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Activities at the Peak 8 Fun Park at Breckenridge, Colorado. Photo courtesy Austyn Dineen/Breckenridge Tourism Office

2017 Family Favorites: Travel

Family outings are exciting, fun, and totally daunting to plan. To help, we’ve got the scoop on some of the best destinations for Coloradans, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Colorado Family Campground

Top Five

Jellystone Park of Estes Park

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park Piñon Flats Campground

Rocky Mountain National Park

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort

The Winner

Yogi Bearís Jellystone Park Camp-Resort

650 Sky View Ln., Larkspur

720-325-2393 | jellystonelarkspur.com

At Jellystone Park, families can get close to nature at tent and RV sites, or glamp in cabins, cottages, lodges, or yurts. Choose from a robust lineup of activities offered throughout the day. Beyond hiking and fishing, this site houses a swimming pool, game room, disc golf course, and playground. Catch an outdoor movie, and don’t miss the pancake breakfast.

Colorado Resort or Hotel

Top Five

Great Wolf Lodge, Colorado Springs

Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs

Stanley Hotel, Estes Park

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain

The Winner

Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs

9494 Federal Dr., Colorado Springs

844-553-9653 | greatwolf.com/colorado-springs

Great Wolf Lodge features a 50,000 square foot aquatics center, a 20,000-square-foot indoor entertainment complex, pristine rooms, and six eateries. Water park access is included with lodging, and your kids will sleep soundly after exploring three pools, obstacle courses, a multi-level treehouse-slash-water-fort, and nine waterslides. Free yoga, wildlife walks, and storytimes are also offered daily.

Colorado Weekend Road Trip

Top Five

Breckenridge

Estes Park

Glenwood Springs

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Steamboat Springs

The Winner

Glenwood Springs

970-945-6580 | visitglenwood.com

Something magical happens when you add water to your Rocky Mountain road trip, and that’s easy to do in Glenwood Springs, home to the world’s largest hot spring pool. Bike along the Colorado River, explore vapor caves, and raft or skydive at Roaring Fork Skydivers. Don’t forget to venture into the village, too, for dinner on historic Seventh Street.

Destination Vacation

Top Five

Disneyland Resort

Maui, Hawaii

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

San Diego, California

Walt Disney World Resort

The Winner

Walt Disney World Resort

407-939-5277 | disneyworld.disney.go.com

From rides and shows to character experiences and five-star dining, Disney World in Florida is jam-packed with fun for all ages. The massive entertainment complex currently operates four theme parks and two water parks. Book a room at one of dozens of Disney Resort Hotels, and you”ll get some serious fringe benefits, including extended theme park hours and FastPass+ access.

Family Day Trip

Top Five

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Colorado Springs

Estes Park

Garden of the Gods

Rocky Mountain National Park

The Winner

Estes Park

800-443-7837 | visitestespark.com

Situated at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is home to wildlife, miles of trails, and one seriously cute shopping district. Enjoy guided activities such as horseback riding or white water rafting, or explore on your own. Take a scenic drive over the Continental Divide on Trail Ridge Road and an easy hike along Lake Estes Trail.

Summer Mountain Getaway

Top Five

Breckenridge

Estes Park

Glenwood Springs

Steamboat Springs

Vail Mountain Resort

The Winner

Breckenridge

888-251-2417 | gobreck.com

When the snow melts, this ski town transforms into a summer playground. Ride Breckenridge Ski Resort’s gondola to Peak 8, home of the mountaintop Summer Fun Park. Hike and bike outdoors, or buy a one-day pass at the Breckenridge Recreation Center. In town, grab a crepe at Crepes A La Carte, one of the town’s many delicious options.

Winter Resort for Families

Top Five

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Copper Mountain

Keystone Resort

Vail Mountain Resort

Winter Park Resort

The Winner

Breckenridge Ski Resort

1599 Ski Hill Rd., Breckenridge | 970-453-5000 | breckenridge.com

When the snow falls, our readers head to Breckenridge. Kid-friendly group and private ski lessons are top-notch, but variety is what gives Breck its edge. Go ice skating, cruise down the Ten Mile Flyer Zipline, or ride the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster. Take a sleigh ride to the top of Breckenridge Mountain, and enjoy a meal at TenMile Station.

Family Food

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