Things to do with kids in Estes Park
Introduction
Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park is an excellent destination for a family-friendly vacation. Kids love to be let loose in the great outdoors, run wild and be up close to wildlife. And we love it because they get to learn so much from this beautiful and natural environment. If you are thinking about visiting Estes Park with children, please consider one of our two luxury vacation rental, Park Entrance Lodge (8 bedrooms and complete with an indoor basketball court) and Lake Estes Retreat (4 bedroom located right on Lake Estes!)
The great thing about Estes Park is that there is so much to do as a family, but there are also brilliant workshops and ranger-led activities that mean you can leave your kids for a few hours in the hands of some child-loving experts, whilst you tackle a more challenging hiking trail or just enjoy some peaceful downtime.
From horseback riding and wildlife watching, to boating on Lake Estes; or enjoying a birds-eye view of valley and the Rocky Mountain National Park on the Estes Park aerial tramway. There are heaps of things to do with kids in Estes Park but here are some of our favorites.
1. Fishing!
Little fishing enthusiasts will love fishing in Estes Park. One great option is fishing in Lake Estes. You can fish from the shore or rent a boat from Lake Estes Marina. You can get a fishing license as well as some reasonably priced fishing gear at the marina store. We have also found the staff at the marina to be very knowledgeable about the best fishing spots and what is biting. There are some great fishing spots on Lake Estes that your kids will love! Another option is Trout Haven Fishing Pond . Their team provide visitors with all of the equipment and bait needed to enjoy a day or afternoon trout fishing. The pond is regularly stocked and no license is needed to fish here. The Trout Haven Fishing Pond team are on hand to help and give advice to all age groups.
The team will pack, freeze and store your catch for pick-up when you leave. A packed trout will last 5-6 hours, although you can refrigerate for up to five days, so your little ones can cook their first catch!
What you need to know:
$1.25 per inch for what you catch
$1 per fish to clean
$2 & $3 rod rentals
The pond provides accessible fishing
2. Fun City
If your children are in need of an adrenaline rush during their Estes Park vacation then a trip to Fun City will do the trick. This incredible family-friendly play park is set in the beautiful landscape of Estes Valley and has heaps of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
For fast-paced fun, there is a giant rainbow slide to go whizzing down, a bungee trampoline which will have you soaring up into the clouds, bumper cars and a go kart track for little racers. Create a splash in the bumper boats and water walking balls, and for those who want to enjoy an easier paced activities, there are two 18-hole miniature golf course and gemstone panning.
Each activity is independently priced so you don’t have to spend lots of money on activities that you don’t want to do.
3. Open Air Adventure Park
If Fun City hasn’t worn them out, then we guarantee that a trip to Estes Park Open Air Adventure Park. This incredible aerial adventure park is ziplining with a difference! The park allows you to challenge yourself and customize every challenge.
There are a total of 32 challenges at 10 and 21 feet in the air. You’ll be climbing, swinging and flying across the course, from easy rope bridges to the formidable pirate crossing.
The course takes around 90 minutes to complete and aside from the aerial adventure, visitors can also partake in some crazy ax throwing. There are 3 ax lanes and you get 30 minutes of ax chucking per person. Great when you need to let off some steam!
4. YMCA of the Rockies centre
Activities galore are offered at YMCA of the Rockies centre. Located close to Estes Park in the Rocky Mountain National Park. The incredible natural setting is perfect to enjoy all types of outdoor activity, including horseback riding, archery, star-gazing tours, rock climbing classes, disc golf and mini golf. The centre also has an indoor climbing wall and swimming pool.
YMCA of the Rockies offer Summer Day Camps for children, so you can immerse your children into activities within the Rocky Mountain National Park guided by experts.
5. Rocky Mountain Conservancy
This beautiful non-profit organization has been protecting the Rocky Mountain National Park lands for more than 80 years. They have many conservancy projects that rely on donations from the public to fund the work, such as the improvement of hiking trails, the preservation of historic buildings and educating the next generation in the importance of preserving our lands.
Besides all of their amazing work, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy also holds free kids classes during the summer, which will teach them how to respect and preserve nature. The classes include wildlife, geocaching and kids survival. Plus there are workshops and educational adventures for the whole family. Check out the Rocky Mountain Conservancy website for dates.
6. The Hedge Maze at Stanley Hotel
The infamous Stanley Hotel immortalized in Stephen King’s film, The Shining, is certainly a crowd puller in Estes Park. And although the stereotypical Stanley Hotel visitor is an adult hoping for a spine tingling experience, little visitors are also welcome and can get lost in the labyrinth which is the Stanley Hotel Maze; planted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the current owner.
The hotel held an international hedge maze competition and asked designers and architects to submit thier best design for a maze. They chose New York-based architect, Mariam Dallaryan Standing, and the maze is planted with Juniper trees, which create the perfect environment for a good old game of hide and seek.
7. Estes Valley Community Center
The Estes Valley Community Center is a one-stop hub for all things recreational in Estes Park. There is so much to do and enjoy here for kids and adults alike. Some of the activities to be enjoyed are swimming, indoor rock climbing, fitness classes, a golf simulator, ping pong, pickleball and much more!
The center also organises activities at Lake Estes Marina, plus the Estes Valley 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses.
