Top Estes Park Family Vacations

As a small family-style resort on the beautiful Fall River, Workshire offers a quiet setting combined with supreme fun at every turn!

With their collection of one and two bedroom cabins and suites, Workshire Lodge is a premier Estes Park family destination! The nearby Fall River and Rocky Mountain National Park provide a host of ways to spend your days- swimming, hiking, and birdwatching chief among them. Meanwhile,the cozy, clean cabins are the perfect size for a mid-sized family. Finally, the incredibly accommodating staff and impeccably maintained grounds will do all they can to facilitate an unforgettable experience- you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride!

Address

2690 Fall River Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517

Related activities

The resort is 3.5 miles from Estes Park and 8.2 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park.

Related Onsite Offerings

Larger and more modern self-contained duplex suites are also available for those that require more space!

Featuring eleven wooded acres on the southern base of Castle Mountain, Amberwood is as secluded a natural paradise as there is throughout the great state of Colorado. It's one of the few places where you actually CAN judge it by its cover; it's as beautiful inside as out.

So why should your kids go on vacation to rural Colorado? Besides the obvious (beauty, fun, because you said so), Amberwood will show your kids all that mother nature has to offer. They'll be blown away by the native flora and fauna. A variety of birds, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, bears, fox, chipmunks, and marmots call the property home, and you and the kids will have a blast spotting and identifying them. Just don't forget to dress warm!

Address

Amberwood, 1889 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado, 80517

Getting there

The lodge is midway between the town of Estes Park and the north entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Fun facts

The lodge has been owned and operated by the Clements family since 1972.

Your family deserves excellence, and Murphy's Resort didn't get Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for three years in a row (2013 to 2015) for providing a mediocre experience!

Murphy's Resort allows families to reconvene, recollect, and reconnect in an absolutely breathtaking setting. Each room is held to rigorous standards of excellence, and each boasts sweeping 360⁰ views and others have stunning lake views. From Murphy’s Resort's hallowed grounds it's just a short walk to the marina, Lake Estes and to beautiful downtown Estes Park with shopping and restaurants galore. If you wanna get up and close with the mountains, beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive away. Go out and have an adventure!

Bring your family to the mountain getaway of their dreams. Coming in at No. 6 on our list of Top 10 Estes Park Family Vacations is the beautiful Estes Park Resort, offering 54 luxurious guestrooms and suites.

Soak in the natural beauty and splendor of the Colorado Rockies during your stay on Lake Estes. The Marina next door has everything you’ll need to enjoy some time out on the water including boat, canoe, kayak, and fishing equipment rentals. And The Estes Park Resort is only one mile east of Rocky Mountain National Park where you can hike or bike miles of trails, find challenging climbs, or tour the park on horseback. After a day trekking through the Colorado wilderness, return to the resort and enjoy your comfortable, lush accommodations and a long list of onsite amenities the whole family will love. Adults can relax and unwind after a long day with a spa treatment while your kids have fun splashing in the indoor swimming pool. The resort also offers a fitness center, sauna, and great dining at the Waterfront Grille. Luxury, convenience, and fun combine to make The Estes Park Resort our No. 6 choice on our list of Top 10 Estes Park Family Vacations.

Address

1700 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517

Highlights

The Spa at The Estes Park Resort offers treatments in the privacy of your own room so you won't have to leave to find total relaxation.

Located on Fall River, just one mile from the shops, art galleries, and restaurants of downtown Estes Park, and three miles from the Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Streamside on Fall River is the perfect location for a fun Estes Park getaway!

Get the family together and stay in Streamside’s secluded village of 21 cabins and suites sprinkled over 29 acres of pine and aspen trees. Guests can fish for trout right outside their cabin or enjoy a leisurely walk around the property shared with elk, mule deer, and many other kinds of wildlife. Strap on your hiking boots and challenge yourself to the summit of Old Man Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the Estes Park valley or head into Rocky Mountain National Park for amazing wilderness experiences. Their cabins and suites feature gas fireplaces, private hot tubs, and private decks. For those worried about being too off the grid, their accommodations also include complimentary wireless internet and cable television. No need to worry about keeping the kids occupied, with complimentary books, board games, and an extensive DVD library, they will never go without entertainment. Streamside is open year round, but summer is their most popular season, with horseback riding, hiking, and whitewater rafting on the Poudre River, it’s not hard to guess why! Although guests should not disregard the other months, as each season is special in Estes Park. Enjoy breathtaking yellow aspen leaves in the fall, cross-country skiing in the winter, and the reawakening of the local vegetation and wildlife in the spring.

