2016 Family Favorites Family Travel
Preparing for a family adventure is exciting and more than a little daunting. Weve taken care of the research by highlighting some of Colorados best destinations so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
Colorado Family Campground
Top Five*
Chatfield State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Jellystone Park in Larkspur
Rocky Mountain National Park
Winding River Resort
*Tie occurred in this category
The Winner
Jellystone Park in Larkspur
650 Sky View Ln., Larkspur
720-325-2393 | jellystonelarkspur.com
At Jellystone Park, families can glamp in a cabin, cottage, lodge or yurt, or get closer to nature in tent and RV sites. Once settled, explore the park’s many amenities. Beyond traditional hiking and fishing, there’s a swimming pool, game room, disc golf course, playground and, of course, plenty of Yogi Bear approved picnic tables. Catch an outdoor movie on Saturdays, and don’t miss the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts. Did we mention there are clean restrooms and showers, too
Colorado Road Trip
Top Five
Colorado Springs
Durango / Mesa Verde National Park
Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park
Glenwood Springs
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
The Winner
Glenwood Springs
888-445-3696 | visitglenwood.com
Road trip and kids are words that parents rarely utter happily together, but the 160-mile drive along I-70 to Glenwood Springs awes car-bound families with scenic mountain vistas. The route is also dotted with frequent mountain towns, offering ample opportunities to let kids run off energy, grab a snack or hit the bathroom. At the end of this road, Glenwood Springs invites families to play and relax in the hot springs pools.
Destination Vacation
Top Five
Cancún
Disneyland
Hawaii
San Diego
Walt Disney World Resort
The Winner
Walt Disney World Resort
407-939-5277 | disneyworld.disney.go.com
From four theme parks and two water parks to character experiences and five-star dining, Disney World is jam-packed with family-friendly fun for all ages. Book a room at one of dozens of Disney Resort Hotels, and you”ll get some serious fringe benefits, including extra time at theme parks and early FastPass+ access.
Family Day Trip
Top Five*
Colorado Springs
Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park
Evergreen
Georgetown
Eldora Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
*Tie occurred in this category
The Winner
Colorado Springs
719-635-7506 | visitcos.com
It’s no wonder readers take I-25 60 miles south to Colorado Springs. The bustling town boasts more than 55 attractions and activities, including Garden of the Gods – an awe-inspiring National Natural Landmark with a family-friendly hiking trail – and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s only mountainside zoo. Don’t miss Cave of the Winds; this thrilling attraction has multiple adventures for cave dwellers.
Resort or Hotel
Top Five
The Broadmoor
Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Vail Marriott Mountain Resort
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain
The Winner
The Broadmoor
1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs
719-634-7711 | broadmoor.com
Since opening its doors in 1918, The Broadmoor has delivered a one-of-a-kind luxury resort environment. This historic hotel offers families modern amenities and an array of activities including golf, tennis, swimming, specialty tours, zip-lining and lessons in tomahawk throwing and archery. For parents who have earned some “me time” there’s the Forbes Five-Star spa with a complete menu of treatments.
Summer Mountain Getaway
Top Five
Breckenridge
Estes Park
Glenwood Springs
Steamboat Springs
YMCA of the Rockies
The Winner
Glenwood Springs
888-445-3696 | visitglenwood.com
Hot springs are just the beginning in Glenwood Springs. After a scenic drive, plop into a two-block-long hot spring pool – the world’s largest – before venturing out for dinner on historic Seventh Street. After that, anything’s possible: bike along the Colorado River, explore vapor caves, raft or skydive at Roaring Fork Skydivers. The Iron Mountain Hot Springs – operated by Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park – offers a freshwater family pool and 16 mineral hot springs pools with varying temperatures
Winter Resort for Families
Top Five
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Keystone Resort
Steamboat Resort
Winter Park Resort
The Winner
Winter Park Resort
85 Parsenn Rd., Winter Park
970-726-1564 | winterparkresort.com
At this kid-friendly resort, families have their pick of seven territories spanning four mountains piled with 3,000 acres of snow. Award-winning terrain includes groomers, terrain parks, bumps, steeps and trees. There’s also tubing, snowshoeing, ice- skating and scenic Snowcat tours. After a day on the slopes, nosh on premium food in the village.
