5 Family-Friendly (and Surprisingly Affordable) Colorado Resort Towns
Think you can't afford a family trip to Vail or Aspen? We've got some good news for you...
Colorado mountain resort towns offer great escapes for skiers and snowboarders, but let me tell you a local secret: visiting these idyllic places outside of ski season can be much more affordable — and much less crowded. Contrary to popular belief, mountain resort towns aren’t just skiing destinations; there are also plenty of things to do in the warmer months to cater to various interests, from hiking to festivals and live music.
Here are five great family-friendly (and surprisingly affordable!) spots to check out this summer or fall.
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1. Breckenridge
This small resort town started as a mining town, and Main Street has Victorian-style buildings that house shops and restaurants and a small playground. The Blue River flows near downtown, where you can bike or walk along paths. Kids can also find spots to dip their toes in the water or feed some healthy-sized trout from machines stocked with fish food.
In the summer, Breckenridge’s gondola is free to ride, giving spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to spot some wildlife meandering below. Once back in town, visitors can try some easy hikes or let the kids burn off energy at the train-themed High Line Railroad Park. There are also plenty of family-friendly eateries in town, like Downstairs at Eric’s, a casual restaurant with an attached arcade.
2. Vail
Vail is known for its excellent skiing, but summer and fall offer plenty of activities. Walk, bike or hop on a free bus to explore the cobblestone streets of the small villages at the base of the ski resort. You can also enjoy the art that influences many public spaces in town — from playground components to public art pieces like Hodgepodge, a large structure made from bending and weaving willow branches.
In Ford Park, kids can climb and slide in a playground, check out seasonally blooming plants in the Betty Ford Alpine Garden, and visit the Vail Nature Center to learn about plants in the area or take a beaver pond tour. Families wanting to get up into the high country can ride the gondola to the Epic Discovery area for ropes courses and mini golf or book a tour with Paragon Guides — which offers hikes with llamas.
3. Steamboat Springs
Colorado isn’t known for its beaches, but Steamboat Springs in Northwestern Colorado lets visitors cool off at one of the beaches at Burgess Creek in the warmer months. Steamboat, which started as a summer resort before opening its ski resort, also offers tubing and rafting along the Yampa River and the Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs are a great way to warm up on cool fall nights.
Families can also take a scenic gondola ride up Mount Werner and then explore some hiking trails or grab a bite to eat. In addition, there are free concerts, outdoor movies and festivals like the Wild West Air Fest air show in the summer and fall.
4. Aspen
The Aspen Skiing Company opened in 1946, and Aspen Snowmass has now expanded to include four mountains that stretch across Aspen and nearby Snowmass Village. The resort founders were interested in establishing the area as a summertime cultural destination, and they succeeded in creating a welcoming place for families.
The Lost Forest recreation area in Snowmass offers activities like a climbing wall, an alpine coaster and fishing ponds. Hiking and taking in mountain views are also fun (and free!) activities that can be particularly stunning in the fall as the Aspen leaves turn yellow and gold. In the summer, you also grab a picnic lunch and head to the free Thursday night concert series in Snowmass and let kids splash in the dancing fountain.
5. Winter Park
Colorado’s longest alpine slide winds its way down the slopes of Winter Park’s ski resort during the warmer months. Riders take a ski lift up the mountain and then zoom down a track on a sled (equipped with a brake to help them control the speed). Once at the base of the resort, kids can enjoy mini-golf or a bounce house.
The Village at Winter Park Resort is dotted with giant chess and Connect Four sets and plenty of family-friendly restaurants. During the summer months, visitors can also enjoy free live music some afternoons and outdoor movies at dusk on Fridays. Head to nearby Fraser for swimming and indoor rock climbing at the rec center or Snow Mountain Ranch for summer tubing.