Address

1260 Fall River Rd., Estes Park, Colorado 80517

Related activities

Experience great views of Estes Park on the aerial tram to the summit of Prospect Mountain, attend a festival in Bond Park, or learn about the rich history of the town at the Estes Park Museum.

Getting there

The drive to Estes Park from Denver International Airport and downtown Denver takes about 90 minutes. Fort Collins, Greeley and Boulder are all about an hour’s drive from Estes Park.

Rounding out our list of Top 10 Estes Park Family Vacations is our No. 10 choice Paradise on the River, which offers guests riverfront cabins, an RV Park, and hometown hospitality.

Imagine you and your family relaxing in a stunning, rustic mountain home and taking in breathtaking views of the majestic Colorado Rockies. You’re probably imagining a stay like the one you’ll find at Paradise on the River. The cabins at this destination are all located on the edge of the Big Thompson River, only a mile from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Inside your cabin you’ll find a full kitchen, private bath, and all the conveniences of home. If your family is traveling by RV, pull into one of Paradise’s riverfront RV sites and enjoy clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Experience the Colorado Rockies way of life and spend your days outside breathing in the fresh mountain air. As the West’s biggest playground, Rocky Mountain National Park has recreational opportunities for all ages. Toss in a line and fish for trout in nearby streams or strap on your helmet and go mountain biking on over 350 miles of trails. Your family will love every minute they spend exploring the beautiful wilderness. Come for a weekend or stay for a week- you’ll have everything you need for the Estes Park vacation of a lifetime at Paradise on the River.

Address

1836 Highway 66, Estes Park, Colorado 80517

Season

Paradise on the River opens the first weekend in May and closes mid-October.

Highlights

Paradise on the River is a pet friendly establishment.

Coming in at No. 14 on our list of Top Estes Park Family Vacations is the Rocky Mountain Park Inn, located only 4 miles from the park entrance and offering guests comfortable guest rooms with full-service accommodations.

When you stay at the Rocky Mountain Park Inn, you’ll be close to shopping and dining in the charming mountain town of Estes Park along with being only minutes away from Rocky Mountain National Park. This hotel has great amenities your whole family will love including an indoor heated pool and whirlpool. Kids will enjoy the Game Room and parents can keep up with their workout routine in the Fitness Center. Sit down as a family for a satisfying meal at LongZ – A Mountain Grill & Lounge. Be inspired by nature as you set off and explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Discover sparkling lakes, towering peaks, and an abundance of wildlife. Spend the day hiking, biking, or simply wandering through the pristine wilderness. Make sure to bring your camera in hopes of capturing a shot of a big horn sheep, elk, or marmot. Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of an aloof black bear or mountain lion! Above all, enjoy the time you spend together on this great family vacation.

Address

101 South Saint Vrain Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517

Entrance fees

Rocky Mountain National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but a seven-day automobile pass costs $20 and a one-week pass for pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles is $10.

Related Onsite Offerings

Rocky Mountain Park Inn is a pet friendly hotel.

Bring your family to Fall River Village Resort Condos, where you can experience the Rockies all year round.

The natural beauty of Estes Park can be easily and thoroughly enjoyed from a Fall River Condo. With properties ranging from two to four bedrooms, Fall River can accommodate any size family. Inside there are full-size kitchen appliances with silverware, dishes, pots and pans, smart televisions in the living room and bedrooms, and free fiber wireless internet. You can even bring your furriest family members to the resort. Let the friendly staff at Fall River Village Resort Condos know that you're bringing along a pet and they'll be happy to make the necessary accommodations. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park for the day, go swimming in the outdoor pool, relax in the hot tub, take a Jeep tour, or taste the latest vintage at a local winery. All ages can find something to excite them in Estes Park!

