9 Small Town Getaways In Colorado Perfect For Families
There are few better ways to make memories with your family than getting out and about. You can take pictures, go hiking, and spend quality time together doing something new, and Colorado's small towns are ideal destinations for such getaways. For example, charming mountain towns like Aspen and Telluride allow you to relax with your loved ones and enjoy outdoor activities. Boulder and Fort Collins are both college towns with beautiful downtowns and attractions to keep the entire family busy. Towns like Durango and Alamosa offer entry to some of the country's most unique attractions, like the Four Corners Monument and Sand Dunes National Park, which are great places to explore. Thus, if you're looking for a small-town getaway, consider taking your family to any of these nine locations.
Breckenridge
Whether you want to go in the winter or summer, Breckenridge is the perfect place to bring your family. There are only around 5,000 people who call this place home year-round. Breckenridge is home to Breckenridge Ski Resort, which features amazing skiing and snowboarding during the winter. If your family visits during the spring or summer, you can hike up Boreas Pass Road or Sapphire Point Overlook. You can also take the family to the Barney Ford Museum. This museum tells the story of a slave who escaped captivity and helped create Colorado. There are many places to eat in Breckenridge, including Columbine Cafe and Twist, two delicious yet reasonably-priced restaurants.
Aspen
Aspen is one of the gems of the Rocky Mountains and home to countless family-friendly activities. For those coming in from out of town, the Aspen Scavenger Hunt is the perfect way to kick off the vacation. After that, you can go on the Highlights of Aspen Tour or Aspen's Past to Present Tour to see the town. If you're in the mood for hiking or skiing, depending on the season, you can go to Independence Pass or Buttermilk Mountain. Aspen is home to world-class dining, including restaurants like Wild Fig and Plato's Restaurant. You can also go to local places like The White House Tavern and Hickory House if you're in the mood for something on the cheaper side. Aspen has become known for celebrities visiting always, but it's also a great place to bring your loved ones to.
Estes Park
Home to just under 6,000 people, Estes Park has become known as the perfect family getaway. If your family is in the mood to see the Rocky Mountains, they're in luck. You can go on the Half-Day Retractable Glass Top Tour in Rocky Mountain National Park to explore what the Rockies have to offer. There's even a roller coaster, the Mustang Mountain Coaster, if you want to ride to the mountain. For those families who enjoy scary movies, going to the Stanley Hotel is a must. Stephen King's stay at this now-infamous hotel inspired The Shining horror series. You can never go wrong with pizza to end the day, and Poppy's Pizza & Grill is the perfect way to treat your family after a fun day. There's something for everyone in your family in Estes Park, so why not head up there?
Telluride
Telluride, Colorado, is the home of 2,600 people who are more than excited to welcome your family for the weekend. There's no better way to start than the Telluride Mountain Village Gondola. This gondola takes you up to the San Juan Mountains and allows you to see some beautiful colors and nature that extend to Utah. The downtown Main Street in Telluride is the perfect place to take an easy walk and experience the mountain town charm. If your family is more in the mood for water activities, you can rent stand-up paddle boards from Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals or go rafting with Telluride Rafting on the San Miguel River. There are tons of places for nice dinners that are for celebrating, like 221 South Oak and Chop House Restaurant.
Grand Junction
You can't ever go wrong with bringing the family to Grand Junction. Going to Grand Mesa is the perfect way to spend time with the family. Here, you'll find some mountains that are flat on top with many lakes to walk up to and take pictures of. Another famous hiking area in Grand Junction is Dominguez Canyon. Grand Junction is also home to the Eureka! McConnell Math and Science Museum and Museum of the West. Both have tons of interactive exhibits and allow for fun learning. There's tons of entertainment, including the Avalon Theater and Western Colorado Center for the Arts. Sports families can even catch a minor-league baseball game during the season at Suplizio Field. Grand Junction truly takes from its name and is grand for families to visit.
Cortez
Cortez is a small town in Colorado, with just under 9,000 people, that has tons to offer. When you get there, you first need to check out Mesa Verde National Park. You can take a half-day tour, a sunrise tour, or even a self-guided driving tour. The Cortez Cultural Center showcases some of the best Native American dancing while also teaching you about their history. You can also visit the Sunflower Theater if your family is in the mood for more live entertainment. After all of the hiking and learning you do during the day, you can end it by going to The Farm Bistro or La Casita de Cortez to eat with your loved ones.
Alamosa
Alamosa is home to about 9,500 people and tons of fun things to do with the family. The main attraction of Alamosa is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, one of the biggest parks in the world. You can rent gear from Kristi Mountain Sports to go down the dunes. The Alamosa Wildlife Refuge is another great spot to enjoy the scenic views of the mountains. If your family is more into the arts scene, Alamosa is still perfect. You can stop by The Wet Paintbrush to take a painting class and then go to Friedworks Gallery to look at amazing art. Alamosa also offers places like The Rubi Slipper LLC and Calvillo's Mexican Restaurant to eat at once your day has wrapped up.
Leadville
Make sure you pack an extra jacket or two for our next stop. Leadville, is the home of 2,600 people and is known for being one of the coldest places in the country. In the summer, you can hike to Twin Lakes, the highest point in Colorado. Leadville is known for its mining history, making the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum the perfect place to experience what mining was like firsthand. Families who love skiing should also make sure to add Leadville to their list, as Cooper is one of the best resorts in Colorado. Downtown Leadville is also home to the Tabor Opera House, a great experience for the family you might not get at home. Locals will recommend you go to High Mountain Pies and Tennessee Pass Cafe when you want a bite to eat.
Durango
The last stop on our list is Durango. Here, you'll have access to Four Corners Monument, the only area where four different states come together at one point. Durango is also home to one of the coolest experiences in Colorado, zip-lining. You can fly through the San Juan Mountains thanks to 12-Zipline Adventure in Durango. Colorado Outback Adventures allows you to go rafting down the famous Colorado River in Durango. The Durango Wildlife Museum and Fish Hatchery is a great place to take young ones who love animals and the outdoors. Durango is home to a variety of dining options, from high-end places like Ore House and Seasons of Durango to Oscar's Cafe and James Ranch Grill for bigger groups. Durango is a great place everyone in your family will love.
Colorado is the perfect place to take the family. The state prides itself on promoting the outdoors and offering tons of family-friendly things to do. There's also never a bad time to visit, as each season provides something fun and unique to do. It's also pretty reasonable to stay in Colorado at hotels. The next time you're thinking about going on vacation, consider these Colorado towns. You won't regret it one bit.
