Discover the Best Family Resorts Across Colorado

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• Pinterest

The Best Family Resorts in Colorado: A City-by-City Guide

Colorado is a top-tier destination for family vacations, thanks to its stunning mountain scenery, exciting outdoor activities, and family-friendly accommodations. From snowy ski towns to vibrant cities, the state offers something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best family resorts in Colorado, broken down by city, with insights into what makes them perfect for families and what nearby attractions to explore.

And if you’re planning a ski trip in Colorado, check out these ski resorts where kids 12 and under ski for free.

Best Colorado Family Resorts in Denver

Denver, Colorado’s vibrant capital, blends urban energy with easy access to outdoor adventure. Known as the “Mile High City,” Denver offers a thriving arts and music scene, top-notch dining, major league sports, and a lively downtown centered around Union Station and historic LoDo.

It’s also a gateway to the Rockies, with hiking, skiing, and mountain day trips just a short drive away. Popular attractions include the Denver Zoo, Meow Wolf, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

The best times to visit are spring through fall (April to October), when the weather is mild and perfect for patio dining, festivals, and nearby mountain excursions.

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center

Why it’s great for families:
Located near Denver International Airport, the Gaylord Rockies offers a luxurious yet family-friendly experience. The resort features an indoor-outdoor water park, complete with water slides, a lazy river, and an oversized hot tub. Seasonal activities like ice skating and holiday-themed events make it a year-round favorite.

The Crawford Hotel

Why it’s great for families:
Situated in the heart of Denver’s Union Station, The Crawford Hotel blends historic charm with modern amenities. Families will love the proximity to public transit, kid-friendly dining options, and the fun atmosphere of Union Station itself.

Nearby attractions:

• Denver Zoo: A must-visit for animal-loving kids.
• Children’s Museum of Denver: Hands-on exhibits and interactive play areas.
• Downtown Aquarium: Explore marine life through themed exhibits.

the Curtis Denver – A DoubleTree by Hilton

Why it’s great for families:
Known for its themed floors, the Curtis offers a playful and quirky atmosphere that kids adore. Each room is modern and comfortable, and the hotel’s downtown location makes it a great base for exploring.

Nearby attractions:

• Denver Art Museum (check out their family-friendly programs)
• Civic Center Park
• 16th Street Mall

Best Colorado Family Resorts in Estes Park

Estes Park is one of the best mountain towns for family vacations in the U.S. and serves as the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. This makes it a top spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and alpine lakes, it’s the perfect base for hiking, scenic drives, and spotting elk that often wander right through town.

The Riverwalk downtown offers local shops, cozy cafes, and mountain-town charm. Summer (June to September) is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather and full park access, while fall (late September to early October) offers spectacular foliage and prime elk viewing during the rut. Winter is quieter but peaceful, with snowy trails and cozy cabin vibes.

The Stanley Hotel

Why it’s great for families:
While famous for its inspiration behind The Shining, The Stanley Hotel also caters to families with spacious accommodations and fun activities, like ghost tours. It’s the perfect base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park — one of the best national parks for kids.

YMCA of the Rockies

Why it’s great for families:
This sprawling property offers cabins and lodge rooms, with endless activities like mini golf, archery, and horseback riding. It’s a budget-friendly option for families who want an action-packed stay.

Nearby attractions:

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Hiking, wildlife viewing, and Junior Ranger programs.
• Lake Estes: Rent paddleboats or bikes for a fun family outing.
• Estes Park Aerial Tramway: Take a ride for breathtaking views.

Best Colorado Family Resorts in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a scenic, family-friendly destination nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, offering a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. It’s home to the iconic Garden of the Gods, with towering red rock formations, as well as the Pikes Peak Highway and Cog Railway, which deliver breathtaking views from over 14,000 feet. Visitors can explore hiking trails, zip-lining courses, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and historic sites like Old Colorado City and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall (May to October), when the weather is warm and perfect for exploring the area’s outdoor gems.

Cheyenne Mountain Resort

Why it’s great for families:
This resort combines stunning mountain views with family-friendly amenities like a private lake, outdoor pools, and a kids’ camp. The on-site activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking trails.

Great Wolf LodgeColorado Springs

Why it’s great for families:
An indoor water park, themed suites, and kid-focused activities make this a top pick for families. Kids can enjoy storytime, scavenger hunts, and more without ever leaving the property.

Nearby attractions:

• Garden of the Gods: Iconic red rock formations with easy walking trails.
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Known for its giraffe feeding experience.
• Pikes Peak: Take the cog railway to the summit for incredible views.

Best Colorado Family Resorts inVail

Vail is an upscale alpine village known for its world-class skiing, European-style charm, and luxury amenities.

In the winter, it’s one of the best ski resorts in Colorado. Actually, scratch that, it’s one of the top ski resorts in North America, offering legendary powder, scenic back bowls, and a vibrant après-ski scene. Summer brings wildflower-filled trails, mountain biking, fly fishing, outdoor concerts, and gourmet dining with mountain views.

The pedestrian-friendly villages of Vail and Lionshead are filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and lively patios.

