Four mile loop with wide variety of settings including mountain lake, rushing streams, clear wide river, deep woods, open meadows, rocky mountainsides, cool bridges, etc. Best return on effort. Relatively level – good for kids and grandparents. Dogs are allowed but there are moose, so keep them on leash. Pass required, stop at booth for day pass OR display your America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
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One of kind movie theater and bowling alley. Theater has posh stadium seats with trays so you can eat a pizza and have a drink while watching the show. Usually playing the newest films, usually one that’s family friendly. Bowling alley area has leather couches, bar-height tables and a Spider-man pinball machine. Plus, it’s worth a visit just for the absolutely fabulous ladies room.
foundry-wp.com (970) 363-7161photos
Grand Lake is a lovely little mountain village complete with boardwalk, art galleries, outfitters, souvenir shops and restaurants. The lake itself offers watersports including sailing, fishing, paddleboarding and swimming (be warned – it’s cold!). There’s a very nice park and playground in the middle of town. Also home to the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, and a variety of other family-friendly activities. It’s also the gateway town to the West entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park!
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Looking for local culture? The rodeo is a true Colorado experience. Besides the men’s and women’s events, your kids can sign up for “Mutton Bustin” and get a trophy for riding a sheep. BBQ, drinks and snacks, playground and sandbox. Sometimes a balloon-making clown, bouncy house and other extras add to festival atmosphere. Saturday nights.
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During the summer, you can enjoy live music and/or outdoor concerts almost every night of the week. They are often free and a lovely way to spend an evening. Since they are outside, the kids can dance and play while adults sit and relax. More details coming soon as schedules are posted!
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Trail Ridge Road is the highway through Rocky Mountain National Park that connects Grand Lake on the West side to Estes Park on the east side. Everyone should make this drive at least once in their life. Trail Ridge is open only during the summer. Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks, or a full picnic. Grab a jacket and fill up with gas before entering the park. Plan for at least 3 hours, including stops, to make the full trip. Or visit the Alpine Visitor Center for shorter, but still amazing, experience.
nps.gov/romophotos
Grand County has a great summer line-up of Fairs & Festivals. Many are free and most are family-friendly. In the past, we’ve enjoyed a Chocolate Festival, a Family Fun Fair, an awesome July 4th Celebration, and my personal favorite – the Alpine Art Affair. There are also many music-specific festivals and at least one brew-centered fair. (Those are very popular and require tickets!) More details as announced.
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Sombrero Stables at Snow Mountain Ranch offers many options for trail, wagon and sleigh rides, but my favorite is the Cowboy Dinner. You enjoy a peaceful, two hour ride through the woods and about halfway through, you stop for a “cowboy” dinner of steak, beans, potatoes, and watermelon. So much fun and a great “Colorado” experience.
snowmountainranch.org/activities/horseback-riding/(970) 887-1999
The YMCA Craft Shop is a great place to give your feet a break while giving your hands something creative to do. Whether you prefer ceramics, wood, leather, jewelry, fabric, pottery, easy or more advanced projects, you can find something of interest. Also seasonal activities likes pumpkin painting & carving. You pay by project and they provide materials, supplies, assistance and a place to get messy!
snowmountainranch.org/activities/craft-shop/photos
Animal lovers may want to ask about Dog Sledding at Snow Mountain Ranch. During a fall visit, we enjoyed an educational presentation about dog-sledding and then the kids got to make their own little sleds. And then we got to hold a sled dog puppy. So cute! But in the winter, you can actually take a ride! It’s very popular, so make reservations asap!
snowmountainranch.org/activities/(888) 613-9622