Address

200 Filbey Ct, Estes Park, CO 80517

Highlights

When you stay at Estes Park at Fall River Lodge Resort, ask the friendly staff to help you find the perfect river or lake to best fit your needs. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, they'll help you find something that's just right for you.

Related activities

Take a nice stroll from the condo and within minutes you'll be in downtown Estes Park where you can experience local restaurants and boutique shopping.

Located three miles west of Estes Park, Valhalla Resort sits on 15 secluded acres bordering Rocky Mountain National Park. This resort offers a variety of cabins and vacation rentals, all of which rigidly adhere to Valhalla's impeccable standards!

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that the whole family will love, look no further! Valhalla Resort’s convenient location to Estes Park makes it the perfect basecamp from which you can enjoy all of the Rocky Mountain National Park activities. Breathe the fresh mountain air as you hike, bike, fish, or explore the area on horseback. No matter the season, adventures abound here in the West’s biggest playground! If you choose to stay back at the resort, you’ll find amenities and activities the whole family will love. Challenge each other to a round of mini-golf, a pickup game of basketball, or a leisurely game of shuffleboard. Take a dip in the outdoor pool on a hot summer day, or cozy up by the fire in your comfortable and spacious cabin. Valhalla has one, two, three, and four-bedroom cabins– all of which are equipped with full kitchens, private decks, and fireplaces. Valhalla Resort’s affordability, privacy, location, and amenities land it the No. 4 spot on our list of Top 10 Estes Park Family Vacations.

Address

2185 Eagle Cliff Road, Estes Park, CO 80517

Dates and Prices

Prices of Valhalla Resort's cabins range from $90 to $575 depending on the season.

Related Onsite Offerings

Valhalla Resort offers great packages and specials!

Misty Mountain Lodge combines the serenity of the outdoors with incredible hospitality and superb accommodations!

There's a variety of accommodations available to you here, from spacious cabins to cozy suites and rooms. When you aren't relaxing indoors there's an insane amount to do right out your front door! Misty Mountain is located in downtown Estes Park, yet still located in a quiet, serene area surrounded by the outdoors. Go skiing, go snowmobiling, go do whatever strikes your fancy! Let Misty Mountain Lodge make your Estes Park lodging experience your most memorable getaway.

Address

232 East Riverside Drive Estes Park, Colorado 80517

Highlights

There's two outdoor hot tubs and other perks such as wireless internet, Cable TV, microwave & refrigerator or full kitchen options and outdoor gas grills.

Related Onsite Offerings

You can choose from guest rooms, multi-room suites, and spacious cabins with cozy, woodburning fireplaces.

YMCA of the Rockies' location, Estes Park Center, is an ideal family fun vacation destination. With a list of activities that far exceeds any other, this YMCA location grabs the No. 5 spot in our list of Top 10 Estes Park Family Vacations.

Fill your days and nights with a variety of fun activities offered at this fabulous YMCA location. Estes Park Center will give you and your kids an opportunity to experience excitement and adventure found nowhere else in the area. Zip line across the beautiful Wind River Valley or challenge the rest of your family to a round of disc golf on the 18-hole course. If you’re traveling with young children, spend your day at the Mootz Family Craft and Design Center. The list of things to do goes on and on and will keep you coming back year after year! Along with tons of great activities, Estes Park Center also has a variety of lodging options available. There are 2-4 bedroom cabins with equipped kitchens that are perfect for families. If you have a large family, the Vacation Homes have multiple bathrooms and 3-4 bedrooms. Or choose to stay in a guest room at one of the Central Lodges. All accommodations are near Estes Park Center activities and Rocky Mountain National Park, making this YMCA location No. 5 on our list of Top 10 Estes Park Family Vacations.

Address

Estes Park Center is located at 2515 Tunnel Road, Estes Park, CO 80511

Highlights

YMCA of the Rockies' Estes Park Center provides more activities than any other other destination. Enjoy their zip line, climbing wall, and archery range– just to name a few!

Fun facts

YMCA of the Rockies has three physical locations in Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

Looking for a mountain lodge located in the heart of Estes Park? Look no further than our No. 7 pick, The Historic Crags Lodge, offering comfortable guest rooms with kitchenettes.