Visit from December to March for top-tier skiing and a festive winter atmosphere, or come between June and September for sunny alpine adventures, family activities, and cultural events surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

The Sebastian – Vail

Why it’s great for families:
This chic boutique resort offers family-friendly touches like a dedicated kids’ adventure program, heated pools, and easy access to Vail’s slopes. Winter activities include skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings hiking and mountain biking opportunities.

Four Seasons Resort Vail

Why it’s great for families:
Luxury meets comfort at this resort, offering a kids’ club, family-friendly dining, and a year-round outdoor pool. It’s located near Vail Village, making it convenient for exploring.

Nearby attractions:

• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: A serene spot to explore with kids.
• Vail Adventure Ridge: Snow tubing, ziplining, and a mountain coaster.
• Vail Village: Quaint shops and restaurants to enjoy.

Best Colorado Family Resorts in Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a historic mining town turned mountain escape, known for its lively Main Street, high-alpine beauty, and endless outdoor recreation. In winter, it’s a snow lover’s paradise with a massive ski resort, snowshoeing, and sledding. In fact, it’s one of the best winter vacation destinations in the U.S.

Come summer, the mountains come alive with hiking trails, alpine slides, biking, and festivals that fill the town with energy. Breck also offers a vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and year-round gondola rides with stunning views.

The best time to visit depends on your vibe—December to March for skiing and cozy mountain nights, June to September for hiking and family fun, and late September to early October for brilliant fall colors and fewer crowds.

Click here to see a full list of the best hotels in Breckenridge.

Grand Colorado on Peak 8

Why it’s great for families:
Located at the base of Peak 8, this resort offers ski-in/ski-out access, an indoor/outdoor aquatics center, and an arcade. Spacious residences with kitchens make it ideal for families.

Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center

Why it’s great for families:
This resort features ski-in/ski-out access, multiple pools, hot tubs, and a game room. It’s close to both the slopes and Main Street Breckenridge.

Nearby attractions:

• Breckenridge Ski Resort: Lessons and activities for all ages.
• Main Street Breckenridge: Family-friendly shopping and dining.
• Breckenridge Recreation Center: Pools and climbing walls for active kids.

Best Colorado Family Resorts inSteamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is a laid-back Colorado mountain town with a Western soul, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, natural hot springs, and year-round family-friendly fun.

In the winter, it’s famous for its Champagne Powder® snow and world-class skiing and snowboarding. Summer brings river tubing, mountain biking, hiking, and scenic gondola rides. The town also boasts soothing hot springs, a charming downtown with shops and restaurants, and a calendar full of festivals.

Winter (December–March) is best for snow lovers, while June through early September is ideal for warm-weather activities and rodeo season. Fall offers gorgeous foliage and fewer visitors—a peaceful time to soak it all in.

Steamboat Grand

Why it’s great for families:
Known as Ski Town, U.S.A., Steamboat Springs offers year-round fun. The Steamboat Grand features spacious suites, a heated pool, and complimentary shuttles to the ski slopes.

WorldMark Steamboat Springs

Why it’s great for families:
This resort offers condo-style accommodations with full kitchens, making it perfect for families. Kids will love the pools, game room, and nearby outdoor activities.

Nearby attractions:

• Old Town Hot Springs: Soak in family-friendly thermal pools.
• Howelsen Hill: Tubing and a ski jumping complex.
• Yampa River Core Trail: A paved trail perfect for biking or walking.

Best Colorado Family Resorts inAspen

Aspen is a picturesque mountain town in Colorado known for its upscale charm, outdoor adventure, and stunning natural beauty year-round.

In the winter, it’s a world-renowned ski destination with four top-tier mountains, cozy lodges, and après-ski culture. Come summer, Aspen transforms into a vibrant playground for hiking, biking, fly fishing, and festivals, with wildflowers and sunshine replacing the snow. Fall is quieter but spectacular, with golden aspen trees lighting up the landscape.

The best times to visit depend on your interests: December through March for snow sports, June through August for warm-weather adventures and events, and late September for breathtaking fall foliage with fewer crowds.

The Little Nell

Why it’s great for families:
This luxury resort provides ski-in/ski-out access and a range of family-friendly services, including kids’ meals and babysitting. The Little Nell’s Adventure Camp offers fun and educational activities for children.

Limelight Hotel Aspen

Why it’s great for families:
This hotel offers spacious rooms, a pool, and complimentary breakfast. Families can take advantage of the hotel’s free bikes in the summer and its proximity to Aspen Mountain.

Nearby attractions:

• Aspen Snowmass: Known for family-friendly ski programs.
• Maroon Bells: Stunning views and easy hiking trails.
• Aspen Center for Environmental Studies: Nature programs for kids.

Conclusion

Colorado is packed with family-friendly resorts that cater to every interest, from skiing and hiking to relaxing by the pool. These resorts offer comfortable accommodations, exciting activities, and convenient access to Colorado’s natural wonders and vibrant attractions. Start planning your family’s next adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime! You won’t be disappointed.

Looking for more inspiration for your Colorado vacation? Check out this list of the best things to do and places to stay in Telluride.

Note: Affiliate links on this page may earn me commission if used to make purchases. This doesn’t cost you a penny extra, and it helps to keep my website up and running for free.