Over the years we’ve had several work and family events that have taken us to Denver, Colorado. Since we always try to travel as a family, we make the most of our extended weekends wherever we are and have some great, family-friendly ideas for how to make the most of extra days exploring the Scenic Route in and around Denver.
With some interesting museums, plenty of kid-friendly activities and unmatched outdoor experiences, spending a few extra days around Denver are a must. Take a look at our top picks to make the most of staying through the weekend or going beyond the Mile High City.
When to Visit
The answer is easy: any time! But, if you’re looking to have the best, most consistent weather, we would recommend visiting in late spring or early summer. Colorado is known for its unpredictable weather, meaning it could be a gorgeous 80-degree day on Wednesday, then Thursday morning you’ll walk out of your hotel to brush snow off your car. We’ve had this happen to us twice on two different trips.
Traveling to Colorado with kids means that you’re bringing a mix of shorts and long pants. It means you’re ready with sunglasses and tank tops, but you’ve also got a warm jacket and hat at the ready. We’re not saying that you need to pack everything but the kitchen sink, but you should have warm clothes as a backup in the event Colorado shows its true (weather) colors. Still, even with sometimes unpredictable weather, the greater Denver area is one of our favorite family travel destinations. Fly into Denver International Airport and pick up your rental car to kickstart the fun out west!
Nearby Denver Hikes with Kids
Because so many of our trips to Denver are for family functions, we look for the easy-to-get-to outdoor spots that will pack the most fun without a long drive. We’ve got two must-do hikes that are great for kids or adults, and they’re just outside of downtown!