The Historic Crags Lodge is only minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park on the north side of Prospect Mountain. From your comfortable hotel room, you’ll enjoy spectacular, breathtaking views of the mountains. Rooms at the lodge are studio units, 1-bedroom units, or 2-bedroom units. All rooms have kitchenettes and some have an additional bathroom. Sit down for a exceptional family meal at the lodge's restaurant, The View. Your family will feel at home and part of the history that surrounds you. With a location so close to Rocky Mountain National Park, you and your family will love waking up to explore the grandeur that surrounds you. Choose to go on a hiking or climbing adventure. Or maybe you want to spend time bonding as you fish in the nearby streams and view the wildlife that wanders across your path. Stay at the Historic Crags Lodge and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Address

300 Riverside Drive, Estes Park, CO 80517

Fun facts

The Historic Crags Lodge gets its name from the "craggy" like rocks that make up the side of the mountain.

With 16 riverfront vacation rentals and a location only a mile from Rocky Mountain National Park, Aspen Winds on Fall River comes in as No. 9 on our list of Top 10 Estes Park Family Vacations.

Experience Rocky Mountain splendor like never before. Aspen Winds offers guests wonderfully comfortable one or two-bedroom suites and luxurious spa suites. Each suite has a full kitchen or a kitchenette, making this destination great for vacationing families. From every room you’ll be able to view the grandeur of the Colorado Rockies and watch wildlife from your private balcony or deck. Being so close to Rocky Mountain National Park means that you’ll have easy access to all of the area attractions and activities. Suit up your family and set out into the great outdoors for the adventure of a lifetime! Choose to explore the park however you wish, whether it’s hiking on foot, by boat, or on horseback. You’ll discover towering peaks, rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking fields of wildflowers- not to mention the abundance of wildlife that resides in the park. With so much to see and do, you’ll find that one vacation to this beautiful location is not enough. Return year after year and make Aspen Winds on Fall River your home away from home.

Address

1051 Fall River Court, Estes Park, Colorado 80517

Highlights

Elk and other wildlife wander freely through the park, frequently ending up on the grounds of Aspen Winds, where you can view them up close from your patio or balcony.

Related Onsite Offerings

Aspen Winds offers many different packages and specials.

Rams Horn Village Resort is our No. 1 choice for Top 10 Estes Park Family Vacations. Offering luxury Colorado vacation homes, this resort is truly the perfect family getaway in any season.

Make your stay in Estes Park one full of memories, laughter, and enchantment. Rams Horn is located at the main entrance of the biggest playground in the West, Rocky Mountain National Park. Soak in the natural beauty and wonder that surrounds you while enjoying quality family bonding. The Rams Horn Village Resort has 46 upscale two-bedroom, two-bath vacation homes that feature full kitchens, gas fireplaces, decks, and grills. You’ll be amazed at the wildlife that will come right up to your door. At the resort, you'll find they offer many great amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, three hot tubs, and a children's playground. With 265,770 spectacular acres of pristine Colorado wilderness surrounding you, your family will have the time of their lives exploring and discovering all of the trails, lakes, streams, and mountain peaks. No matter what your family enjoys doing, you’ll find it all here at The Rams Horn Village Resort. Spend your summer days hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting. Come during the winter and experience a breathtaking winter wonderland. Ski, snowshoe, or simply relax by the crackling fire in your luxury vacation home. So come experience this magnificent mountain destination for yourself and discover why Rams Horn Village Resort is our No. 1 choice for Top 10 Estes Park Family Vacations.

Address

You can find Rams Horn Village Resort at: 1565 Colorado Highway 66, Estes Park, CO 80517.

Number of runs/trails/roads/etc.

In Rocky Mountain National Park you'll find 359 miles of trails, 150 lakes, 450 miles of streams, and over 60 named peaks higher than 12,000 feet.

Related Onsite Offerings

At Rams Horn Village Resort, you have the option of becoming a fractional owner of one of their upscale, luxury Colorado vacation homes. Rams Horn is a RCI Gold Crown resort.