2020 Family Favorites: Family Fun
All year round, Colorado families stay active on the trails, slopes, and parks under sunny Rocky Mountain skies. Even on days when the clouds roll in or temperatures drop, incredible indoor spaces get families playing and learning together. Here are the places parents voted as top-tier destinations for delight in our state.
Table of Contents:
- Museum for Families
- Water Park or Swim Center
- Winter Resort for Families
- Summer Mountain Getaway
- Family Day Trip
- Indoor Activity Space
- Parent-Tot Activity
- Hike or Bike Trail with Kids
- Colorado Resort or Hotel for Families
- Family Fair or Festival
Museum for Families
Top Three
- Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- History Colorado Center
Winner
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Exhibitions filled with everything from ancient wisdom to hyper-modern explorations invite curious minds to DMNS. Expedition Health visitors participate in scientific studies, while IMAX 3D films draw crowds for immersive experiences. Fans of the 15-year-old Space Odyssey can look forward to a revamp in fall 2020.
Water Park or Swim Center
Top Three
- APEX Center
- Great Wolf Lodge, Colorado Springs
- Water World
Winner
Water World
Chill or go for thrills. Families can test out the water coaster or float down a lazy river at this long-time summer favorite. Season pass deals include food and drink discounts and unlimited visits. Bash by the Bay concerts and Happy Hours at the Shores elevate visits to full events.
Winter Resort for Families
Top Three
- Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Snow Mountain Ranch
- Winter Park Resort
Winner
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Visitors celebrated an extra snowy season in early 2020, joining the “FebruBURIED” movement at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Lining up for a great send down the slopes gets even easier with an Epic Pass that includes discounts on food, lodging, and rentals. Families don’t have to swoosh down the slopes to appreciate winter in Breck with activities like the GoldRunner Alpine Coaster and ice skating.
Summer Mountain Getaway
Top Three
- Glenwood Springs
- Peek-A-Blue Cabin, Breckenridge
- YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park
Winner
YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park
This picturesque complex in the mountains offers an abundance of beauty to behold. Take a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, watch elk bask in the sun-drenched valley, stargaze, and play practically any sport you want. Don’t miss special events like SummerFest concerts and the Fourth of July parade.
Family Day Trip
Top Three
- Breckenridge
- Carousel of Happiness, Nederland
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs
Winner
Breckenridge
Stroll down Historic Main Street Breckenridge to find locally produced goods, drive Boreas Pass to see fall colors, or amp up the energy at Breck’s sky-high adventure park. Activities in this town keep getting better with each turn of the seasons.
Indoor Activity Space
Top Three
- Kids Wonder
- Markey Escape Rooms
- Ninja Nation
Winner
Kids Wonder
Open 360 days a year, Kids Wonder in Centennial (near University Boulevard and Dry Creek Road) has families covered for simply wonderful play. Ideal for a school break or a weekend afternoon, the bounce castle, theater stage, and Lil’ Town await what kids’ imaginations will create. Don’t forget your socks!
Parent-Tot Activity
Top Three
- Kids Wonder
- Rocky Mountain Aardvarks
- Second Star to the Right Storytime
Winner
Rocky Mountain Aardvarks
This rocking mix of singing, dancing, storytelling, and jam sessions is bonding for the whole family and something kids look forward to each session. The vibe is funky and educational, featuring original songs about being a kid and getting to know the world. Take tunes on the go with the Aardvark CD, perfect for car trips.
Hike or Bike Trail with Kids
Top Three
- Cherry Creek Bike Trail
- Lair o’ the Bear Park
- Mount Falcon Park
Winner
Lair o’ the Bear Park
Just 30 minutes from downtown Denver, this 300-plus acre park gives families lots to enjoy on Colorado’s sunny days. Hike, bike, ride a horse, walk the dog, or get a fish on the line. Find a good time to visit the highly trafficked park with the Lot Spot app, and be sure to carry out what you bring in.
Colorado Resort or Hotel for Families
Top Three
- Gaylord Rockies Resort and Spa
- Great Wolf Lodge, Colorado Springs
- YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park
Winner
Gaylord Rockies Resort and Spa
Discover rustic and cozy ambiance with an adventurous twist at this resort with proximity to DIA. Immerse the family in eight restaurants, the Arapahoe Springs indoor/outdoor water complex, and the Relache Spa. Family-friendly seasonal events include the glacial ICE! exhibit, a Santa village, and ice tubing on the property over the holidays.
Family Fair or Festival
Top Three
- Chatfield Pumpkin Festival
- Renaissance Festival
- A Taste of Colorado
Winner
Chatfield Pumpkin Festival
Families love rolling wagons and strollers around this 10-acre pumpkin patch and fair. Though the 2020 Pumpkin Festival has been canceled due to COVID-19, Chatfield Farms’ annual Corn Maze is still scheduled to take place and will include pumpkins available for purchase.
