-visit Colorado town is Cañon City (pronounced Canyon), just 2 hours south of Denver. From whitewater rafting to riding the rails, it's an easy weekend road trip.
Attractions in Cañon City include:
TravelingMom Tip: For beginners, I highly recommend booking a family float on a less challenging 5-mile part of the river. My 4-year-old granddaughter had so much fun, belly giggling as we bumped along on some of the rapids.
Located just 30 miles from Denver, this is the perfect getaway for a day trip. Home to Colorado University, Boulder boasts its own personality, with a fun downtown, street performers, unique shopping at Pearl Street Mall (kids, don't miss the candy store Rocket Fizz!) and other activities.
Enjoy dozens of hiking trails and biking trails within and just outside of the city limits including at Chautauqua Park, dating back to 1898, with close trail access to the Flatirons.
This city park also features a children's playground, tennis courts and picnic areas. Start at the Ranger Cottage for a lay of the land, free maps, brochures, hiking suggestions, and a visit to the nature center.
Be prepared for breathtakingly majestic views of the Rockies, national forests and state parks when traveling to Colorado mountain towns such as Estes Park.
In 1872, Isabella Bird, an adventure traveler to Colorado said it best: "The Rocky Mountains realize - nay, exceed - the dream of my childhood. It is magnificent, and the air is life-giving."
Beat the heat of summer and head west to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park, an approximately 90-minute scenic drive northwest of Denver. This mountain town with access to America's favorite national park won't disappoint.
From the historic haunted Stanley Hotel to its gorgeous downtown to dramatic mountain views from the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, Estes Park will wow you from the moment you arrive.
Ready for more road trips? Here are the 12 best Colorado road trips.
All aboard an Old West train ride in the historic mining town of Georgetown, Colorado, less than one hour's drive from Denver via I-70.
Arrive early for brunch at Happy Cooker Restaurant with its inviting patio. Then get ready to board the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Add mining tours to your adventure, where the kids can "mine" for gold.
TravelingMom Tip: Stop at the wildlife viewing area beside Georgetown Lake for bighorn sheep sightings, also often seen near the Georgetown Visitors Center.
Another summer fun day trip from Denver is the mountain town of Grand Lake, located two hours west of Denver.
Grand Lake is known as the "Western Gateway" to Rocky Mountain National Park. It has something for everyone with miles of lakes and rivers, so many hiking trails and abundant wildlife.
Traveling Mom Tip: Book a family-friendly and pet-friendly stay in a cabin at Grand Lake Lodge, located near the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance and overlooking the beautiful mountain town. We loved the convenience to the town and the park - and bonus: a pool with a view.
Read More: Fun Things to Do in Grand Lake
There are so many more Colorado mountain towns to visit including:
For a slower pace, consider southwest Colorado with a visit to Durango, and a train ride aboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Then embark on a road trip to Ouray, the Switzerland of America, via a nail-biting canyon-clinging road trip on the Million Dollar Highway.
Road trip detour worthy is a visit to Montrose, located in western Colorado, in the Uncompahgre Valley, and home to another Colorado national park, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Rising higher than the Empire State Building and the Great Pyramids of Egypt at 2,700 feet deep and 48 miles long, this national park might not rival the mighty Grand Canyon's dimensions. Yet here in Colorado, we like to call this our "mini Grand Canyon" with its dramatic sheer cliffs.
Smaller than most parks at less than 50 square miles, drive through 12 miles of the most dramatic scenery. In addition to the scenic drive, things to do here include fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and more.
For camping families, choose from one of three Black Canyon campgrounds near the South Rim and North Rim, in addition to East Portal at the bottom of the canyon.
TravelingMom Tip: Make reservations early as Colorado campgrounds sell out quickly!